Driver reccomendation?

mdoenar1 · Mar 4, 2016

Non-ratcheting magnetic 1/4" screwdriver. Still around?

Hello everyone, i am new to the forum. Never knew there was a forum related to tool. So glad to have came upon this. Now a little back story. My dad is a retired mechanic, but still works on cars of family members in my garage. He recently lost one of his tools. It was a 1/4" driver. I dont know if thats what you call it or not. Basically it was a screwdriver with changeable magnetic bits. He says he paid about $50 about 30 years ago. He no longer has access to the snap-on tool truck that used to come by his shop. and refuses to buy big name store brands.

Since his birthday is coming up, i thought about buying him a new one. Cost is of no concern. I just want to get him the best there is. Most of his tools are all over 20 years old, and consist of MAC and Snap-On, minus a few here and there. Also, im not looking for a ratcheting driver.

Any suggestions?

Update:

Since Snap-On doesnt make this anymore, i have moved my look to other companies.

Im looking for the best of the best of non-ratcheting magnetic 1/4" screwdriver.

four.cycle · Mar 4, 2016

prepare yourself for nine hundred different recommendations.

my nice one is a ratcheting model - an old Herbrand. I have a cheapie Craftsman, but I certainly wouldn't call it "the best". I have a Lisle also - it's so-so okay. probably a couple others I forgot about.

if all of his stuff is Snap-on or Mac, I'd say flag down a Snap-on truck - probably be your best choice.

welcome to the site.

mdoenar1 · Mar 4, 2016

Yes, i am sure i will get a lot of different responses from different experiences. Its just that i dont know whats brands are making quality stuff now. I tried searching the forums, and it looks like different manufacturers are known for different tools. I wish i can track down a snap-on truck, but with my work schedule, i dont get home till after 7. its hard trying to track those trucks at those times. Ive kept my eye out for them.

TK-421 · Mar 4, 2016

See if you can use google to find old snap-on catalogs and try to find out the model number of the one he had, and then hunt through classifieds, pawn shops, eBay, etc. to find him an exact replacement.

Another idea, if he's okay with a new replacement, is e-mail/call snap-on and see if they'll ship one to your door.

Adam.C · Mar 4, 2016

My guess is this

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675083&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

is the tool your Dad lost. p/n SSDMR4B.Its the only tool I can think of that I would both mourn the loss of and that would have been $50 30 years ago. (Its $65 now).

There is also a new soft grip model that he may like. It has interchangeable shanks which is nice, and the grip is bigger and softer. If your Dad has any arthritis, he may appreciate the new model. If money were truly no object and he was my Dad, I'd buy him both models. Color match the handles to his other tools, what he used to have, or pick his favorite.

mdoenar1 · Mar 4, 2016

Adam.C said:
My guess is this

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675083&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

is the tool your Dad lost. p/n SSDMR4B.Its the only tool I can think of that I would both mourn the loss of and that would have been $50 30 years ago. (Its $65 now).

There is also a new soft grip model that he may like. It has interchangeable shanks which is nice, and the grip is bigger and softer. If your Dad has any arthritis, he may appreciate the new model. If money were truly no object and he was my Dad, I'd buy him both models. Color match the handles to his other tools, what he used to have, or pick his favorite.

that looks very similar minus the ratcheting. His tool was non-ratcheting. He doesnt think the ratcheting ones are as strong. Maybe the new ones are, i dont know.

zkling · Mar 4, 2016

Check out Wiha, very nice. You can get the regular shaft, stubby and T all for about the same price of just the snap on regular.

notlob · Mar 4, 2016

Here's a couple Snap-on options:

https://store.snapon.com/Reversible-Blade-Screwdriver-and-Sets-5pc-Reversible-Blade-Screwdriver-Set-P646029.aspx

https://store.snapon.com/Reversible-Blade-Screwdriver-and-Sets-7pc-Reversible-Blade-Screwdriver-Set-P646028.aspx

I'd get him the ratcheting hard handle linked in post 5. It's a really nice tool and plenty durable - been using mine for over 25 years.

eentzel · Mar 4, 2016

I really like my Felo 32348:

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/bit-holder-screwdriver-1-4-x-4-2-component-handle-felo-32348/

Nice handle, very strong magnet, non ratcheting. Does he need to replace the bits as well or just the handle?

BMack37 · Mar 4, 2016

I like Felo and Wera but I'd imagine your Dad would prefer the most similar to what he had so I'd say go with the Snap On.

You'd probably never get him to try a ratcheting screwdriver, hard to break old habits and people generally hate change more and more as they grow older.

mdoenar1 · Mar 4, 2016

eentzel said:
I really like my Felo 32348:

http://www.carbideprocessors.com/bit-holder-screwdriver-1-4-x-4-2-component-handle-felo-32348/

Nice handle, very strong magnet, non ratcheting. Does he need to replace the bits as well or just the handle?

His bits are fine, but i was thinking i would buy a few bits in common size. I heard Apex has quality bits.

Yes ive tried telling him about ratcheting drivers, but insists, he doesnt want it.

i came across this while surfing the forum and absorbing all this information.

I read alot of good stuff about PB Swiss tools.

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Classic-Handle-Magnetic-Driver-for-1-4-Screwdriver-Bits-186-M.htm

or

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/SwissGrip-Driver-for-1-4-Screwdriver-Bits-8451.htm

with the 2nd one, i can get the magnetic extension

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/1-4-Magnetic-Bit-Extension-with-retaining-ring-75mm-long-450-M.htm

havent ended my search yet, till i find the quality tool im looking for.

shockwave · Mar 4, 2016

Sounds like a ratcheting screwdriver is what you are looking for there are plenty on eBay for decent prices and colors too

mdoenar1 · Mar 4, 2016

Adam.C said:
My guess is this

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675083&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

is the tool your Dad lost. p/n SSDMR4B.Its the only tool I can think of that I would both mourn the loss of and that would have been $50 30 years ago. (Its $65 now).

There is also a new soft grip model that he may like. It has interchangeable shanks which is nice, and the grip is bigger and softer. If your Dad has any arthritis, he may appreciate the new model. If money were truly no object and he was my Dad, I'd buy him both models. Color match the handles to his other tools, what he used to have, or pick his favorite.

thats exactly what im looking for but non-ratcheting.

plinker · Mar 4, 2016

I dont think the make a non ratcheting bit driver anymore. They do have a 4 in 1 type hard handle screwdriver last I knew, not sure of the part number.

FWIW, the ratcheting screwdriver has a very strong mechanism and does have a fixed non ratcheting position.

T45 · Mar 4, 2016

T45 · Mar 4, 2016

There are some for sale on e-bay, but the even-older style handle ($40/90 with bits)

(p/n is SDDM41 or earlier SSDM41, howver, so need to look at each listing)

mdoenar1 · Mar 5, 2016

T45 said:

ah ha, this is what it was. Except a lime greenish color

Mohawk Dave · Mar 5, 2016

mdoenar1 said:
ah ha, this is what it was. Except a lime greenish color

That's hard to find...

Here's a great option. Snap On SGDQ6 The shaft extends. (Made by Wera or Wiha. I forget)

https://store.snapon.com/Pop-up-Scr...-up-Screwdriver-and-Diamond-Bits-P650177.aspx

I have one. Super comfy.

bmwpowere36m3 · Mar 5, 2016

Another recommendation for SO's ratcheting driver as in post #5

Have one for over 20 yrs going strong… awesome tool with the beloved SO black hard handle. It has two ratchet settings and a fixed one (can work like a regular screwdriver). Extra bits are held in the handle (end of handle screws off).

Hyde7278@yahoo.com · Mar 5, 2016

Here's the green one

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675083&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Since you can use it as ratcheting or non ratcheting it's the best of both world and one he uses the ratcheting option he will prob wonder why he didn't get one before. Just as strong as what he had and its lifetime warranty just In case it does break.

And it's on sale.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=744568&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

And here's the matching bit case with bits

mdoenar1 · Mar 5, 2016

So i was talking to my dad today, just trying to get an idea of his mindset. I kindly mentioned they have new snap-ons ratcheting drivers. Before i could finish my sentence, he was no-no-no, and continued on how he doesnt like those at all.

So now ive given up on Snap-On since they dont make those anymore.

What other manufacturers are there that make that tool, it seems like everyone is making ratcheting drivers these days.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

mires · Mar 5, 2016

This Wiha is pretty nice.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001IDJ8OC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Buster21 · Mar 5, 2016

I'm not a fan of the ratcheting ones either. Here are some of the one's I have, I'm guessing the one you want is like my Snap On, I also have Craftsman and Klein. I actually think I like the Klein the best. I got it at Home Depot and it came with a bit assortment. Good luck in you quest.

plinker · Mar 5, 2016

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-32510-Screwdriver-Tamperproof/dp/B0018BS7GY/ref=sr_1_74?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457234226&sr=1-74-spons&keywords=1%2F4+screwdriver+klein&psc=1

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-J9300MS-4-Inch-Magnetic-Screwdriver/dp/B003TT2JIK/ref=sr_1_119?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1457233982&sr=1-119&keywords=1%2F4+screwdriver

Here's a couple at Amazon.

mikebaker1129 · Mar 6, 2016

SK makes a non ratcheting model with bits.
http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/screwdrivers-combination.html

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