Low profile ratcheting screwdriver

[ajchien]

Wow. On 2 different applications today, I needed to use a P2 screwdriver bit with a 1/4" wrench to remove/install screws because of the tight access.

I have something that looks a lot like one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24pc-Right-...l-Set-Socket-Wrench-7-Extension-/301001492261

And it was too big.

Anyone Got recommendations of something even thinner?

 

[matt stott]

I have the Wera ratcheting bit driver and love it. It looks to be a bit thinner than yours- since the bit goes directly into the ratchet head.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ISLNRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have a much older (and cheaply made) offset- not sure of the brand, it could be craftsman, that is thinner (but not as nice to use):

like this one,but different brand.

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/stanley-supply-services-offset-ratchet-drivers/g/7940

 

[CZ_Greatwrench]

I have a Schroder set and like it alot, I tried finding a link and couldn't find it. Looks like maybe they don't make it anymore...I bought it about 4 years ago.

I did have the Craftsman before, it got the job done but the ratchet handle was too stiff and course for my liking.

 

[Matt_C]

For tight access, I have this set http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=643972&group_ID=680939

And if they are too big, I also have one of these - http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=675011&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog - and put a screwdriver bit in the 1/4" end (and the 5/16" end works great for 8mm driver bits)

 

[nicksnothereman]

Wow. On 2 different applications today, I needed to use a P2 screwdriver bit with a 1/4" wrench to remove/install screws because of the tight access.

I have something that looks a lot like one of these:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/24pc-Right-...l-Set-Socket-Wrench-7-Extension-/301001492261

And it was too big.

Anyone Got recommendations of something even thinner?

If that's too big you probably should be disassembling stuff before you go at it.

You could use a throwaway (i.e. crappy) p2 bit and cut some of the non-driver part off with...whatever (I don't got a torch so maybe a hacksaw?) and that would be lower profile. Also could just try to turn the bit with a pair of pliers (sometimes that can work; vise grip or groove joint would be the goto) instead of using the driver itself. I don't really comment on how other people work, different strokes for different folks but sometimes you need to re-visualize what you're doing to get it done; it can end up being more of a process but it ends up sticking with you if you can shirk the "I need tool x" and focus on the "I have tool x, how do I get it done". Depends on what you got in your arsenal of course and what you're willing to do with it.

 

[CZ_Greatwrench]

Got an great idea!

P2 bit + 1/4 gearwrench +JB weld =
thin offset ratcheting screwdriver

 

[byoungblood]

Gearwrench sells these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But they're a bit pricy (IMHO) for what they do.

This set may be a bit more reasonable since you're getting the adapter, bits, and a 1/2" reversible wrench out of the deal too:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bart1]

Husky unit still available as VIM.

Cut down standard P2 bit.

If that is not low enough, Japanese company Anex has some non ratcheting versions.

 

[Triple macs]

I run into this fairly often. I have both the Stahlwille and Felo bit holding ratchets. I bought the Stahlwille years ago, but now it is stupid expensive. The Felo is a bent handle and the head is smaller. I like and use both. I also use a 1/4 X 5/16 flat ratcheting box wrench and just insert the bit into the 1/4 end when things are really tight. But of course, you have to back up the end of the bit with your finger to make that happen.

 

[dede2897234]

ajchien,

Here is a recent GJ thread about bit ratcheting screwdrivers with many low profile options: LINK.

Snap-on manufactures a 17 piece low profile bit set for $60.50 (with free shipping): LINK. If it is too much money, you can buy the bits (flat, phillips, hex, and torx) individually by clicking on the "Sets/Members" tab.


Dave

 

[ajchien]

Gearwrench sells these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But they're a bit pricy (IMHO) for what they do.

This set may be a bit more reasonable since you're getting the adapter, bits, and a 1/2" reversible wrench out of the deal too:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Ooh. That's neat. I'm going to really consider those. That way I could link up either a flat, offset, or even flex head gearwrench to it.

 

[ajchien]

ajchien,

Here is a recent GJ thread about bit ratcheting screwdrivers with many low profile options: LINK.

Snap-on manufactures a 17 piece low profile bit set for $60.50 (with free shipping): LINK. If it is too much money, you can buy the bits (flat, phillips, hex, and torx) individually by clicking on the "Sets/Members" tab.


Dave

Great links, I've got some comparing to do!

 

[Danglerb]

I have the GW microdriver set, but I'm always looking at neat low profile bit drivers. The GW bit adapters combined with a full set of obstruction wrenches and indexing head wrenches should beat just about anything, so I have those too.

 

[ajchien]

Gearwrench sells these:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But they're a bit pricy (IMHO) for what they do.

This set may be a bit more reasonable since you're getting the adapter, bits, and a 1/2" reversible wrench out of the deal too:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBAI1I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I wound up getting those adapters last week, and used them today to replace a blower motor transistor under dash. Man, it's nice to have air conditioning in the car again.

 

[bonneyman]

Husky unit still available as VIM.

I have the top two wrenches (A Gear Wrench and a Chapman). The offset Gear wrench saved my hide last week on a control module.
Chapman is still made in America, and have nice kits.

http://www.chapmanmfg.com/MasterKit.html

 

[bob15]

The Chapman kit is a very handy kit to have. I would recommend everyone has a set (have two sets myself, one at work and the other at home). It is well worth the money......

 

[jarosz89]

Never had any clearance issues w/ the gearwrench set mentioned above
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062FSAVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bart1]

The Husky/VIM I posted is considerably smaller than the Gearwrench version.

 

[bibman]

Husky unit still available as VIM.

Cut down standard P2 bit.

If that is not low enough, Japanese company Anex has some non ratcheting versions.

I've used all these they work great....just started using this VIM ratchet....very small. No complaints.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y05COI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ChevyEFI]

Kind of off-topic but these looked ultra low profile compared to the options posted so far.
I wonder the OEM.

 

[Dust Devil]

I have this, comes in handy all the time. One flat and two angled one in one out.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=643972&group_ID=680939

I was going to go with the full on ratchet but these are much lower profile.

 

[senlow]

I have this, comes in handy all the time. One flat and two angled one in one out.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=643972&group_ID=680939

I was going to go with the full on ratchet but these are much lower profile.

These are rebranded Lang (Kastar). I think sears also sells these, or did at one time. They are nice little ratchets, and they are made in USA. I use these more often than my Snap-on bit ratchet.

 

[Dust Devil]

I tried to buy the snap bit ratchet the one that is like a t72 head and these are so much lower profile.

The carb plate on FCR carbs commonly found on 450 mx bikes and the intake manifolds on sea doos are 2 places these shine. Many more but these are two standouts.

 

[dede2897234]

Kind of off-topic but these looked ultra low profile compared to the options posted so far.
I wonder the OEM.

Those low profile drivers are made by the Japanese manufacturer Anex. LevelChrome sells the set: LINK.


Dave

 

[bart1]

Kind of off-topic but these looked ultra low profile compared to the options posted so far.
I wonder the OEM.

See the note at the bottom of my initial post. Anex is very familiar looking. COO Japan?

 

[dede2897234]

I tried to buy the snap bit ratchet the one that is like a t72 head and these are so much lower profile.

The carb plate on FCR carbs commonly found on 450 mx bikes and the intake manifolds on sea doos are 2 places these shine. Many more but these are two standouts.

Dust Devil,

Are you talking about Snap-on model# 112RTSM which includes a ratchet resembling a T72? It is the low profile, pass-thru ratchet and socket set (5 to 13mm) with an included bit adapter. Here's a link to it on the Snap-on website: LINK.

The bit adapter was designed to be used with Snap-on's low profile bits: LINK.


Dave

 

[Dust Devil]

This is the one I was looking at. No picture but there is a diagram that gives you the idea.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=681921&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I looked at the set you put up too, I will get that someday most likely.

 

[boosteddsm92]

I have this set. Can't beat the price.

 

[TrivQuad]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00JB5NHXM/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Here is the Williams version of the ratchet and 1/4 square drive ratchet.

 

[Rickedstyles]

If you don't need one for every day use and/or its the wknd and need it now Lowes has a kobalt set for under 20$ that is fine tooth..

 

[Senorpablo]

Check out this made in USA set:

http://www.techni-tool.com/307SC344

 

[IOWNJUNK]

General Hardware Mfg co
#807 & #807-x
Thinnest I have ever seen, and they ratchet too.

 

[Danglerb]

What worries me is that somebody out there is looking at those ANEX tools and making stuff that needs them.

 

[franzdom]

What worries me is that somebody out there is looking at those ANEX tools and making stuff that needs them.

I am a design engineer, we are always trying to make things fit in tighter spaces, taking into account service and manufacturability. There is no doubt that what you speak of is true!

 

[BAM its mitch]

I have an older version of this which works well enough.

http://www.harborfreight.com/8-piece-right-angle-screwdriver-92630.html

 

[dgxlh]

Funny that I see this thread today because yesterday while.I was at sears checking out the sales I ran into.the gear wrench set for 20 after some reward point things it was only 10. Been wanting one of these for awhile but could only find it for 30 bucks.

 

[jptbay]

For us Canadians, Canadian tire has a set I can recommend. Quality is good, with a 60 tooth ratchet.

Great deal when they come on sale.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-14-piece-3-8-in-drive-flex-socket-set-0581226p.html#/en/pdp/mastercraft-14-piece-3-8-in-drive-flex-socket-set-0581226p.html#.U9zTxlDD_DA

 

[BFHtime]

I used a 1/4 low profile ratchet from Snap-On with the bit holder. I used a average size P2 bit in it. The low profile bits would give it more clearance. For he money that Canadian set up might be a good deal if price is prohitive on he Snap-on.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'm surprised nobody posted one of these:

 

[ArtDeco]

I've got the Kastar version of that MAC and had a Chapman kit - both great stuff