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.

  • Magister@lemmy.world
    9·
    8 days ago

    If you are in Canada, you buy some PicQuic, and you only buy them for the rest of your life. Those screwdrivers are amazing. And ❤️ Robertson.

    • Buddahriffic@lemmy.world
      3·
      8 days ago

      Disappointing that they don’t have a hole you can stick another tool in for more torque. I’ve only needed it once or twice but it’s huge when you do need it.

    • IronKrill@lemmy.ca
      3·
      8 days ago

      Seconding this. Got bought one when I started my job ~5 years ago, still going! The rubber that retains the bits does get a bit worn on the commonly used ones, but they are still holding for me currently.

  • Lady Butterfly she/her@reddthat.com
    9·
    8 days ago

    I get this post completely. It’s a symbolic, a piece of your history that’s been with you years. It’s sad when something like that breaks. I have a 16 year old cup I honestly worry about the day it breaks…

  • Bluewing@lemmy.world
    9·
    8 days ago

    The loss of a trusty tool is heartbreaking and can also piss a person right off.

    There was a time when a craftsman was expected to make a portion of his own tools. And screwdrivers or as the British so eloquently named them - Turn-screws, were some of them. Each tool was hand crafted from iron and wood and made to fit the hand of it’s maker perfectly. And every craftsman skill was judged by those tools he made for himself.

    I spent a dozen years as a modern day toolmaker. Designing and building the tools needed to manufacture a lot of mundane items around you. And I have a fair number of high precision tools that I have made for myself over the years that no one can just buy. And they made my job easier and my work better.

    So grab some steel and wood and make you a screwdriver.

  • frunch@lemmy.world
    5·
    8 days ago

    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

    • UnpoppedCorn@lemmy.world
      2·
      8 days ago

      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.

  • Fallibilist@feddit.uk
    4·
    8 days ago

    I’m obsessed about ones with this style of handle. I rarely use a dedicated screwdriver, mostly a ratcheting bit driver or electric drill, but for example I have this one tiny vintage Stanley flathead that’s almost more of a pick and it’s such a delight everytime I get to use it.

  • HubertManne@piefed.socialEnglish
    2·
    8 days ago

    Im like this about anything I have had for awhile. I have this unistrap backpack that you absolutely cannot find anything like it today much less at a good price. zipper only kinda works in one direction but I love that bag.

    • Mycatiskai@lemmy.ca
      1·
      7 days ago

      The zips on my MEC sling bag are to the point where I have to hold them together gingerly to keep them from splitting apart easily. No one makes one this size that is good enough quality anymore so it must last 40 more years somehow. Maybe I learn to sew in a replacement zipper.

      • HubertManne@piefed.socialEnglish
        1·
        7 days ago

        yeah this is almost exactly my thing. It had dual zippers so if I zip it in the one direction it splits but it still stays closed if both zips are in the other. I have no idea how long I have beforee that won’t work but I can’t get one just like it and so don’t want to have a different bag.