Screwdrivers Choices

[JimInOz]

Sorry, I didn't realise that **BLEEP** was a bad word.

 

I was using it in the correct sense.

 

Moderators please delete this post if it contravenes rules.

 

 

 

[PeterGe]

you can get the 250 screwdriver here

 

http://www.friederichsonline.nl/horloge-klokkenmaker-1324/voh-gereedschap-1320/voh-schraubendreher-inox-250-knig-395236.html?___SID=U

 

It is a very correct company, I have already used it on a number of occasions.

[bosstaki]

I know what you mean Jim!

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[JimInOz]

They are beautiful to use aren't they.

 

Sometimes I pull an old movement apart and put it back together just for the sake of feeling them work.

[Geo]

Sometimes I pull an old movement apart and put it back together just for the sake of feeling them work.

Now you are starting to worry me Jim! :D

[bosstaki]

Ha ha nice one Jim!

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[bosstaki]

Hi guys, I went for the horotec 250 screwdriver in the end, it's a really good match, my screwdriver set is all complete! Cheers for you're help guys [emoji2]

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[bobm12]

Glad you did, bosstaki, now you need a watch to use it on! :)    ....and pictures to post too! :)

 

Cheers,

 

Bob

[bosstaki]

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[perpetual92]

I bought some VOH levers off of Ebay. Seller was Elisabeth9679.

[ramrod]

this makes me realize that i've GOTTA get some good screwdrivers. mine are junk.

[toptime810]

Hello, I bought a set of berylium tip screwdrivers and found them to be as soft as butter. Can anyone tell me what kind of replacement blades are the strongest and where to buy them to fit Horotec? Thanks

[bobm12]

You can use Bergeon tips. The berilium tips are not for tightening certain screws and are designed not to scratch the watch. One way is to use one screwdriver with steel tips to loosen the screw and continue with the berilium one...Horotec also make excellent steel blades and also specially ground tips... just as Bergeon.

 

In the US, ofrei, probably borel and esslinger offer a variety of them. In UK I'd try cousinsUK.

[clockboy]

Changed to Horotec screwdrivers last year & very pleased wth them. They all need shaping which is nice as you can get them to a nice snug non slip fit.

[Ishima]

I never understood those soft screw driver blades, from my perspective, they're more likely to cause damage, imagine trying to undo a screw somewhere on a movement then the screw driver deforms, slips out of the screw slot and slides into the hairspring.

A decent steel screw driver blade + control is all I've ever needed. The geometry of the blade is designed not to scratch, so scratching screws should be a very rare occurrence, better to have a screw driver that will hold its form.

But to answer your question, I can't think why other brands of blades shouldn't fit the horotec screw drivers, they use the same size increments? .60 .80 1.00? unless the blades are wider or smaller at the screwdriver slot for some reason. (not accounting for the flat section that's filled away for the grub screw to tighten down on.)

Edited February 1, 2016 by Ishima

[jdm]

Indeed a softer metal is meant to avoid scratches, then certainly if it's soft as butter that's too much.

Bergeon sells two types of premium tips,  packaged individually, the standard 4917 and the softer 8899 which cost twice as much. Both are 100% anti-magnetic.

Probably the idea is that one had both and use accordingly to the need.

All the other types and brands come 10 per pack and cost much less. I've not tried any of these.

[deloidtoc]

I finally bought the Horotec Set of 10 stainless t-Type Screwdrivers (MSA-01.207). I used the larger drivers and was very pleased.

Today I had to use the .6mm and the .8mm for an old Omega Ladies watch (455 mvt). The lever set screw snapped the .8 and the second of two case screws (retaining screws) that needed the .6mm broke the .6.

These screwdrivers fit the screws well and I know how to apply the right amount of pressure while keeping the driver square to the screw face. I've used the Bergeons for over thirty years and switched since these were always soft (with intent) and bent with difficult screws. I was hoping that with the better fit of the hollow ground (T type) drivers I would have more consistent results. Again, the fit was good...better than my bergeons but that tip is too brittle. They snapped on screws that my bergeon had no problems managing.

 

Has anyone else had problems with this set? Are they all tempered to such a high hardness or is it possible I got a bad batch of heat treated drivers.

 

Thanks for any comments.

[bobm12]

This is the second time I hear about Horotec failing. The first time was one of their press models. I wonder if they are, lately, outsourcing their stuff. I use Bergeon too, btw. You can also use Bergeon tips on those screwdrivers I believe.

[Geo]

That's not good at all given the price. The curse of Horror Tech strikes again.

The ironic thing is I posted an article about cheap Chinese screwdrivers a couple of years ago and then read a few posts at different times where folk have said that they would be a waste of money. I can tell you they have been very well used over the last couple of years and have never broken or twisted. I have dressed them twice over that period, but I would expect to do that with any screwdrivers that are being well used. I can honestly say they are the best value tools I have ever purchased, and I have way too many tools!

Here's my original article. http://www.watchrepairtalk.com/topic/260-great-deal-on-screwdrivers/?hl=screwdrivers

[oldhippy]

I always used Bergeon screwdrivers and never had any trouble with them like you for about 30 years, mind you I think availability of watch makers screwdrivers these days is vast, different types of blades for one thing.

[bobm12]

Yeah, at this point, no matter what you pay you can never be sure where the stuff is coming from or what quality you are going to get! Stating the obvious, quality is always an issue therefore people are willing to pay a little more for a brand that has a track record of good, dependable equipment. It seems times are changing and it is not the case anymore. Alternatively, and back to the main issue, tips on screwdrivers can be shaped in any fashion necessary for the job so when a certain brand/quality tip is tested good, it can be modified to better serve...a pain sometimes but given the state of things...Oh well!

[aswatchmaking]

VOH blades are the best

[Taro]

I'm in need of screwdrivers. My question is this, which screwdriver set is most used and appropriate? Which brand is best? I usually lean towards Bergeon tools as I always try to get the best. 

[oldhippy]

Bergeon watch screwdrivers are the ones I used for about 30 years. So I would recommend those. Never buy cheap buy the best you can afford that goes for all tools. 

[rogart63]

Horotec do some nice screwdrivers? But prefer Bergeon as i have used them before? 

I was a little disappointed when i ordered a new set of 5970 the other day? 

Have a set of this before. And wanted an other similar set for Swiss screws and movements. 

The other old  i am saving for Seiko and Citizen watches. 

The new one  where both shorter and had a larger diameter then the old ones? Heavier also? But great quality nevertheless.