Ratcheting Offset Screwdrivers

[nia573]

Any recommendations for a set of ratcheting offset screwdrivers like these:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=75046&group_ID=11620&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
Snap On ones

or these:

matco ones

These look like the older Snap On design:
http://www.uktools.com/product_info.php?products_id=259
but made by KASTAR (?). I'm sure they would suffice for my needs (interior trim work, access around the dashboard etc)

I'm sure I've seen some Britool ones on ebay a while back that seemed to be cheaper, but appeared to be exactly the same as the above, just that the handles were coated in black plastic

Trouble is I'm in the UK & as you may guess the prices are extortionate (for a cheapass like me!), & since the exchange rate is favourable at the moment, could you recommend a supplier to ship over here from the US or Canada?

Got some workmates in the same boat, so may look into multiple purchases to cut down on the shipping costs for myself

Cheers!
Mike

 

[rsanter]

1/4 drive ratchet and the 1/4 drive screw bit works for me

bob

 

[Stuey]

Yup, the guys in this thread concluded that those SO are made by Kastar.

I don't think Wiha makes anything similar, but you may want to double check.

 

[eschoendorff]

Get a 3/8" reversible GearWrench and a bit adapter. Works like a charm and has more uses...

 

[strizzy]

Sears has a three piece set just like those for $10 if I remember right, cant find it online for some reason...

 

[Jononon]

In my experience, it's far more trouble than it's worth.

Other than with Snap-on, and they won't ship outside the local market, the price difference between tools in the UK and US is not that huge, remembering that the government is going to want its 20% pound of flesh, and HMR&C take particular notice of tools, as they're always on the look out for gun components, so, as well as the inevitable delays, there's no chance of a...'creative' approach to the declared value.

In this particular instance, I'm somewhat confused. The Kastars are £31.61. By the time you get the Blue Points here, pay tax and duty on them, and pay the absurd carrier customs fees*, they'll cost you at least that, probably several £s more, with no warranty back-up and no guarantee as to how long they'll take to arrive.

If you're going to put together a big order, you may well do better to phone up Primetools and haggle.

I use a 3/8" flexible ratchet and Gearwrench 80577 3/8" drive bit set (fwiw: £28 here, $49 there) to do the same job.

*the fee

charges you for the privilege of them collecting the customs fee from you

 

[Stuey]

Get a 3/8" reversible GearWrench and a bit adapter. Works like a charm and has more uses...

Are you talking about this set?

 

[eschoendorff]

Are you talking about this set?

Here's what I was talking about:

 

[Fedwrench]

The best Husky tool I ever bought was an offset bit driver. It's basically a reversible 72 tooth gearwrench type box wrench with 1/4 bit holder on one end and a 5/16 on the other end. It came with some bits and a 1/4 square drive adapter. It's great for trim work and tight access areas.

 

[gotmud13613]

I have the same Gearwrench set-up as above that works great, but I also picked up this little Craftsman offset ratcheting bit driver during that $5 coupon deal. It has been great for doing under the dash work and other places.