Channellock/Megapro Ratcheting Screwdriver

[Stuey]

Full Channellock 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver Review (via TG)

I received two new Channellock ratcheting screwdrivers last week, a 13-in-1 and an 18-in-1 of a different design. The 13-in-1 is ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC!

Summary:

*fine-tooth mechanism
*precise ratchet direction switch
*very comfortable handle
*did I mention the handle's super comfy to hold!
*decent bit selection, additional bits likely available elsewhere

*The only con is that it doesn't come with an adapter that you can use regular 1/4" hex insert bits with.

Taking a look at the driver, you can see that Channellock and Megapro's drivers are obviously made by the same company (Megapro?).

Again, if you want the full review & pics: Channellock 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver Review (via TG)

Quick overview, and yes I know that I need more practice talking slowly while showing something, I don't make very good videos (yet).
<iframe width="560" height="345" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/NB4wVIjtzgo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[tyndall]

*The only con is that it doesn't come with an adapter that you can use regular 1/4" hex insert bits with.

Megapro has a identical looking version that takes 1/4" bits. Channellock doesn't carry both?

 

[jjjrmx5]

If it doesn't use std 1/4" bits, than what does it use?

5/16" or some type or proprietory set-up?

 

[Stuey]

Megapro has a identical looking version that takes 1/4" bits. Channellock doesn't carry both?

No, at least not right now.

If it doesn't use std 1/4" bits, than what does it use?

5/16" or some type or proprietory set-up?

6 double-ended 1/4" bits with ball detents. Megapro sells replacements and I believe they can be found elsewhere as well.

 

[3 at 8]

Thanks for the review. Never heard of Megapro untill this writing. Looks to be nice. Wanting to buy my first ratcheting driver I was contemplating the williams, ( I think its a SO copy or similar); any input on how the Megapro would would compare to it. Thanks.

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

 

[smogtech]

theres also the gearwrench one. Same one snap-on and matco sells.

for the same price as channel lock but so much more, but I might spring for the channellock one because of of how much it offers in such a compact space, saves a lot of room in tool box
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944013000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=30&blockType=G30

 

[Stuey]

Thanks for the review. Never heard of Megapro untill this writing. Looks to be nice. Wanting to buy my first ratcheting driver I was contemplating the williams, ( I think its a SO copy or similar); any input on how the Megapro would would compare to it. Thanks.

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

I haven't tried the Williams, so I can't really comment. I am also of the camp that one can never have too many multi-bit or ratcheting screwdrivers.

theres also the gearwrench one. Same one snap-on and matco sells.

for the same price as channel lock but so much more, but I might spring for the channellock one because of of how much it offers in such a compact space, saves a lot of room in tool box
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944013000P?prdNo=5&blockNo=30&blockType=G30

I have that Gearwrench set, but like the Channellock/Megapro driver a lot more in terms of comfort. The GW set is more flexible, though, and I mainly use it with its T-handle.

 

[superautobacs]

I've been a fan of the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver. It's top class in my books; definitely rate it higher than the Williams/Snap-on versions.

I just browsed through their latest catalog and realized that they now have a compact version of the ratcheting screwdriver, as well as the standard model that takes regular 1/4" bits instead of the double-ended bits.
Check out their latest catalog:http://www.megapro.net/assets/pdf/megaprocatalog.pdf

 

[lbgradwell]

And, even though I have been keeping my eyes open for 2+ years, I have never, ever even seen one of the Megapro ratcheting drivers. No idea where they're selling the things!

 

[Stuey]

I took a couple of photos and added them to the ToolGuyd review for greater clarity.

I like the idea of those compact Megapros, but I doubt they are as comfortable as the full size ones.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Looks nice!

 

[canuckian]

And, even though I have been keeping my eyes open for 2+ years, I have never, ever even seen one of the Megapro ratcheting drivers. No idea where they're selling the things!

here you go...bottom of the page

http://chadstoolbox.com/megapro.aspx

 

[pacsguy]

I have the mega pro ratcheting driver. I keep going to my wera ratcheting driver when I'm working.

 

[pacsguy]

here you go...bottom of the page

http://chadstoolbox.com/megapro.aspx

use coupon code "megapro" for 25% off at chads too on megapro products.

 

[jjjrmx5]

6 double-ended 1/4" bits with ball detents. Megapro sells replacements and I believe they can be found elsewhere as well.

Gotcha.

They are 1/4 bits, but you need the double end with ball detent for it to remain in place.

I;ve got several mom-and-pop hdwre stores locally that sell the double sided bits with the detent as replacements for the std non ratcheting 15 and 1 screwdrivers they move a lot of.

If used regularly or in an industrial setting, the bits are far more pricey than the std. 1/4" single end bits, so while storage in the handle is handy (lol), it may not be ideal for heavy use unless you have access to a cheap bit source is my guess.

To add to this, I've got vehicle disassembly and re-assembly areas with 45 employees that use the Snap-Ons and Williams daily and with few to no problems , but each of us, including myself, has some kind of seperate brand of ratcheting screwdriver sitting in thier box that has just not cut it including the Blue Point units, Kobalt, Craftsman (red hard handle) and Gear Wrench.

Thanks for the review tho. I'll need to track a Channel Lock one down and give it a try.

 

[NWphotog]

I've been a fan of the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver. It's top class in my books; definitely rate it higher than the Williams/Snap-on versions.

I just browsed through their latest catalog and realized that they now have a compact version of the ratcheting screwdriver, as well as the standard model that takes regular 1/4" bits instead of the double-ended bits.
Check out their latest catalog:http://www.megapro.net/assets/pdf/megaprocatalog.pdf

Just ordered one of both based on yours and Stuey's posts.

 

[Danglerb]

I've been thinking about the Titan ratchetless, odd its something I never got around to buying a ratcheting screwdriver, but I have a few ratchet screwdriver like things.

 

[lbgradwell]

here you go...bottom of the page

http://chadstoolbox.com/megapro.aspx

Thanks, but I was hoping for a brick & mortar location so I could play with the thing before buying... Many of the models are carried by numerous retailers locally, but I've yet to encounter the ratcheting model.

Anyone know a location in the GTA?

 

[superautobacs]

I have the mega pro ratcheting driver. I keep going to my wera ratcheting driver when I'm working.

I was gonna say the Wera can't be compared as I had thought that it didn't store any bits, but I was wrong. That's definitely another close contender in the same category then.

What makes you pick the Wera over the Megapro?

I've wondered in the past if that was made in the Czech Republic or not. Did the packaging say anything about the COO?

Just ordered one of both based on yours and Stuey's posts.

I hope you like it as well.


@LG,

I know what you mean. From some reason most places don't carry the ratcheting version.
Have you tried asking them to bring them in? Maybe they are not aware of it?

 

[Monte]

The inventor of Megapro has a german name

 

[Stuey]

Just ordered one of both based on yours and Stuey's posts.

I hope you like it as well. If not, a quick return should fix things, and I'll be curious to hear about whether you find one you like better.

 

[B17E1943]

Not to stray too far off topic, but how well do the ratcheting drivers work in general? I'm sure some are better than others ... I've never tried one.

 

[Stuey]

Not to stray too far off topic, but how well do the ratcheting drivers work in general? I'm sure some are better than others ... I've never tried one.

No problem, you can stray even further and it'll be fine.

In my opinion, they work quite well for repetitive fastening, they're easier on the hands. Yes, you still have to turn the driver back and forth, but there's less adjustment so I can work slower and still be quicker. Plus they allow for slightly improved fastener grip and more control. When I adjust my grip on an ordinary driver after every turn, there's a small chance my angle or pressure will drift, especially if I'm already fatigued.

For quick jobs or fewer fasteners, I find that I use X-in-1 manual screwdrivers and ratcheting screwdrivers about evenly, but I strongly prefer one-piece drivers when available.

 

[Stuey]

Added video to the first post. Not the greatest video, and even sadder is that this was the 3rd or 4th try.

Focusing on talking, showing everything that needs to be showed, and trying to keep things short and to the point without making mistakes is a lot harder than I thought.

 

[B17E1943]

Thanks for the info.

 

[pfbz]

I've been wanting a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver for a while, but have always been put off by the price.

So based on the review and the above comments, I just ordered the MegaPro with standard 1" bits from Chad's...

211R1C36RD 13in1 Ratcheting Automotive Driver. $30.26 shipped with "megapro" coupon code.

The double-sided bit version is 211R2C36RD, and it doesn't look like Chad's carries it, but you can get it for $33 on Amazon.

For my needs, I thin the 1" bit version is a better choice.

211R1C36RD

211R2C36RD

 

[jeffmoss26]

I am looking for a 151ELEC. It looks really nice from their website/catalog!

 

[Stuey]

One of my first reviews was for a Megapro screwdriver (http://toolguyd.com/2008/12/megapro-driver-review/) . It was built well, but I was not fond of the large, hard, and bumpy handle. Ah, that was back in the day, almost 3 years ago.

Anyhow, I didn't see that insert-bit-holding ratcheting screwdriver in the catalog! It looks a lot more attractive than the compact ratcheting driver. Same handle as this one, but w/ insert bits! If I had one of those, I'd load it up with phillips, 1-2 slotted bits, and some metric hex bits.

 

[posaune]

Thanks, but I was hoping for a brick & mortar location so I could play with the thing before buying... Many of the models are carried by numerous retailers locally, but I've yet to encounter the ratcheting model.

Anyone know a location in the GTA?

Aww ****. A few years ago I was in a little hardware store with, iirc, a bunch of Megapro and Picquic drivers. These were all the bigger, bumpy-handled ones but I wonder if they might have the new ones now. I can't remember WHICH store it was though! I *knew* that lead bottom paint on the boat was going to catch up to me at some point.

My best guess right now is the Home Hardware on College just west of Spadina, but that is only a guess at this point - certainly not worth you making a special trip for it. If you're in town though, it might be worth a stop.

 

[Stuey]

Update...

The driver (and the more inexpensive 18-in-1) have just popped up on Amazon. $24 for the 13-in-1 Megapro clone (LINK).

The 18-in-1 (which I'm not a fan of) is $12 and change.

 

[lbgradwell]

My best guess right now is the Home Hardware on College just west of Spadina, but that is only a guess at this point - certainly not worth you making a special trip for it. If you're in town though, it might be worth a stop.

That's funny. As it happens, I have a client who literally lives "around the corner" ~70m from that HH store and I was in there about 2 months ago. They certainly have some older stock - Petersen Vise-Grips, for instance, and old Fuller "Golden Grip" screwdrivers - but I didn't notice any Megapro drivers...

 

[posaune]

That's funny. As it happens, I have a client who literally lives "around the corner" ~70m from that HH store and I was in there about 2 months ago. They certainly have some older stock - Petersen Vise-Grips, for instance, and old Fuller "Golden Grip" screwdrivers - but I didn't notice any Megapro drivers...

Hmm, now it'll really bug me! I'll be back in Toronto for almost a month in October so if I have extra time I'll make it a point to check stores I've been in before. If I find the right one I'll let you know.

 

[pfbz]

Thanks... Just got my Megapro 1" bit model in today from Chad's, really liked it!

So I just ordered the Amazon/Channellock double-sided bit version as well.

 

[SMKS]

If it doesn't use std 1/4" bits, than what does it use?

From looking at the pics, it appears the difference is the length and the ball detent.

It looks like standard 1/4" hex bits would be too short, and there probably isn't a magnet to hold them in place.

 

[Stuey]

From looking at the pics, it appears the difference is the length and the ball detent.

It looks like standard 1/4" hex bits would be too short, and there probably isn't a magnet to hold them in place.

Correct. There's no way to use insert bits or even bit holders at least securely) with the double-bit version of these drivers. Size is an issue, and what it's not, the absence of a ball dent makes longer bits too loose. This is usually the case with non-insert bit multi-bit drivers anyways.