Screwdrivers

Different people have mentioned WiHa screwdrivers in the past. I probably own every high grade gun smith's set ever made, but of course none really fit Panny screws. So, I went looking on WiHa website. Two glitches immediately happened. First glitch. Which set to buy? Second glitch. Not just "Made in Germany" Also made in Switzerland. (Still cool. ) Poland. (Starting to slide downhill. ) and last but not least. VietNam. (Very Uncool. ) So the two questions are, which set to buy and how do you avoid the black pajama version? All I wanted to do was replace the AC cover and even the computer set that I do have does not fit well enough. I am also getting the impression that they may be loctited or something similar. I really hate boogered screw heads cause it is a real sign of amateur hour.

 

Germany
http://cgi.ebay.com/Wiha-Slotted-Ph...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5886454b6c


Alex

 

And yes, Panasonic does use blue LocTite on virtually all screws.
CAP

 

What about ESD v Non ESD?

 

I gotta be honest, I looked at that link that Tomcat posted to compare sizes and I was struggling with a cheap set of screw drivers in the past, I got sick of stripping screws, I went out and bought a craftsman set from sears that has the exact same sizes as the one in the link for $11 and they have been absolutely amazing, works perfect for every screw size on the toughbook and lifetime warranty from a local store!

 

+1 for Wiha.

I believe some of the service manuals actually specify the Loctite model number to use.

 

Stick with Wiha. You only want the best for your toughbook

 

I use the more expensive esd type, but the regular are less expensive and will work fine

For a while they will work great, but the tips should last a lot longer on the more expensive screwdrivers
Example is my 25 year old snap-on #2 philips is as good as new, the tip is hardened and is in perfect condition


Alex

 

I have a set of screwdrivers I got from my Dad, he has been gone for many years but his tools are still in good shape. He aways took care of his tools and taught me to do the same. I do not know who made them, but like my Dad, that don't make them like that anymore!

 

I spent a year working as security for the company that refurbishes cellphones for Verizon Wireless. They use Wiha drivers exclusively.

See http://www.wihatools.com/pro_Precision.htm to see what they offer (you can view their catalog online).

 

Iceman -

Here's another case of that "big wheel turning around again"... we covered this in detail a couple years ago:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=220332

And my thoughts in particular HERE:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=3005369&highlight=mnem+husky#post3005369

And here's where we hashed it over AGAIN a month or so again:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=452635

and MY THOUGHTS at THAT TIME:

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=5774890&highlight=mnem+husky#post5774890

Now... I've gotta say... if you can't find everything you ever wanted to know about unscrewing your Toughbook in THAT selection, then you're... well... SCREWED.

mnem
Like the great Sphinx, I spend my nights gazing into the heavens trying to unscrew the inscrutable...

 

I inherited a partial set of Wiha screwdrivers from my Dad when he passed. I still use them... In addition to the new sets I have purchased on eBay.... Don't "cheap out".... Don't strip your screws.... There is no pole to dance around.... Get the job done with Wiha!

 

I will have to get me a set before I get screwed LOL.

 

I ordered that set. I left them a message that they were not to ship if the set was made other than in Germany. From what I read, WiHa is making that mistake also. I will let you know. Their catalogue is a bit scattered. If the tools turn out to be quality, I will end up ordering more.

 

Iceman,
If and when you do, would it be possible to order an extra set? I checked out our local HomeFix and DIY stores but the prices are obscenely marked up.

Currently using a Japanese made set with multiple sized bits for slot and Philips. It's pretty good but it doesn't hurt to have quality in my toolbox. Need only German-made and for TBs exclusively. I've got others covered. Many TIAs.

Ron in SG

 

Be glad to do it. I will let you know. When I read that they were outsourcing to Vietnam I got annoyed.

 

Just think. If I would have only thought to search for those pearls of wisdom none of us would have been chatting back and forth. Mining the archives is highly overrated. It is more fun to talk.

 

Unfortunately "Made in Germany" is not a guarantee of quality.

 

BBB,
As far as I'm concerned, only two things are certain; death and taxes.

Sure, anything being made in Germany these days may or may not retain the hallmark of quality but given the number of German-made material and equipment we use in the lab, plus the fact that I love Eheim aquarium pumps/filters, I'm fairly sure the quality hasn't suffered too badly. Wouldn't be that confident once production lines are outsourced elsewhere.

Deviating slightly, I also have a preference for things Swiss-made, mostly because my favorite turntables; Thorens TD124, TD321, TD125LB, Studer Revox B-795, etc are extremely dependable, providing trouble-free entertainment for many years. The same can also be said about my UK-made Garrard 301.

Back to being screwed... I did inspect the Wiha, albeit briefly, and liked it enough to invest in a set. I just wasn't too crazy about the prices.

Ron in SG

 

I just really hate outsourcing. I suppose I would not mind Swiss. But made in Vietnam. Not in this lifetime.

 

Iceman,
I appreciate your heads up on the extra set, I really do, but I need to back down. Let's just say the timing kinda sucks. Either way, I'm screwed for a while, until I get both feet back firmly on the ground.

With thanks and keep well,
Ron in SG

 

Sure thing.

 

Hi Alex

Thanks for the tip. They are a great fit. My Favorite Snap-on #1 phillips SDDP61 was ... I think... around $28. These are a bargain and great quality to boot.