How dya like your ratchet screwdriver?

[johnny1290]

I've got an 5 pc set of SO and that killer deal on cman pro screwdrivers (10? I think), and misc. junker/cheapie cman/offbrands.

Now I'm thinking about getting a SO ratcheting screwdriver and calling it a day.

Are they worth it? Do I need one with the box of bits or will the ones that come with it and store in the handle-looks like a #1 and #2 phllips and a slotted. The one I'm interested in has a 5 position handle, which is kinda gimmicky to me but maybe it's great?

Any thoughts? I remember reading here that people liked these, but I did a search and couldn't find a whole lot about them.

Thanks!

 

[chavist93]

I have my regular old orange handle SO ratcheting screwdriver that Ive had for years. I use mine all the time and really like it.

 

[Defender Chassis]

I have my regular old orange handle SO ratcheting screwdriver that Ive had for years. I use mine all the time and really like it.

"""""Ditto"""""

 

[strizzy]

A must have. I have an old four-sided and can't imagine not having it. Im surprised I haven't broke the thing yet, I torque the thing as hard as I can constantly.

My father just picked up one of the new "5 position" ones and I just like it because the shanks are removable. Also the top/lid for the handle can be used as a stubby (insert bit into hole on the bottom of the lid).


I keep an assortment of bits in the handle, but mostly use ACR #2's.

FWIW, I think it would be a tough tie between a 3/8 SO ratchet and a SO ratcheting screwdriver if I were only allowed one SO tool....

 

[wrenchr]

The 5 position handle is good if you are doing alot of assembly work. You will not regret your purchase.

 

[plinker]

The Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers are about the only ones I use.
(I also use the S-O 4pc mini screwdriver set and a Klien 5in1 plus a couple of other misc S-O screwdrivers)

I have two of the plastic handle type and one of the soft grip type with interchangeable blades. The soft grip with all the various blades/shanks
is almost an entire drawer of screwdrivers in a small package.

Only thing I don't like is the 1/4 turn cap on the soft grip, the screw-on caps are better IMO (because they wont dump bit's on the ground).

 

[84TurboBuick]

I have the green handled SO and I love it.

After getting just the driver to start, I eventually picked up the case and the other shanks that go with it. Then after finding a job for which the long handle one was too long, I picked up the stubby one to. Gotta say I love the whole kit, and the case makes everything fit nicely to.

You can buy the just the bit case from SO online, its like 8 bucks or so.I bought one and then filled it with bits I already had laying around.

The small ratchet you see is a SO bit holding ratchet that was a Ebay score a few years ago. Its nice for getting into small places that you need some extra torque.

 

[l_bilyk]

I was looking at getting this set myself

 

[fourfeathers]

I have had all but the newest Snap On, but I prefer the Overdriver from the skewdriver people. Hold the collar, and it will run screws in double-time.

 

[ImportTuner]

I have the black Snap On ratchet screwdriver and I use it all the time; it's my go to screwdriver; I also have the extended shaft version but it is not used that often. Really great screwdrivers ...

I think Wilbilt/wife has the pink one ...

 

[pl_silverado]

I have the Snappy one aswell, but i dont find myself using it that often. I use it mainly when doing interior / car audio work.

 

[ephotrod]

The snap on ratcheting screwdriver is what got me buying snap on. I now own four of them (one in every car). I give them as gifts because if i don't my parents would just steal mine. I have to say these screwdrivers are some of snap on best products they make for the average joe or pro grease monkey.
Josh

 

[Fedwrench]

I prefer the hard plastic ratchet Snap on version. It just feels better in your hand and doesn't stay as dirty as the soft grip versions. The ability to switch different lengths of blades is a nice feature. The Gearwrench model is a little large to me and the ratcheting action isn't as smooth as the Snap on but, you can get them fairly cheap. However, my favorite Snap on screwdriver is the CTS561 7.2 volt cordless screwdriver. It's compact, powerful, the battery charge lasts a long time, and it's great for trim work, under dash stuff, and any other screwing . Ratcheting screwdrivers are good but, I like the speed and only having to press a trigger.

 

[l_bilyk]

Yeah i'm not a pro.. i just do my own stuff on the side. So i can't justify paying the money for SO

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I'm an airline mechanic, in that job, you GOTTA have one. I have a SO black, four sided one with a screw on cap. I work with skydrol hydraulic fluid, it won't melt the nylon of the handle like other brands. I also have an orange handled one at home. Cannot stand the soft grip on anything.

Charles

 

[SuperKid]

I bought a Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver about a year ago. I loved it. I find that I have less hand fatique after screwing in long screws or screws that are a bit rusty and don't want to go in easy. Although, I seem to have misplaced it.

I would like to buy a Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver. I used one once, and it took less effort to make it ratchet and seemed more solid.

 

[eschoendorff]

I'm an airline mechanic, in that job, you GOTTA have one. I have a SO black, four sided one with a screw on cap. I work with skydrol hydraulic fluid, it won't melt the nylon of the handle like other brands. I also have an orange handled one at home. Cannot stand the soft grip on anything.

Charles

I have the same one. It is light years ahead of the Matco-branded GearWrench one that I have, but it also doesn't switch out blades. Oh well....

 

[wilbilt]

I have the black Snap On ratchet screwdriver and I use it all the time; it's my go to screwdriver; I also have the extended shaft version but it is not used that often. Really great screwdrivers ...

I think Wilbilt/wife has the pink one ...

Yep, I bought her this set around 1990. The screwdriver gets used almost daily around the house. I can say it is the best ratcheting screwdriver I have used.

 

[NSXSOON]

I have several SO hard handle ratcheting screwdrivers long, short, stubby etc. but the one I use the most is actually a 1/4" driver that I put a bit adapter on and then load the bit I need for the job. The feel in your hand and the speed is just fantastic. The bonus is that it's also a great 1/4" socket driver (it's original intended use) so it's two tools in one!!!
Here it is in the SO store:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19798&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[Danglerb]

Heavy jobs I always go to my EzDriver, handball sized lexan ball orange on one side and black on the other, you stick the holder in one side for CW and other for CCW ratcheting. The ratcheting action is fine, its never failed me, and it delivers serious torque from the larger grip area.

Part of the Wiha stuff I just bought was their Topra non tooth ratchet drive with a pistol style grip, but I haven't used it yet.

As a general rule now I use a power tool anytime I can.

 

[chad s]

I have the same one. It is light years ahead of the Matco-branded GearWrench one that I have, but it also doesn't switch out blades. Oh well....

The softgrip Snap On ones do switch out the shanks. Its pricy, but its an awsome system. I use mine everday on the job.

 

[wilbilt]

Heavy jobs I always go to my EzDriver, handball sized lexan ball orange on one side and black on the other, you stick the holder in one side for CW and other for CCW ratcheting. The ratcheting action is fine, its never failed me, and it delivers serious torque from the larger grip area.

Is yours an original, or one of the new ones?

The old ones had a great ratchet mechanism. The second-best ratcheting screwdriver ever!

 

[eschoendorff]

I have several SO hard handle ratcheting screwdrivers long, short, stubby etc. but the one I use the most is actually a 1/4" driver that I put a bit adapter on and then load the bit I need for the job. The feel in your hand and the speed is just fantastic. The bonus is that it's also a great 1/4" socket driver (it's original intended use) so it's two tools in one!!!
Here it is in the SO store:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=19798&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Damn, that thing is cool!

 

[martell06]

I noticed there are multiple styles of soft handles. anyone have this one? $20 seems really cheap.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...ryZ43992QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Danglerb]

Is yours an original, or one of the new ones?

The old ones had a great ratchet mechanism. The second-best ratcheting screwdriver ever!

I have two originals, and I continue to poke in toolboxes looking for a miniball they made. I've actually been thinking about making a couple more things to fit in the drive ball, like 1/4 and 3/8 socket holder, maybe couple long holders.

 

[5.0vert]

I have my regular old orange handle SO ratcheting screwdriver that Ive had for years. I use mine all the time and really like it.

I have the same one and love it!

 

[george4]

I noticed there are multiple styles of soft handles. anyone have this one? $20 seems really cheap.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...ryZ43992QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Thanks for the heads up on that. Came in today's mail, brand new.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I bought a Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver about a year ago. I loved it. I find that I have less hand fatique after screwing in long screws or screws that are a bit rusty and don't want to go in easy. Although, I seem to have misplaced it.

I would like to buy a Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver. I used one once, and it took less effort to make it ratchet and seemed more solid.

Is that the red handle $20.00 job that looks like a Snappy?

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have two originals, and I continue to poke in toolboxes looking for a miniball they made. I've actually been thinking about making a couple more things to fit in the drive ball, like 1/4 and 3/8 socket holder, maybe couple long holders.

I have the same one and love it!

I got an ez driver years ago; I guess it was just not for me, I kicked it around for years and ultimately either gave it away or tossed it out. I have never regretted it though, I just never warmed up to it.

 

[CamarosRus]

Where could I buy just the cap for older SO Black Rachet Screwdriver ?????

Thanks

 

[crewchief888]

I'm an airline mechanic, in that job, you GOTTA have one. I have a SO black, four sided one with a screw on cap. I work with skydrol hydraulic fluid, it won't melt the nylon of the handle like other brands. I also have an orange handled one at home. Cannot stand the soft grip on anything.

Charles

i keep a black screwcap version at home for changing out switch and outlet covers, and general home use. i have a long t handle version set in my service truck.
i dont run across very many screws in my line of work, all i ever use is an 1/8" allen bit, 4mm allen and t27 torx, #2 phillips

 

[plinker]

Where could I buy just the cap for older SO Black Rachet Screwdriver ?????

You can order them form S-O website.

SSDMR4A200R, BLACK END CAP
SSDMR4A6J, REVERSE CAP BLACK

 

[manic_mechanic]

My blue Dale Earnhardt edition is pretty much worthless except as a screwdriver now. haha...It's been well used and still is almost daily.

Also have the orange bent handle driver as well.

 

[sr20det]

I have the original 4-sided SO ratcheting screwdriver and couldn't live without it, I have had it since about 2000. My father has one also and his is from about 1988-1990, the plastic is completely smooth and slick as snot.

My brother has the newer kit with the shanks, he also has the T handled drive which is pretty slick, but not used as much as the standard ratcheting screwdriver.