Proto’s Duratek screwdrivers are fantastic new drivers that were designed for the most demanding users. They feature hard impact and chemical resistant handles, strong shafts, and durable precision tips.
A couple of years ago I purchased a Proto Phillips #2 screwdriver ($14 via Amazon), just to try out. One can never have enough #2 screwdrivers, right? It was a really nice screwdriver – comfortable to use and with a durable tip. That Proto screwdriver was pretty decent, but these Duratek ones – they’re fantastic!
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Features
- Durable hard handles made from a nylon blend
- Quad-lobed handle geometry for comfort and high torque turning
- Hex bolsters (some styles and sizes)
- High polish easy-clean shaft
- Molded tip identification at end of handle
Proto Duratek screwdrivers are available with Phillips, slotted, Torx, and square tips, and there are also both inch and metric nut drivers.
These drivers have started becoming available at major industrial suppliers and Proto dealers.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
More Info(PDF via Proto)
First Thoughts
I have been testing out Mac Tools’ versions of these Duratek screwdrivers, and so my claim that these drivers are amazing comes from first-hand experience. I have been working use of these screwdrivers into my regular projects, and it’s important to emphasize that these are hard-handled screwdrivers.
Hard-handled screwdrivers are great for when working around grease, solvents, and other chemicals that would ordinarily turn cushioned and soft-lined screwdrivers into mush. They’re not as comfortable to use for certain tasks, but they’re easy to clean and far more durable than many other styles of screwdrivers.
So when I say they’re fantastic screwdrivers, you should keep in mind the types of applications and environments these drivers were designed for. That’s not to say they’re not as ergonomic as Proto claims, because they are pretty comfortable to use, but they’re not quite as luxurious in my hands as other soft-touch drivers I’ve used.
These drivers are aimed at users in industrial, aerospace, and automotive industries, but they’re priced affordably enough for DIYers as well.
If you’re looking for comfortable and durable screwdrivers that are impervious to industrial, aerospace, and automotive chemicals such as brake cleaner, hydraulic fluid, brake fluid, gasoline, acetone, motor oil, and coolant, you should definitely check these out.
Proto Duratek screwdrivers are manufactured in the USA.
Here’s a quick promo video that shows how these drivers are made:
Stan
I learned about these via a forum named Garage Gazette where a member mentioned these.
Best of all these are 100% made in the United States as well. I haven’t had a chance to use these, but reading the reviews, these are well worth the cost and owning.
JohnnyFbomb
These look nice. I’ll have to see what they feel like in the hand.
Anthony
i just ordered one stuey…im in need of a new brand driver to try out…thanks
harry
These are much more exciting than those channellock screwdrivers. LOL
I’ve had my Proto’s for awhile now. They have become my reach for first
screwdrivers. I have a wide selection to choose from and the rest stay in a drawer now. They’re lightweight and I really like how the handle fits my hand.
David
I don’t have these, but my Proto nut driver sets are my favorites. With 11 fractional and 12 metric sizes, they give me more versatility than the standard 7 piece sets you typically find.
Chad
I bought a single #2. Free shipping so I thought I would give them try.
fred
Proto has always made a pretty good product – sometimes offering alternatives not available from other brands. I have an old 4-piece set of their Reed & Prince (a crosspoint drive type also known as Frearson) screwdrivers (9661 thru 9664) that vanished from the market along with the short-lived popularity of the Reed & Prince drive style
Gary T.
I have been interested in trying these since you first wrote about the Mac version. I ordered a set of them from Zoro because the prices were reasonable compared what I was seeing them selling for at a few other places. I received 2 of the 7 I ordered today. The handles feel solid and comfortable. The tips and shafts look well finished. The only part I thought sub par was the hex bolsters. On one screwdriver the hex bolster looks like it wasn’t finish polished and on the other one the hex bolster is polished but the metal of the bolster looks like it wasn’t ground and has a rough texture to it. But over all they seem like good screwdrivers.
Gary
Looks like SBD is shifting production of Proto’s (and Mac’s?) DuraTek screwdrivers from South Carolina to France.
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/proto-duratek-screwdrivers-made-in-france.490401/
Stuart
Thanks! I’ll see what I can find out.