So this last week one of my 20+ year old phillips head screwdrivers met its match when it hit the floor at the just the right angle to shatter the handle cleanly in two.
This thing has been with me since my uni days. It’s seen me through multiple jobs, cities, homes, and especially relationships. It was my daily driver¹. It wasn’t a particularly special tool in and of itself; it’s part of a small unlabelled toolset that I’m fairly sure was from a dollar store or similar. But it just felt right. The weight, the size, the balance… it was all so comfortably familiar.
I shouldn’t feel so emotionally attached to such a simple thing but when the new one arrived I couldn’t help but feel a sense of loss, even though my new one is undoubtedly a much better tool (wera kraftform plus, fyi).
¹ Pun intended.
Years ago i started using a “bit holder” screwdriver instead. It allows me to easily swap out the Phillips bit for any other bit or with an adapter i can put 1/4" drive sockets, extensions, etc on the end as well.
I love the handle on this driver, so it’s really nice being able to spread it’s usefulness with other bits/sockets. This is the one i like, the German-made Felo model 53711: https://kctool.com/products/felo-magnetic-ergonic-1-4-x-100mm-bit-holder-screwdriver
I have a similar one. It’s super power is that the handle is a bit thicker. It’s amazing how much extra torque that is able to deliver. I’ve broken cheaper bits and extensions with it.