Wera 838 RA-L ratcheting screwdriver

[SixThirtyTwo]

Is this a good ratcheting screwdriver? Or is there another (preferably less expensive) driver I should consider?

I'm not familiar with Wera's naming convention. I assume the following is true:

RA = ratcheting
L = large

I don't know what the numeric component denotes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DYP63RX1?tag=atomicindus08-20

One requirement is that it's compatible with the standard one-inch hex bits that I already own. I also don't like the type with a hollow-handle bit reservoirs.

I might just get a cheap ratcheting driver and put the money toward some high quality regular screwdrivers. Wera's Lasertip look interesting. Is there a basic set one of you might recommend that consists of the most "useful" (subjective) sizes to start with? Not precision drivers, as I already have plenty of those.

I'll try to clarify tomorrow if anyone takes the time to reply and the above was unclear.

 

[lu787a]

The recently released Klein Racheting Bit Holder has good reviews. The bit holder supposedly is compatible with almost all 1/4 hex bits and has little play. I'm not a big fan of the Wera Rapidaptor, I think the bits have too much slop in them.

https://www.amazon.com/32960ARCHT-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Quick-Release-Double-Ended/dp/B0GYFVRYMP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[YesIHaveAHammer]

The M size one is good. Good size for the pouch set it came in, but a little on the small size for self tappers sometimes.

One requirement is that it's compatible with the standard one-inch hex bits that I already own

It will be, but you'll be aware of the limitations of no shaft and short bits. My set came with their 89mm long bits.

 

[BWWgarage]

The recently released Klein Racheting Bit Holder has good reviews. The bit holder supposedly is compatible with almost all 1/4 hex bits and has little play. I'm not a big fan of the Wera Rapidaptor, I think the bits have too much slop in them.

https://www.amazon.com/32960ARCHT-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Quick-Release-Double-Ended/dp/B0GYFVRYMP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Just grabbed the Klein and really like it (used yesterday). Not compatible with 1” bits tho.

 

[Dave455]

Wera offer quite a lot of bit drivers that accept those “E6” style bits.

Not a bad idea, as the bits (particularly the longer ones) are fairly readily available, and the Wera bits are quite good quality.

The main issue with all of the current Wera drivers is their handles. The soft inserts I find simply awful in any “real world” situation. In any automotive application they pick up grease, then grit, and they are horrible to use. Difficult / impossible to clean too.

Even in a relatively clean environment, such as woodworking, I find that the handles get dirty and unpleasant to use. And over time the soft pads seem to decay and fragment.

Shame, as the Wera blades are really very durable, but I just can’t recommend the drivers overall.

 

[BWWgarage]

The snap on gets reviewed well. Williams could
Be the same and is only $40.

 

[bonneyman]

I recommend you give the EASYDRIVER a shot. I've been using one for years (still have my first one!) and it's never caused me a problem. Ball shape gives me good grip (especially helpful of late with arthritis), made of LEXAN so it's shock resistant, and has various attachments that allow bits, sockets, or normal screwdriver usage.
I tend to accumulate them.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

To those who've taken the time to respond, I appreciate the suggestions and feedback I've received.

The snap on gets reviewed well. Williams could
Be the same and is only $40.

I've thought about that. I could get it for about $35 from Zoro with a coupon, which at this point is decidedly more probable than purchasing the Wera from the title. I'd just store the bits externally, which is my preference anyhow. I'm skeptical that there's anything special about it, even if it is identical to the Snap-On, but I haven't written it off.

I've temporarily shifted my attention to upgrading my general-purpose household screwdrivers. I've got plenty of respectable quality bit sets, but most of my individual screwdrivers aren't great. Because I've got a couple dozen receptacles and some light fixtures that need replacement, I've been looking at sets by Klein. I recently bought the Klein Tools 250th Edition Screwdriver Set from Lowe's, which was probably a bad idea, because most sets will result in duplicates.

Hmm... I bet there might even be one or two screwdriver threads in the GJ forums already. Nah.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

The main issue with all of the current Wera drivers is their handles. The soft inserts I find simply awful in any “real world” situation. In any automotive application they pick up grease, then grit, and they are horrible to use. Difficult / impossible to clean too.

Even in a relatively clean environment, such as woodworking, I find that the handles get dirty and unpleasant to use. And over time the soft pads seem to decay and fragment.

I've seen many comments here expressing a distaste for Wera's handles, but none quite so detailed. Coupled with the high prices in the U.S., incomprehensible naming schemes, and (to me) obnoxious marketing, I think I have enough reasons to consider alternative screwdriver brands.

 

[CGarage]

Vessel ratcheting screwdriver with internal bit magazine in the handle is my favorite. The handle is clear plastic. It has the best mechanism and I think it superior to Snap-On. My only gripe is the shaft is a little short in length.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

Vessel ratcheting screwdriver with internal bit magazine in the handle is my favorite. The handle is clear plastic. It has the best mechanism and I think it superior to Snap-On. My only gripe is the shaft is a little short in length.

Vessel Tools TD6808TX CRYSTALINE Ratchet Screwdriver with Insert Bits, 8 Pc.

Buy Vessel Tools TD6808TX CRYSTALINE Ratchet Screwdriver with Insert Bits, 8 Pc. with fast shipping and top-rated customer service Haus of Tools is your home for Tools

hausoftools.com

Is this the one you're referring to?

I don't know the best place(s) to order Vessel tools. The one above is inexpensive and shipping is supposedly free. Is that a trustworthy site?

Are Amazon's international sites (e.g., amazon.co.{,uk,de,jp}) still a good way to save money on (some) tool brands? The price in my cart didn't look too good on Amazon Germany when I last checked, but I never made to the checkout screen.

 

[CGarage]

I have bought several off of Amazon US for under $25 USD. I think one purchase was around $18 USD. IIRC.

Look up Vessel TD-6800.

There are a few different models offered by Vessel that come with different bits. The top of the line model comes with a red bit magazine with typical Philips and flat/chisel bits, and a green bit magazine with Torx bits (going off of memory).

There is also a stubby/shorty as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

@SixThirtyTwo
Is your intended use for a ratcheting screwdriver general purpose or application specific?
A little more detail might help with recommendations. Also it seems budget may matter?
There are a lot of good quality ones on the market, and while most of them would be okay for multiple tasks, some have features that may make them better for an individuals needs.

Regarding Wera, they have a huge variety of options. I generally like their products but I do keep them away from solvents that can damage the handles. At the same time, if tools are used, they will get dirty and rusty. I don't lose any sleep over it.

 

[lu787a]

Some folks complain about Haus of Tools, but I have had zero issues with them. I make sure to only order items that are in stock (see
image). If it says extended handling needed, I look elsewhere.

 

[Dave455]

I've seen many comments here expressing a distaste for Wera's handles, but none quite so detailed. Coupled with the high prices in the U.S., incomprehensible naming schemes, and (to me) obnoxious marketing, I think I have enough reasons to consider alternative screwdriver brands.

Some people seem to really hate the shape of the handle. Personally, I don’t mind it. I think it just depends on your hands.

But the soft inserts just don’t work. I overcame my prejudices and bought a couple with stainless steel blades. Superb blades. Maybe the best of the stainless. Great for any outdoor work, or poor fitting screw recesses that would damage plating.

But even reserved for clean work the handles get grubby, and the inserts just won’t wipe clean.

I’ve got mixed views about the Wiha handles, but they are considerably better. And of course both are mid price drivers in their own countries. I wouldn’t pay any sort of premium for either.

 

[CGarage]

Some people seem to really hate the shape of the handle. Personally, I don’t mind it. I think it just depends on your hands.

But the soft inserts just don’t work. I overcame my prejudices and bought a couple with stainless steel blades. Superb blades. Maybe the best of the stainless. Great for any outdoor work, or poor fitting screw recesses that would damage plating.

But even reserved for clean work the handles get grubby, and the inserts just won’t wipe clean.

I’ve got mixed views about the Wiha handles, but they are considerably better. And of course both are mid price drivers in their own countries. I wouldn’t pay any sort of premium for either.

Very well said. I like the stainless Wera blades and laser cut tips. The handles are just okay.
I have Torx sets of Wera also.

I have a set of Wiha screwdrivers, too. The precision electronics tools I like, but I reach for Vessel first. The Wiha standard “shop” screwdrivers seem to survive on “made in Germany” prestige in the U.S. market. But I don’t think they are anything special.

 

[bonneyman]

OP, I'd be willing to send you one of my spare EASYDRIVERS - en gratis. If you like it, keep it and use it. If not, pass it on. I'm confident you'll appreciate the grip and the torque ability.
I just picked up a NOS one in pristine condition. I can assemble my best bits and bobs for it and package it all up. Let me know.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Vessel ratcheting screwdriver with internal bit magazine in the handle is my favorite. The handle is clear plastic. It has the best mechanism and I think it superior to Snap-On. My only gripe is the shaft is a little short in length.

These are made in Thailand

 

[CGarage]

That is the first time I have ever seen an orange one!

 

[Ohio Andy]

That is the first time I have ever seen an orange one!

Red, green, and orange

VESSEL TD-6808MG Ratchet Screwdriver (with 8 Bits) - Amazon.com

VESSEL TD-6808MG Ratchet Screwdriver (with 8 Bits) - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

Different bits in each color

 

[cbracer]

The Wera stainless bits are awesome! I have this set and purchased the other stainless bits not in the set. I generally do not like the Wera screwdriver handle shape, except for this particular size that's included in the kit. For some reason I like it. But every other size of Wera handles I don't like.

Wera - 5071117001 Kraftform Kompakt 60, Imperial, 17-Piece Set: Screwdriver Bits: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

Wera - 5071117001 Kraftform Kompakt 60, Imperial, 17-Piece Set: Screwdriver Bits: Amazon.com: Tools & Home Improvement

www.amazon.com

I have the non ratcheting Klein driver bit holder and it's really solid with zero play with any bit. Surprisingly nice. Have not bought the ratchet version yet.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

I became side-tracked looking for a decent regular screwdriver set that covers the most common U.S. household screws, particularly electrical: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...l-ratcheting-screwdriver.558925/post-11685238

I ended up buying the following set:

Screwdriver Set, Multi-Application, 8-Piece - 85078 | Klein Tools

The 8 piece screwdriver set features a general purpose selection of the most frequently used screwdrivers. Tip-Ident® quickly identifies the screwdriver type and tip orientation. Internal flanges inside handle provide solid, twist-resistant blade anchor. The tips are precision-machined for the...

www.kleintools.com

Returning the choice of ratcheting screwdrivers, I just ordered this variant of the Vessel ratcheting screwdriver:

Vessel Tools TD6816MG CRYSTALINE Ratchet Screwdriver with Insert Bits, 16 Pc.

Buy Vessel Tools TD6816MG CRYSTALINE Ratchet Screwdriver with Insert Bits, 16 Pc. with fast shipping and top-rated customer service Haus of Tools is your home for Tools

hausoftools.com

It was $21.86 with free shipping, which was close in price to the other models but came with two separate loaded bit magazines: Even ignoring the extra bits, of which I have plenty, the extra magazine could come in handy in the event the original one breaks.

It was more expensive on Amazon, and as a rule I don't buy from 3rd-party marketplace sellers unless I'm familiar with the seller (e.g., the seller is well-known, reputable, and also the manufacturer).

I was a little uncomfortable ordering from hausoftools.com, but the free shipping was too compelling.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

Some folks complain about Haus of Tools, but I have had zero issues with them. I make sure to only order items that are in stock (see
image). If it says extended handling needed, I look elsewhere.

Thanks for the tip. I confirmed the above before placing my order.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

I won't spam this thread with ongoing updates, but thought I'd mention that Haus of Tools sent me a USPS tracking link yesterday not long after I placed the order, so I guess that's a good sign.

 

[SixThirtyTwo]

Received the screwdriver via USPS Ground Advantage on Saturday. That was awfully fast considering it was shipped from the opposite coast.

The bits are all marked with the words "MADE IN JAPAN". They fit securely in the shaft with very little play, as did the couple of other random bits I had nearby. I'm glad I got the model with the extra magazine, because the driver feels more balanced with the added weight from the bits stored in the handle. They don't rattle around either due to the design, which also prevents the cap from spinning. This is better explained by the pictures.

The ratcheting action feels smooth and it's easy to switch settings. Under usual circumstances, I think I will keep the seldom/least used bits stored in the handle, and use a separate bit holder for the more commonly used ones. There are two reasons: one of them is for easier identification of the bits, whose identities can be difficult to quickly discern without good lighting.

Where can I buy empty bit storage strips? Ideally the material would be somewhat flexible (not rubber) and hug the bits securely, and also include a magnet at the bottom. Something like that would be useful to me for more than just the eight bits in relation to this screwdriver.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to this thread. At just over $20, this was one of those rare buys that left me feeling like I got more than what I paid for.