Over at Harbor Freight, they recently came out with new Quinn-branded screwdrivers.
Here’s what Harbor Freight says about them:
Precision and durability rolled into one with these magnetic tip screwdrivers from Quinn.
Harbor Freight also says that their new Quinn screwdrivers are “quality-built for daily use.”
Features include square shafts, which you can wrap a wrench around for increased torque, magnetic tips, size markings at the end of the handle, TPR grip material, and handle holes for pegboard storage.
Price: $3.49 for the 2-piece set
The set comes with a Phillips #2 screwdriver, and a 1/4″ slotted. There’s also a 15pc set for $25.
More Info(via Harbor Freight)
First Thoughts
So… Harbor Freight Quinn screwdrivers…
Personally, I like the look of the Quinn screwdriver handle shape, which is not too unlike the handles on some of my favorite USA and European-made screwdrivers. But to me, the grip looks a little tacky, but not in a good-grip kind of way. Well, the Quinn screwdriver handles do actually look very grippy (a good thing), but I don’t like the aesthetics of the diamond plate-like texture. It’s something that would grow on me.
Harbor Freight’s user reviews are positive so far.
With inexpensive screwdrivers like this, “you get what you pay for” is often true. Still, they should be functional. The price for the larger set is congruent with the average entry price point screwdriver sets sold at various home improvement stores.
Frankly, I was surprised to see that Harbor Freight Quinn screwdrivers, or at least this 2pc set, is competitively priced and aggressively featured compared to other entry priced 2pc sets on the market. Even if you look at their 15pc set, the price per driver is competitive when you look at other brands’ 6pc, 8pc, and even larger sets.
When you look at 15pc sets, the Harbor Freight Quinn set is $25, and Husky’s is $30. A Craftsman 12pc set is $25, although it’s not directly comparable since its contents aren’t quite the same.
Compared to other entry price point screwdrivers, the Quinn drivers look to deliver a little more in the way of features, and for a little less money.
Are they durable? Will the tips last over time? How comfortable are the handles? As long as the answers to these questions reflect quality that is at least as good as for other screwdrivers in the same price range ($2-5 for a 2pc set), or at no worse, Harbor Freight can pat themselves on the back.
Would you buy these if you wanted to spend less than $5 on a duo of the most commonly used screwdriver sizes?
Would I? I’d probably go for the Husky first. But for 50 cents less, these Quinn drivers have magnetized tips and hanging holes. For those who want such features, these Harbor Freight drivers might actually be the better choice.
I wouldn’t call these premium screwdrivers, but they actually look good, as far as entry priced screwdrivers go. I’m almost tempted to visit my local store to check out the quality firsthand.
Also in This Price Range
There are not a lot of name-brand options in the same price range as Harbor Freight’s Quinn 2pc screwdriver sets. But, there are enough to draw some context from.
Priced a little lower, this Stanley 2pc screwdriver set is about as basic as you can get. You get round shafts and plastic handles.
Price: $2.21
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Amazon has a basic TradePro 2pc screwdriver set. Like the Stanley set, they have round shafts and plastic handles.
Price: $2.95 as an add-on item
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Husky’s 2pc screwdriver set comes a little closer, also featuring square shafts, which they say is for added strength. The tips are precision machined, and the handles are soft-gripped for reduced slippage.
Compared to these Husky screwdrivers, the Harbor Freight Quinn drivers have added handle texturing (which can be good or bad), hanging holes, and magnetic tips.
Price: $3.97
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
At $30 via Home Depot, Husky’s 15pc set is only a little more expensive than Harbor Freight’s Quinn set ($25).
Spend a little more, and you can get Craftsman’s 2pc set. The shafts are round, but the handles are ergonomically shaped with a bi-material grip.
Price: $5.98
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Irwin’s 2pc demo driver screwdriver offers an excellent grip, and although you don’t get square shafts or hex bolsters, the shafts are strong and go through to the metal strike cap.
Demo drivers typically come with Phillips #2 and 5/16″ slotted screwdrivers.
Price: $8.98
Buy Now(via Lowes)
Budget up to $10, and you get into “demo driver” territory, with steel end caps and heavy duty construction.
Price: $10
Buy Now(via Amazon)
I have Stanley FatMax made-in-England demo drivers, purchased for around the same price years ago, and would pick them over any of the other screwdrivers shown here.
At the under $10 range, there are a number of multi-bit screwdriver options, although selection definitely improves if you can go to the $10-20 price range.
