Hello, I have been browsing this forum and am really impressed with the wealth of information here. In the last couple of months I have been organizing my tools and buying what I needed. I have a complete set of screwdrivers (kobalt) ,but I want a nice ratcheting screwdriver to complement them. I have looked at the snap on's and am impressed with the 5 position model, but the price scares me. What do you guys recommend for a nice ratcheting screwdriver.
Ratcheting screwdriver reccomendations
- Thread starter cronic
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wantedabiggergarage
Member Emeritus
It really depends on what your using it for..........
I only use them with computer, and since most of them are made in China, I bought the first inexpensive one I saw, then paid a little more then a $1, for a stubby one at a local damaged freight store.
For woodworking stuff, I use a small drill (Bosch), or an impact wrench (whatever is available).
For automotive, I have used some bits (in a PITA to reach spot) with something (not exactly but for an idea), like this:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-64250.html.
I only use them with computer, and since most of them are made in China, I bought the first inexpensive one I saw, then paid a little more then a $1, for a stubby one at a local damaged freight store.
For woodworking stuff, I use a small drill (Bosch), or an impact wrench (whatever is available).
For automotive, I have used some bits (in a PITA to reach spot) with something (not exactly but for an idea), like this:
http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/shop/LIS-64250.html.
I've got the gearwrench set with the standard and T-handle including all the extensions, bits, etc. Its a great setup and for the price hard to beat. I've been toying with getting a snap-on hard plastic model just to compare the two but I'm pretty sure people on here have commented that the ratcheting mechanisms are pretty close in comparison.
If you want one that converts to "pistol-grip" mode maybe this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...and+Tools,+General+Purpose&sName=Screwdrivers
If that doesn't matter so much I would get this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947144000P?mv=rr
Or you can try one of the GearWrench ratcheting screwdriver sets. People have said good things about them.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...and+Tools,+General+Purpose&sName=Screwdrivers
If that doesn't matter so much I would get this one:
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947144000P?mv=rr
Or you can try one of the GearWrench ratcheting screwdriver sets. People have said good things about them.
billymade
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hamburglar
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http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sk73671.html
(probably the same as the Craftsman handle listed above, but variations of this show up on eBay a fair amount).
http://www.kell-strom.com/tools/cooper/apex/apexpg10.htm
http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=11799
I think the Gear Wrench set is kind of cheesy, but a lot of this depends on how much you are willing to spend.
(probably the same as the Craftsman handle listed above, but variations of this show up on eBay a fair amount).
http://www.kell-strom.com/tools/cooper/apex/apexpg10.htm
http://chadstoolbox.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=11799
I think the Gear Wrench set is kind of cheesy, but a lot of this depends on how much you are willing to spend.
Those look like awesome tools hamburgler, but I think he may be looking for something cheaper than the SO screwdriver he has been looking at.
fourfeathers
Well-known member
I love my Overdriver by spec tools. If you hold the collar, you get a faster spin to run in loose screws. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Mac-...005QQitemZ150265508380QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
hamburglar
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I hear what you are saying, but that Apex set is only $15 more than:
http://www.arizonatools.com/tools/g...&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=productfeeds
While I admit that Gear Wrench stuff goes on sale a lot, the difference between the two sets in quality (and I've fooled with both) is remarkable.
GDA
Well-known member
Make up a big set yourself with something like these:
bits - http://cgi.ebay.com/Snap-On-Blue-Po...ryZ50383QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
driver - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...016QQitemZ260259642025QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
So for another $20 to 30 over the 6 piece CMan set you have tons more flexibility due to all the bits and a quality driver. All in for about $40 to 50 for the whole lot.
I just spent 2 minutes on this search so I'm sure you could find cheaper deals by looking at Matco, Mac or other bit sets.
Good luck and get as many bits as you can. Its very handy to have a huge assortment all in one case/location.
bits - http://cgi.ebay.com/Snap-On-Blue-Po...ryZ50383QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
driver - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Snap...016QQitemZ260259642025QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
So for another $20 to 30 over the 6 piece CMan set you have tons more flexibility due to all the bits and a quality driver. All in for about $40 to 50 for the whole lot.
I just spent 2 minutes on this search so I'm sure you could find cheaper deals by looking at Matco, Mac or other bit sets.
Good luck and get as many bits as you can. Its very handy to have a huge assortment all in one case/location.
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plinker
Well-known member
On ebay I saw a Snap-on 5 position screwdriver for $50 buy-it-now, plus shipping.
Snap-ons price is $65 plus shipping $15 off and it included a bit shank(13$)
Keep an eye open and you might find a deal.
Snap-ons price is $65 plus shipping $15 off and it included a bit shank(13$)
Keep an eye open and you might find a deal.
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I have one and like it. BEWARE the cheap versions. They are plastic inside, and deteriorate quickly.
Snap-On is great, 5 position ***** ***. Most guys at work have had problems with them and switch to the fixed ones.
Gearwrench...I would say the feel is almost as good as the Snap-On, BUT the selector isn't round like the snap-on, it has points that stick out. These like to catch things in tight quarters and reverse the direction of the screwdriver. You will get pissed, quickly.
PowderKeg
Well-known member
The Snap-On SSDMR## models are my favorites for the ratcheting action. I stumbled on a couple of Harley Davidson branded drivers at Sears a few years ago on clearance for $10. They looked kinda familiar with a VERY familiar ratcheting feel and sound. Got them home and yup, they have the same patent # as the Snappy's.
You might look for the ratchet patent # on any non-Snap-On branded driver you're looking at - if it's #4777852, then it's at least a Snappy action.
You might look for the ratchet patent # on any non-Snap-On branded driver you're looking at - if it's #4777852, then it's at least a Snappy action.
Merkava_4
Banned
Williams. It's the same screwdriver as the Snap On but with a different handle shape; the shaft and ratcheting mechanism are the same.
GearWrench Brand
Well-known member
Hamburglar -
We'd like to know your opinion on the difference in quality. Why is it remarkable?
Thanks,
Steve
Last edited:
Merkava_4
Banned
Same screwdriver.
JayL
Well-known member
MAD
Well-known member
Same screwdriver.
I have one in orange.
Attachments
billymade
Well-known member
The Gearwrench model is such a blatant copy of the Snapon it is unbelievable!
Come on guys admit it! LOL!
Come on guys admit it! LOL!
SpiderGearsMan
Banned
I bought a few of the snappys back 18 years ago when they came out
still work like new
still work like new
GearWrench Brand
Well-known member
Billymade - it is licensed from Snap-on.
Steve
Steve
billymade
Well-known member
Aha!!!! Now I get it! So, I wasn't far off then! Unbelievable!!! Is there anything else that is licensed from Snapon in the Gearwrench line? Because the new stuff (like the hand ratchets) are obviously patterned after or possibly licensed from Snapon! Wow, that is an amazing admission on your part! I'm surprised Snapon was willing to license their designs!
nissan_crawler
Well-known member
I think your ratcheting screwdrivers are great, but PLEASE get rid of the "nubs" that stick out on the direction selector. I love the action of the screwdriver, but almost never use it due to those nubs.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
I was given the black straight Snap On about ten years or more ago, by a friend I had done alot for. He caught a truck and bought two, one for him and one for me. I use it at work everyday and it hasn't failed yet. Work in an Airline hangar with hundreds of other mechs and virtually everyone has one, black, or orange or green, but snap on.
Charles
Charles
GearWrench Brand
Well-known member
No, to my knowledge that's the only item we license from Snap-on. The ratchets are our own patented design (Danaher).
PowderKeg
Well-known member
Paint that Williams driver orange and stamp "Harley Davidson" on it, and ya got my $10 clearance special one - same handle shape.
DavidtheDuke
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Am I right in my suspicion Snap-On buys a license from Danaher to manufacture their own SO branded gearwrenches?
billymade
Well-known member
One other question; do you guys make this craftsman ratcheting screwdriver as well? Is it a Snapon lincensed product too? It seems similar to the Gearwrench model as well!
Craftsman 28 pc. Ratchet Driver Set
Sears item# 00943679000 Mfr. model# 43679 $59.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943679000P?keyword=43679&sLevel=0
Craftsman 28 pc. Ratchet Driver Set
Sears item# 00943679000 Mfr. model# 43679 $59.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943679000P?keyword=43679&sLevel=0
GearWrench Brand
Well-known member
One other question; do you guys make this craftsman ratcheting screwdriver as well? Is it a Snapon lincensed product too? It seems similar to the Gearwrench model as well!
Craftsman 28 pc. Ratchet Driver Set
Sears item# 00943679000 Mfr. model# 43679 $59.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943679000P?keyword=43679&sLevel=0
Yes, we (Danaher) make that as well.
Steve
billymade
Well-known member
All my suspicions are being CONFIRMED!
DavidtheDuke
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One other question; do you guys make this craftsman ratcheting screwdriver as well? Is it a Snapon lincensed product too? It seems similar to the Gearwrench model as well!
Craftsman 28 pc. Ratchet Driver Set
Sears item# 00943679000 Mfr. model# 43679 $59.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00943679000P?keyword=43679&sLevel=0
That's made in the US, so it isn't a gearwrench knockoff.
hamburglar
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I'll do the best I can from memory.
A bit of a caveat. Any of this stuff will probably be just fine from the cheapest to the most expensive. It's almost as much a matter of esthetics as anything.
On my desk here, I dragged out from the garage an Apex Bit Kit (which is obviously Wera with Apex bits), a Williams kit, and a Cornwell kit that's got a strong family resemblance to the SK, etc. ones. If this sort of thing is cheap on eBay, I"ll tend to buy just because (well, just because...) I have this thing about well made sets in cases, plus they all tend to be different (Cornwell has a socket set, the Apex several extensions, Williams has a palm ratchet in addition to the screwdriver handle).
In the past, I ordered a GearWrench (8940?) set as shown above from Amazon.
To start with, the case is not nearly as nice as the Apex/Wera one. It's got that same kind of cheapie look as the Facom punch sets have, kind of a hard shiny plastic. I don't remember if it has hinges (gotta have hinges, plastic flaps will kind of work harden over time and break). Apex gear comes in those black pressed tin cases with latches like a lot of German stuff.
Apex bits vs. Gear Wrench bits. You know, I don't tend to screw up bits very often (usually the target of the bit instead), but it's a good bet to me that Apex is a superior product here.
Wera extensions and locking extensions are really nicely made, I don't have the GearWrench stuff sitting right here and don't remember the fit/finish, but I don't remember being blown away by their beauty.
The handles are really the main thing. 2 of the 3 GearWrench handles had completely unreliable mechanisms. Whether or not they set in the on or off positions was pure happenstance. Giving them a rap sometimes caused them to engage, sometimes not. Also, the Wera handle has a nicer finish and generally has a lot more heft...if this translates to strength I can't tell. For what it's worth, the Wera handle definitely has the edge on the Williams one in build quality.
Here's a funny story, I just handed my wife the Williams and the Wera ratcheting handles and asked her which was 'better'...about 1/3 second passed before the Wera one won.
The other product I have to push a little is the Cornwell/SK/(probably) Sears/ (probably)Schroeder. Really nice, real-deal clickety ratchet mechanism. Very positive engagement. Really a nice piece of gear of you check it out closely.
To be fair, a lot of this business of 'quality' is a subjective thing, but in a lot of cases, actually holding this stuff in your hands and checking it out, it's not hard to come to a strong preference. Short of testing everything to failure, the Wera handle is really superior to me in both it's general look and feel and in actually using the product in anger.
billymade
Well-known member
Wera has some of best ergonomics I have ever used! I think they really do research and take the time to design with ergonomics in mind and make quality tools! You should look at their catalog; they actually EXPLAIN the ergonomic designs of their tools and why they designed it the way they did. I have rarely seen USA companies go through this effort to explain quality and ergonomic design concepts like WERA; these explanations seem to be more common in German made products. Because of their expense this makes marketing sense to justify the pricing structure and the benefits of the product. Engineering, design and quality is always emphasized; must be Teutonic obsessiveness at work!
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I have that Craftsman one - made in Germany and *****! The ratcheting action is way to coarse to be useful for a screwdriver. I have the requisite Snap On hard handle ratcheting screwdriver, but also really like the GearWrench models.
If you want good performance at a reasonable price, go with GearWrench.
hamburglar
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I admit that the Craftsman/Sk/etc. handle makes a better socket ratchet than screwdriver, you could probably stand to just throw a 1/4" square adapter on it and call it a day.
Generally I'd have to say that if you want good performance at a reasonable price, I'd just use a plain old screwdriver. But what's the fun in that?
nytehawk
Well-known member
Alright, I'll throw in my $0.02 (as if there aren't already enough opinions in this thread...). I tend to be a Craftsman guy for most of my tools, but this is one tool that I paid the extra $$$ and went for the Snap-on.
I purchased my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver before they offered the 5-position model, but I don't regret it because I like mine better than the 5-position (just personal preference). Just tried to post a link to the Snap-on driver I have but their site is currently down for upgrades.
I purchased my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver before they offered the 5-position model, but I don't regret it because I like mine better than the 5-position (just personal preference). Just tried to post a link to the Snap-on driver I have but their site is currently down for upgrades.
Thanks so much for all the wonderful replies. I agree that the wera models look very comfortable. I also think the craftsman is a nice value. In the end, I found a wonderful deal on a snap on in the classified section and think I will be very happy with it. Actually that will be my first snap on tool. I'm excited. Thanks again for all the great help.
DavidtheDuke
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The SO 5-position ratcheting screwdriver is the one for me. It's really hand to turn it into a high-torque screwdriver on the fly, the interchangeable shanks are great, and the tooth mechanism is very fine and solid.
Wow, I must be really white trash ( 
). The only ratcheting screwdriver I use is a RIDGID branded knockoff of god knows who's design. Works great, holds the bits, and ratchets when I tell it to. I don't even think I bought it, I'm pretty sure it found it's way into my garage out of my brothers work truck when he was doing something at my house. Of course, I'm only a weekend warrior, so I'm sure that factors in there some.
). The only ratcheting screwdriver I use is a RIDGID branded knockoff of god knows who's design. Works great, holds the bits, and ratchets when I tell it to. I don't even think I bought it, I'm pretty sure it found it's way into my garage out of my brothers work truck when he was doing something at my house. Of course, I'm only a weekend warrior, so I'm sure that factors in there some.eschoendorff
Well-known member
Hamburglar -
We'd like to know your opinion on the difference in quality. Why is it remarkable?
Thanks,
Steve
Quite simply, the Snap On ratcheting mechanism is superior. My GearWrench ratcheting handles tend to catch between positions or do not fully engage - consistently. That, and the plastics taht Snap On uses is far superior to the plastics that GearWrench uses. The Snap On has more heft to it.. the GearWrenches have a more flimsy feel.
That being said, if I was not going to buy Snap On, there is only one other choice (for my money) in ratcheting screwdrivers and that is GearWrench. For the price, the GearWrench stuff cannot be beat. In fact, I use my GearWrench drivers WAY more than my Snap On ratcheting screwdriver, but that is probably because I have several sets of the GearWrench ratcheting screwdrivers laying around the house and the garage....
The Schroeder/Craftsman/MAC pistol grip/straight handle ratcheting screwdriver is among my least favorite. The ratcheting mechanism is coarse and would probably be better suited to a 3/8 ratchet than a ratcheting screwdriver. It lives in my road kit... only because I don't want to lose my GearWrench stuff
