I wrote about Estwing demolition-style screwdrivers back in November, and have since learned they they also have a set of less-frilled screwdrivers with round shanks.
These are for… users who love their Estwing hammers and want similar grip styling in their screwdrivers?
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The 10pc set includes 5 Phillips and 5 slotted screwdriver sizes. The tips are magnetic, and with a protective black oxide finish.
Estwing Screwdriver Set Sizes
- Phillips PH0, PH1, extended length PH1, PH2, stubby PH2
- Slotted 1/8″, 3/16″, extended length 3/16″, 1/4″, stubby 1/4″
The handle material is said to be made from dual molded polypropylene plastic with a TPR rubber ergonomic handle, and it features Estwing’s classic hammer handle-style dimples.
According to Q&A on Amazon, the Estwing screwdrivers are made in China.
If these feature a similar feel to Estwing’s hammers, that could be a selling point. But since the hammers are made here and the screwdrivers in China, it’s possible only the visual styling is similar for brand recognition purposes.
Either way, it’s still interesting to track Estwing’s developments. Estwing screwdrivers… what will they come out with next?
Price: $30
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Discussion
Brands reaching beyond their comfort can be a good thing. Wiha’s new multi-bit screwdrivers (reviewed here), for instance, have been a winner.
Fiskars has also branched out in recent years, with a multi-bit screwdriver, utility knives, and IsoCore hammers.
Channellock also inched into new territories over the years, and it started with licensed products such as screwdrivers and nut drivers.
It can be interesting and beneficial for users when tool brands extend beyond their comfort zones, but is that what’s happening here?
Jason Gloekler
Ive noticed alot more Estwing branded items at Lowes. They actually Estwing, or branding other companies items to gain more market diversity?
Stuart
I think that’s what they’re going after – more exposure in the construction hand tool market.
fred
I think that it may be getting harder for smallish independent tool companies to survive – especially if they are a “one-trick-pony”
Even in Europe – seemingly noted for some independent businesses – the hammer company Picard and their subsidiary Ruthe have now been acquired by Halder. Hultafors has also branched out acquiring Johnson Level and CLC.
Matt J.
Shape reminds me of the Wihas, but doubt the quality is there. Half the price, but I think I’d rather buy once, cry once. I’d also rather see these made in the USA for more money (or even Japan like my Estwing cats paw is) rather than a Chinese rebrand just for the market presence.
fred
The Estwing Cat’s Paw may be a re-branded Topman Tools Ltd. product
Mike
Well stated.
Travis
I agree. This just kind of cheapens the brand to me.
Brian
I bought their demolition screwdriver set. Very nice, heavy, feel well made. These look like the same handles.
Hilton
No POZI or Torx. Pass. This is 2021 after all.
Jim Felt
Or Square Drives/Robertson either?
Mike
Maybe it’s just me, but unless it’s impromptu and I’m using the screwdriver I have built into my Leatherman, I’m using a powered driver. We joke at work “what am I going to do, turn it with my hand like an animal?”
Mike (the other one)
I use them all the time, but then again I do a lot of low voltage electrical, and PC/laptop service, where power tools are likely to destroy the fasteners.
That said, Estwing is not a brand I associate with delicate/precision work. I reach for an Estwing when I need to hit something. I could see their demolition drivers being associated with the brand, but not these.
Mike (the other one)
I love Estwing hammers, but if these are indeed made in China, then that’s a hard pass for me. For around that price, you can get better American-made drivers.
Estwing’s website is currently under construction (which is kinda funny) so there isn’t a way to verify unless I find some in a store.
Stuart
I’m so glad to not be the only one finding their website construction status to be bizarre. I emailed them a month ago, asking what’s going on, as at that point it had been down for a full month already.
It has now been at least two months since their website went down. At first, I thought they were bought out by a different company this resulted from a changeover.
This is what Estwing told me last month:
Mike (the other one)
That is strange, and a bit worrisome to be honest. I hope they haven’t sold the company to some conglomerate. The “partnership” with JS reeks of that.
Generally speaking, smaller tool companies that focus on one particular type of tool tend to be very good at it. It seems like once they are bought out by another company, they just become one of several brands that offer the same thing.
Then again, in today’s market, it is extremely hard for the smaller companies to compete.
fred
One of their “hammer-maker” competitors Vaughn & Bushnell decided to branch out a bit by acquiring Dasco Pro in 2018. Maybe the deal with JS is just Estwing’s alternative approach.
Phil
These are made by JS Products – Estwing partnered with them in 2018, and it is where most of the rebranded Estwing products come from.
The quality is different because it’s not actually Estwing making them.
There are other tools from this company with Estwings name on them…chisels, files, ratcheting screw drivers, levels, and some tool storage options, some of which never seemed to hit the shelves.
They had a big press release about it.
Stuart
It doesn’t seem they’re made by JS Products. From the language on their website, JS Products only seems to only be a licensing and marketing company that handles the “partnerships and cooperative alliances” between brands and OEMs.
Sorry – I missed the PR – Estwing has never been good about press/media communications. Even in my latest inquiries, there’s no name attached to the answers I receive, simply “Estwing Mfg.”
I asked if new products are coming out, and they said only new Sure Strike tools that are made in Taiwan. I’ve received tips about more new seemingly licensed products, so maybe the screwdrivers and other Estwing-branded products are completely independent from the “real” Estwing brand?
Phil
The above Amazon link says made by JS Products. The old press releases showed this set as well in some of the promo pics….although I can’t seem to find it anymore. There is a reprint of the release that says:
“The line includes a 6 piece diamond tip screwdriver set, 2 piece demo screwdriver set, 4 piece mini pick and hook set, 10 piece screwdriver set, 6-in-1 screwdriver, and 18-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver”
fred
JS (aka Steelman) also make screwdrivers and other tools – re-branded Kobalt by Lowes. The telltale with the Kobalt items is the UPC on the package. If it starts with 099198 then it is a JS-Steelman item.
Dave the tool
I don’t believe any tool company coming out with “New Tools” is trying to corner the market. It’s nothing more than using their name and grabbing some cashola that didn’t exist for them previously. Kinda like when Costco was selling items with the “Snap-On” name years ago such as flashlights, creepers, and other mechanics accessories.
Matt
Pass. It’s hard to get excited about dedicated traditional screwdrivers when you have exceptional X-in-1 offerings like Wiha and Klein and others. And, as someone previously mentioned, 9/10 times I’m grabbing my M12 Surge with a bit anyway.
Mike (the other one)
I do use standalone screwdrivers for certain things, like screws that are recessed in holes, etc. Sometimes the all-in-one drivers are too clunky to get in tight places.
That said, my go-to brands for those are Klein, Williams, and Master Mechanic (Pratt-Read).
Al
X-in-1 and bit holding screwdrivers are good enough for most tasks, but sometimes you really need an old school screwdriver. For example recessed screws or work in uncomfortable situations that would limit access for a bit holder or an 11-in-1. I have experienced those doing hvac maintenance.
James
Estwing hammers are proudly made in my hometown of Rockford, IL. Too bad they don’t make other tools here or at least in the USA. I would be all over them.
Phil
That’s a shame too. Greenlee used to have products out of Rockford. Real good steel from your hometown.
Gary T.
I bought a set of the Estwing demo drivers and really liked them so I bought this set of the regular screwdrivers. I was a little disappointed, the demo drivers felt real solid, these felt more like low end screwdrivers. The phillips head don’t grip screws very well. The handles are shaped like Witte screwdriver handle. I still would recommend the demo drivers, but would pass on the regular one.
Jared
That’s too bad. I don’t much care where a tool is made, just whether it’s good.
Chris S
Pass.
These just look like generic (cheap) drivers with estwing style handles.
Id rather spend the money on something like this.
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver-7-Piece/dp/B000X1UXXK/
or
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051024001-Kraftform-BithoCSLDing-Screwdriver/dp/B001HSNHM2/
Plain grainy
Off topic: Visit Acme Tools, check out the Packout couch. I wasn’t aware of this item!
Jp
I never usually complain about “cheap looking” stuff but these strike me as particularly not appealing. Im not sure if its the color, the mold shape, or a combination. But they really remind me of a child’s beginner set rather than a serious tool set
Robert
Came across these a few days ago. Never expected this from Estwing.
https://www.lowes.com/search?searchTerm=estwing+knife
JML
Estwing seems to be among the least responsive tool companies. Website isn’t functional, they’re just about impossible to contact, and emails go unanswered (about a warranty claim for defective lacquer on a hammer). Before they put their name on other products, maybe they should get their house in order regarding their repetitional based: their USA-made products.