Few tools are more basic or necessary than the hammer and the screwdriver. They’re ingrained in our minds as toddlers when we get those plastic sets that many of us spent hours playing with. Those humble toys have much more innovation than just a move to metal these days. Milwaukee’s latest version might just be the pinnacle of what Pros are looking for. So what sets the Milwaukee Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set apart from the competition?
On the Job
The tips of each driver fit their respective screw heads very well with no play in the variety screws used them on. Of course, that’s all relative to the quality of the fastener machining as well.
I liked the Tri-Lobe handles of the last version, but there are a couple of reasons I’m gravitating toward the new set more. First, it’s just a more natural feel and I don’t seem to be losing any hand torque by moving away from the Tri-Lobe design. I also really like the knurling on the shaft. Most Pros use the two hand method with the screwdrivers when you turn the handle with one hand and the shaft with the other to keep the screw moving more quickly. The knurling really helps maintain a secure grip when you’re doing that.
Standout Features
- Cushion Grip Handles – Getting away from the last version’s Tri-Lobe handles gives these a more traditional feel that’s still comfortable and secure.
- Precision Knurling – Turn a screwdriver in your hand and you’ll notice a lot of wobble. Knurling on the shaft allows you to use your opposite hand to twist the shaft straighter when you’re working on loose screws or delicate materials.
- Lanyard Hole – Sooner or later, OSHA is going to regulate tethering of tools for everyone working at height. You’re already ahead of the curve with the lanyard holes on the Milwaukee Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set. That and nobody likes climbing down to pick up a dropped screwdriver.
- Tactile ID – Milwaukee goes beyond the handle base markings (which have a great contrast for easy visibility). A full ring around the slotted heads and 4 cross IDs in the Phillips heads allow you to easily feel which style you’re grabbing without looking down.
- Wrench Assist – The base of the shaft features a hex shape that you can use a wrench on if you need more torque than your hand can provide except on the 6″ slotted cabinet driver.
Potential Drawbacks and Missing Features
There’s a potential negative with the tactile IDs on the handle bases. Because you’re feeling for a ring or cross, it’s not immediately obvious which size you’re grabbing. That should go away with a little use as your hands get used to feeling the different screwdriver diameters.
The wrench assist is nice to have, but there are multiple hex shaft sizes, so you won’t be able to carry just one wrench in your pouch for all the screwdrivers. However, each length pairs up with its counterpart, so the biggest Phillips and slotted use the same wrench, then you need the next size down for the middle two and a third for the smallest.
The only major feature that’s missing is a magnetic tip. Depending on what trade you’re in, that might not matter to you.
The Bottom Line
Although $40 is more than you’ll pay for a basic 6-piece screwdriver set, Milwaukee has put together just about everything you could want in a premium screwdriver. Unless you really have to have magnetic tips, I can’t think of anything the Milwaukee Cushion Grip Screwdriver is missing. With a lifetime warranty, this is one of those times when it’s okay to splurge a bit and they’re still not as expensive as some of the other brands out there.
Milwaukee Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 48-22-2886
- Includes Phillips #1 x 3″, Phillips #2 x 4″, Phillips #4 x 6″, slotted 1/4″ x 4″, slotted 5/16″ x 6″ slotted 6″ cabinet
- Cabinet Tip: Yes
- Finish: Chrome
- Handle Type: Cushion Grip
- Warranty: Lifetime limited
- Price: $90.00
