Dropped my screwdriver from the rafters - still works! What's your 'abuse test' story?

Hey Tool Discount Club folks, HVAC tech here. Had a wild one yesterday - was up in an attic running some new lines, and my go-to insulated screwdriver (Klein 11-in-1) slipped out of my pouch. Fell about 12 feet onto concrete floor below. Heard that awful *clang*, thought for sure it was toast. Picked it up, handle's scuffed but not cracked, and the bits still lock in tight. Tried it on a panel screw today - works like nothing happened. Makes me wonder what other tools have survived your 'abuse tests'? I've killed cheaper drivers just by looking at them wrong!

Hank, that's nothing. Master sparky here - I once left my Wera Kraftform on a live 480V busbar (don't ask). Melted half the handle, but the shaft and tip were fine after I chiseled off the plastic. Still use it for non-insulated work. Klein and Wera are tanks. But if you want real durability stories, talk to the drywall crew - they abuse tools daily. Betty, you've probably thrown more screwdrivers than I own.

LOL Mark, you're not wrong! Drywall wizard checking in. We use screwdrivers as pry bars, chisels, and sometimes even as hammers (don't tell OSHA). My Milwaukee Fuel impact driver fell off a 10-foot ladder onto concrete last month - battery popped out, but the tool itself? Just a scratch. Still drives screws like a beast. But Hank, if you're dropping tools from heights regularly, maybe invest in a lanyard? I've seen guys tie paracord to their tools when working high up. Saved my butt a few times!

Good call on the lanyard Betty - might rig something up for attic work. Mark, that 480V story is insane! Reminds me of my old journeyman who used to say 'buy once, cry once' with tools. These mid-tier brands (Klein, Wera, Milwaukee) seem to hit the sweet spot between price and durability. Anyone have experience with the cheaper stuff from big box stores? I had a Husky multi-driver that snapped the first time I put some torque on it.

Hank, those big box store tools are disposable. Fine for homeowners doing light work, but for pros? They're false economy. I tell my apprentices: your tools feed your family. Don't cheap out. That said, even good tools have limits - I saw a guy use a screwdriver as a punch once. Snapped the tip clean off. Some people just don't respect the tool. Betty's right about abuse though - drywall guys are the ultimate durability test. If a tool survives them, it'll survive anything.