Ratcheting screwdrivers, whats a good one?

[Scotsman1886]

So I'm thinking I "need" a ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. The Snap On gets mentioned alot bu t is there another that might cost a bit less thats still good?

 

[raboyto2]

Iv been using the SO one at work for quote a while.

For at home I've recently purchased this unit. It feels really well made, the ratcheting is nice and crisp and the bit holder is much better than the snap on one. They go for about 33$ here in Canada. Its also made in Canada. (I think its also sold as MegaPro)

http://www.circuittest.com/ct-1050r-13-in-1-multi-bit-ratchet-screwdriver.html

 

[senor fozz]

Williams, just like a ford any color as long as it is black. I would suggest finding on with the handle style you find comfortable and buy the bits you think are the best value for your needs. I mentioned Williams because it is the SO just costs less.

 

[bcradio]

Williams, just like a ford any color as long as it is black. I would suggest finding on with the handle style you find comfortable and buy the bits you think are the best value for your needs. I mentioned Williams because it is the SO just costs less.

2nd this... this is what you are looking for

 

[cburnscrx]

If you're really sold on the whole Snap On thing...get the Williams and save yourself some coin.

I have a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver that I bought used off GJ for $30. It's fine, but nothing to write home about. I wanted one because everybody raved about it and thought I should try it. Nothing special to me though. For $30 I feel I overpaid (no offense to the seller) for what it actually is, and I wouldn't do it again. Now, if I would have spent the $68 they list it for on the Snappy site...I would have been pissed!

 

[Krokodil]

Get the Williams version. Much of a muchness.

 

[Kracin]

So I'm thinking I "need" a ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. The Snap On gets mentioned alot bu t is there another that might cost a bit less thats still good?

a vote for Wera's 27RA same tooth count as the snapon i believe? the bit storage is better and handle better IMHO. and wera is also known for their extremely durable and quality bits. magnet is strong enough to hold itself upside down as well. definitely my favorite

 

[wmartin]

 

[Holt]

I have a bahco one that converts to pistol grip. It's my favorite. 45 on amazon.

 

[matty d]

Excellent question. Im going out to buy this today at Home Depot. It is the #1 rated ratcheting multi-bit screwdriver according to a recent article in Truckin Magazine. They had a whole article about these things, and tested lots of brands including Craftsman, Milluakee (got panned), Harbor Freight etc. etc. etc., This tool looks pretty awesome and gets a 5 star rating amongst consumer reviewers. Only $20.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Socket-Bit-Set-55-Piece-12838/202397605

 

[rsanter]

I have the snap on, craftsman and gear wrench
I like them all but use the snap on the most as I have it
For $30 the craftsman is a bargian

Bob

 

[Vin]

Home Depot has 6 in 1 ratcheting screwdriver with their Christmas stuff for $5. I don't own it, but it looks to be pretty solid. Made in Taiwan.

 

[zkling]

I've done quite a bit of research on this topic in the past few months. Talking to people that have all, some, both, etc. Here is what I deduced.


Williams USA ~$30 shipped, Think I'm going to splurge at christmas for myself on one of these, best "value" all around.
Wera KK27 ~$45 shipped, not COO Germany, IIRC.
Craftsman red handle Taiwan ~$17 on sale, lots of bits
Craftsman soft grip USA ~$25, good usa bits. Was on Sale for $5 a while back and I picked one up. Very happy for $5, but wouldn't pay full price.
Gearwrench kit, Taiwan ~$35, multiple drivers, lots of decent bits, good "kit".
BP swiss, very nice, but very $$.

From another thread

It seems the usual recommended ratcheting are
-Snap on
-Williams (SO OEM?)
-Wera KK27, I really want to try one of these. They just look awesome IMHO.
-PB Swiss
-motion pro

For those of us on a budget
-Craftsman red handle
-Gearwrench kit
-Ivy Classic, though not much info on them.

 

[zkling]

Oooooo. Are those still being produced and sold? I can't seem to find them online, details or price wise

http://www.kell-strom.com/tools/cooper/apex/apexpg10.htm

 

[Harrison2]

I like the gearwrench kit, highly adaptable with all the end that come with it.

 

[Stuey]

Megapro, $25-35.

 

[X1 Mike]

Who is a good supplier for Williams screwdrivers? The only ones I ever find on ebay are the t-handle style. I have had a few of the Snappy ones and no other comes close.

 

[Scotsman1886]

Zking,where can I get the Williams?

 

[Fireball027]

I have 2 snap on soft grip ones and 4 hard handle ones. I absolutley hate using the soft grip ones. If you are determined to get snapon, check out ebay for a decent used one.

Also the Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver is great for the price.

 

[cburnscrx]

Zking,where can I get the Williams?

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NI1LZK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Problem solved

 

[X1 Mike]

Amazon

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002NI1LZK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Problem solved

Not a fan of that handle, I'd like a handle like their regular screwdrivers.

 

[Farmall450]

Williams or SO.

Cman red hard handle taiwan (I think) isn't bad either.

 

[mrborohachi]

Personally I keep in my car a 1/4"dr Snap on hard handle. It has the screw on **** plug that allows for bit storage. I always have a bit socket on it with a Phillips #2 on it and store in the handle a 10mm & 8mm socket. (A garage find that someone left at my house paid $0.00, I'm not a SO snob)

Check out the Lowes/Autozone rathcheting screwdriver. They have the 2x rotational speed when you hold this section on the handle. Can someone chime in on the thread?

 

[Monte]

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have a Matco from 94/95 I do not recall using it much over the years and it is pretty loose and I don’t care for it enough to go through the warranty process. I will probably put it in the flea market stuff come spring.

 

[zkling]

Monte, who do you think is the best source in the US for PB swiss stuff like that ratcheting driver?

 

[Brownsfan]

The Wiliams is almost an exact copy of the snap on. You can even get them in the t-handle in all 3 sizes. I wish I would have known that before I bought the snap ons. Especially since I bought them in black. You can get all 3 sizes for the price of the longest snap on version almost. I use the gearwrench set from sears on the road and they work just fine and doesn't sting as bad if I loose one. If you want the BEST then snap on is your friend. I own a couple snap ons, the red craftsman, gearwrench and a Cornwell and the snap on is best.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I believe that Williams is the OE for Snapon. I bought my ratcheting T Handle screwdriver from MSC or McMaster. It's been a couple years. It is the one that doesn't list brand, just ratcheting screwdriver. I called Cust Serv and they verified the brand That is odd to me to call and ask for a 3/8 ratchet and not know what brand. I suppose on a job site it doesn't matter!
What showed up is a black Williams.
I'm not sure I am crazy about the handle in that Amazon link. Their non ratcheting drivers are the same as Snappy hard handle.

There is one thing I will pay a premium for and it's a snappy ratcheting driver. If Williams had the same handle , I would be all over them!!

 

[wmartin]

Oooooo. Are those still being produced and sold? I can't seem to find them online, details or price wise

http://www.kell-strom.com/tools/cooper/apex/apexpg10.htm

I don't know offhand. I've got three variants of that set somewhere around here, but I haven't bought anything like that in a while.

 

[jnolla]

Damn it. Buying now

 

[bobemmerich]

I have a few...
An Allen brand..

Kobalt from Lowes

Snap-On in red

this set I got from Matco

And a couple cheapies from who knows where.

The Allen is a convenience due to all the bits/sockets in the kit, and the handle bends. I use the Snappy more (convenient), but I like the action on the Kobalt. It seems to have more torque, but it is bulky and more noisy.
The Matco is a good unit with a soft grip, lots of bits and different extensions, but no 1/4 drive sockets with the kit.

Go with either the Snap-on or the matco. I believe the one I have is just a rebadged Gearwrench model.

 

[Slip_Kid]

I have the Snap-On one that works great. I just picked up Milwaukee-10-in-1 from Home depot for $17.00. I like long bits vs the short bits of most drivers.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-10-in-1-Square-Drive-Ratcheting-Multi-Bit-Driver-48-22-2302/204069718#.UrDo3_RUf90

 

[Scout Driver]

Another vote for Snap On. I just picked up a GearWrench with the interchangeable shanks. Looks and feels like a good tool. Looking forward to putting it to work.

Scott

 

[amitchell]

I have the version with the fold out bit crib "Insider 3", it is awesome.

http://www.amazon.com/PB-Swiss-Tools-6510R-100-Insider-3/dp/B008PE1FN4

 

[spike99250]

Epsteins has a Blackhawk ratcheting screwdriver for $6.00. Assembled in USA.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I guess theres a reason the benchmark for lack of better terms is the SO.

I have a Hard Handled, 2 Full Size Comfort Grips and a Comfort Grip Stubby Snappy. I love em all.

I've also got the Kobalt version (sure its a gearwrench as a buddy has a GW and its in the same exact case/packaging/etc) and while mechanically is fine 2 things bug me about it. A) The Selector is reversed and B) The End Cap Retention is major suckage.

 

[Davefr]

For $100 I'd put it on display vs. use it.

 

[ChevyEFI]

http://www.eautotools.com/Skew-Products-SKEPPR-5330-p/skeppr-5330.htm

Looks good.

 

[O RLY]

Love my SO stubby soft grip. Just the right size and fits my hand perfect.

 

[doan]

this is $30 at sears, doesn't get much better.