I'm not asking if you prefer a screwdriver or hex wrench, but what are some specific models you like? And why?

I'll start with my screwdriver. Locking bit head, and that cap lets me place my palm to hold it in place while I turn the screw to exactly where I want. Great for derailleurs.
Shop Kobalt 1-in x 5-in 7-in-1 Multi-Bit Micro Screwdriver at Lowes.com

Then I have my magnetic hex wrench set. Don't remember the model, but I drop bolts less

Most used tool, like its blingitivity.




Has what I need, cheap.

FELCO C3 cable cutters: FELCO C3 - Steel cable cutter

My favorite tool is my derailleur hanger alignment gauge. I like it because, whenever somebody brings me a bike that they can't get the shifting right, I can usually fix it in 15 minutes. Then they think I'm smarter than I really am.

That's a really nice cutting one, but I have to point this SRAM one out. Cuts just as well, but has ferrule & endcap crimping as well.

in order of preference






If one of these can't fix it, back to the truck for the real tool box.

Eklund folding allen wrench set .. heavy and long enough for decent leverage

it lives in the shop apron pouch.

My favourite tool is a mechanic's ball peen hammer that belonged to my grandfather who worked as a car mechanic. Although it is small it is so beautifully balanced that it packs one heck of a wallop. Very useful whenever I have to hit something but need precise control. Plus knowing that I am the third generation in my family to own and use it is very cool

Feedback Sports Pro Elite work stand.


Very stable/adjustable and the quick release ratchet clamp is really easy to use.

KLiNCK, your post made me think of my PRO stands. Repair stand is lightest I've ever lifted, and it's never fallen over. I've helped at SO MANY cycling events where things had to move often, I don't know how I'd would've gotten through with that Park Tool version of this.


BTW, PRO is Shimano's tool and non-drivetrain component brand.

Blue Mogan chain keeper.

VAR tire lever/jack is pretty handy for that first mounting of new open tubular tires...

Here's a tire-setting lever.

Pedro's/Zinn Vise Whip

I NEED to get one of those vice whips!

speaking of tools, I just ran across this, anyone have one? I think I may need one.
https://www.parktool.com/product/prem...e-tool-MTB-3-2

I like my peanut better wrench best, but it doesn't actually see much use.



However my pedal wrench gets used all the time.

What do you do with that?

I loved working with my 1st generation soft grip Snap-on screwdrivers.
Ergonomic shape, nice grippy texture, long wearing tip, etc. But it's
hard for me to warranty them when the tip wear out. Had to get rid of them.

My Snapon Screwdrivers by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

?? do you mean Snap-On didn't honor their warrantee, or you just personally felt guilty claiming a warrantee on a tool that had served you well for a long time? I wouldn't. There's a reason Snap-On tools are expensive (or for those that want to quibble, have a higher initial cost)

I used to work in auto shops and even worked for Snap-on for a while; when the truck came around -
the dealer would gladly swap you screwdriver blade(the handle wasn't changed). But now that I'm not
in the auto field anymore; it's a hassle tracking down a truck. I've even heard of some dealers giving
people a hard time if you didn't buy the tool(s) from their truck.

I also moved to a smaller space and had to get rid of a lot of my tools:
SCREWDRIVERS by 1nterceptor, on Flickr

That Bontrager multi-tool is awesome! Small, cheap and functional, can't beat that.

3rd hand/4th hand. I just love the concept and operation of the "4th hand" tool, and that someone was smart enough to invent it.

practically speaking, Park torque wrench, TW-5. Use it all the time.

[QUOTE=1nterceptor;18106061]I used to work in auto shops and even worked for Snap-on for a while; when the truck came around -
the dealer would gladly swap you screwdriver blade(the handle wasn't changed). But now that I'm not
in the auto field anymore; it's a hassle tracking down a truck. I've even heard of some dealers giving
people a hard time if you didn't buy the tool(s) from their truck.

I also moved to a smaller space and had to get rid of a lot of my tools:


You can also call or email them and request a prepaid return label. Assuming you get a pleasant customer service person who will send you one, and that's not a given. The only issue is you can't really specify repair or replace, I think they do whatever they feel like.

I would never send in a hard handle ratcheting driver because they would almost certainly replace it with a crappy soft handled one.

Edit: also iirc you can order just the blades for those screw drivers. Somewhere on the garage journal forums is a thread with the part numbers for all those hard to find Snap-on blades and bits that need replacing.