Screwdrivers hold an important place in every technician’s toolbox. They are an essential hand tool for anyone working within the automotive repair industry. Though it may seem like one screwdriver is as good as any other, this is not the case. Quality and durability are two factors that must be taken into consideration.
The Vessel Megadora Tang-Thru Screwdriver, No. 930P2150, checks both those boxes for Ken Elzinga, owner of Hilltop Auto Service in Bryon Center, Michigan. This particular screwdriver is a #2 Phillips – the most commonly used screwdriver – and a part of Vessel’s Megadora 8-pc Tang-Thru Screwdriver Set, No. 9308EVA.
Elzinga describes himself as a “lifelong auto tech.” He started out in the automotive industry in 1978, working in private shops and dealerships before opening his own shop in 2003.
“I am still a working owner,” he says, explaining that he spends most of his day diagnosing vehicles and assisting his technicians on jobs.
Elzinga has had a chance to use a variety of screwdrivers over the years while out on the shop floor. With the Vessel screwdriver, he appreciated how the No. 930P2150 held its form, allowing him to loosen several screws. Additionally, the knurled grip on the handle made it easy to use.
Around the shop, Elzinga utilized the #2 Phillips screwdriver for various jobs, such as removing taillights and interior trim. Though he notes that he often reaches for his cordless screwdriver when it comes to dealing with Phillips screws, he prefers a hand screwdriver.
In cases where the screw is rusted or rounded out, Elzinga knows a power tool would only make the situation worse. When this happens, he notes, he often uses the Vessel screwdriver to get the job done.
“It has a good-sized handle, serrations on the tip to grip the screw securely, and so far, has held its tip very well in spite of some aggressive turning on rounded screw heads,” he says.
Though Elzinga has no suggestions for improvements for the screwdriver, he did have a few questions regarding the tool’s warranty, where it is manufactured, and Vessel’s policy on shank replacements.
Vessel was happy to respond to his questions, noting that the screwdriver has a three-year warranty and is built in Japan to JIS quality. Additionally, though the shank can be replaced on most of their screwdrivers, they do not sell replacement shanks so they can be sure the tool is properly repaired for the technician’s safety.
“I have found this screwdriver to be the first choice in my toolbox when I have a compromised screw,” Elzinga says.
Overall, he was pleased with the quality and performance of the Vessel Megadora Tang-Thru Screwdriver, No. 930P2150.
The complete Megadora 8-pc Tang-Thru Screwdriver Set, No. 9308EVA, offers a variety of screwdrivers, with half of them being Phillips head and the other half flat head. Vessel notes that the Phillips head especially works well with Japanese (JIS) screws and is best fitting for screws found on Japanese vehicles. The set also contains two stubby screwdrivers that make accessing hard-to-reach areas simple.
