Clarke PRO122 – 10 Piece Pro Screwdriver Set review

A screwdriver is a screwdriver, right? Yes and no. Yes, a screwdriver is designed to screw tight or undo a screw, but there are different types of screws and there are different types of screwdrivers. Ok, so we all know there are flat-bladed (slotted) screwdrivers, and there are those with Phillips drive heads and Pozidriv drive heads. These three types are the most commonly used types of “screw head.”

But did you know there are approximately 10-plus additional screwdriver types that look similar but are far from it? One of which is a screwdriver designated JIS B 1012. This screwdriver design is of Japanese origin and is still the required tool for OE screws on what are now classic Japanese motorcycles e.g. Honda CB400/4 and CB900 to name but a few. Woe betides anyone that tries to undo vintage OE screws with a worn or new Phillips. Expect frustration and tears in equal measure. The driver profile of JIS B 1012 is designed to significantly reduce 'cam out' - aka that moment when the screw head slots round out and leaves you effing and jeffing like a good one.

You’ve probably guessed by now there are screwdrivers and screwdrivers. Machine Mart arguably has more screwdriver choice than you can shake a wall mounted screwdriver rack at. But if you’re looking for that first set of commonly used screwdrivers, then take a close look at the Clarke PRO122 – 10 Piece Pro Screwdriver Set.

Contained within a handy, tough plastic case is a set of screwdrivers that cover the most common screws you’re likely to encounter on a daily basis in the workshop, mancave and around the home. On the flat bladed front, there five sizes, ranging from 3x75mm up to 8x150mm and will cover everything from unclipping small terminals to socket/switch fixtures to big wood screws. The same can be said for the Phillips range, which scale upwards according to the Phillips screw number (where #0 is the smallest and #5 is the largest you’re likely to encounter.

If tactile is having chunky handles with a combi soft and firm texture, give us more. So Clarke has. The areas where the finger pads grip have nail brush-like bristles to further aid hand grip and ensure good tightening/loosening torque. But if the need to use additional manual torque (brute force), the screwdriver shafts extend past the top of the handles and are hex shaped to attach metric ring spanners or rachet and socket. Awesome. But don’t confuse the Clarke PRO122 Screwdrivers as strike through screwdrivers – the sort where a good hammer blow is required to shock a screw loose (break thread corrosion) – because you’ll just muller the hex head despite the shafts being manufactured from S2 grade steel.

Admittedly, like the classic Japanese JIS B 1012 screws, you won’t find many Phillips and flat-blade fasteners on a modern-day motorcycle. Today’s motorcycles feature mainly fasteners that require hex head, Allen and Torx drivers. However, some fairing fasteners and aftermarket accessories still use traditional screws. Plus, it’s good to have Phillips and flat blade screwdrivers on standby for other workshop/DIY duties.

To find out more or to buy, head to the Machine Mart website.

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