How often do you use your Ratcheting Screwdrivers?

[uart]

I've got a handful of bit drivers that have come with various bit sets that I've bought over the years, but I seldom use them for driving screws as I mostly prefer conventional "fixed" screwdrivers. So usually I only use them for the occasional special types or sizes that I don't have in a fixed driver.

The other day however I had a bunch of PH2's to drive in a really awkward spot, all a tight fit and all about two inches to drive. Because of the awkward location I had to twist and contort into a really uncomfortable position, and using one hand to brace myself, could only just get access to the screw with the other hand. I tried but couldn't get enough purchase on them to use a powered driver, but I could manage (albeit slowly) with my regular PH2 driver.

I could have got the job done with the fixed driver but it was slow and agonizing. So I switched to a ratcheting bit driver and couldn't believe how much easier it made it. Just the fact that once I eventually got the driver into the awkward position and got a good grip, that I could just hold that grip/position without having to release it until the screw was done, it made all the difference.

All I can say is wow, after that experience I'd definitely say that a ratchet screwdriver is something every toolbox needs. I cant believe that I've had this tool for years (bought it for the bit set that it came with) and only used it for the first time now.

 

[MoToys]

Definitely not something I grab for every use but it has it's place and gets used at least once a day. I find it's best for work that really needs 3 hands or cylindrical lock installation (makes putting a double cylinder deadbolt together a breeze.)

 

[davesnothere]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19712&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

 

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

I bought a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver set about 10 years ago when I started as a tech. The set was $60 I think. Its been my go to tool for auto and house work for the last 10 years. I take it with me on vacation. If we go out on our old boat, its with me.

 

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19712&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Damn you.

I didn't know that existed. I have a crappy Blue Point one that is smaller. It only frustrates me to use it. This one actually looks useful.

 

[metaleltr]

I have a Snap-On one in my tool set a school. It typically only gets used if I need to use bits from the accompanying bit set. It's a nice screwdriver, but I just don't drive that many screws.

This set with case of bits
Snap-On Ratcheting Screwdriver

 

[MoToys]

Damn you.

I didn't know that existed. I have a crappy Blue Point one that is smaller. It only frustrates me to use it. This one actually looks useful.

It is but it has a pretty large head as far as ratcheting bit drivers go.

 

[crewchief888]

i rarely use one at work, i have a long t handle set with bits.

at home a SO ratcheting screwdriver is the one i usually grab for "round the house" stuff.

 

[BUCKNERBUCK2]

It is but it has a pretty large head as far as ratcheting bit drivers go.

Yeah its one of the tools I would spend a chunk of money on and never use it. I have a few ways of low profile screw access, the blue point one just flips between Off-On when you try to use it. Very frustrating.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

It's my go to Phillips. It's tedious working with one hand. Ratcheting eliminates the need for using my off hand to support the driver.

re: large head
Yup, there are times I cannot use it because the shaft it too big to fit into the given space. I go to a standard screw driver then

 

[MoToys]

Yeah its one of the tools I would spend a chunk of money on and never use it. I have a few ways of low profile screw access, the blue point one just flips between Off-On when you try to use it. Very frustrating.

I drink as much kool-aid as the next guy but this one is way more useful, and you get more for your money.
http://www.wera.de/catalog_de.html?L=1&file=/en/ratchets_the_wera_bit_ratchet.html

Of course I have both.

 

[tbobbo]

I have the snap on that has the removable shank and i use it everyday. I have a few different shanks and it gets used everyday. I love the 1/4 socket shank, I gave all my nutdrivers away because of it.

 

[Vvmvbb]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19712&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Look at the size of that noggin!

I have this VIM HBR5 and like it a lot:

http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-hbr5.aspx

No excess material to get in then way. Made in Taiwan, but great quality. Plus it's almost free.

 

[Scout Driver]

I use mine when doing interior work or electrical work. Here in the rust-belt, a regular driver is usually needed to crack screw loose that are exposed to the elements.

Scott

 

[audiocrazy25]

Use mine more than my fixed set.

 

[Obie]

Actually replaced all my Craftsman Professional screwdrivers at work with a Mac 49pc. Ratcheting Screwdriver set (SPMR49B). I'm not happy that it's an import, but I got over it when I handled it on the truck. It's kind of funny that of the very few import (asian) tools I own, most are Mac. Very nice driver though, and a good selection of bits.

 

[sdguy55]

Very rarely do i come across the need for a scredriver as of right now but you have to have a set because every mechanic needs a set in his box. I have the snapon ones like listed above and i also have a cheapo 40 piece fixed screwdriver set. I find that if im in a tightspot for a screw (like dash speakers) i find it way more comfy and easier just to use a 1/4 drive ratchet and socket with bit

 

[BobsurUncle]

I use mine everyday. I have two tools I carry with me all day for 8 hours. My red and black Snap On ratchet screwdriver with #20 torx, and a 32oz Snap On dead blow mallet.

The only time it failed was when l drop it 15' and exploded the guts out of it. Found the parts, put it back together and it's been just fine. That was 2 years ago.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I like my ratchet screwdriver for times when i have to be away from the shop. it has a variety of bits that i might need without having to go back for another driver. I've got the standard 8'' and one that is ~22'' with a red hard handle.

Snap On Ratcheting Screwdriver

 

[bsaint]

I used it a lot when I worked on Japanese equipment. Now Im back working on italian equipment and they use all hex so I just use my hex keys.

 

[bgott]

I use mine fairly frequently. I use 'em for my torx bits. It's easier to carry the ratcheting screwdriver set to a job to match up bits than it would be to carry three or four torx drivers.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Mine are my go to drivers most of the time.

 

[Sam B]

Honestly, almost never nowadays I used to all the time, but once I got my cordless screwdriver, the ratcheting almost never gets used...

 

[canuckian]

Use mine quite frequently but if I'm working on anything with more than a dozen or so fasteners, the cordless gets the nod.

 

[Wrenchette]

I used to use mine a lot...But I lost it somehow at Budget Wrench in Belton last week, still pissed at myself about it. Was an SO Dale Earnhardt edition that I'd had for over 15 years, someone had a good day because I sure didn't have a good one as far as tools were concerned...Lost the screwdriver with a Mac bit, broke my T40 Mac tamperproof bit getting a Tuned Port Injection unit for one of my trucks, broke a 10MM flex head GearWrench... But that's the breaks...Literally!

 

[bibman]

Daily, I have an orange snap-on that I have used for 18yrs...I swear by it. I also have a few craftsman I use. I wish I still had the one that had silent ratchet mechanism... not sure how it worked but would feel no resistance when ratcheting.

 

[illmatyk]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...=19712&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

Look at the size of that noggin!

I have this VIM HBR5 and like it a lot:

http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-hbr5.aspx

No excess material to get in then way. Made in Taiwan, but great quality. Plus it's almost free.

I need one of those 2! Would definitely come in handy when doing front shocks on GX470's!

 

[Brucegbombara]

Why do the older SO ratcheting screwdrivers have dents in the shank at the bottom where the bits go? Anyone notice that? I have several old and new and all the old ones have the same marks.

 

[Steevo]

I don't have one. I have given several as gifts, including GJ SS last year, but don't own one myself.

 

[shoturtle]

I have them for work, but I rarely use them. The motion is a bit awkward. But at times they do come in handy.

 

[canuckian]

Why do the older SO ratcheting screwdrivers have dents in the shank at the bottom where the bits go? Anyone notice that? I have several old and new and all the old ones have the same marks.

Just a wild guess but id imagine it was part of the manufacturing process. Can't think of any way that little mark would help in using the screwdriver.

 

[bgott]

Why do the older SO ratcheting screwdrivers have dents in the shank at the bottom where the bits go? Anyone notice that? I have several old and new and all the old ones have the same marks.

About half way down? It looks like a squeeze point to retain the magnet.

 

[magova1104]

I have a Snap on ratcheting with removable shank. I ordered a special case from Chicago Case Company. I have phillips, flat,torx,magnetic bit holder, 1/4 drive socket extension, angle bit driver, etc, In addition with some other tools in that case. Its about 12"x8"x2:. With that case, I can take a car bumper and headlight assemblies out, remove fenders,dashes, install a sound and security systems,home electrical and more, thanks to the RATCHETING SCREWDRIVER.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I have a Snapon stubby and standard ratcheting screwdriver and I never use them I prefer my Snapon screw gun

 

[scott917]

My very first Snap On tool I purchased was a ratcheting screwdriver. It has a neon green handle and I got it in a promotional thing with a insulated mug with a Snap On calendar ******* it. This would be the Summer of '90? I still have the screwdriver and the mug, never used the mug. I don't have the original box it came in, or i would put them back together and put them on a shelf. It is my favorite go-to driver when I need one. I have since bought a new one in orange and am planning on retiring my green one. It is still in mint(ish) condition, but I thought I would give it a rest and use my new one that I plan to beat to hell.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I really like the few different sized ones my grandfather has with the bits in the top of the handle. My uncle bought me a red handled craftsman one for christmas and i use it a lot at work. I somewhat like it better than the snapon one in terms of smoothness and comfort, but i dont like how you store the bits.

 

[wreckercologist]

I use the hell out of mine, but they are T handles.

I swapped the shanks between these two, as that better suits my needs:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=hand&Group_ID=681985&store=snapon-store

While not exactly screwdrivers, I do use them with bit holders some.

This is my second one of these:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675084&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Worth every dollar.

I have one of these at home (model# WRST4). It is the same as the one above, but lacks the knurl on the shank:


http://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/DSN/wwwsnaponindustrialbrandscom/Content/PDF/SNCAT1_289.pdf

Disassemble, relube with Lubriplate #105, and reassemble.