Interchangable bit screwdrivers vs. Regular screwdrivers

[techincollege]

The title pretty much says it all, which do you prefer regular screwdrivers or a screwdriver with interchangeable bits and why or do you like to have both?

 

[canuckian]

if the task is to simply insert or remove a few screws, I prefer a ratcheting bit holding screwriver. If the screw is in some sort of hole or tight spot, I'll pick a regular screwdriver. if there are a lot of screws involved such as when I'm assembling something, i'll opt for a cordless driver.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Snap_on ratcheting screwdriver/bit driver here (well--several of them). LOL

If you work with a LOT of fasteners daily, I prefer the ratcheting for ease of use and speed, and the bits due to the fact that over time they do indeed wear out and are consumeables and thus replaceable (and far easier to replace than warrantying each screwdriver itself). It's also nice to have a large variety of bits as that precludes the need to carry multiple sets of various drivers ( flat blade, phillips, torx, etc.)all with handles thus repetitive. The magnetic bit holder tips also hold screws so that is a big plus too.

The drawback to bit drivers is there are many places where the bit driver shanks are too wide to reach into areas such as recessed screws or a lot of recessed or hard to reach fasteners on automobiles.

Thus, you really do need both.

 

[jeffmoss26]

Pretty much what the other guys said. For example, I love my Klein 5 in 1 but it won't fit in the recesses of a Dell computer case to install a fan. Need a long phillips for that.

 

[Jim85IROC]

I never really found a bit screwdriver that I liked. They seemed to be more trouble than they were worth, but maybe that's because I always had cheap ones. What I do really like though, is my Stanley 6-way screwdriver that's got a pair of phillips bits on one end and slotted on the other. For in the house where I don't want a pile of tools, this one screwdriver winds up being really handy, and seems to put up with the same amount of abuse that my conventional screwdrivers can handle.

 

[tyndall]

Regular for me. Bit/ratcheting drivers are all too heavy and loose.

 

[bacpacker]

I agree that both are needed. But I do like my Klein 11 in 1. I do want to get a set or the Wera drivers.

 

[Outlawmws]

Standard drivers for the most part, I have both ratcheting and non ratcheting (as well as Yankee drivers), but the non ratcheting are generally regulated to the road box, and for those times when I have a remote job and don't know what I might get into; then I take the non ratcheting and a 50 piece bit set I have in a blow mold case that's about 25 years old, but still complete. Probably 85% original as I replace as they break or wear out. (Drills are the worst for breaking...)

 

[Stuey]

I prefer regular screwdrivers, but bit drivers are more economical and usually more portable.

 

[Fordman7795]

Flat/phillips regular screwdrivers
Interchangeable bit driver for torx, clutch, security etc

 

[nw2571]

I take a bit holder if I'm going to the job... house, attic, etc where I don't want to carry a bunch of tools or make trips back to the garage.

If I'm working out of the toolbox, I'll generally go for the fixed blade drivers.