Why do I want a snap on ratcheting screwdriver?
- Thread starter joedodge
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4xdog
Well-known member
I don’t as a rule like ratcheting screwdrivers. But I use my standard red Snap-on SSDMR4B often. It’s a beautifully made tool.
mudflap
Well-known member
Do it..get the standard one..in all the colors..lol. I have been using them for years, but i consider screwdrivers to be a "consumable" so i gave up trying to warranty regular screwdrivers years ago. Now whenever i want a fresh tip i just pop one in. I have a couple of DeWalt ones i prefer over the SO. They work the same, i just prefer the DeWalt grip, it's more rounded, and the back is flatter for when i need to apply pressure. And i use DeWalt or Milwaukee bits, they are cheap, last a long time, and they fit good in fasteners.
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joshmodelskidoo
Well-known member
I had one and gave it away. I don't like ratcheting screwdrivers
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Standard hard handle.
I often hold the handle still in my palm and spin just the shaft with both hands to speed fasteners in/out.
I often hold the handle still in my palm and spin just the shaft with both hands to speed fasteners in/out.
The stubby instinct style with the long shank (they are interchangeable) is my all time favorite. The advantage is one handed operation or blind operation, where you don’t want to leave a Phillips head say, cause you’ll spend 5 minutes getting back on it. I sometimes use mine when removing plastic **** in my engine bays, but most often in interiors and dashes specifically.
2 more things I wanted to say:
1) I converted my fixed shank hard handles to replaceable shank. The shanks are basically all the same. There‘s a spring washer you need to remove and you need a washer to put back.
2) I’ve always wanted to try the tee handle. I have 3 or 4 std handles and they are my least favorite.
2 more things I wanted to say:
1) I converted my fixed shank hard handles to replaceable shank. The shanks are basically all the same. There‘s a spring washer you need to remove and you need a washer to put back.
2) I’ve always wanted to try the tee handle. I have 3 or 4 std handles and they are my least favorite.
I owned several of the hard handle ones years ago, and they were great. Fast forward to cordless tools.... the only one i own is the stubby soft grip and really really like it, do not see a need for any other styles
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I have the Williams version. I use it all the time.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
From what I can tell, that's the only difference. It has been years since I used the snap-on version but it was the one that convinced me maybe I wanted one.
I do have the Williams, which as you said, is the snap-on without the knurling. I really wish the Williams had the knurling, but is it worth the price difference?
If I had a 3D printer, and I don't, I would try to print a bit holder that fits in the handle rather than just throwing the bits in, but I don't know if that's a good idea or not.
Depending on your uses, there may be ratcheting screwdrivers that you prefer. For example...
LTT has a very nice low back drag, but I'm not sure I would use it outside the computer space. In other words, working on a car. Nope. Remember correctly without looking. I think the bits were small also. And it had the knurling on the shaft.
I do really like the Williams. Very low backdrag. Bits in the handle. Highly recommended, just missing the knurling. Just get one.
Ironically, Craftsman sells one. It's kind of heavy but it has really low back drag and you can spin it manually in a way other s can't easily. It's kind of like spinning the shaft like the knurling on the snap-on but it's spinning something the same width as the handle. Kind of hard to describe but it actually works really well. It's called speed drive It's a little weird. I actually like it way more than I thought and it's very inexpensive and it has a ton of bits. But it's heavy and you can't lock it in so that it acts like a regular screwdriver. Bits are double-sided so you can't just use standard bits.
I think for the price it's worth having one around. I bought a bunch of them for under $20 a piece because Ace often puts them on sale.
I like the PB Swiss, but you can't put bits in the handle. Backdrag is better on the Williams but PB swiss has the better handle maybe but no bus on the handle
PB Swiss SwissGrip Ratcheting Bit Screwdriver, 100mm (PB 8510.R-100)
Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..
drpd.cc
A the one that comes with a bunch of bits, but in retrospect, I kind of wish I'd bought this one because it allows you to put bits in the handle
Youhttps://drpd.cc/tool-shop/bits-accessories/bit-drivers/pb-swiss-insider-pro-ratchet-w-10-bit-magazine/?setCurrencyId=1&sku=PBS-00101-00401&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQiA_Yq-BhC9ARIsAA6fbAgxkHPun7n3o5jb4fw4GvC85pqyZMXWZpsSVyh3SmuZ-UmAGJ9PMSwaAgP6EALw_wcB are
Milwaukee It's not bad, but for almost every situation I'll grab the Craftsman first. The Milwaukee has a whole bunch of bits and it has some level of electrical resistance. I don't remember how much. It comes standard with that oddball square flap bit that they use on outlets and some other electrical connectors. The shaft can pull out and then you can actually get bits to go where normally you would stick the long shaft. The problem is that the bits are double-sided and they do not fit as well in that location as they do at the end of the shaft. But it is usable. The shaft holds those bits really tight so they go in hard and they come out hard. After seeing how difficult it is to get bits in and out, and it can be done by hand, but I prefer to grab some pliers. I decided I would try the dewalt shafts that I like so much. But the Milwaukee shafts do not have a ball on the end of them. Like the Milwaukee shaft does so they don't hold as tightly and all the beds are double-sided which don't fit in the standard dewalt shaft
27 bits, this is insane
Milwaukee 27-In-1 Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver 48-22-2904 - The Home Depot
Obtain an excellent and upscaled addition to complete your fastening tasks in the jobsite with Milwaukee 16-MultiBit Screwdriver.
www.homedepot.com
So a few links to the Williams version
I bought mine from Suncoast tools
I feel I shouldn't mention any of the others that I have.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Although that makes me wonder. Has anyone ever tried the
Stahlwille 18120001 Ratcheting Screwdriver Bit Holder No. 4008
Boogerman
Well-known member
Have half dozen these, several different configurations. Prefer standard hard handle one. Stubby, short shaft, long shaft, 1/4" drive, pistol grip; I use, but prefer standard one. One don't have is Tee/palm handle one.
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HomeTheaterMan
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 3, 2016
- Messages
- 493
I LOVE mine!
I also LOVE my non ratcheting SO screwdrivers. I know others post about screwdrivers that are "just as good" for less money, but every time I try one of these, I end up disappointed. They are never as good, and I end up back using my SO's.
I also LOVE my non ratcheting SO screwdrivers. I know others post about screwdrivers that are "just as good" for less money, but every time I try one of these, I end up disappointed. They are never as good, and I end up back using my SO's.
It's funny, after all these years outside of an actual ratchet, I can't seem to find myself using, wanting to use or actually needing to use ratcheting tools.
Rather it be a set of ratcheting wrenches or a ratcheting screwdriver, I just seem to never use them or hang onto them. I always eventually sell them or give them away.
I've owned a few Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers, the closest I found to being useful or even comfortable to use would of been the stubby soft grip version with the replacable shafts.
Rather it be a set of ratcheting wrenches or a ratcheting screwdriver, I just seem to never use them or hang onto them. I always eventually sell them or give them away.
I've owned a few Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers, the closest I found to being useful or even comfortable to use would of been the stubby soft grip version with the replacable shafts.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
I have the reg. hard handle, T- hard handle, stubby soft/instinct, reg. soft/instinct & reg. soft/instinct with exchangeable shanks from Snap-On. (Have a PB Swiss as well.)
Use the reg. soft/instinct with exchangeable shank most, as it most conveniently and easily switches from 1/4” hex drive to 1/4” drive.
It came to me as part of a set, back in the day with one of Snap-On’s NiCd battery powered drivers. The case even had a designated space for it and multiple shanks - as the shanks would also fit the NiCd driver.
While I think the shank can be exchanged on all of Snap-On’s ratcheting screwdrivers, I never found another one where the shank would go in an out that conveniently.
Kind regards,
Olli
Use the reg. soft/instinct with exchangeable shank most, as it most conveniently and easily switches from 1/4” hex drive to 1/4” drive.
It came to me as part of a set, back in the day with one of Snap-On’s NiCd battery powered drivers. The case even had a designated space for it and multiple shanks - as the shanks would also fit the NiCd driver.
While I think the shank can be exchanged on all of Snap-On’s ratcheting screwdrivers, I never found another one where the shank would go in an out that conveniently.
Kind regards,
Olli
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seber
Well-known member
I don't use them often but when I do, I find the stubby works better for me. The standard doesn't seem to have any advantage over a normal screwdriver.
Wow thanks so much everyone for the detailed responses. I’m gonna order a Williams I already had them in my eBay cart through suncaost. But the snap on truck come a tomm at work. And well I love tools lol. So we shall see
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Have you tried the Williams Enduro grip? I think they are the same as the SO.
I have it in standard and stubby. The stubby is badged as Bahco who I believe actually produces them. They're nice but I can't compare to anything else except a Husky that I bought then gave to my wife.
It appears from some Amazon reviews that the Williams no longer have the wrench hex on the shank.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Some have a hex booster near the handle. I don't remember if any have a square or hex shaft.
According to my notes, the 19-piece jhw100p0-19d contains 8 screwdrivers with hex bolsters and one (sds-33) has a square shaft. The one with the square shaft has a 1/2-in slotted tip and is 12 in Long and it has no bolster.
That particular set contains 5 with a super torque grip rather than endurogrip.
My set has 5 extra screwdrivers with Enduro grip, one with a bolster.
The smaller jhw100p-8md set has 6 with a bolster.
None of my SO screen drivers have a hex shaft, to date I have only seen a hex bolster. I had to look on the store to even know they had that. I was only looking at the Enduro grip type handle.
I will have to admit that if I wanted to put something on the handle having the entire shaft have a hex shape would make it easier to use with a wrench, but whenever I did that I have typically just grabbed a ratchet.
TIL. (Today I learned)
rust in the eye
Well-known member
Had the pistol grip one gifted to me. Kept it as it was a gift but didn't like using it, just felt awkward. Finally got past the guilt and sold it. I hope the next guy is happy with it.
joel63
Well-known member
You need one.
joel63
Well-known member
NGL. I like all of them. I got my first one when they first came out.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
Be careful, they are addicting! 
PowrKraftsman
Active member
- Joined
- May 12, 2024
- Messages
- 38
I’ve not used a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver. I like my MegaPro (automotive version with standard bits). It has very low backdrag but the bit storage makes the handle annoyingly bulky. I’m intrigued by the silent mechanisms that are supposed to have super-low backdrag used by Rollgear, Gedore, and Hazet and would like to try one of those.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Is there any wiggle between the shank and the handle? That's what I like best about my Williams is there's no wiggle at all. It's solid.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
The back drag on the roll gear is crazy low. I mean it's slower than the LTT. But there's no place to store anything in the handle. But wow it's amazing from that perspective. Made in Canada I think. I too would like to try the others but I don't have one so... But if you live in the middle of Ohio, I have a roll gear you can try
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I don't keep any bits stored in the handle of my Williams. I can't stand the bits rattling around as I turn the handle. Rattles my nerves.
If you want one with bit storage in the handle, you have a few options:
Gedore 3031691
Hazet 810R-3
Rolgear SDR14
Wow! Thats some collection! Which style is your favorite??Be careful, they are addicting!