Whether you're a seasoned tradie with a ute full of gear or a weekend warrior just starting to tackle your first home reno, there's one thing every Aussie needs: a decent screwdriver set.

It's the most fundamental and versatile part of any tool kit, used for everything from assembling flat-pack furniture to changing a light switch cover. But not all sets are created equal. A cheap, nasty set will just lead to chewed-up screw heads and a world of frustration. Here’s what to look for to get a ripper kit that will last you for years.

The Bare Essentials: What Your First Screwdriver Set Must Have

A good, basic screwdriver set should have you covered for about 90% of the jobs around the house. Make sure it includes:

• A Good Range of Phillips Head Sizes: This is your classic cross-head screwdriver, the most common type you'll find in modern furniture, appliances, and fittings. You'll want at least three different sizes (e.g., #1, #2, #3) to handle everything from small to large screws.
• A Variety of Flathead (Slotted) Sizes: The old-school, single-slot screwdriver is still essential for many jobs, from simple prying tasks to older electrical fittings and hardware. Again, a mix of small, medium, and large tips is a must.
• A Mix of Lengths: A good set will include a couple of long, skinny screwdrivers for getting into hard-to-reach places, and at least one "stubby" screwdriver for those tight spots where a full-sized one won't fit.

What Makes a 'Ripper' Set? Features to Look For

• Hardened Steel Tips: Look for screwdrivers made from good quality steel, like Chrome Vanadium (Cr-V) or S2 steel. This means the tips are hardened and won't bend, chip, or wear out after a few uses.
• Magnetic Tips: A fair dinkum game-changer. A magnetic tip holds the screw securely on the end of your driver, making it a million times easier to get a screw started, especially when you're working with one hand.
• Comfortable Handles: You want a handle that fits nicely in your hand and has a good grip. It allows you to apply the right amount of force comfortably, whether you're doing a delicate job or some real hard yakka.

Stepping Up: Specialty Screwdriver Sets

For professionals, a basic set is just the start. Licensed professionals, especially those who work with electrical systems, use specialty sets for safety and efficiency. A VDE-rated insulated screwdriver set, for example, is a non-negotiable piece of safety equipment. These screwdrivers have a special non-conductive coating that protects the user from potential electric shock when working on or near live components.

The Right Tools for the Right Components

Having a quality screwdriver set is an essential investment for any job. For a licensed electrician, having a VDE-rated set is just the first step. The real key to a safe, professional job is using that tool on high-quality, compliant electrical components.

This is where a trusted trade supplier comes in. Schnap Electric Products is a leading Australian supplier of the professional-grade electrical components that qualified professionals rely on every day. While a quality screwdriver is the tool, the products they're used to install—from the power points and light switches to the terminals and circuit breakers inside a switchboard—are the heart of a safe system. Schnap Electric provides the top-notch, compliant gear that ensures an installation is not just done neatly, but is also safe, reliable, and built to last. For a professional job from the tool to the final fitting, the pros rely on quality components from a supplier like Schnap Electric.