GearWrench 8940

[Indy125]

Hi Guys,

Is this tool any good? Seems like a rather complete kit for a decent price. Only thing is that is not made in USA, other than that I don't see a downside. Do you guys use a ratchet screwdriver often? Thoughts? Thanks!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HBAHNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[midshipmen89]

I bought that exact set, and loved it for about six months. The variety of shanks is great to have, but the handles started to wear out on me. I picked up a few Snap-on handles to replace them, and the shanks fit nicely.

For the record, I used them on several hundred fasteners a day, five days a week. They would last longer for a home gamer, but if you're going to use them a lot, I can't recommend the Snap-on handles enough.

 

[Fedwrench]

It's a great set but, the amazon price linked is not so nice. Shop around at cripe distributing and others for a better deal piecing the components together.

Mine have served me well for a number of years now. I really like the stubby ratcheting handle. I'm not much of a fan of the flexible extensions though.

 

[48548]

I have that set, got it from ideas on here... never used it 8 years, but I swear I will.....

 

[Wamsutta]

midshipmen89, I'm assuming you mean the ratcheting mechanism inside the handles wear out, correct?

 

[Hammer1963]

Hi Guys,

Is this tool any good? Seems like a rather complete kit for a decent price. Only thing is that is not made in USA, other than that I don't see a downside. Do you guys use a ratchet screwdriver often? Thoughts? Thanks!!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HBAHNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You really can't beat this set. Good quality set to build on. I have used one for several years. Try Advance Auto Parts. They have decent prices on Gearwrench and have good discounts online occasionly

 

[kythri]

Advance wants $111.99 for that set.

Amazon really is the best deal out there, for $62.64, Prime shipped.

Tooltopia appears to be one of the better deals for it, after Amazon - $57.92 + $6.99 shipping (or, pay the exact same, $64.91, "free shipping" from Tooltopia on eBay).

OP: Consider this set:

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-56-...er-set/p-00944013000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

I believe it's a Sears Exclusive, and appears to have most everything the 8490 kit has.

 

[gregpack]

I hope this isn't a thread hijack but like the the OP I too am trying to figure out what to use a ratcheting screwdriver for. I've bought a couple (most recently a rolgear) and they usually end up back in the extra tools bin pretty quickly. To me is seems like a tool without a real purpose as I can drive a screw faster the old fashioned way. Is there an application where they are particularly useful?

 

[kythri]

Admittedly, I don't use my GW ratcheting screwdriver that much, but I can't say enough good things about the Williams ratcheting screwdriver.

I've been buying, repairing/refreshing and flipping several used HP LaserJets recently, and the job is much quicker/easier with my ratcheting driver than a traditional screwdriver.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have that Sears set linked above. It is very handy to have in a mobile service setting. Because it does have a lot different bits. It's a great tool set for $35. I have been using it almost daily since 2012. No issues. And the bits have held up nicely. The only ones I really replaced was the #2 Phillips

 

[Indy125]

Great stuff, thanks for all your input!!

 

[CarsonConcepts]

I have several different sets of the Gearwrench ratcheting screwdrivers & T-Handles. I personally really like them, and they have held up great. Also the Lowe's brand Kobalt shafts and such work with the GW as well.

I hope this isn't a thread hijack but like the the OP I too am trying to figure out what to use a ratcheting screwdriver for.

They are nice for screws that have resistance the whole way out, or times you are running screw after screw in. I tend to use them for suborn fasteners or running things into wood (Where I don't want to use a drill/impact driver). Also they have 1/4" sq. ended shafts as well which lets you use sockets & bit sockets on them as well. I use the T-Handle a lot for this.

 

[buffalobill]

I hope this isn't a thread hijack but like the the OP I too am trying to figure out what to use a ratcheting screwdriver for. I've bought a couple (most recently a rolgear) and they usually end up back in the extra tools bin pretty quickly. To me is seems like a tool without a real purpose as I can drive a screw faster the old fashioned way. Is there an application where they are particularly useful?

Lol, how does your ratcheting screwdriver handicap you? I find it hard to imagine an example of when a standard driver is any faster than my snap on.

 

[JohnDeere1]

I could have bought that same set off ebay for $25 buy it now by I passed I only wanted the shanks because I own 6 Snap on ratcheting screwdrivers just bought one last week for $3.

 

[gregpack]

Lol, how does your ratcheting screwdriver handicap you? I find it hard to imagine an example of when a standard driver is any faster than my snap on.

It could very well be just what I am accustomed to. As a previous poster mentioned I bet they would be useful installing screws in wood. I work in an commercial environment where almost everything is made of stainless steel and never even thought about that application.