Wiha precision screwdrivers don’t look like much, and their basic aesthetics even look boring compared to their PicoFinish screwdrivers and other brands’ fancy soft-gripped and ergonomic designs.
Despite their simple designs, these are a shop essential, and I would be bold enough to describe them as the minimum for users with serious micro-fastener driving needs.
No, the handles don’t have fancy bumps or knobs. No, there’s no soft grip outer layer. There’s no fancy stand, at least not for the small sets.
And they cost how much?!!
In my experiences so far, these Wiha precision screwdrivers have been strong, reliable, precise, and quite durable too.
I still remember using some cheap “jeweler’s style” precision screwdrivers and hitting a snag when one of the blades started spinning in the handle. I haven’t had anything of the sort happen with any of my Wiha screwdrivers, although I apparently bent the shafts of one of my drivers.
Although these screwdrivers sport simple aesthetics, they also still have a free-spinning end cap, You really don’t want precision screwdrivers that don’t have such a feature, as it does aid in fastener-turning comfort and control.
If you’re looking to upgrade from cheap hardware store or home center precision screwdrivers, give these a try. There are other brands and styles out there – here are some other precision screwdriver recommendations – but these have stood the test of time and don’t require a whole lot of deliberating over.
They work, and they work well.
One of the best parts is that you can find these drivers with nearly any bit size or style you might ever need or want. I regularly use commonly-used screwdrivers in other brands and styles, but I still stick to these Wiha screwdrivers for secondary or portable kits, and where specific sizes are needed.
Buy Now: 7pc Starter Set via Amazon
Buy Now: 8pc Set with Pouch via Amazon
It’s awfully tempting to consider Wera Kraftform precision screwdrivers as an alternative, especially now that they increased their size and style selection.
Given today’s pricing, I would have been tempted into trying Wera’s precision screwdrivers sooner than Wiha’s. The handle style is unconventional, but I don’t mind it.
It’s a tough consideration. My fondness towards Wiha’s precision screwdrivers goes back much further than my satisfaction with Wera’s screwdrivers, based on Wiha’s earlier availability and Wera’s previously very limited selection.
I can heartily recommend both.
I tend to use Wiha more, especially beyond typical micro Phillips and slotted tip sizes. It’s been a while since I added more Wiha precision screwdrivers to my kit, but it seems like I buy more Wera precision screwdrivers every time they run a promo.
Wera’s drivers are longer (which can be a negative at times), but the shafts also a tad bit thicker. I have a Wiha Phillips #00 with a bent shaft – and it drives me crazy – and I don’t think the same damage would have happened to my Wera driver of the same size.
Buy Now: Wera 6c Set with Stand via Amazon – Set 1
Buy Now: Wera 6pc Set with Stand via Amazon – Set 2
Buy Now: Wera 12pc Set with Case via Amazon
Set 1 Screwdrivers (05118152001)
- Phillips: #0, #1
- Slotted: 3/32″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″
Set 2 Screwdrivers (05118150001)
- Phillips: #00, #0
- Slotted: 0.07″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 1/8″
(Slotted sizes are approximations, Wera provides specs in metric.)
I purchased my Wera set back in August 2009, so around 11 years ago. I opted for Set 2, as I desired the smaller sizes compared to what’s available in Set 1.
I can’t tell which of my screwdriver sets I’d have to part with if asked to choose just one. But, if I were buying new, Wera’s lower pricing would likely steer my decision.
