Last year, taking advantage of a holiday discount, I purchased two USA-made Dewalt screwdrivers from Acme Tools. One had a vinyl grip-wrapped handle, the other had a bi-material handle hard and soft plastic handle as shown here.
I bought both drivers in Phillips #2 sizing, and have been using the bi-material-handled screwdriver quite a bit.
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I must have shared a photo on social media at one time, but I’ve been putting off posting about it. Why? Because these screwdrivers are pricey. Not “they cost HOW MUCH?” pricey, but they’re priced above what one would expect for Dewalt-branded screwdrivers. The Phillips #2 driver is regularly priced at $12. Yes, that’s $12 for one screwdriver.
You save a little by going with a set. This 6pc combination slotted and Phillips set is $50 at Acme tools.
This 8pc Torx set is $80 at Acme Tools, and a little more at Tool Nut.
If I had to guess, it would be that these Dewalt screwdrivers are made at the same facility that manufacturers Proto Duratek screwdrivers, and similar Mac Tools Mac-Grip screwdrivers.
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The single screwdriver of this style that I tried so far has been working out quite well. It feels great in-hand, and the tip is proving to be strong and durable. The hanging hole is a bit large, which makes me wonder if it’s meant to be used with other screwdrivers for added leverage.
My driver does have a hex bolster, because it was the same price as the smooth-shafted version.
So, I’ve been wanting to talk about these screwdrivers for a while. But, in addition to concerns about how readers would respond to the high pricing, another question came to mind. Who should buy them?
I have a sample set of USA-made Mac screwdrivers, and they’re great. I am still in the midst of clearing out older samples and organizing and culling my personal tools. Once the smoke clears from all those efforts, I am highly likely to buy a set of Proto Duratek screwdrivers the next time Zoro has a good promo (25% off or similar).
I like to buy USA-made when possible, and with the Proto, Mac, and Dewalt screwdrivers that I’m pretty sure all come out of the same factory, you get top industrial-grade screwdrivers. The Proto and these Dewalt as well are more affordable than “tool truck” prices, for those of us who don’t need at-your-workplace tool truck sales and service.
For personal use? These might be hard to justify, since there are very many other recommendable screwdrivers that cost less. For professional use? Even then, there are other recommendable brands that cost less or around the same. Some are made in the USA, such as Klein, and others European-made, such as Wera and Felo. There are some good screwdrivers made in Taiwan and China as well.
While not apples to apples, you can get a Klein 6pc screwdriver set for $45 at Amazon.
So who should buy these? I think they’re aimed at and best suited for commercial, MRO, or industrial users. While Wera, Felo, and PB Swiss, among other brands, are good European-made options, there aren’t very many USA-made screwdriver options at a similar pro-grade tool level.
To be perfectly honest, I prefer Proto screwdrivers over the Dewalt, although I don’t have a rational explanation as for why. However, Dewalt’s are less expensive. A 6pc Proto set is $84, or $63 on sale. When I was shopping for a nut driver set a few years ago, I really wanted to go with Proto, but I couldn’t justify the premium over a Wera set.
I suppose that’s where these Dewalt screwdrivers come in. As far as I can tell, the quality is at least close to that of Proto (also a Stanley Black & Decker brand, by the way), but with lower pricing. It sounds odd to say “lower pricing” when these screwdrivers are premium-priced. The lower pricing isn’t universal, though. A Proto 9pc Torx set is $84, or $63 if you can find it at a discount, while the Dewalt 8pc set is $80 (before any promo or coupon) at Acme.
Can you see why I put off posting about these screwdrivers for so long? They’re darned good, as least the Phillips #2 that I bought and have been using. But they seem too pricey for average users, and I don’t have much to say about them objectively, as most of my fondness for them is subjective and even emotionally connected to their being manufactured in the USA.
So how about I say this – these are darned good screwdrivers, and you should keep them in mind if you’re looking for new pro-grade USA-made screwdrivers, especially if you can get them on sale, or a business (your own or an employer) is paying the bill.
Maybe I should have taken some more time to collect my thoughts? Well, it’s been a year, and I still don’t know how to convey “these are a little pricey, but *thumbs up*.”
Buy Now(6pc set via Acme Tools)
Buy Now(via Tool Nut)
Acme Tools has more individual size selection, Tool Nut has more set options.
P.S. Here’s the social media post from when I first received my new screwdrivers. Note the “USA” on the packaging card.
Julian Tracy
Those must be “inside” screwdrivers. Certainly couldn’t keep them in the truck and bike tool bag – they’d get ridiculously dirty after a short while.
I’ve been pretty happy with a few USA-made Husky plastic handled sets that take a cue from
Craftsman and the red handles are flat blade, blue = Phillips. They were on Xmas promotion 3-4 years something like $12 for a 15 Pc set.
I don’t see why anyone would pay a premium for Dewalt handtools – no reason at all to believe they’re any different from any other mid-range offering, even if they did manage to make them in the USA. Heck – I might trust a made in Thailand set more as that’s where the good quality Asian imports are coming from.
At least Milwaukee, unlike Dewalt, is actually trying to create unique variations on some time tested hand tools. Most Dewalt are rebranded Stanley Fat max stuff which were only so so to begin with
Stuart
That’s the thing – these a big step higher than the typical home improvement store sets.
These are Dewalt-branded versions of SBD pro and likely industrial grade screwdrivers, more a variation of Proto offerings than FatMax.
Joe
That’s one serious anti dewalt comment.
Jim Felt
Joe. I think Stuart is correct in simply reporting his perceptions of the product. Something, regardless of brand loyalty, we here all appreciate.
I’ve no interest in particular brands but I personally try to get the “best” tools I can afford. Whether Wera, Felo, US Made Craftsman, Knipex, Bosch, Milwaukee, whatever…
Don’t you?
Stuart
I thought he was commenting about Julian’s comment about Milwaukee vs. Dewalt.
Joe
That was a reply to the other comment not Stu…..
Neighbor Joe
Right on. Bought a pair of the Husky acetate handle screwdrivers too. Fairly certain they are made by Western Forge the former Craftsman OEM. In short, Craftsman quality at a working class price. Still on sale at Homedepot including a smaller six pack for under 10 dollars. Made in USA.
Julian Tracy
And where’s the hex bolster on the largest flat blade version? Of all the sizes to leave it off of, that’s the one you might actually need it with the most.
Corey
I’ve never understood the hex bolster or wrench grabbing spot. Maybe, MAYBE on something female like a nut driver, but a friggin screw driver? Come on, the splitting of trying to control pressure to the fastener and then the wrench rotation? That’s just not remotely ergonomic and begging for an accident or stabbing yourself/gouging the crap out of whatever you’re working on. Features for features sake isn’t intelligent.
Stuart
It comes in handy on occasion. Sometimes with a damaged fastener, I have to focus on applying pressure, and it’s easier to turn with a wrench or other “cheater” than with the handle. If a hex bolster isn’t available, I retrieve a ratchet (or breaker bar or other such driver) and bit socket.
For the same money, it’s better to have a hex bolster and not need it, than to one day need it and not have it. However, it’s a feature a don’t usually pay extra for unless I specifically want that feature.
Raoul
I use the hex bolster regularly in highly torqued fasteners. You can focus on keeping the screwdriver in the fastener better and it reduces cam out from trying to twist the screwdriver and force pressure to keep it engaged. Sometimes it takes a lot less effort to use it and less or no damage to the fastener and screwdriver. Work smarter not harder.
TonyT
Apparently, enough customers find this useful, since a lot of Felo’s have the cheater bar hole, and my Wera chiseldrivers have the hex bolster.
fred
Back when bit braces were commonplace – it was the preferred tool for high-torque screw driving and removal. You pressed down on the head keeping the bit from wandering – and the sweep handle provided lots of torque – regulated by how hard you cranked. I have an old North Brothers brace – that I still grab for certain situations.
Lee Valley sells bit holders for your bit brace – obviating the need for tapered square shank screwdriver bits.
http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?p=32300
Mike
Been eyeing this DeWalt “made in the USA” set at the Home Depot for $52…
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Vinyl-Grip-Screwdriver-Set-with-Pouch-8-Piece-DWHT66409/204377776
How do these compare with the set from Acme?
Mike
Oopps… Ididnt notice, but the link I copied includes a pouch, and is listed as “unavailable in stores”..
But I did see the set without the pouch in my local HD
Stuart
I have one of those as well, and it seems decent.
It’s a style choice. Vinyl gripped handles are good, but I prefer the above-pictured style a little better. The vinyl-handled drivers are less expensive.
When in doubt, buy a size and see how you like it.
Cr8on
Could this be a similar to Snap-on/Williams product positioning?
Stuart
Perhaps loosely. It’s a tough situation to draw analogies to.
Kenneth Stephens
My normal drivers are the wood handled Felo ones. But I went with the Tekton USA made nut drivers and torx drivers and I love them. Tekton now also makes some angled open end wrenches in the USA that I plan to purchase in the new year.
Joe
Tekton is doing more in the USA made area…good mid level company…
Joe
These dewalt screwdrivers work well and very comfortable. Excellent higher mid level entry… Proto Duratek are excellent shop ,hard core abuse screwdrivers, working on trucks and around chemicals.
Wera laser tip are precision , finesse screwdrivers..having all three and Klein ,can you really have to many different screwdriver sets? …they have different purposes.
TonyT
Wera chiseldrivers aren’t finesse – I’ve hammered on mine with the Wera hammer ratchet…
Joe
Beating on a wera laser etched screwdriver , destroys the etching. The handle isn’t designed for that either.
.. . Just because you can use a tool improperly, doesn’t mean you should.
It’s like guys that use a pipe over a ratchet as a breaker bar, then break the ratchet and return it… driving up costs for everyone else.
There are professionals ,then there’s everyone.else in every walk of life.Guys that do things right and guys that cheat or take short cuts.
TonyT
Yeah, but my point was that not all Wera’s are meant for finesse – the whole point of the Chiseldriver line (which probably isn’t laser etched) is that screwdrivers are often abused as chisels, so these screwdrivers are specially designed to take that abuse.
For example, the blade runs the entire length of the handle, the end cap is designed to be hit, and the steel is ductile enough to absorb impact. The one I used did pretty well, with minimal markings and no noticeable damage.
Joe
I understand tools and that certain tools are made for beating, my point is that the laser etched are not made for that, nor will they hold up to that abuse.
…..I love the laser etched screwdrivers ,maybe the finest tools around for their intended purpose.
I only buy the best tools available either USA made or German….
…..thanks for your input
Stuart
A lot of professionals will improvise to get a job done. Sometimes they have to.
I’m a stickler for using the right tool for the task, but that slows me down at times, and other times it drives up my tool bill.
JoeM
Oh I know I’m going to sound stupid after this comment… I just know it… Let me at least acknowledge that I KNOW that, before any of you feels the need to rip into me too hard? Please?
Okay… I have a combo of a 99-piece, and a couple other sets, that bring my manual screwdriver set up to 135 pieces. The grand total I’ve spent on them all is probably around $80. They are Canadian Tire house brand Mastercraft, and from all the searching I can do, Mastercraft is made for Canadian Tire by Stanley.
Here’s my biggest frustration with these DeWALT screwdrivers… If the same manufacturer can make huge sets like mine for a House brand… Why can’t we get sets the size of mine in Stanley, DeWALT, Proto, or the others of the family, for a relatively reasonable price? Stepping up from a House Brand quality, $150 for 135 (ish) full sets of drivers? MAYBE push it to $200-$250 for DeWALT or Proto?
Why are these small sets so expensive, when there’s no full set like mine? I’m not talking for $80 all in for the full set, that’s House Brand pricing, I’m talking a PROPER full set that covers the whole range, the way mine does, at PRO level Pricing. And don’t remind me of the Proto Master Sets, I know about those, but they’re huge, and you can buy a CAR for less.
Why is it that, every time we get a nice design of drivers, regardless of the company these days, we don’t see them offered in large, size and shape spanning, complete sets? I’m not complaining, I’m confused as to the lack of logic in this.
Stuart
Price. Demand. Manufacturing capacity.
Someone might need a full set of hex drivers, or Torx, but not a full set of slotted.
Of your 135 screwdrivers, how many do you actually use?
I have very many screwdrivers, but a lot of them have the same tip sizes/styles, just in different driver styles or form factors.
The kind of users Proto is going after will usually know exactly what sizes and types of tools they need. They’re not likely to buy say an 80pc screwdriver set “just in case” they need a longer 5/16″ slotted driver.
Consider fastener assortments. I have an inexpensive set on-hand, and it’s come in handy. But I also put together a larger cap screw assortment when there was a great discount. Even then, I still buy boxes of fasteners when I have projects coming up.
I still buy screwdrivers and tools as-needed.
I needed a 3/8″ drive 1/4″ ball hex socket (https://toolguyd.com/ball-hex-driver-sockets/), and so I bought one. Sure, I would have spent less per socket if I bought the set, but I didn’t need a whole set.
Maybe I’ll need more sizes in the future, and if so, the 7pc set for $56 will be more appealing. But, spending $12.50 for one size was better than spending $56 on 1 plus 6 others I might not have actually needed.
There’s a “will I actually use this?” question to ask when it comes to tool sets. When I bought a Craftsman wrench set, it was because I needed one particular size immediately, and another for future use, and I rationalized that if I use just one other size beyond those two, it would have been worth the money. And over time, I used all but maybe two of those wrenches.
With screwdriver sets, the “will I actually use this?” answer starts to go from “probably yes” to “probably no” real fast, as the screwdriver count increases.
A few years ago, I needed to expand my precision screwdriver set. There’s a large Wiha set (51pc for $200), but 1) there was overlap with sizes I already owned, 2) it didn’t include everything I needed, 3) there were sizes I’d have no use for. So I bought smaller sets, and it worked out in my favor.
Consider spices for cooking. Every one’s needs will be different, but most people would be okay with say a salt, pepper, oregano, hot pepper combination. Add in say garlic and paprika, and maybe not everyone can use all the spices. Then add cumin, coriander, basil, garlic powder, and the cost per spice goes up because certain selections will go unused. Then consider bay leaf, mustard seed, rosemary, cloves, chili powder, thyme, dill seed, and cinnamon.
Sure, it’d be nice to have all the spices one might ever need, but the higher the count, the higher the per-spice-used cost, due to the unneeded ones. And, even if a size or style can be used, it might not be exact. What if a recipe calls for a cinnamon stick, and all you have is ground cinnamon?
For a lower priced screwdriver set, the higher tool inclusion count drives up the cost and the perceived value.
Proto does offer a 19pc set, but it’s still missing a whole lot.
What if you need extra long screwdrivers? You can buy a 2pc set for $58. Let’s say that can discount the price by 10% if it’s included as part of a larger set. If you don’t need those drivers in that larger set, you’re spending $53 more, for tools you don’t need.
Think about cordless power tools. How many retailers will stock the Milwaukee M18 2695-15 kit at stores? It includes a heck of a lot of tools. But no compact battery. Or one of the Radius LED lights. The impact driver isn’t brushless. No Hackzall?
Why not a 30 tool kit?
I think I could sum everything up by saying that for certain tools, higher count assortments present a diminishing value.
When you’re talking about a $6 box of Russel Stover chocolate, will it really hurt your wallet if you toss out the coconut cream? What about when you’re talking about Godiva chocolates, where each piece is $2.50? $4? Then, you really don’t want unliked flavors. At say $4 a piece, you’re going to want to customize your box of chocolates exactly as you want them. And you might only want a 6-piece box, rather than going for the full pound.
Starting out with unknown or unanticipated needs? Quantity, if workable quality, is best. But at higher pricing, quality AND quantity gets very cost-prohibitive, and fast, and that’s if you’re not short on space.
It’s very logical when you shift focus towards practicality and personal value, rather than potential usefulness or potential value in a more generalized sense.
Tim E.
I concur in that it would be nice for makers to offer larger, more complete sets, even if only for convenience at only a minor discount. I just got new Wiha softfinish drivers and precision drivers for my robotics team, which has a lot of stuff with a lot of weird fasteners (plus I try to stock everything imaginable to loan out to other teams at competitions as needed). For just the softfinish drivers, I wound up getting something like 5 different sets along with a dozen or so individual drivers to get a reasonable set with no repeats. They way they structure their packages, it’s somewhat difficult to get larger sets to get the better price per driver points, but not duplicate the common drivers between multiple of those sets. The precision ones were a bit better, but it was still something like the big technician set and then 5-6 more sets to add the types the big set doesn’t include, and then if I were really a completionist there’s still a dozen or so loose to fill in the larger sizes that are less common and aren’t in the sets.
It isn’t specific to Wiha either, I’m just using them as an example. Of all the makers that make fairly full lines of the many types of drivers, they all have a lack of larger or complete sets. Even just making a complete set for a specific driver type is not guaranteed. You may get lost but not all, that seems typical. Start at the smallest T5 and the set will go through T30, maybe or maybe not including the T27, but then you still have to get the 35 and 40 separately. I get that they’re putting together packages of the common stuff figuring people will get one set of the core stuff and then maybe fill in more later if needed, but I’d really like to see either larger more complete sets, or actually complete “modules” for each driver type so it’s easy to assemble a complete collection.
Stuart
I know what you mean. I use 11/32″ a lot, and that’s a size that a lot of wrench and socket sets leave out. Some brands don’t even offer tools in this size, which is even more frustrating.
But on the other hand, users who don’t want or need that size aren’t paying for it if it would have otherwise been included in a mid-sized set.
Tim E.
I definitely don’t fault manufacturers for putting together “typical user” kits, and other than making an unwieldy number of SKUs, I wouldn’t remove any of those options from their catalog. More just add differently designed sets of what they already make to cater to the people who do need larger sets, but without the hassle of buying individual drivers as much. Even just a “completionist” set that complements one of their larger regular sets would be a welcome addition. Though I also think your first comment was likely astute, people buying larger sets would more use the option of buying individual drivers as they fill out their set with what they need or might need, rather than a complete set in an initial outlay. Even if want to add torx later for example, most have a torx only set I can get to cover most usage, it’s just the weird person that needs a T40 or 45 for something that would want a larger set, and those people are few and far between and savvy enough to buy individually for those sizes anyway.
Your example is very apt, we use 1/4-20 bolts a lot, and somehow wound up with a bunch of 11/32 sized nylocks for them, in addition to the more standard 3/8. Then the students wind up using the 11/32 unknowingly, and we get to competition and there’s a random 11/32 nut somewhere. I had to get 11/32 sockets and wrenches separately because out of our multitudes of sockets and wrenches, I think we had two 11/32 sockets and one or two wrenches.
The 1/4” socket sets seem more likely to include it, maybe because of a more limited size selection at that end of the spectrum, and they want to keep their piece counts up. 3/8 is much more hit or miss, even though it goes down to 3/16” sizes. We mostly use 3/8 sets, so maybe that’s why we didn’t have many. For example, neither Tekton nor Gearwrench’s 3/8” sets include an 11/32 socket. Capri does in theirs, Wera includes it only in the larger metal case 3/8 set, but not their smaller everyday 3/8 sets (which is more understandable since they have piece count limitations). Wrenches are the same, it seems like if you get anything other than the highest-count sets, 11/32 is a favorite size to skip. Maybe I’m weird, but if I’m getting a set of wrenches, why would I want all the way up to a wrench larger than 1”, but not an 11/32… I don’t mind not including it on 6 and 8 piece class SAE sets, but if I’m getting 10 or 12ish count sets, I want that lower end filled out more than I want a 1” wrench.
ca
I just faced this problem last week trying to get a set of Wera screwdrivers. Ended up purchasing two 6-screwdriver sets and about 25 individual screwdrivers from three different vendors. I wasn’t getting anything exotic either, just a full range of slotted, phillips, torx and square in both regular length and stubby. They don’t make it easy.
Tim E.
Stubby kills it, the sets I found were at most 2 stubbies and only +\-. Mostly PH2 and whatever straight size too, no variation. If I wanted anything other than that, the PH1 and smaller slotted, pozi, torx, etc., they had to be gotten as separate sets some or individually for most.
But even more, try mixing pozi and square in a set. Maybe because I mostly look at European brands that’s why it irks me more and exists less, but it seems like they go out of their way to make those two exclusive. You can get a set with square, plus the usual +\-\torx. Or pozi plus the same +\-\torx. But never ever square plus pozi plus the regular stuff. Yes, maybe the US is just mixed up, but I need Pozi for IKEA furniture, then square for screws that haven’t managed to change to torx yet. Why can’t I have both?!?! I mostly have to get one or the other individually along with whatever set.
JoeM
I have that problem with the big Mastercraft set! Thank You, Tim!
I have my screwdrivers because I’d rather have them as backup, if I’m just unable to use my Powered Screwdriver (DeWALT DWF680 Gyro, original.) to get a task done. But try as I might, even though they filled those sets to the brim with variety, I can never get a backup for 80% of the driver BITS I actually USE. And forget Precision bits… Up here in Canada? Wiha are the only ones who are selling individual bits, and you have to sell off body parts to get them. Their bigger sets are like signing over a KIDNEY most of the time.
JoeM
Yeah, see… from all of this back and forth, this is why I wonder what’s stopping these bigger sets from being made.
The Mastercraft sets I own span stupid ranges of things, and only gives you samples of others. But the sets themselves are pretty extensive.
ca here wanted a complete set for his needs, and look how far he had to go to get them. Mine only came with a grand total of 2 stubby sized drivers, what about Tim E. and his idea of a Modular setup? Maybe we DON’T need all the sizes, but at least produce runs of COMMON sizes, and runs of UNCOMMON sizes. Runs of Stubby sized, runs of Bolstered, Runs of Flatheads, maybe runs of Demolition drivers? Bigger sets, all inclusive, set to a theme.
I mean, I get that my Mastercraft drivers are cheap as hell, and I’m not talking about duplicating it (it has some really weird inclusions. Not good.) but once we’re talking the Pro level drivers from Stanley, DeWALT, and Proto… Seriously, what’s wrong with a 12 or 15 driver run, all on their own slide container, that then fits into a TSTAK using a rail? A Mechanic might grab the Bolster sets in Nut Driver, Robertson, Flat Head, and Phillips. An Electrician may grab the Stubby rack, or the Torx and Hex racks. Someone who works in Precision screws might grab the Precision Bit mini-set, or something like that. They started us thinking about customizing our loadouts when they created the ToughSystem/TSTAK choices, so… why aren’t they following all the way through?
Let’s say we set that premium price of $20 per driver… And if you buy a “Run” of them, say the Robertson Common set… The price ends up $15 a driver… But there’s 20 or 30 different SPECIFIC Robertson drivers in the set… If you’re a Mechanic, Woodworker, Computer Technician, Electrician, or any number of other fields… You’re NOT just going to buy Robertsons. By the time you’re done buying what you need, you’re still spending the money for a full set, but you’re only going one place, instead of three, or five, or twenty retailers to get them.
When one SINGLE driver in the set gets used more, and it needs replacing, they can still sell the individual at full price, and I don’t think anyone who has bought into the set would complain about that. By the time they set up THEIR TSTAK set full of only the drivers they need… they’re invested a few hundred, to a thousand already. If it’s the drivers that work for them, then giving them a reason to have complete sets becomes easy. Maintenance of the supply, or even UPGRADES become easier, simply because you’ve got the boxes, rails, and companion drivers already. You don’t need much of a discount per unit to psychologically create an OCD-esque sense of efficiency seeing full sets in front of your eyes, instead of searching through piles for them.
We’re already talking about a $15 Screwdriver with a DeWALT brand on it. We already know, without a doubt, that they share the same Tool DNA as a cheaper Stanley or Stanley FatMAX driver for $5. It isn’t THAT big a leap to customizing a full screwdriver set to your liking for a few hundred dollars. And it isn’t that much more of a leap to create a family tradition of Parent-to-Child graduation gift of a full set like this. You’ve been learning from that parent for X number of years, you’ve busted drivers together, you’ve set stuff on fire together, you’ve had yelling matches over it. Time to Graduate to your OWN damn tools… Parent goes out, grabs the sets that fill out all that the kid broke in the learning process… BAM… Complete Set… Go to College and destroy these without destroying mine… Everyone Laughs, SBD makes a mint, the Hand Tools finally make some bloody sense in the lineup from a power tool company.
The bigger sets make more sense than the cheapened “Holiday Stocking Stuffers” we’re seeing now.
Wayne R.
I always want to see the butt end of drivers to see how they’re identified (for tool belt pouches or Veto Pro bags). Picking the right driver is important to keeping production running…
ToolOfTheTrade
Are these 100% made in the USA or is it more of the global materials bs they’ve been pushing for the last few years? I’ve got a set of 2 dewalt screwdrivers that I bought a few years ago and they have a metal plate on the back of the handle so you can beat the hell out of it. Made in China and made in the USA seems to be one in the same with sbd. What makes these $12/pc? They’re made from the same steel and plastic as the ones made in China aren’t they? And being that proto are technically the manufacturer of these, slapping the dewalt name on them seems rather petty. Will dewalt, craftsman and others be producing more hand tools at the proto facility? Highly unlikely. It really shows how Sbd is too cheap to build a manufacturing facility here for any of their major brands. Why hasn’t dewalt or any of the others been made here before? Even better question is why doesn’t dewalt have their own facility here in the US besides an assembly warehouse putting together tools made from imported parts? Sbd shouldn’t have to use proto to make Dewalt tools. Especially when they can afford to build a dewalt manufacturing facility, but refuse to do so.
Joe
You do understand ,proto is just a brand under SBD ,like Dewalt is. ..what’s wrong with SBD making upgraded Dewalt tools at their own facility along side Proto.?..
….I’m all for upgraded Dewalt tools. Many guys want tools from the brand they invest in to be all the same color..
I’m in multiple brands , picking and choosing the best from each
SBD has over 17k employees in the USA,36 manufacturing facilities, where Milwaukee has 1k and a couple facilities..I’d say SBD is doing a.good.job.and.is.building more plants.here. SBD has DIY and.high.end brands, Proto,Mac,Lista, etc…
Tim E.
I like to see SBD using their large brand portfolio with good vertical quality diversity to continually push quality down, which is something fairly unique for them to be able to do. They can take their proto and facom experience and contracts and sourcing and everything and drive it down to a DeWalt tier, little bit less money, maybe a shade lower quality than proto or similar, but a new and higher standing for DeWalt. Even using it as a supplement, which I believe is their intent, it puts proto quality screwdrivers in an accessible name, so John Q. Needsbetterscrewdrivers can find them in a name he’d normally associate with tools, and would be more likely to shell out for.
I think if you ask a random but not clueless person, “who makes high quality hand tools?”, their answer still won’t include proto, or even snap on/Mac/Matco (since they see the trucks everywhere). It’ll include names they can find in the likes of Menards, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace, etc. Craftsman, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Klein maybe, Irwin, possibly Stanley. Crescent, Channellock, Lenox. Kobalt and Husky I suppose too. Put a Proto set in Home Depot and it won’t sell well I bet, because the random people seeing screwdrivers see an expensive set with a name they don’t recognize. Put a similar quality set with a similar price but a DeWalt logo on it, and people will pay attention. “Well this is more expensive, so it has to be better right? And it’s DeWalt, a name I recognize and trust, so it must be really good. I need something really good, I’ll get that”.
It doesn’t capture the price hunters who won’t even look at anything DeWalt anyway because of bottom-barrel priced options right next to them, but it does elevate the DeWalt name with a higher tier option that is still something the masses would recognize and consider and possibly purchase. Then they realize what good drivers they are, and their impression of DeWalt as a high tier company improves, and SBD brought in another happy regular everyday person to their higher end and likely more profitable fold.
Few other tool companies can do that. They don’t have the portfolio of in-house stuff to be able to. And I think it’s very smart of SBD to take advantage of that, and this is a product of that, moving their know how down their brand tier line, in turn elevating their midlevel brands while not necessarily displacing their high end.
Stuart
Regarding Facom, those who want Facom tools know where to get them from, at least that was the case. These days, it’s a little less certain.
I don’t know why SBD won’t increase the presence of their European brands in the USA, but then again, the business types probably don’t see a reason to do so, and I can’t really argue with that. Money talks, and in the USA, it’d say “these brands aren’t popular enough here.”
Proto is not a household name because it’s not a household brand, it’s an industrial brand aimed at industrial, commercial, and aerospace industries.
European brands have gained huge familiarity here because of word of mouth.
I try to introduce readers to new brands and tool types because it can otherwise be hard to find them. You can’t find deburring tools at the local home center, and while you can find brands like Knipex, others like NWS are almost unheard of.
A lot of European hand tool brands fill the gap between mid-range offerings such as Klein and Milwaukee, and super-premium ones, such as say Snap-on. Brands such as Proto do the same, but they’re not strongly marketed to consumers because they’re not aimed at consumers.
Tim E.
I agree, and is part of why I think this is a good move. Sometimes uninitiated-to-European-brands people want or need something that is more towards that higher level of quality, but also don’t know to go to the industrial level to get it (as you say it isn’t targeted to them, or maybe they don’t even realize they can get something better quality than whatever they find in their big box store). I actually think screwdrivers are a perfect poster child category for that, how many ordinary people are there that are likely frustrated with the quality of their screwdrivers, maybe when they round over another cabinet handle screw? Sourcing the European brands can sometimes be daunting (ordering from Germany), expensive, or online-only with not-Amazon lead/shipping time, which can be a put off for somebody making an early foray into that level of tools, especially not knowing exactly what they’re doing and getting. Sourcing the industrial brands as a regular homeowner can be similarly wide-eyed, don’t even know where to start or that Zoro exists, or what brand names to search for. SBD bringing near-industrial level quality to a recognizable, easily sourced, US based brand, seems like a good foray into introducing US homeowner level folks to that tier of quality, especially if they get these in the big box stores and with some flashy advertising on them.
That said, maybe the market isn’t as big as I am guessing at, and this could be a big flop since people that want that level of quality already know or will figure out where to go to get it, what brands make it, and overall that it usually isn’t what’s available in their big box store.
Bill Clay
Crazy expensive! These seem no different than other “premium” screwdriver manufacturers that already have similar models. I don’t think I’d pay more than $5 per driver, and it had better be fantastic at that price! DeWalt is very late to the game if they want to compete in the premium screwdriver market.
Nathan
which premium screw drivers?
What’s a 6 piece set of wera or stahlwile ones cost. the following coments here are about the bi-material handle ones.
for a quality industrial use – egronomic design – durable material standard driver they are about in line. LIke Stuart said it has more in common with the proto set than others. Short of doing actual demo testing on one I think it is the proto driver in different colors. That large hook look is meant for putting in some version of lever for extra twist – just like the hex bolster is there for using a wrench with it. All pro drivers have this. Well OK most do. I would bet that steel used and the forged tips are the same and are quite a bit stronger than a basic stanley fat max.
Yes Milwaukee makes something similar for similar reasons – it’s aimed at the auto shop tech, the aircraft tech, etc. If you asked people not in production or aviation world about a proto tool they would shrug and say WHO. Similar with using the name Williams . But you mention MAC or Snap on and that will get some play – because they sponsor nascar. If this allows Proto tools to come to the local markets under a different color banner – I’m all for it.
While I do like the SK Tools – love my SK ratchets so far – there are some Proto Tools I also have a fondness for but no longer have.
If that means a future Dewalt Handtool is a recolored MAC or Proto device and I can get hand on one cheaper – then I’m all for it.
Craftsman forever
Really? Who uses indivual screw drivers these days. Get a comfortable screw driver handle and a set of head bits. Bits are the future of screw drivers. Make different lenght shafts, maybe ratcheting handle AND a box of different bits.
Stuart
Yes, really. I’m sorry that you don’t understand the benefits of using individual screwdrivers.
Craftsman Forever
Please enlighten me. The tip of the screwdriver is the piece that wears out so why have 5 different Phillips head size screwdrivers, 5 different flat head size screwdriver, 5 different Torx head size screwdrivers, and etc. One stubborn screw and your head is damaged and you throw away the entire screwdriver or you just throw away the head.
Stuart
Here’s more: https://toolguyd.com/screwdrivers-vs-bit-holders/
Individual drivers are quicker and easier to reach for, and often have scaled handles.
I use bit holders and individual drivers. If you’re working on something that requires different sizes, it’s easier to keep individual drivers at hand than to switch bits back and forth. Good screwdrivers don’t wear quickly.
Bits are more economical, and you can get bit holders of different geometries for less than getting complete driver sets.
There are pros and cons to both.
JoeM
There’s no bit for a Demolition Driver of any sort. There’s a huge number of sizes used in Industrial and Precision applications that just simply do not come in any other form than an individual driver. Plus there are certain insulated applications in Electrical and Electronics, where you are better off using a manual ESD safe driver than you are an Electric Screwdriver. Hell, I’ve got a set of ESD safe Precision screwdrivers that, for reasons totally unknown to me, actually drive some screws better than my DeWALT Gyro Screwdriver OR my traditional Precision set. They just… Fit and rotate BETTER somehow, and they’re CHEAP ones.
So… Yeah… Individual screwdrivers are a permanent installation in any sane tool user’s toolbox. Even if they’re in the minority, it’s better to have them and not need them, than to need them and not have them. I’ve had a small Demolition Driver with a hammer strike plate on the end for years, and there have been times when that has saved the whole project, even after I tried Crowbars and Demolition Bars on the same application. That thing is an INDIVIDUAL Screwdriver, and yes, it can be used to set Screws in place before powering them in. It has no bit that replaces it, and there’s no powered edition that can replace it. ESD drivers will never be replaced by a Bit, or a Power Tool, because both introduce an EM field to the equation, and that can jump electricity from whatever you’re working on, past the ESD rated area, direct to the stripped bare area where you’re completing the discharge circuit… So, ESD individual drivers and tools will NEVER be replaced, because… well… PHYSICS says so.
The Future of Screwdrivers is in Ergonomics and Set Completion. That’s why the Drill never replaced the Screwdriver, and neither did any power tool SINCE the invention of the electric rotary motor for use in tools. We’ve known for close to 80 years how to rotate a driver head electronically… You really think, by now, if Screwdrivers could be replaced outright for Bits, we wouldn’t have done it by now? We went from Flight to Space Flight in less time! Full Drivers are here to STAY. Get that straight. Our species is specialized for our Tool Use and Innovation. We made the Screwdriver, and after several hundred years, we STILL have them… Yet other things we’ve made are entirely gone… It’s because, unlike those technologies and tools we invented long ago… The Screwdriver isn’t a faulty technology. The Atlatl? That first foray into using a tool to throw a spear farther or harder? Replaced by the Bow and Arrow. We tried to improve it with a Crossbow, but we still use a Bow and Arrow more. Sure, we went on to improve the Bow, the Crossbow, and introduce the Gun… but the original, the Atlatl, is truly GONE.
We LIVE to improve and invent things. We have kept some things for so long there’s no debating their presence. The Bow, the Knife, and, yes… THE SCREWDRIVER.
Craftsman Forever
JoeM is an anger elf! A screwdriver with a bit replacement is still a screwdriver. My point was about the Dewalt set of standard head sizes. Those could be replaced with a bit screwdriver. If you need a plybar head screwdriver for demolition then yes that is a specialty screwdriver that you need.
Stuart, that is a good point about the handle sizes.
JoeM
Not anger, just long analogies. Sorry if I sounded angry.
Craftsman forever
No problem. Merry Christmas!
Altan
I do not like screwdrivers for a few reasons, first of all they are too bulky and then I would say it is difficult to organise them and also when they are worn out they make a lot of plastic or plastic/rubber waste. I have made almost a complete set of 4″ – 6″ long screwdriver bits depending on the size of the tip, placed in DeWALT accessory cases and one screwdriver handle which accepts 1/4″ hex shank screwdriver bits. I don’t make plastic waste like this, if the bits are worn out I just throw out the bits and handle is kept for the next bit. You can also use the bits with impact drivers but not the handled screwdrivers.
andres solis castillo
@Stuart this are great screwdrivers, heck they are cheap for US made mid to high grade. I ask what other US made screwdrivers come close to this ones? craftsman? nope those screw drivers are a joke, horrible handles and tips. SK is the only ones i see that may be cheaper, well only on one website HJ. One question tho, why did Stanley/blackD not choose this as a craftman product? more production would make them cheaper and US made will make the fanboys happy.
Stuart
I share your sentiment, but here’s what I’m thinking: Where will they have sold them as a Craftsman product? Lowes? Lowes is not going to put $50 Craftsman screwdriver sets on the shelf next to their $20 ones, at least not yet. In the future, we’ll see.
Even if Lowes was willing to buy a pegs worth of premium USA-made Craftsman screwdrivers of similar build, quality, and retail price, could Stanley Black & Decker have been able to manufacture the necessary quantities? They’re set up to supply industrial and independent dealers, not bit box retail chains.
Similarly, we won’t see Craftsman-branded Lista tool boxes anytime soon – there are just too many economic and manufacturing obstacles in the way.
At the moment, shelf space is also at a scarcity, with Lowes having to clear out tools to make space for the Craftsman ones. The conversion will take months. I can be a very adamant USA-tool advocate, but I don’t see any way I’d be able to justify giving a space to these premium-priced USA-made screwdrivers, at least not yet. Maybe in a few months when the dust from the conversion process clears.
Jake
Hi @Stuart, just curious if you’ve heard or read why Dewalt ‘discontinued’ this DWHT60117 line of screwdrivers, apparently only a few months after your review thereof. Per their website page [ https://www.dewalt.com/products/hand-tools/screwdrivers-and-hex-keys/6-piece-combination-screwdriver-set/dwht60117 ]…. “This product has been discontinued.”
Thanks very much for all your great reviews, and time spent doing them!
Stuart
Well, that’s unfortunate.
I’ll have to look into it. Maybe just that SKU was discontinued? If the entire lineup is discontinued, that could be because of poor sales. Frankly though, if that is the case, it’s on them. How can they expect customers to buy tools that they barely marketed?
Jake
Right. Looks like the entire lineup has been discontinued, as whatever set or combo you click on….they all say that. Must be something akin to dis-remembering. :-l
Thanks for your prompt reply and as always your great & informative reviews.