A Screwdriver That Does What It Claims, Even When It's Only Mildly Comfortable To!

The Good: Durable, Works generally well
The Bad: Handle is not comfortable/hard to hold onto.
The Basics: A very average screwdriver, the long-shafted Stanley 60-006 has a problematic handle I do not enjoy using.


I have several Stanley screwdrivers in my toolbox and the 7 5/8” flathead screwdriver is one that I have used very little, because: 1. I do not have many occasions where I need a screwdriver shaft as long as this one and 2. The grip is not terribly comfortable to me. The Stanley 7 5/8” screwdriver has a 4” steel shaft and a medium-sized (3/8” wide, a few millimeters thick) head which is ideal for single-slot (wood) screws. As a screwdriver, this works just a little harder than the user does; unlike a power tool which does the work for you. The Stanley 7 5/8” flathead screwdriver makes work easier for those screwing in screws.

For four years, I used this screwdriver on projects around the house that required a flathead screwdriver. I also used it to pry open paint. The steel shaft never bent, the head remained sharp and intact. This is a very solid piece of hardware and as it may usually be found for less than four dollars, it’s an excellent value. This tool will remain in use for years by anyone who does projects around the house.

Still, this screwdriver does not impress me. The 3 5/8” handle, which is made of a solid plastic that is enough to not crack when hit by a hammer, is too smooth. The ergonomic grip on this screwdriver is so smooth that if one is either working in conditions where one’s hand sweats or they are wearing gloves that have less grip, it becomes impossible to use this screwdriver. While the smooth, hard surface is more comfortable than the ridged grips of many older screwdrivers, the Stanley 7 5/8” screwdriver has little friction so when one is twisting screws with it, it becomes very easy for the hand to slip. When that happens, one will find their hand sliding around the screwdriver handle, but not actually moving the screwdriver.

I still rate this Stanley screwdriver so highly because the major defect does not come into play each and every time one uses it. This screwdriver is ideal for screwing the appropriate-sized screws into pre-drilled holes, especially ones which might be in recessed holes which require the longer shaft of this screwdriver. When it is being used properly, it is very easy to use and get the results one would hope for. But prolonged use is likely to make this harder to use because maintaining a grip on it becomes more difficult.

Also, as one’s hand becomes sweatier while using it, the tension of trying to torque screws is likely to cause one’s hands to blister. This, naturally, will lead one to put on gloves, which increases the likelihood they will be unable to maintain a grip on this particular screwdriver!

For other Stanley tools, please check out my reviews of:
42-468 ABS level
85-785 12” Adjustable Wrench
Stanley 60-002 Phillips Head Screwdriver

5/10

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© 2010 W.L. Swarts. May not be reprinted without permission.



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