Looking for some new super-durable screwdrivers? How about a new Williams screwdriver set? These hard-handle screwdrivers are quite comfortable to use, and the larger sizes have hex bolsters for heavy-duty torquing.
It has been several years since I’ve mentioned Williams’ hard-handle screwdrivers, and about a decade since I purchased a set of them.
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These aren’t my favorite screwdrivers, but I do enjoy using them, and they’re quite different from most of the other screwdrivers I typically reach for more frequently.
A 7pc set of Snap-on hard-handle screwdrivers, with Phillips and slotted tips, is currently $200 via their website. That comes out to around $28.57 per screwdriver.
Williams hard-handle screwdrivers are similar in style to Snap-on’s much-loved hard-handle screwdrivers, which isn’t surprising since Williams is a Snap-on Industrial company, but they’re priced a lot lower.
The 5-piece set that’s shown above is typically priced between $40 and $44, and you can get an 8pc set for $54-$58.
I have seen a couple of comparisons over the years, and if I recall correctly the consensus was that there are some differences in tolerances or quality, but not enough to make a difference to most people. There’s also the warranty consideration – Snap-on has tool trucks and Williams doesn’t – but the price difference negates that for most people.
Hard handled screwdrivers are usually easy to clean, and can be more durable than soft-handled screwdrivers. That’s a whole big topic on its own, as there’s no “best” handle shape, style, or material, but I mention this as an example of why one might opt for hard handle screwdrivers.
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These screwdrivers have slim handles, which might in theory be a cause of concern for higher torque applications, but they’ve handled well in my experiences.
While some comfort grip screwdrivers have thicker handles that aid in higher torque applications – the wider the handle the greater the leverage – I have found that softer handle materials might tug at my hand and lead to fatigue or soreness. That is less likely to happen with these screwdrivers.
And, if you do come across tasks that require greater leverage, they do have hex bolsters for use with a wrench.
If you ask me, the 5pc set is the best starter set for most users, although the 8pc set has a better cost ratio if you think you can use the added screwdriver sizes.
The 5pc set comes with 3 slotted and 2 Phillips screwdrivers. The 8pc set adds in another (smaller size) Phillips driver and 2 cabinet-style “electrician’s screwdrivers.”
You can also get Phillips-only and slotted-only sets. There’s also a 19pc set with a range of sizes and also what look to be Bahco screwdrivers at the “mini driver” scale.
I like these screwdrivers, and I’d buy them again.
Williams Hard Handle Screwdriver Sets
Williams 5pc mixed set: 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″ slotted, and #1  Phillips drivers
Williams 8pc mixed set: 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″ slotted, two 3/16″ electrician’s drivers, #1, #2, #3 Phillips
Buy Now: 5pc Set via Amazon
Buy Now: 8pc Set via Amazon
Williams 6pc Phillips set: #1, #2 (short, long, stubby), #3, and #4 Phillips tips
Williams 6pc slotted set: 3/16″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″ (short and long) slotted tips
Buy Now: Phillips Set via Amazon
Buy Now: Slotted Set via Amazon
As far as I am aware, these screwdrivers are still being made in the USA. They come with a small storage pouch, and according to user reviews the pouch is imported.
If you’re looking for a lighter investment, Tekton recently came out with new inexpensive hard handled USA-made screwdrivers.
Compare: Tekton Hard-Handle Screwdrivers via Amazon
New Tekton Hard-Handle Screwdrivers are USA-Made and Look to Impress
BlueCraft Workshop
I’m spoiled on Wera drivers my dude…
I do have the williams ratcheting driver though and love it. I keep it at my desk as my PC tinkering driver.
BlueCraft Workshop
Also, the williams T-handle ratcheting drivers are awesome too.
TheTool
I think you’re spoiled because you haven’t experienced enough screwdrivers to settle on Wera only. Try more brands than just settle. It’s childish.
fred
Williams, Proto, OTC and Starrett were among the brands that we’d put on our shopping list waiting for a Zoro Percent Off Sale. They used to do some 30% off deals – but now 25% off seems the best they do – with 15-20% off being more common. They usually have a minimum purchase – but Williams usually does not trigger any exclusions.
https://www.zoro.com/search?q=williams%20screwdriver%20set
Planegrain
The Tekton models look real nice, they won’t be rolling off the workbench. Tekton is a family owned company, based in Grand Rapids Michigan. Tools are made in Taiwan(75%), U S (19%), China(5%). I first noticed Tekton when searching for 1 inch impact sockets, that would fit Milwaukee’s 1 inch M-18 impact driver.
JasonM
How easy/hard is it to keep these handles clean job after job, year after year?
I know I am in the minority of minorities, but I still prefer Acetate handled screwdrivers!
GarrickM
i dropped an acetate craftsman screw driver into a bottle of acetone once…completely by accident after prying the lid off. By the time I got it out the handle was about 1/3 the size but boy was it clean. lol.
Wayne R.
A $42 set of simple drivers is not more appealing just because a $200 set is mentioned. Not much, anyway.
fred
Appeal is in the eye of the beholder. I know that SnapOn has a loyal following (perhaps some tied to their truck because of financing as well as quality and replacement policy). But on a 25% off sale at Zoro – that 5 piece Williams set comes to just under $28 – while Stuart quotes the price of the SnapOn set as over $28 per screwdriver if you buy their 7 piece set
Greg
How do you like these compared to the wooden Felo set you can get at Menards for $20?
TheTool
You don’t compare hard handled to wooden screwdrivers. Besides you have to be from decades ago to care about wooden screwdrivers.
William
I have a set of the Williams Screwdrivers, they are fine, Not better or worse than many of the other premium screwdrivers. Favorite screwdrivers are PB Swiss, although they are more expensive.
TheTool
So you like to spend more for a European brand than supporting American? Makes zero sense why you spend more just because of the European brand name when it makes no difference in reality.
Chad Wilkins
Im guessing he prefers to spend more for a european tool because he believes it to be better. I care about not damaging the fastener, and the fastener doesnt care where the tool was made, only that the tip is correct, and to spec.
Mike (the other one)
The Tekton screwdrivers are USA made. They have Slotted, Phillips, Square and Torx. The butt-ends of the handles have markings so you can tell what they are while they are in a tool bag. They also have 6-in-1 drivers with the same handles, and they have torx and square tip versions. I think I might try some of those.
Planegrain
They have some high torque sets that I’m looking at. One set is$24, the other $25.
Bob
Looks like a nice set. Made in USA very nice. Price seems good too. I like the hex bolster alot. Not needed much but when you need it you need it. The square handle is….Meh…to me. Ive got a mix of everything. Round, ribbed, ruberized etc all from industrial brands like pratt and reed, stanley, crafstman, etc. not sure I would purposefully search out a square handle. Sounds like QC is hit or miss tho. I guess by five sets and take the best of them and return the rest Lol.
Not sure why there is alot of hate on the snap-on comfort grip handles. I have not had any issues with automotive chemicals destroying the handles. I own one #2 Phillips snap-on with the red and black comfort handle. It’s had brake cleaner, oil, gasoline, diesel, etc spilled on it. I wipe it down with a WD-40 soaked rag like I do with all my tools before putting it away. Comes clean just fine. Probably 10 years old at this point. No delaminating or whatever. Duno maybe the newer ones have this issue?
If the square handle fits your hand and you like it I’d say go for it.
Bob
Sorry. To clarify it was the amazon reviews where people were pissing on the snap-on comfort handles. I don’t care either way. I bought mine used. I just havent seen any issues.
Ps. I like the acetate handles too. Except for the smell. But then again the diesel or gas exhaust fumes usually is overpowering. Gotta get a good exhaust fan one of these days. Lol
Chris
I bought these specifically from the previous post mentioning them. I paid around $45 for the 8 piece set back when I got them and I couldn’t be happier.
The handles aren’t hard to keep clean and having used plenty of snap on and Mac (soft handles, also great drivers) at work, I can say these will run with the best of them.
You really can’t beat the value.
Although I see a snap on truck weekly, should I ever need to mail one of these in, I won’t feel bad about it because they’ve save way more than their value in frustration since purchased.
Even though the handles are hard, you can easily torque these far further than cheaper screwdrivers. I’ve broken off a couple of old flatheads with the large driver. Note I said broke off; not stripped. The heads were fine, however decapitated from the rest. Can’t really blame the driver at that point.
These are a good deal at even twice the price and for what they’re currently going for, a steal.
My only regret is not trying more Williams gear since. Their ratchets seem to be the same as the older “thick headed” snap on ratchets currently being offered. And if they function almost as good as their took truck brothers for 1:4-1/3rd the price, that would suit me just fine.
Thanks for that recommendation way back when Stuart. This was one of my first “splurges” (back then supporting a small family on one income, $45 for some screwdrivers was a splurge) in the tool world and I have not been disappointed.
Bobby
Are these the same handles as the snap on ratcheting driver? I’ve used that and it’s awesome. I think these will be on my list to pick up in the future.
Albert
I haven’t used Williams, but these style Snap-On are my favorite handle. I’ll never buy anything else.
KingDave
The overwhelming majority of my Screwdrivers are the Craftsman Acetate handles with my master set being a huge assortment of the Craftsman that I still have in my toolbox using the original tray with features and sizes listed on it from over 30 years ago! The handles have all yellowed but they are great screwdrivers! The screwdrivers I use regularly are USA made assorted Craftsman Acetate handles with the black in them. I think these I purchased a couple of sets on sale during the 75th Anniversary of Craftsman. In addition I have Stanley Professional screwdrivers mixed in and even the HFT black hard handled screwdrivers they used to sell which are/were decent screwdrivers. I usually use the HFT for tasks not meant for screwdrivers and they still have held up.
I had a set of the Craftsman Professional Screwdrivers when they first appeared from way back ( not the diamond tipped) but was so disappointed in using them I gave the set away to my son. Screwdrivers are definitely a “you get what you pay for” item in my opinion. Cheap screwdrivers mean quick replacement. I wouldn’t put out the money for a Snap on set but with Snap On, the price is for a package deal ie quality, replacement, service and financing that most homeowners don’t need for their tools.
Blythe
I have the orange handle snap on version of these and they are fantastic. Even though they are hard plastic, there is a dish for your thumb, and the rest is rounded just enough to be comfortable but the square shape gives you grip when necessary. Used the hex bolsters much more than I thought I would as well.
Joatman
I used to think that buying individual screwdrivers wasn’t very cost efficient…and in most cases, it’s not. At this point in the ball game, I have all the screwdrivers I think I’ll ever (and never) need. I have a lot of sizes that I rarely use….if at all. That’s the problem I have with buying “sets” of tools or accessories, such as sockets. If you are truly only going to use 3 or 4 of a set of 6, 8, 10…etc, then do the math. You’re looking at $15-20 for each one you use. Then you throw the others in the back of the drawer, behind the plastic tray organizer. to be forgotten. THIS is where buying individual tools may be more beneficial if you need to replace your go-to drivers. Use that $40 or $50 to buy your next favorite two quality screwdrivers.
fred
@Joatman – your logic is impeccable
The appeal of the tool set is sort of like the sirens song for Odysseus. Few of us are strapped to the mast when we hear it – so we buy the sets on the off chance that we may need that oddball socket that’s included. Then there is the seductive notion that the set provides a much lower cost per piece than buying individually.
I’ve been collecting tools since the 1960’s – and I use the word “collecting” advisedly. I’m one of those guys who knows better and my logical mind says that I’m never going to use those old Whitworth standard tools going forward – as my old British motorcycles are long gone. I have lots of other examples – but I’m too lazy or stubborn to look to dispose of old tools even though I’m told that eBay makes the process fairly simple. Having something like 2400 sq. feet of shop space and a 3 car garage with an attic – has been a detrimental enabler to my “tool hoarding tendencies.”
Worse yet – I recall in our cabinet business that we had a large basement – where we stored most every jig and template that we had ever made – on the off chance that we might use one again. Our experience was that we kept creating new ones – probably because it was more expeditious than trying to find an old one that was an exact fit for the current needs. We’d talk about getting rid of them from time to time – but concluded that the fire hazard (sprinklered workshop and basement) did not justify the time it would take for the clean-up – and the basement had little other value to the business. We did decide to start tossing new ones that clearly had no further use.
At least in my home shop – I have not “collected” so much that I can’t find what I have – and need to create or buy new for the next project – and I still know where I can lay my hands on my Whitworth sockets should anyone roll up on an old Norton needing fixing.
mla
Always enjoy your comments, Fred 🙂
Joatman
Amen!!!
TheTool
If you buy a set that has multiple sizes and lengths then buying individually makes zero sense.
Larry Andersen
Are these square handled or triangular handled? I have a set of triangular handled Snap-On screwdrivers from over 50 years ago that are the best I’ve ever had.
Stuart
Squarish.
Rick C
I bought a set of these Williams several years ago and filled in with singles as I needed them. They always performed well. However, my grip strength now is not what it was. I found that the smaller diameter handles started slipping in my hand as I turned them, especially in the humid summer when my hands are (a little) sweaty.
I have relegated the Williams to a ‘road bag’ of tools and now my garage go-to drivers have cushion grip handles.
Mike (the other one)
I just ordered a set. I’ve been wanting a set for a while, and even though I have too many screwdrivers as it is, I decided to get them.
I just bought a set of WF-made Craftsman screwdrivers and was very disappointed with the quality. The Phillips drivers wouldn’t fit the screws they were sized for, so I had to file them down with various needle files to get them to fit. At this point, I think the Taiwan-made Craftsman drivers from Lowe’s are better.
I don’t want to get grease on my Klein drivers, so these will be perfect for working under the hood.
TheTool
Spend less for the Tekton hard handles instead of the Williams and you’ll find there’s no difference. You even get more for the money. Don’t know how you can suggest spending more for Williams while getting less (Tekton even gives you more sizes and variety).