ratcheting screwdriver help

[hossmwp]

Hello everyone, I did a search and only found one thread which I wish i would have found a few weeks ago.

Today I took delivery of a matco ratcheting screwdriver set. The biggest one they have with the stubby and standard handles along with a large amount of attachments. I 100% agree with the thread about them from a while back with it feeling sloppy. The shanks actually wobble around in the handle making it nearly impossible to do any precise work such as start a small screw.

I am pretty sure I am going to return this. I couldnt find a definitive answer on the Snap On version. To all of you out there that have them especially those that have the ability to change the shanks do they wobble?

One more question do all of the Snap On models have the ability to change the shank to a longer or shorter one if so desired?

Thanks in advance.

 

[J.A.F.E.]

Hello everyone, I did a search and only found one thread which I wish i would have found a few weeks ago.

Today I took delivery of a matco ratcheting screwdriver set. The biggest one they have with the stubby and standard handles along with a large amount of attachments. I 100% agree with the thread about them from a while back with it feeling sloppy. The shanks actually wobble around in the handle making it nearly impossible to do any precise work such as start a small screw.

I am pretty sure I am going to return this. I couldnt find a definitive answer on the Snap On version. To all of you out there that have them especially those that have the ability to change the shanks do they wobble?

One more question do all of the Snap On models have the ability to change the shank to a longer or shorter one if so desired?

Thanks in advance.

The hard handle SO ratheting drivers have the shanks fixed and cannot be removed.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=706&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=702&store=snapon-store


The soft handled ratcheting drivers all have removable shanks

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=13203&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=13205&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=19796&store=snapon-store

I have the 5 position softhandle (last link) and two of the plastic handle drivers and one of the T handle (first and second links). They all have some play. SO does make a miniature version which may be appropriate for your needs they call a miniature driver

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=19846&store=snapon-store

I have no experience with these.

Funny you should ask as I was just thinking about posting a review of these.

~Steve

 

[elect]

I have the 5 way and stubby as well as the long shank and 1/4 driver doesn't really wobble.Have the hard handle stubby t and it has a little wobble (not noticeable until I looked for it)

 

[zuspiel]

I have the 5 way and the regular SO. Both interchangeable shafts. I first got the 5 way since I thought it would be more universally useful. It's a great screwdriver but sometimes the wobble in the HANDLE really bothers me. It's also fairly easy to push the "twist" handle by accident and then your screwdrivers isn't straight anymore.

elect, how much play is in the handle of your 5 way? Is there something wrong with mine?

The regular one obviously doesn't have that issue. I like them both and don't think they have excessive play in the shaft. The ratcheting mechanism is smooth and changing the direction is really easy without changing your grip or using a second hand. You just flip it with your thumb.