i’ve learned, from many expensive, time consuming mistakes, to use the right tool for the job.
i have been able to knock a bearing out with a screwdriver, but usually with some ‘collateral damage’.
Nothing wrong with a screwdriver as a drift, you’ll only cause “collateral damage” if you do it wrong, and you can do it wrong with any tool in the world.
I use a motorbike axle mostly, it’s a great size and heft for the job. I do own some “proper” drifts and punches from the personal stock of Baron Alfred Krupp, but I almost never use them, they’re not as good (except the one I bent, which is really handy sometimes. Oh and the tapered one is good for shattering small bearings, makes them easier to get out of my hemlock)
Refitting, sockets are perfect.