The Best Phillips Screwdrivers to Add to Your DIY Arsenal
How many times have you needed a screwdriver, but all you had was a butter knife? There’s no need to feel bad - it’s happened to the best of us. Screwdrivers may seem like ordinary household items, but nothing can replace their ability to tighten and loosen screws without stripping them out. Whether you’re working on your car, assembling furniture, or building a bookshelf, these tools will come in handy. Screwdrivers come in many shapes and sizes, but the most common type is the famous Phillips screwdriver. These useful tools come with pointed head slots in the shape of a cross that keys perfectly into Phillips screws. However, these screwdrivers come in countless different design variations that could confuse your decision to purchase one. Luckily, this buying guide aims to help you in that regard, starting with a list of some of the top Phillips screwdrivers in 2021.
Best Phillips Screwdrivers Buying Guide
A Phillips screwdriver is at the top of the list of equipment required for many DIY projects. With this tool in your hand, there's no screw too big or too small for you, and that makes it a must-have for many handypersons all over the world.
Phillips screwdrivers are great, but which one is the best for your needs? With so many options, it can be tricky to choose one. That's why we’ve listed some of the best units available in the previous section to help narrow down your choice. However, we understand that customers sometimes need to learn a little more about a product to make the best buying decision. Here, you'll learn about qualities to look for when buying a Phillips-head screwdriver and find answers to some of your questions. There's no need to spend money on unusable tools that will end up sitting in the corner and collecting dust. With this guide, you'll know exactly which one is best for you and your needs.
Blade material
The blade of a Phillips screwdriver is the long part that ends with the tip. This is the part used to tighten and loosen screws and can be made from a wide range of products. The best Phillips screwdrivers are made from high-grade steel, stainless steel, or alloy steel. However, you can also consider going for other materials such as bi-metal, chrome vanadium steel, or silicon carbide steel. In addition, some blade materials feature tips made with special non-sparking metals or coatings that won't combust in potentially flammable situations.
Handle material
The material from which the handle of a Phillips screwdriver is forged is another major determinant of quality. The best handle materials include plastic, cellulose acetate, polypropylene, rubber, and polyamide, to mention a few. These materials are quite strong and will not break under pressure.
Handle ergonomics
The material of a Phillips screwdriver handle won't matter if it is not comfortable or easy to handle, and that's a test every quality Phillips screwdriver should pass. Rubber and plastic handles are some of the most ergonomic options because they're usually soft and comfortable to hold. However, you should also consider the shape and size of the handle and ensure that you choose something that complements the size of your hand. Finally, ensure that you only select units that come with a cushion-grip handle, since these special handles won't hurt you or slip off when in use.
Tip size
Screws come in different sizes, so it's a given that Phillips screwdrivers follow the same pattern. In this case, it is up to you to choose what suits your needs. Sizing may differ based on brand, but will always be offered on any sizing guide to view before your purchase. Instead of going for a Phillips screwdriver with only one tip size, you can look for a more versatile option that comes with interchangeable blades or tips.
VDE certification
If you will be working with electricity, you should know that you can't use any ordinary Phillips screwdriver. In this case, what you should look for is one with VDE certification. Think of this as a seal of approval that a Phillips screwdriver is safe to use with electricity. They will have protective insulation, good ergonomics, and solid quality.
ESD qualification
Not all Phillips screwdrivers are created equally, with some being better attuned to specific work environments. An ESD qualification is a stamp that shows that a Phillips screwdriver is custom-designed for working on electrostatic sensitive devices (ESDs) like laser diodes, integrated circuits, blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and transistors. They do this by controlling the dissipation of electrostatic discharges that would damage any normal screwdriver, along with the user. Working on such devices with any other Phillips screwdriver could cause real damage, making it important to use units approved for ESDs.
Blade finish
Many things determine the quality and efficiency of a Phillips screwdriver, one of which is the blade finish. And in this case, the best Phillips screwdrivers feature a bead-blasted/lacquer finish. This combination lets the screwdriver key into screws much more easily and provides extra torque that makes using it much more efficient. You could also look for screwdrivers with phosphate-coated tips for additional durability.
Blade length
Of course, Phillips screwdrivers come in varying blade lengths. Sizing may differ by brand, but generally, they range from 25 mm to 300 mm. Instead of selecting a screwdriver with only one blade length, you can go for versatile units with multiple blades of different lengths.
Compare The Best Phillips Screwdriver In 2021
Klein Tools Phillips Screwdriver
– Best Overall
When talking about quality Phillips screwdrivers, this product takes pole position. Its immense strength and ability to withstand abuse are a result of its industrial-strength heated bits and coated finish. It features an ergonomic grip thanks to a flexible design that allows swift blade changes and a comfy cushion-grip handle. This Phillips screwdriver is also a product of bead blasting, which makes it more efficient and stronger than other options. Finally, it comes with the following heat-treated bit sizes: 3/8-Inch, 5/16-inch, and 1/4-inch nuts, #1 and #2 square recess, T10 and T15 TROX, along with several others.
- Great for deeply-embedded screws
- Ergonomic and comfortable handle
- Possible choking hazard for kids
The Craftsman Phillips Screwdriver
– Runner Up
This product is a set of 10 screwdrivers of different sizes and head types, making it one of the most versatile options available. Every piece in this set is made from heat-treated alloy steel, one of the strongest materials used in screwdrivers. The blades of this product are coated with a satin-nickel finish for resistance against corrosion and external damage. One of the best things about the screwdrivers in this set is that they all feature comfy and ergonomic handles, which are perfect for jobs requiring low or high torque. In addition, the set is also very lightweight, meaning you can carry it around without any hassle.
- Includes several common and versatile tip options
- Very affordable compared to other options
- Long-term durability may be low
Jonard Tools Phillips Screwdriver
– Honorable Mention
Jonard is known for its wide range of quality workshop tools, and this product is not an exception. Forged from S2 steel and coated with a chrome finish, this screwdriver is one of the most durable and corrosion-resistant units out there. In addition, it sports an ergonomic handle for enhanced torque, handling, and comfort.
Another impressive feature of this Phillips screwdriver is its unique color coding. This means that each unit comes with a specific color that you can assign to each job.
- Lightweight structure and materials
- Toughness and corrosion protection from black oxide
- Easy aiming with magnetized tip
- The blades are not interchangeable, so it’s not as versatile as other units
SUNHZ MCKP Phillips Screwdriver
– Also Consider
This 8-in-one screwdriver is one of the best-designed products available. It is made from chrome vanadium steel and features an ergonomic anti-slip handle. This product comes with four different bits and eight screwdriver sizes, making it highly versatile. Thanks to its portable design, this screwdriver is also easy to carry around and use for any project. Another notable feature of the SUNHZ MCKP Phillips screwdriver is that it comes in a black and neon green color palette, which makes it visually distinguishable from most other more standard options on the market.
- Slip-resistant grip to maintain security
- Corrosion-resistant for long-term use
- No bit storage space in the handle
- No carry bag or case
If you’re looking for a screwdriver for working with electricity, look no further than the SATA Phillips Head Screwdriver. This product was built with impressive insulative properties and is VDE certified. The blade is forged from tempered S2 steel that gives it incredible strength and maintains its shape over a long lifespan. This screwdriver’s handle comprises two high-grade materials, making it anti-slip, highly efficient, and extremely durable. Another notable feature of this screwdriver is its phosphate-treated tip that further increases its durability and allows for work in hazardous environments. Finally, this product comes in many bright color variations, allowing you to customize your toolbox contents for the look you want.
- Protective against up to 10,000 volts of electricity
- Very powerful and durable
- Extremely lightweight materials
- Single blade size, reducing versatility
Best Phillips Screwdrivers FAQs
A: Proper maintenance of a Phillips screwdriver will increase its lifespan and quality. Remember to clean the handle and check that it's intact before using it, and never carry it in your pocket, but rather in work belts or toolboxes. Keep the tip sharp by restoring it, and do not use the screwdriver to pry open heavy objects.
A: Do not use a Phillips screwdriver in an electrical environment unless it is properly insulated and VDE/ESD qualified, depending on the application you need. If using the screwdriver requires excess force, stop using it, and ensure that that handle is dry and undamaged. Usually, if a screwdriver doesn’t work well or slips easily, the blade or tip is the wrong size for the task.
A: Some screws will allow for either type of screwdriver to be used, but when working with Phillips screws with their signature cross pattern, a Phillips screwdriver will be much more effective.
A: Quality, complexity, and versatility are the major price determinants of Phillips-head screwdrivers. Premium options may cost up to $60 or more, while the basic ones could go for as low as $10.
