Ratchet Screwdrivers solve what problem?

[DugT]

Thanks for all of the great info in this thread! Based on your input and my reading lots of reviews about ratchet drivers, I decided to buy a two magnetic drivers and also a Milwaukee bit set.

I think the magnetic driver will be a good improvement. I might like a ratchet drive too but I didn't find one that was a clear winner and checked all of the boxes for me. The bit set will be very usefull and the magnetic screwdriver will make using the bits fast and easy.

I bought these two drivers. I will probably return one after I play with them briefly. The first driver has a STRONG magnet. That is the only complaint people had about it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E62O22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XRL1JKT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The second driver has a magnet and a latch that works with all bits supposedly.

I bought this 55pc Milwaukee bit set. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-IMPACT-DUTY-Steel-Driver-Bit-Set-65-Piece-48-32-4026/303971513

 

[neophyte]

I have two SnapOn ratchet screwdrivers. They always work really well znc zre over 25 years old. My favorite "ratchet screwdriver is from SK. It has a reversible sprag clutch. A sprag clutch is a one-way freewheel clutch. It resembles a roller bearing but, instead of cylindrical rollers, non-revolving asymmetric figure-eight shaped sprags, allowing single direction rotation, are used.
There is no detectable drag in either direction. It was a little expensive at $165. I would do this again. At 20 years there is no sign of failure.

This ratchet screwdriver appears to have the same handle design that Schroeder used on their ratcheting screwdrivers(and ones made for other brands like Craftsman), but with the roller ratchet design that Wiha used in their Older red handled Topra ratchet screwdriver handles for their system 6 screwdriver system.
The bit holders didn’t by sny chance use a 6mm hex shank did they?
The Wiha Topra handles were fairly expensive as well.

 

[measuredtwice]

Thanks for all of the great info in this thread! Based on your input and my reading lots of reviews about ratchet drivers, I decided to buy a two magnetic drivers and also a Milwaukee bit set.

I think the magnetic driver will be a good improvement. I might like a ratchet drive too but I didn't find one that was a clear winner and checked all of the boxes for me. The bit set will be very usefull and the magnetic screwdriver will make using the bits fast and easy.

I bought these two drivers. I will probably return one after I play with them briefly. The first driver has a STRONG magnet. That is the only complaint people had about it.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E62O22/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07XRL1JKT/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

The second driver has a magnet and a latch that works with all bits supposedly.

I bought this 55pc Milwaukee bit set. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-SHOCKWAVE-IMPACT-DUTY-Steel-Driver-Bit-Set-65-Piece-48-32-4026/303971513

The Felo E-Pro is a nice driver but it is not clear why you chose an insulated driver. If you aren't working with live wire, you might have gotten the Ergonic instead. The insulation on the E-pro makes the socket bulkier than the uninsulated Ergonic. The E-pro will require a bit more clearance. Also, the Ergonic has a squishy handle which is kinda nice. If you do need the insulation, then the E-pro is a good choice-- it's very nice. I got a better deal from Detroit Metalworking a while back. I paid $13.88 shipped free for the set that comes with the E-pro and 11 quality German-made bits and at the time they were giving a free Bondhus hex key set with every purchase. I looked and the price has gone back up, unfortunately.

I've never heard of the Tonsiki bit holder. From the photos, it looks like it doesn't have much reach and the bulky socket will require a lot more clearance than other designs. A lot of off brand imports from China and Taiwan get positive reviews by refunding purchase price in exchange for positive reviews and better exposure. That way it looks legit and shows up as a review from a verified purchase even though it was actually free in exchange for promotion.

 

[gregpack]

I too have a williams (supposedly almost the same as the legendary snap on). I tried to like it but I work in mechanical maintenance and never used it. I could see it being useful for starting a screw in wood where pressure is needed. However, that's when would I grab my impact. As a result, the Williams has found it's way into my wife's tool bag. My daily go-to is the Klein extended multi which I use 99% of the time. I can change bit sizes in two seconds without thought. I also carry one of the Wiha "26 in 1" models with torx, square,and hex bits for the occasional times I need those, although occasionally I find the shaft thickness of that driver is a problem.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Ive got two of the S/O ergonomic ratcheting screwdrivers, touch them less than twice a year ? I do run the snot out of a small ( 12v ? ) Bosch pistol grip style rechargeable screwdriver. Likely the cordless tool I use the most, and I own probably 20+ cordless tools .

 

[DugT]

The Felo E-Pro is a nice driver but it is not clear why you chose an insulated driver. If you aren't working with live wire, you might have gotten the Ergonic instead. The insulation on the E-pro makes the socket bulkier than the uninsulated Ergonic. The E-pro will require a bit more clearance. Also, the Ergonic has a squishy handle which is kinda nice. If you do need the insulation, then the E-pro is a good choice-- it's very nice. I got a better deal from Detroit Metalworking a while back. I paid $13.88 shipped free for the set that comes with the E-pro and 11 quality German-made bits and at the time they were giving a free Bondhus hex key set with every purchase. I looked and the price has gone back up, unfortunately.

I've never heard of the Tonsiki bit holder. From the photos, it looks like it doesn't have much reach and the bulky socket will require a lot more clearance than other designs. A lot of off brand imports from China and Taiwan get positive reviews by refunding purchase price in exchange for positive reviews and better exposure. That way it looks legit and shows up as a review from a verified purchase even though it was actually free in exchange for promotion.

Thanks for the info. I just switched from the insulated driver to the ergonomic one. I didn't know about the nice softer grip of the ergonomic one and I don't really need the insulated driver.

The Tonsiki can be returned free with Amazon Prime and it intrigued me so I will check it out. My bit kit has an extension that would solve the short shaft problem.