The Basic Toolkit: The Best Screwdriver

Posted by admin
July 16, 2008


It seems as though I use a screwdriver for every home improvement project.  Even when I paint, I use a screwdriver to remove the outlet covers.  But, what is the best screwdriver to include in a basic toolkit?
 
Well, the truth is that there is no best screwdriver.  In fact, I think you should carry a couple different ones.  My most used screwdriver is one with interchangeable bits.  The set includes about 30 different bits and 20 small sockets.  A good set of bits will have different sizes of Phillips heads, flat heads, and hex heads (like Allen wrenches).  You should be able to purchase the entire set for less than $20.
 
In addition to the screwdriver set described above, I carry two (different sized) regular flathead screwdrivers.  I mostly use these for prying and scraping applications.  At one point, I thought about removing these screwdrivers from my basic toolkit- but then I realized how often I actually use them.
 
Finally, you may want to consider a cordless power screwdriver if you do lots of screwing and unscrewing.

My cordless screwdriver of choice is a very compact Skil 3.6V Lithium-Ion Cordless Screwdriver.  It fits in your pocket, is very light, and has impressive battery life.  The kit also includes a couple dozen screwdriver bits.  It also includes a drill bit, but I have not used this model for drilling and cannot comment on this capability.
 
Jon

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Basic Toolkit, Carpentry, Electrical, General, Home Improvement, Lighting

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Comments

[...] The Best Screwdriver [...]

Pingback by The Basic Toolkit: An Overview | I Need More Tape! on August 26, 2008 @ 9:56 pm

[...] The Best Screwdriver [...]

Pingback by The Basic Toolkit - Miscellaneous Items | I Need More Tape! on August 26, 2008 @ 9:56 pm

Nice post, Jon.

I have dozens of interchangeable bits in my collection, but I found it to be an inconvenience to carry them all around. Sure, it’s not problem with a small toolbox or a kit, but by far the easiest option is to have one screwdriver that does it all.

I did a post on my blog about my favorite screwdriver here:
http://collegiatehandyman.blogspot.com/2008/10/tools-10-in-1-screwdriver.html

Some of those new Li-ion screwdrivers look pretty neat though!

Comment by Collegiate Handyman on November 6, 2008 @ 3:53 pm
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