Looking for Snap on Ratchet screwdriver Alternative

[techgeek1998]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and don't know anything about cars but I love building computers. The Snap On brand ratchet screwdriver is the perfect screwdriver for computers in my opinion but its way too expensive. I've looked at the Williams brand version and a similar Bahco version. I really find the ability to store screws inside the handle and the grippy texture on the shaft of the screwdriver important wasn was wondering if anyone knew of any affordable alternatives to the Snap On ratchet screwdriver

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-Screwdriver-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Standard-Orange-8-3-4--P634146.aspx

 

[Jarhead0408]

You can't store screws in this one, but it'll hold quite a few bits.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VJY1FQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[blackwire]

This set includes a ratcheting screwdriver and has specialized bits for working on electronics.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008HYVG6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

One problem with ratcheting screwdrivers is they are sometimes too large to fit in recessed spaces, so it make sense to keep a few regular screwdrivers around.

 

[gdocktor3]

Husky makes a nice one. I have the Williams and Husky. They're both good, only the Williams bits are better. There are a few threads on here about the Husky version and everyone seems to like them. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-15-Piece-236360150/204364647

 

[ADSR]

rolgear

 

[redvalkyrie]

The Vessel unit is quite nice and has all of the bits you could want. I believe they are now available on Amazon.

 

[mrborohachi]

Loves Kobalt double drive screwdriver.

 

[Wamsutta]

Expensive, but will never get digested in a stomach or burned up in the combustion process of an engine. In our daily lives, we spend most of our money on consumables. Snap-on is there forever.

 

[bsg1]

I've paid as low as $4.00 for a Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver at the swap meet twice. one was quite used and the ratcheting mechanism was smooth as butter. I had to replace the end cap that was missing on that one. the other was another $4.00 and was a new condition green/black 5 position ratcheting screwdriver. I have several other examples of the Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver that I've paid up to $30 for in new condition from the same swap meet (with Snap-on bits). as for swap meet treasure hunting, the early bird gets the worm as long as he knows it's a worm he's looking at. do your homework in advance and give it a go, and go regularly if you want optimal results.

if swap meets and other outdoor venues are not doable for you, consider ebay for your purchase. some amount of patience and tenacity will yield a successful purchase whether it be a swap meet or online auction site.

 

[joseywales]

When I discovered my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver had broken, I was recently on the same quest. I bought many, thinking I'd keep one. However, I can't seem to return any of these:

Williams - probably at the top of my return list. They have to make Snap-on, because other than the knurled shaft (on the SO), it a dead copy.
Husky - good unit and too inexpensive to worry about returning. Great bang for the buck!
Mega-pro - very nice. Storage is great. Price is good. Might be my top choice
Rolgear. - smooooth brother.

I'm not a Snap-on hater, in fact, I just bought their pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver, thinking I might like the angled grip- jury is still out. But I'd buy two of any of the above ratcheting screwdrivers before another Snap-on.

 

[rlitman]

Husky makes a nice one. I have the Williams and Husky. They're both good, only the Williams bits are better. There are a few threads on here about the Husky version and everyone seems to like them. http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-15-Piece-236360150/204364647

The Williams has the same parts as the Snap On.

The Husky uses the same parts as the red handled Craftsman (that I have). That screwdriver is actually really nice for its price. But the ratcheting mechanism works in reverse from the Snap On, so it drives me nuts.

I have a Kobalt that predates the Gear Wrench ratcheting screwdriver, though clearly came from the same manufacturer. It is REALLY close to the Snap On design, with the interchangeable shanks that even interchange with the Snap On, but it too has the reversed selector.

rolgear

Have you ever dropped yours?

I used to have a roller ratcheting screwdriver that was my absolute favorite. It was smooth as glass, spun nimbly, and could take all the torque I could muster. It came cheap, from a counter display, and when it broke from a short fall onto a concrete floor, I was devastated that I could not replace it. The fatal flaw was that only a few plastic pieces connected the front of the roller cage to the back, and when they snapped, the whole thing fell apart.

I have heard so many good things about the Rolgear, but I have this nagging (hopefully unsubstantiated) fear that it suffers from the same flaw.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

Get the williams. Its identical to the Snap-on, and made at the same plant. The back-swing is important, and many of these others have a stiff back-swing. In fact the only thing better than a new williams would be a nicely broken-in Snap-on off ebay.

 

[fatfillup]

Yes the Snappy is expensive but oh they work so nice. I tend to be pretty frugal but if I didn't have access to used tools, I would pop for a new one.

 

[ocloc24]

You said yourself you don't work on cars or anything so you only have use for a small handful of tools. Most of us have thousands and thousands in tools, it's one screwdriver that you'll get tons of use, for a lifetime. Why not invest in something worthwhile? EBay is the price is really that big of a deal breaker

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[canuckian]

I'd splurge and spend the extra $20 or so if it got me the "perfect screwdriver" over the cheaper alternatives.
Funny thing is, I'm about as big of a fan of Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers as you'll find (I have....um...a few) and I rarely use one when assembling or working on computer components (part of my day job). Normally I end up using a standard non-ratcheting screwdriver or an electronics screwdriver. To be fair though, I'll use anything on a computer from a butter knife to an impact gun with a bit socket if it'll fit and it's all I have at my disposal.

 

[Brownsfan]

I like the Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver set at Sears. Has t-handle and a conventional. And different shanks and bits as well as sockets. It's a great tool at a good price.
http://m.kmart.com/gearwrench-56-pc-ratcheting-screwdriver-set/p-00944013000P

 

[Michael_in_DE]

when I did IT, I loved my motorized screw driver. Todays offerings from Milwaukee and Dewalt are even better.

 

[Flinter987]

I like my Mac.
http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Screw...4-Hex-Mac-Grip-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Bit-Driver

 

[Cope]

My Snap-on is roughly 35 years old. It is my go to Phillips when working on a car interior. I rarely use the other bits. It has a feature that I don't think the Williams has; a knurled shaft.

 

[Michael_in_DE]

My Snap-on is roughly 35 years old. It is my go to Phillips when working on a car interior. I rarely use the other bits. It has a feature that I don't think the Williams has; a knurled shaft.

Excellent point. And it is important. But I will say that I don't feel modern knurling is as good as it used to be. I add grip tape to my socket extensions. I guess you could add it to the willams too.

 

[Jsf721]

Williams is the closest, really close (no knurled shaft) , but nothing beats the snap on for quality and feel.

I have both, and depending on where is am going is what I take. At home or in the shop, Sanp on all the time.

Williams 8.5/10

Snap on 10/10

Husky (6/10) bits stay in screw not in the driver tip. also the 2 above a magnetic, this is not.

 

[davethorik]

The Williams WRS-1 doesn't have a knurled shank and the handle is shaped differently than Snap-on. Other than that, they are identical, although the Williams doesn't come with a P3 bit and the Snap-on does. People that say the Snap-on is better just want to justify the money they paid for it.

 

[kythri]

Gotta give a huge thumbs-up to the Williams.

If you shop around, you can find rebrands of the Williams for cheaper.

My local New Holland dealer can get them for $25.50 each.

I know you can buy a Case IH branded one for around the same price ($25-$30).

If you don't mind the Cat logo, you can get what appears to be a Snap-on (not Williams) built driver for about $60 - it appears to have a quad-lobe handle (instead of the tri-lobe handle the Williams has) and a knurled shaft:

https://parts.cat.com/en/petersonmachinery/9U-7291

 

[steveo3002]

ive had my snap on about 28 years and its one tool i would have to replace if it went missing , gets used alot and is a pleasure to use

while some of the snap on stuff is hard to justify buying , i fully recommend the screwdriver with a case

 

[egdede]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-P...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

i really like this one, but no bit storage.

 

[ADSR]

Have you ever dropped yours?

yeah, a few times. I'm pretty hard on tools and it's been pretty solid. They do come with a lifetime warranty. Did they not cover you?

 

[rlitman]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/CRAFTSMAN-P...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649

i really like this one, but no bit storage.

I have two of those. One has a storage handle.

 

[rlitman]

yeah, a few times. I'm pretty hard on tools and it's been pretty solid. They do come with a lifetime warranty. Did they not cover you?

Mine was dropped many times too. It only failed when dropped directly on the point. But mine was a no-name, no warranty.

 

[bleomycin]

Is someone a fan of Linus tech tips ? He's been using the snap-on ratcheting screwdriver for years, even seems to travel with it. Anyways, I'm sort of in agreement with a lot of others here, IF budget permits buy something nice, it'll put a smile on your face every time you use it. I've been in IT a long time as well. My favorites for this kind of work are:

PB Swiss Insider 3 ratchet Really nice, probably not worth the money if budget is a big factor.

SwissGrip #2 (non ratcheting)

Milwaukee M12 Screwdriver Love this thing.

I'm sure the snap-on/Williams is great too. I personally lean on the milwaukee by far the most, the clutch can be set delicate enough to work on just about any IT related device. 2nd option is the standard #2 phillips with long blade for those hard to reach areas in a case or where clearance is an issue. 3rd is the ratcheting screwdriver.

 

[f_jimenez]

Rolgear. I second that.

 

[ChevyEFI]

There are a few clones, reading through threads on here will tell you more. I think Caterpilar, Case, and a couple others are options. Usually bland colored hard handles.

Working with computers may lead you to consider: the original hard handle Snap-On versions, which had a locking washer holding the shaft in, used a stainless shaft. Later versions,especially the comfort grip handles with readily interchangeable shafts used chrome regular steel shafts.

Whether that helps you avoid magnetism, I don't know.

 

[mmason7764]

Tried many this past few years. The Megapro ratcheting is the best for me.

For electronics I use Klein screwdrivers. They make a wide size range including regular, small, and instrument. Never know when you're going to need a #1 Phillips with a 10 inch shaft.

For tight places without a straight in access the Lang ratcheting bit drivers are sweet.

Mark

 

[visionguru]

Hello all. I'm new to this forum and don't know anything about cars but I love building computers. The Snap On brand ratchet screwdriver is the perfect screwdriver for computers in my opinion but its way too expensive. I've looked at the Williams brand version and a similar Bahco version. I really find the ability to store screws inside the handle and the grippy texture on the shaft of the screwdriver important wasn was wondering if anyone knew of any affordable alternatives to the Snap On ratchet screwdriver

https://store.snapon.com/Standard-Handle-Screwdriver-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Standard-Orange-8-3-4--P634146.aspx

Not so.

Snap On tools are mostly geared towards mechanics, by whom high torque/strength are often valued. Computer screws (even the case screws) don't need or can withstand much torque at all.

I've built my own servers/computers since the 90s, until a couple of years ago. I don't think that Snap On screw driver is any good for computer use: Too bulky. You will find the handle and shaft too thick. Also, computer screws are mostly #1 Philips and smaller, #0 is the most used if I remember correctly. For most screws, a couple of turns is all that's needed, a regular screw driver works better than ratcheting because the screw is so loose, often not enough drag to allow ratcheting.

For building computers, you rarely need anything more than #0, #1 Philips. The Snap-On is not the right tool. It's like bringing a 1/2" dr socket/ratchet to work on a 6mm fastener, too much.

 

[rlitman]

...Working with computers may lead you to consider: the original hard handle Snap-On versions, which had a locking washer holding the shaft in, used a stainless shaft. Later versions,especially the comfort grip handles with readily interchangeable shafts used chrome regular steel shafts.

Whether that helps you avoid magnetism, I don't know.

Where'd you get that idea? I've got at least half a dozen of each, and they ALL have stainless shafts. They also all have a magnet pressed into the tip, so they're ALL magnetic. Also, a magnet small enough to be safely held is absolutely safe around computer equipment.

The only shafts made by Snap On for the Instinct ratcheting screwdriver with the interchangeable shafts that were not stainless were the insulated (fiberglass), and the flexible (spring wire) shafts. All the solid metal shafts I am aware of from Snap On are stainless.

Did you perhaps buy a used set filled in with GearWrench or Kobalt shafts? Those fit (and look a lot like) the Snap On, but are chromed.

 

[rlitman]

Not so.

Snap On tools are mostly geared towards mechanics, by whom high torque/strength are often valued. Computer screws (even the case screws) don't need or can withstand much torque at all.

I've built my own servers/computers since the 90s, until a couple of years ago. I don't think that Snap On screw driver is any good for computer use: Too bulky. You will find the handle and shaft too thick. Also, computer screws are mostly #1 Philips and smaller, #0 is the most used if I remember correctly. For most screws, a couple of turns is all that's needed, a regular screw driver works better than ratcheting because the screw is so loose, often not enough drag to allow ratcheting.

For building computers, you rarely need anything more than #0, #1 Philips. The Snap-On is not the right tool. It's like bringing a 1/2" dr socket/ratchet to work on a 6mm fastener, too much.

I've only been building computers for over 30 years, so take this with a grain of salt. I can't say the need for a #0 Philips comes up much more than once every few months. #1 is pretty common, as is #2, though torx is much more common among the manufacturers I use most, and my Snap On driver was my absolute favorite when I was in the field doing computer and printer service. I would NEVER be found without it. The Instinct model with the removable shanks is great for the smaller screws too. If you're working on a T8 for example, you can spin the shank in your fingers with the handle removed.

Now if you're talking cell phone repair, then yeah, you'll want something smaller, and should be looking at Wiha.

 

[Banjorear]

The SO ratcheting screw driver may be the tool I use the most in my shop. I've had mine for about 30 years. Only thing that has happened to it is the selector ring has a crack/chip it in from being drop. I just haven't ever exchanged it for a replacement.

One of the best and well worth the price IMHO.

 

[jeffmoss26]

There is no alternative. Pretty soon you will be hooked and start collecting them. Ask me how I know...

 

[3baygarage]

There is no alternative. Pretty soon you will be hooked and start collecting them. Ask me how I know...

Go for a new or lightly used Snap On off eBay. They are my go to, particularly for Phillips screws.

I love the knurled shank as I do with extensions. It makes a difference.

 

[kythri]

I don't do nearly as much computer/electronics repair work today as I did a decade or two ago, but I certainly use one of my New Holland-branded Williams when I do, and wish I had discovered them a decade or two ago.

They're most certainly not too large for anything I do now, or did in the past, and like rlitman said, the magnet is not an issue.

 

[visionguru]

I've only been building computers for over 30 years, so take this with a grain of salt. I can't say the need for a #0 Philips comes up much more than once every few months. #1 is pretty common, as is #2, though torx is much more common among the manufacturers I use most, and my Snap On driver was my absolute favorite when I was in the field doing computer and printer service. I would NEVER be found without it. The Instinct model with the removable shanks is great for the smaller screws too. If you're working on a T8 for example, you can spin the shank in your fingers with the handle removed.

Now if you're talking cell phone repair, then yeah, you'll want something smaller, and should be looking at Wiha.

These are some of the left over screws from my computer building. For my last two computers, I bought full aluminium modular cases, which use thumb screws everywhere (like the one to the right most), including motherboard extension boards. A screwdrive is needed for motherboard mounting, hard drive mounting only. #0, #1 are both fine.

.

For laptops, #0, #00 seem the most used.

I've yet seen the use of #2. I have 3 ratcheting screwdrivers, never used on a computer. Well, I was just a hobbyist that wanted to have the latest and fastest game setup from 1995 to 2015. I still think for a hobbyist like myself, #0, #1 seem enough for desktop computers. Look at the length of those screws, ratcheting? for how many turns?

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