In rec.crafts.metalworking Doug White wrote:
For many years now, I have always used the black handle Xcelite Phillips
screwdrivers with the chrome shaft & black tip. I outfitted my
electronics bench with a fresh set a few years ago, and the #1 Phillips
tip is already toast. I took apart a dead stick vacuum cleaner today
that had a dozen screws down in holes, and I had to get my other #1
driver from my woodworking toolbox to finish the job. It is also
showing signs of excess wear on the tip.

One problem is that the #1 tip is very pointy, and I think it is
bottoming out on some screws, which increases its tendency to slip.
This accellerates the damage & makes it more likely to slip the next
time. The #2 tip is definitely rounded and no where near as pointy.
The #0 seems to have a some of the same issue, but not as pronounced.

I'm going to have to replace the #1's (and may get another #0 as well),
and was wondering if folks have a favorite brand that grips screws well
and holds up better. I've had good luck with Wiha drivers in the past,
but mostly for smaller stuff (jeweller's screwdriver size).

I'm with you on the black Xcelites. They're good, unless you're dealing
with ****ty screws, which they cam out of.

There's no way in hell any vacuum cleaner is going to be made with JIS or
Pozidrive screws. Cheap, soft, poorly formed screws? You bet.

I have a feeling that the stainless steel screwdrivers from Craftsman with
the blue handles are a bit harder than usual steel drivers. If I need to
do something ugly like hammer a screwdriver into place, then torque it, I
grab one of those and they do well, and aren't silly priced. Mine were
made in the USA, but hell, they could be chinese junk now.

I've fussed with Wera "lasertip" drivers with ribbed tips that grip crappy
fasteners at trade shows, and they seemed OK. Never bought a set though.
Their website is unbearable to look at, so I've never located part numbers
and tried a tool distributor.

Wiha phillips drivers in the #1 and #2 side seem to run real small (too
narrow and too pointy), and slip out. Not impressed at all, and the #2 is
useless for standard electrical type work such as installing outlets.
Their precision drivers are good though.

For small JIS drivers, go Moody tools. They're made in the USA, and of
acceptable quality for the most part. I used these on camera gear, which
is JIS, and not phillips. You can really feel the difference. JIS drivers
on JIS screws do not feel like they want to cam out.

Never been dissapointed with a real Klein driver either. They work great.
The imitation stuff is horrible though.