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Ratcheting Screwdriver Advice

Zephmeister

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May 8, 2015
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Hello all,

This is my first posting on this forum and I am in need of some advice from seasoned tool users! Here's some background on myself:

I work in IT and for the most part, I only need a Phillips and slotted head screwdriver (Most commonly PH2 but I do use PH1 & PH0 semi frequently). My work provides all the tools that I need to do my work, but like many people on here I want my own tool that I can use and feel confident about and kind of have some representation of my trade. I was looking into getting a ratcheting bit screwdriver so I can carry it easily from site to site as needed without having to use a bag. I don't use a pouch either, so it'd probably sit in my pocket. I would also appreciate any recommendations for small pouches that I can fit a single screwdriver and a flashlight in.

I was considering purchasing a PB Swiss Insider 3, I actually purchased one about a year and a half ago but it got stolen. I'll admit I was being careless with my $100 screwdriver by forgetting it on my desk at my work(We had a contracted security company with different guards every night, so it was hard to identify who might have taken it, plus I just assumed I left it somewhere else and by the time I realized I hadn't, the security company was no longer around). After a year, I've decided that I missed that awesome screwdriver. The wife is really hesitant about letting me drop that kind of cash on the same screwdriver I already lost, but she knows that I loved that screwdriver.
insider3_06-12_clip_image002.png


My question is can someone recommend something that is as good if not better than the PB Swiss Insider 3 for around the same price or cheaper. I do prefer European made brands, but I would consider an American made brand if the reliability and warranty are pretty awesome. One of the things that I really liked about the PB Swiss Insider 3 is that there was no play with the bits and the driver felt really solid. I had one gripe and that was how wide the shaft was. I also feel like the magnet was really powerful and I liked that a lot as well.
 
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canuckian

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I'd buy another in a heartbeat if I lost one of my insiders(long and short shafts). I have snap on ratcheting screwdrivers out the yang yang and use them frequently but you can't beat the tight tolerances of the PB Swiss stuff. I'm in IT as well but not allowed to bring my own stuff in (federal prison) but if I were allowed to bring one tool in, that'd be the one.
 

kythri

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I absolutely love my New Holland badged Williams WRS-1 ratcheting drivers. Liked the first one so much that I bought two more - one for inside the house, one for my shop, and one for my work/laptop bag.

The only complaint is, like you, the shaft/shank diameter, but that's going to be the issue with all bit drivers.
 

zkling

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You pretty much already picked out the top. Possibly check out the snap on soft handle to save a few bucks. :lol: @ suggesting snap on to save money.

The thinnest ratcheting you will find is Wera's driver that has interchangeable shafts instead of bits.
 
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Zephmeister

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Lol, thanks guys. I really haven't used too many other ratcheting screwdrivers. My wife bought a bit set from B&D and it sucked. Barely used it and the bit holder mechanism broke so it's useless now. I didn't realize that the Insider was already the top tier so I guess I'm screwed since I'll never be satisfied with something less :p
 
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Zephmeister

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Hmm, I've been seeing a lot of love for Snap-On on these forums. I know that PB Swiss only has like two distributors in the U.S. so I'm somewhat concerned with the warranty if anything happens. Snap-On seems to have a pretty good warranty/repair track record from what I've seen in posts. I was browsing the Snap-On website and saw they even have a 5 point adjustable handle which seems like it would be useful for times that I need more torque. Any opinions on the Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver?

Also, I've been looking at the Wera's on Amazon, there's a lot of different versions of their ratcheting screwdriver. I noticed one review where someone bought a Wera then bought the PB Swiss and felt there was a significant improvement between them.

Another thing I'd like to point out is that I was using the short shaft Insider 3 previously and it appears that the long shaft is slightly less wide. It may address my issue with width.
 

JBradley500

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The Snap-on that I have is incredibly smooth compared to the others I've used before. Mines a traditional hard handle though.
 
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Zephmeister

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I see all of the Snap-On love spreading here. Anyone know if the warranty on the ratcheting screwdrivers by Snap-On are lifetime? If so is the warranty repair process pretty convenient? I'm tempted because Snap-On is domestic with so much love, but I'll probably stick to PB Swiss bits because those are outstanding.

Are Snap-On's ratcheting screwdrivers equipped with a magnetic bit holder?

Thanks for the overwhelming amount of input, guys!
 

canuckian

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I see all of the Snap-On love spreading here. Anyone know if the warranty on the ratcheting screwdrivers by Snap-On are lifetime? If so is the warranty repair process pretty convenient? I'm tempted because Snap-On is domestic with so much love, but I'll probably stick to PB Swiss bits because those are outstanding.

Are Snap-On's ratcheting screwdrivers equipped with a magnetic bit holder?

Thanks for the overwhelming amount of input, guys!

if you have access to a snap on driver, warranty is lifetime and immediate. if you don't, warranty is still lifetime but you will have to either call or email their customer service which may take a few days for the replacement or repair parts arrive. Either way, it's very accessible and pretty painless.
yes, the holder is magnetic
 

Dust Devil

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I see all of the Snap-On love spreading here. Anyone know if the warranty on the ratcheting screwdrivers by Snap-On are lifetime? If so is the warranty repair process pretty convenient? I'm tempted because Snap-On is domestic with so much love, but I'll probably stick to PB Swiss bits because those are outstanding.

Are Snap-On's ratcheting screwdrivers equipped with a magnetic bit holder?

Thanks for the overwhelming amount of input, guys!

Any high quality bit is OK I would never say snap bits are the end all but they are pretty damn sweet.

The ratcheting driver on the other hand is the stuff. I keep three stubby's on my cart with with all three different lengths of shafts and the 1/4" drive shaft, I use them everyday with no issues. Warranty is as easy as a send in or truck swap.
 

Youngguns

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I'm so glad you made this thread. I've been looking into a ratcheting screwdriver and there are just so many choices. I've actually been able to ignore the PB Swiss because of it's accessibility. I've narrowed it down to: Bahco, Wera, Channellock (I've heard some good things on this forum), Snap-On, and Williams (basically SO, but ugly). I hope your thread gets more hits and really turns into something informative.

It's hard to help (since I'm looking myself) but I'm leaning towards Snap-On right now, followed by Wera, Bahco, then Channellock (the Williams is so ugly).
 

cheechi

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I'm also in IT. I'd buy the Williams.

I have several of these although never saw the value in the PB Swiss. All of these drivers generally work about the same I don't think you're going to get anything really better from PB Swiss than maybe the bits. The Williams comes with legit SO Zephyr bits. So there's that.

The HF T handle driver does not ****. It seems they have redesigned it with bit storage in the handle. But the neat thing about it is the shaft has 3 notches for different lengths or you can use 2" insert bits with it for super short. Really smart design and for whatever the minimal cost it's worth owning one.
 

AnthonyJ124

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I use a snap on ratcheting screwdriver every day. It's been in daily use for 4+ years, and in my tool box for another 4/5 years prior. Works great, feels great, wipes clean and has only needed to be disassembled and lubricated once (easy job). Threads like this make me think I'm missing something better! That PB Swiss is pretty nice!

I also have a few other ratcheting drivers, in order of preference; craftsman 47144 (this is a great driver, I really prefer the texture/feel of it- but NO onboard storage), a Napa, a Stanley, a kobalt, and a no-name ratcheting from a garage sale or somewhere.

I work on lab equipment and work out if a carry bag with all my tools. The ratcheting screwdriver is a must for space/weight savings, the SO has served me very well... But I might retire old faithful back into my tool box at home and try something new now... Good thread.

Also, regarding pouches, check out Veto Pro Pac for smaller stuff. I have their XLT laptop bag and it's one of my favorite tools.
 
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JonnyMac

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I have a few pb swiss tools. They are absolute top quality and i find the bits to be harder than my snap on stuff... go pb swiss again IMO
 

8comm13

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First let me say, welcome to the forum :beer:
I would say if you liked the PB Swiss you had, then get another one.
I also work in IT but in the field at remote radio/communication sites. I have several Megapro screwdrivers and like them a lot. www.megapro.net
 

Charles (in GA)

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Snap On hard handle. Only design that the reversing collar turns the correct way. On others, you move it in the direction opposite what you want the screwdriver to go.

Charles
 

kbeefy

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I've been using the SO soft handle w/ removable shaft daily for about 14 years. Still works like the day I bought it. I love the fact that I can use a standard 1/4 drive extension as an extension. I also have the stubby version that gets used occasionaly if access is tight.
The only thing I don't like is the cap for the bit storage, it comes loose sometimes. I stopped storing bits in there for that reason, keep threatening to epoxy it closed but still haven't.

I got this gearwrench set for a cheap use at home substitute, very disapointing.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-8939-Piece-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B0002SR8NC/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1431401217&sr=8-2&keywords=gearwrench+ratcheting+screwdriver

The bits are all garbage and it just feels cheap.
 

kbeefy

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Snap On hard handle. Only design that the reversing collar turns the correct way. On others, you move it in the direction opposite what you want the screwdriver to go.

Charles

Snap on soft handle is also correct. At least mine is, maybe changed since I bought in '01 but I doubt it.

The gearwrench I noted above is backwards... bugs the heck out of me and I get it wrong almost every time.
 

Regal2800

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Jan 15, 2013
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Snap on all the way. I have two hard handles and one soft handle with removable shank. Really the best I have ever used. There are also threads on here to convert hard handle to removable shank. I personally prefer the hard handle.
 
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Zephmeister

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I have another question about the Snap-On warranty policy, if you buy secondhand like eBay as a lot of people do, is it still serviceable by Snap-On? Or do most people just fix it themselves with replacement parts?

The reason I ask is because I've seen some threads on here mentioning the 95th Anniversary edition Snap-On screwdriver in pearl white. I love that color and would love to grab one. But it's unavailable on the Snap-On online webstore. So my options are to find a truck with inventory or buy off eBay.
 

kythri

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Officially, if you don't buy it from an authorized dealer (i.e. the truck, or direct from Snap-on), then you don't have a warranty.

A lot of folks have had success going to Snap-on directly for warranty replacement/repair of their secondhand stuff, but it's not guaranteed.
 
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Zephmeister

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I'm curious as to how many people who are recommending Snap-On have tried PB Swiss? Right now I'm seeing if I can find a 95th anniversary hard handle ratchet from a tool truck, but if I can't I'm down to the PB Swiss Insider 3 vs Snap-On 5 Point Soft Handle. Which both run about the same cost after tax where I'm at. Otherwise a $10-15 difference. Both companies offer a lifetime warranty and I know what the quality of PB Swiss feels like, I'm just waiting to try a Snap-On.

Anyway, I'm currently trying to track down a local Snap-On tool truck. I used the website form but it wasn't working correctly. I gave Snap-On a call and they took my info down saying they'd have a franchisee contact me. I didn't realize it was this hard to find one if I wasn't in some sort of auto industry.

Again, I'm so grateful for all of the input on here. I see that there are a lot of people with their own preferences even in the less popular brands and that's awesome!
 

plinker

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Availability is the main reason for the Snap-on being recommended, IMO. (plus it's the best, but thats just me)

As for warranty, The first ratcheting screwdriver I had I finally had it skip after about 15 years and a LOT of use. I put a repair kit in, good as new.
 

pozidriv

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One disadvantage I can see with the SO, is that the bits are just chunked in the back off the handle, you need to unscrew the cap, put the cap somewhere, drop the lot of the bits in your hand, select the one you want, throw the rest of them back and screw on the cap. I feel the other manufacturers have more elegant solutions.
 

Dave455

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I use my ratcheting bit drivers regularly, and have used them in the past for repetitive assembly work, and many of the cheaper ones have limitations!

For what you are doing, there really isn't anything better than the PB Swiss. Personally, I prefer the solid handle version and store my bits separately, but each to his own. The design, quality of materials, quality of build and even quality of the bits in the PB are second to none!

Bear in mind, that as well as making interchangeable bit drivers, PB also make interchangeable shank drivers (in 3 sizes). Many folks in the electronics world prefer these, so maybe get hold of a catalogue, or have a careful look through the website, and see the whole range!

Second choice for your sort of work, but probably first choice if you do more mechanical / greasy work would be the Snap On, hard handle. Choose whatever shank length you need, and give consideration to the T handle too, it really works. The Snap On bits are superb too. Note, however, I advise the HARD HANDLE version. The soft may suit some, but not me!

There are some other reasonable tools out there, from firms such as Proto to name just one, but most if them take a bit more hunting.

You will no doubt get advised to go with Wiha, Wera, Bahco, and so on. They are all good/ OK, but I've used most of 'em, and all have their problems compared to the two above!
 

taumac

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I'm curious as to how many people who are recommending Snap-On have tried PB Swiss? Right now I'm seeing if I can find a 95th anniversary hard handle ratchet from a tool truck, but if I can't I'm down to the PB Swiss Insider 3 vs Snap-On 5 Point Soft Handle. Which both run about the same cost after tax where I'm at. Otherwise a $10-15 difference. Both companies offer a lifetime warranty and I know what the quality of PB Swiss feels like, I'm just waiting to try a Snap-On.

Anyway, I'm currently trying to track down a local Snap-On tool truck. I used the website form but it wasn't working correctly. I gave Snap-On a call and they took my info down saying they'd have a franchisee contact me. I didn't realize it was this hard to find one if I wasn't in some sort of auto industry.

Again, I'm so grateful for all of the input on here. I see that there are a lot of people with their own preferences even in the less popular brands and that's awesome!


I havnt use PB Swiss. I used bunch of box store ones and my mechanic had one and I tried it. I just recently got my own. It's the best I've tried but havnt used other high end ones so.
 

Bigblue&Goldie

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Add me to the Snap On list. Mine is actually branded "International-Case". I bought it because I had a Powerstroke and grew up around Case equipment, so I thought it was cool. It cost about $30 brand new on ebay. I also have a GearWrench which is okay, but not nearly as refined as the Snap On. No experience with the PB Swiss as they are as abundant as unicorns, but I'd assume they are at least as nice as the Snap On.
 

n8n

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My favorite is the tried and true Snap-On SSDMR4B but I have not tried the Insider and PB Swiss has a really good rep.

The Snap-On has knurling on the shaft which may prove useful in some situations (where the screw being turned is loose in the hole and thus has less backdrag than the mechanism, or you just want to spin the screw in by hand fast) where it doesn't appear the PB Swiss does not. It's also about $60, which is less expensive than $100 (wow, a Snap-On tool looks like a bargain!)

The red Craftsman one that looks just like the Snap-On is actually not horrid (made in Taiwan) and comes with a nice selection of bits for around $20. The ratchet is a little rougher than SO (shocker) and more annoyingly the selector works opposite to SO so switching back and forth between it and a stubby SO leads to some confusion.

I think you should buy both a replacement for your faithful friend and a Snap-On SSDMR4 and throw up a comparison review :)
 
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Zephmeister

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For what you are doing, there really isn't anything better than the PB Swiss. Personally, I prefer the solid handle version and store my bits separately, but each to his own. The design, quality of materials, quality of build and even quality of the bits in the PB are second to none!

Bear in mind, that as well as making interchangeable bit drivers, PB also make interchangeable shank drivers (in 3 sizes). Many folks in the electronics world prefer these, so maybe get hold of a catalogue, or have a careful look through the website, and see the whole range!

I do know about the interchangeable shanks offered by PB Swiss, it's just that I want the most portable option along with the most functionality (ratcheting isn't an option with the interchangeable shanks without being overly clunky).

I think you should buy both a replacement for your faithful friend and a Snap-On SSDMR4 and throw up a comparison review :)

I would love to do this! I was hoping to see what the 100th year anniversary of Snap-On might produce.

This blog: http://drivingscrews.blogspot.com/ has a comparison of the Insider 3 and his old Snap-On. He ended up preferring the Snap-On due to his preference of the ratcheting mechanism turning in the same direction that you want to turn the screwdriver. I feel like this is something due to his own old habits because I never had this issue.
 

zakmartin

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If I were working in the IT trade, I wouldn't be using magnetic tools around electronic components. Many years ago, I lost a Piano ROM module on my Kurzweil synthesizer because of a screwdriver that had a magnetized head. That was a $350 lesson I'll never forget. Stick with ESD safe tools and keep them away from magnets. Also, use a grounding strap. Wiha makes some nice stuff.
 
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