Tool Review: Powerbuilt 17-pc Master Screwdriver Set

The Powerbuilt by Alltrade Tools 17-pc Master Screwdriver Set, No. 949018, is organized in high-end EVA foam trays that slide right into the drawers of a toolbox. The screwdrivers have soft-grip, dual-density handles for non-slip comfort, textured magnetic tips to grab fasteners easier and silicon vanadium chrome magnesium alloy blades. This set conforms with ANSI standards and includes slotted and Phillips screwdrivers in various sizes. There are hex holsters on mid- and large-size drivers.

The review

Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Ind., appreciated how the foam drawers kept the Powerbuilt by Alltrade Tools 17-pc Master Screwdriver Set organized.

He said the neatly arranged kit could help users get jobs done quickly.

“Some may find considerable time savings if they keep the screwdrivers in the custom fit tray they come in,” says Fort. “Finding the screwdriver needed without having to dig through a drawer can save a ton of time.”

Additionally, Fort liked the injection molded handles because, “they are not only comfortable to hold, but give a good grip when being used in slippery situations.”

“Powerbuilt marked the end of each handle with the size, length and type of blade, so when kept in a tool holder on a cart you can tell what you’re grabbing quickly,” Fort says. “There are also holes near the end of each handle that allow them to be hung on a peg or have a lanyard tied to them. One could even fashion a ‘plum-bob’ in a pinch using these screwdrivers.

All the blades are made with SCVM steel and have coated tips, which Fort says provides a “better bite over other brands’ screwdrivers.”

The screwdriver set came in organized packaging as well, arriving in a heavy cardboard box. Inside were several layers of protection to prevent damage while shipping, and a sticker in the upper left-hand corner of the package indicated the box’s contents and publicized the tool’s lifetime warranty.

Fort had never used a Powerbuilt screwdriver, but did not have any questions or concerns regarding the set of tools while working on a variety of tasks around his shop.

“I used several different ones – changing air filters, taking interior trim panels off, cleaning packed-on gunk from around grease certs and the like,” Fort says. “Honestly, there are not many jobs where I use a non-powered or ratcheting screwdriver anymore, but when I forced myself to use these, I was pleased with how they performed.”

However, Fort noted the screwdriver set had one limitation.

“They don’t have strike-through handles, so no hammer bashing these guys,” Fort says.

Fort gave the 17-pc Master Screwdriver Set a rating of 9 out of 10 because it is “a high quality set of screwdrivers.”

“The handles that indicate which blade type they hold helps finding the right one and having the custom fit organizer is a huge bonus in my book,” says Fort. “Anyone can build a very nice set of organized tools using Powerbuilt products.”