small screwdrivers with big handles for arthritic hands

[CincyDavid]

Any suggestions for screwdriver sets that are high quality but have really big handles?  My gnarled up hands just ache so much I have trouble gripping smaller handles.

[Benni3]

Klein

[jgp12000]

I have a set of harbor freight I like,inexpensive & they have a end cap that allows you to spin the driver.The larger handle aids when more torque is required for loosening tight screws.

https://www.harborfreight.com/6-piece-electricians-micro-screwdriver-set-96075.html

[Brewcrafter]

David - Would maybe some kind of T-Handle set fit your hands better/give more torque?  I have a set of dedicated T-handle hex keys, but I have also seen advertised T-Handle that are designed to accept bit sets, so you can swap around between standard, Phillips, Torx, Hex, Robertson, etc? - john

[foakes]

Arthritis effects everyone a little differently, so there are many choices for screwdrivers ranging from very inexpensive to high-end.

And, you don't need to buy the most expensive ones.

I own, and have tried hundreds of various types of screwdrivers over the years for reel work.

Reel work requires a gun-smithing type hollow ground blade —- of the exact and proper size for the screws —- so no damage or goobered up screw heads happen.

Plus, proper screwdriver skills are also something to learn and master.

Well, everyone knows how to use a hammer, or a screwdriver, right? —-  but do they really understand the basic principles?  A few do.  Most are only halfway there.

Like Benni sez, Klein is good, as is Wiha. 

Then there are the sets from Brownell's, Chapman, or Grace for gunsmithing and intricate work.

My go-to screwdrivers are a set by Bald Eagle with hollow ground blades and large easy grip handles.

Also a company called Horusdy, on Amazon or eBay —- really good quality screwdrivers at bargain prices.

Then, the Harbor Freight brands of Icon & Hurricane are excellent, believe it or not!  Harbor Freight has really upped their game, and it is the real deal.

I also use Wiha for micro screwdrivers —- above excellent.

And many might not agree with me, but I have been using a Wiha SpeedE electric screwdriver with terrific results for over 4 years now. It is expensive at $200+.  But comes with 2 batteries, a charger, and a large set of tough and exact blades.

Most folks might not know how versatile this is, because they are used to a typical powered screwdriver that can easily slip, over-torque, and is not too controllable in most hands.

However, this little professional grade powerhouse can be used manually or electronically.  It has variable speed, and a great feel.  It just works.  It also has a full-circle array of LED lights that work automatically, and a torque speed setting.

The trick with reel work is to use the SpeedE by gripping it from the BACK, not the side —- and using firm pressure.  I break the screw loose initially manually, then back it out quickly with the electronic feature.  When I get old, only 73 now —- this will come in handy for stiff hands.

I use an assortment of screwdrivers —- and have whittled down the effective ones to about 6 that I use regularly for 95% of my work on reels.

Best, Fred

[Keta]

Well, everyone knows how to use a hammer, or a screwdriver, right? —-  but do they really understand the basic principles?  A few do.  Most are only halfway there.

Hammers are not just a tool to smack things really hard.  Millwrights are sometimes refereed to as "hammer mechanics" due to the fact that we often used hammers and have to deal with a lot of large pins and other things that take a lot of force to move.  My hammer collection ranges from very small ballpeen hammers, 1/4 oz, to a 20# maul amd in both both steel and soft.  The key is to use the proper tool for the job, one does not work on steam turbine governors with a 20# hammer.   

I have some arthritis in my hands and have broken every finger, cut off parts of a few and severed the tendon in my right little finger.  I also have severe degeneration in both wrists.  Fine work causes my hands to cramp bad.

[jgp12000]

I bought the bald eagle set years ago per your suggestion Fred, I use it on reels.

Being in electronics 38 years battery screwdrivers are handy.One LRU had 40 cover screws just to get inside,all the ATE I worked on & PCs I built over the years.

I always break the screws loose manually before using the power.When tightening
Proper clutch/torque setting as not to strip heads of course.

[jurelometer]

Fred has some good advice.  If you go with hex  bits, you can try more than one type of handle without replacing everything.  There are a variety of t-handled and round fat knobs, with or without ratcheting features.

Here is one that I like a lot for stubborn screws:



I also agree with Fred and jgp12000 on electric screwdrivers if you get one with a good quality  adjustable clutch and locking mechanism.  With mine, I can start and finish turning screws manually like  a normal screwdriver (the ratchet is locked when not powered), and then use the power for the rest of the turning.  Nice thick handle that adjusts between straight and semi-pistol grip.  Originally  Hitachi when I bought mine, spun off as Metabo.  Used mine a ton for around 15 years now.



-J

[CincyDavid]

Great suggestions, keep em coming!

And Keta, good point "Hammers are not just a tool to smack things really hard." I love my Estwing hammers with the stacked leather handles but even these are becoming hard to hang onto. I might have to switch to some sort of padded handles going forward.

[reelynew]

There's been some great suggestions here.  I bought the Wheeler gunsmithing set years ago to work on firearms.  It has had every blade and bit I ever needed so far, but their driver handle is less than ideal.

If you have arthritic pain in your wrists, more than your fingers, I would suggest a free spinning top handle.  It will shorten the movement of your wrist to tighten or untighten the fastener.  I had some RSI in my wrist and frequently take apart laptops and pcs at work prior to disposal.  Having one of these tools has made the job very quick and my wrist doesn't move as much. 

Here are a couple of free spinning handles from Wera and Wiha that function like this.  You might also check out this Vessel driver with a nice large ball to place in your palm.  It looks very comfortable.   

[Donnyboat]

Lee why would you need a hammer, if you have a few crescent shifting spanners, I thing we are all guilty of using one of them, from time to time, cheers Don.

[Keta]

Lee why would you need a hammer, if you have a few crescent shifting spanners....

Metric fit all.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Lee why would you need a hammer, if you have a few crescent shifting spanners....

Metric fit all.

I didn't know hammers came in metric sizes 

[oc1]

sure they do