richfinn
Well-known member
I bought a P B Swiss Insider (comes with 10 bits in a holder that stores inside the handle) after I finally wore out my old 1990 Snap On hard handle, both good tools but I wouldn't pay full price for a Snap On again.
Why do I want a snap on ratcheting screwdriver?
- Thread starter joedodge
- Start date
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
That's why I considered trying to find someone that could print a bit holder for me.
No 3d printer for me
Last edited:
Storage of bits in the handle is half the attraction. With an assortment of hollow ground flat, torx, and hex bits in the handle, it makes a super handy driver to throw in the range box or hunting bag for field repairs.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I really think the only difference between the Williams and the Snap-On is the knurling, but I got to say that knurling is a really big deal. Is it a $40 or $50 big deal? You know if you use it a lot, it makes a huge difference when you are like starting a screw maybe.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I use these here:
580 Series (37 Hole) Hex Bit Organizers
580 Series (37 Hole) Hex Bit Organizers: This bit organizer will hold (37) of your most frequently used Hex Bits in a small space. Jobs in tight spots can be accomplished quickly and easily. Plastic molded with a magnetic backing. Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 1 Available in the following (10) colors...
mechanicstimesavers.com
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I have a bunch like that with magnets attached to all of my tool Chests however many of those there are.I use these here:
580 Series (37 Hole) Hex Bit Organizers
580 Series (37 Hole) Hex Bit Organizers: This bit organizer will hold (37) of your most frequently used Hex Bits in a small space. Jobs in tight spots can be accomplished quickly and easily. Plastic molded with a magnetic backing. Dimensions: 7 x 1 x 1 Available in the following (10) colors...
I want one that fits in the handle of the Williams screwdriver
But I love those by the way
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Yes, exactly like that.
Now I just need to find someone with a 3D printer and print like three of them.
I keep thinking I should get a 3D printer but then I need a place to put it. But stuff like this is the reason I want it.
I hear you on that!
Also, bear in mind there is a Williams-specific version if you scroll down, I may have
mixed up which one you have/want
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
I kind of need one of each... I noticed there was a comment on them.
I was really surprised. I did not realize there was a difference on the inside.
I saved the link so if I find someone who has a printer that'll print one for me...
What's that skinny little orange one in the top middle between the red one and the orange T-handle? Part number? Thanks!Be careful, they are addicting!
Looks like it might be the SSDMRM
Carguy99
Well-known member
I have one used it every day for years. my wrist started to hurt. saw the doctor and he sent me to PT. the nice lady PT person asked me what did and the tools I use. she said she sees a lot of people who have this issue using ratchets and screwdrivers. learned a different way to work. never had another problem unless I forget to take it easy on my wrist... it will remind me if I do.
Basskiller
Well-known member
Of the 2 the Gearwrench gets more work than the Snap On. Mostly because the Gearwrench goes into my portable equipment and when I go into the box I just assume grab 
a regular screwdriver.
a regular screwdriver.Kurt4440
Well-known member
I had the same thought.Of the 2 the Gearwrench gets more work than the Snap On. Mostly because the Gearwrench goes into my portable equipment and when I go into the box I just assume grab
The Gearwrench sets are convenient. I purchased a few sets at Sears when they were on sale for about $16.
The Snap-on screwdriver and case were a gift from a friend. I added the bits and L- key.
Last edited:
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I have the standard one.
It's not a go-to tool for me. (Pic Quick gets that nod.) Tends to be the peculiar jobs needing a long shaft and finesse, and the fact is uses the stubby hex bits which is the most common config of the weird screw patterns.
Rolgear makes a ratcheting one more like the Pic Quic.
Garagebound1
Well-known member
If you have a problem then so do I, I have eight of them. I carried one in my pocket for work and carried adapter to run sockets. With one of those and a pair of needle nose I could fix almost everything I worked on. Have a long and short hard handled in work truck, garage, house and personal car. They're the best
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Why would I want a ratcheting screwdriver when I can get an electric one from Vessel or Milwaukee that's about the same size but turns the screw for me?
www.milwaukeetool.com
4-volt quarter inch screwdriver
The new screwdriver offers improved torque control during repetitive applications.
www.milwaukeetool.com
cody1325
Well-known member
I was stupid enough to order the Williams from my local Applied branch instead of online. Welp, it's past a year later--still no driver. I had planned to order one from Zoro, Suncoast, or other reliable online sosurces, but never did. This past winter, I got the Craftsman V-Series one (a rebrand of Facom's ATCL.2) and love it. It has two six-bit magazines (one slotted/Phillips, the other Slotted/Torx), plus two reversible fixed-shank bits (Phillips and slotted).
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
For some very delicate things, I absolutely do not want mechanical assist ; for example, I was putting together an appliance and the other end of the screw was biting into plastic. And sometimes there isn't a lot of room to get anything other than just the driver in.Why would I want a ratcheting screwdriver when I can get an electric one from Vessel or Milwaukee that's about the same size but turns the screw for me?
4-volt quarter inch screwdriver
The new screwdriver offers improved torque control during repetitive applications.
PowrKraftsman
Active member
- Joined
- May 12, 2024
- Messages
- 38
One of my main gripes with some of the ratcheting screwdrivers that have bit storage is that the enlarged handles make them too bulky and clunky, for me anyway. So I might actually prefer to get one of the cheaper ones that doesn’t have bit storage. I pretty much always use mine at home with bits at the ready so I don’t need to have them onboard.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
In the shop I use power tools as much as possible, including a couple of cordless screwdrivers.Why would I want a ratcheting screwdriver when I can get an electric one from Vessel or Milwaukee that's about the same size but turns the screw for me?
4-volt quarter inch screwdriver
The new screwdriver offers improved torque control during repetitive applications.
In my travel box, I don't bring any cordless tools. If it is more than a minor repair, it will go to the shop.
yjWrangler
Well-known member
I've got a stubby and an older hard handle style one and honestly never use them
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
I agree, and I have the Gedore, and for me it's not great in this regard - the non-bit holding version fits my hand much better.
The PB Swiss Insider Pros (6510 R-100 and 6510 R-30) are the best I've found if keeping the handle manageable is a priority. They squeeze 10 bits in a handle that is just about the same size as their normal drivers. Pricey, but we are in a Snap-On thread, after all.
The bit magazine mechanism doesn't feel the sturdiest to me, but I'm a hobbyist, not a pro. As with all PB Swiss ratcheting drivers, lockup is among the best I've handled, but the backdrag is higher than ideal. Always a trade-off with ratcheting drivers between backdrag, preferred direction of mechanism (I like Snap-On and Wera 838 RA-R M, which go in the direction you're driving), comfort, durability, tightness of lockup, number of bits stored, shaft length and whether they're replaceable, strength of magnet, tooth count, form factor (standard, stubby, t-handle, pistol grip) etc, etc.
PowrKraftsman
Active member
- Joined
- May 12, 2024
- Messages
- 38
While I value compactness, the main criteria in a ratcheting screwdriver for me is low backdrag and, because I’ve heard that the PB Swiss isn’t great in that regard, I’ve never really considered it. The backdrag factor is what has me intrigued with the Rollgear type options. Of course, I really don’t need another ratcheting screwdriver. Haha
It's ok, you're in a safe space here - I didn't need another ratcheting screwdriver at least half a dozen ratcheting screwdrivers ago.
Gedore 3031918 may be the best option for you. Best pricing I was able to find when I was looking was Zoro with a 20% coupon
Edit to provide some content relevant to the OP of this thread - Gearwrench has made a few sets with replaceable shanks that fit the Snap-On handles. In my experience, the Gearwrench shanks are a bit thicker than equivalent Snap-On and are a snug fit, but it's a cost-effective option if you want the flexibility without paying ~$25-30 per shank.
Last edited:
rlitman
Well-known member
My oldest Snap On hard handle ratcheting drivers (a stubby, a regular and a long handle) all have [slightly] less backdrag than the Rolgear, but only because I've used them as fidget spinners. With a lot of use, the ratcheting mechanisms loosen up, and my stubby will easily keep turning well past 360 degrees after I flick it. The Rolgear still wins on backlash though, because it has a finer "click" than the Snap On.
My not-yet-broken-in warranty replacement Snap On, and all my Instinct handle ratchets aren't nearly as loose, even though they almost all have the same ratcheting innards (same as the Williams and the Brownells Magna too; though the Instinct has a rubber part that drags). I have two of the 5-angle Instinct handle models, and these have a different (and I feel better) ratcheting mechanism. But I don't use them much because of the extra weight and handle weirdness. Most of the time when I need the kind of torque that the angle handle helps with, I'm using an impact anyway.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
Does it wiggle if you hold it by the handle and shake the shank in mid air?
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Look at LTT (Linux Tech...) that is very low backdrag
PowrKraftsman
Active member
- Joined
- May 12, 2024
- Messages
- 38
Because of the high cost and the non-standard bits, and because I already have the Megapro that it’s based on, I’ll pass on the LTT. The backdrag on the Megapro is impressively low. With respect to the Rollgear type mechanisms, I think I’m just more intrigued than anything. Definitely not a need, but the relatively affordable price of the ones available without bit storage has put it on my “maybe” list.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Have you ever passed into the middle of Ohio? Hit me up. You can give it a try.
I use the LTT specifically for computer stuff
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
swsman
Well-known member
I thought about getting one recently when I purchased pliers off a truck, decided to stick with my Megapro for now.
Like most on here I do not reach for it often, my PB Swiss screwdrivers are my go to.
There have been a few times where the ratchet function made it just the right tool, why it has earned its place in my toolbox.
My wandering eye has me looking at Vessel ball grip, as it is sort of two screwdrivers in one.
Basically a ratcheting stubby. Have not commited yet.
Like most on here I do not reach for it often, my PB Swiss screwdrivers are my go to.
There have been a few times where the ratchet function made it just the right tool, why it has earned its place in my toolbox.
My wandering eye has me looking at Vessel ball grip, as it is sort of two screwdrivers in one.
Basically a ratcheting stubby. Have not commited yet.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
You see, that would drive me nuts. The original Snap-on hard handle ratcheting screwdriver was like that. The other thing that bothered me was the round gasket between the handle and the cap. The edges of the gasket would catch my hand. My Williams is solid with no wiggle and the gasket doesn't poke me.
Last edited:
JerseyBoatBuilder
Well-known member
I like the Snap On stubby with interchangeable shanks best
milky2k
Well-known member
I have two SO hard handle ratcheting screwdrivers and a Williams driver. I prefer the Williams because I prefer the triangular grip and the lower price. I just wish it wouldn’t roll around so much. I thought the triangular body would help keep it from rolling around but it doesn’t.