Ratcheting screwdriver use poll

[joseywales]

I'm curious how often, if ever, you use a ratcheting screwdriver. I recently "had to have one" to replace a Snapon one that broke, and now I'm curious.

I bought an older, but new in package Snapon pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver. However, I also went on a binge, picking up various straights, including a Williams. It's a long story, but it all started a few weeks ago when I decided I had to have a set of Felo insulated screwdrivers. I'm sure no one here can relate.

Anyway, I'm going to try and post a poll here. If you list what you use it for and whether you've used a pistol grip version, all the better.

If you think the poll shouldn't be public, let me know.
Thanks!

 

[Thax]

I use my Matco ratcheting screwdriver daily. Its a straight handle, I use it alot on interior trim pieces, door panels etc. I like it alot , its strong and precise. I dont regret buying it at all.

 

[Dan_s_young]

I just picked up the snap on 5 position ratcheting screwdriver in green. I'll most likely use my Milwaukee fuel 1/4" bit driver for 90% of the applications I got the screwdriver for... But I do like it for more precise interior trim fastening rather than plowing fasteners into thin dash trim. I do really like the fact that the snap on shank can be changed out to turn it into a bit driver, there is a few nut driver applications I plan on using it for.

 

[joseywales]

I just picked up the snap on 5 position ratcheting screwdriver in green. I'll most likely use my Milwaukee fuel 1/4" bit driver for 90% of the applications I got the screwdriver for... But I do like it for more precise interior trim fastening rather than plowing fasteners into thin dash trim. I do really like the fact that the snap on shank can be changed out to turn it into a bit driver, there is a few nut driver applications I plan on using it for.

That's partly where I'm coming from. I have a couple decent drivers, but always seem to prefer the control and the ability to "feel" what I'm doing. I probably just haven't spent enough time with a driver to get a feel for its torque, etc.

 

[davethorik]

I have a Williams straight and t-handle, as well as a Snappy straight 1/4 driver. I use them for all sorts of stuff around the house, automotive, misc repairs. I usually reach for one of these first before a dedicated driver, unless I know I'm going to be prying on something or hitting it with a hammer.

I've never tried a pistol grip variant but if I found one for cheap I'd pick it up. That happed with my TMR4, wanted one but Williams does not make one, or didn't when I last checked. Finally found a good deal for a Snappy new in package on ebay ($35 iirc).

 

[rjvjeepster]

I've never had a "nice" one so I've rarely ever used one. I could get convinced to get a good one though.

 

[Biomed]

I'm curious how often, if ever, you use a ratcheting screwdriver. I recently "had to have one" to replace a Snapon one that broke, and now I'm curious.

Why don't you just warranty it? Should be able to warranty it with a driver or with Snap-on Customer Service pretty much worldwide.

 

[Bighead38]

I have a Milwaukee. Comes in handy since you can put any bit in it. It has a few bits in the handle but they are cheap ****. They make a stubby I want to pick up.

 

[oldwino]

Have a Snapon and a Williams and seldom use a "regular" screwdriver any more.

 

[Itinerant]

Have a Snapon and a Williams and seldom use a "regular" screwdriver any more.

Two Snappy's, also rarely use a regular screwdriver anymore.

 

[mrapp23]

I have two Wera's and rarely use anything else.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I bought a Snap On ratcheting hard handle screwdriver in the mid 90s. It's been my go to ever since. The only time I don't use it is when the magnet would cause a problem or the shank won't fit.

 

[Voi]

I'm curious how often, if ever, you use a ratcheting screwdriver.

Voted that I don't use one but in reality I sometimes use my friend's Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers when I'm working in his shop. I'd even go as far as to say I look forward to using them.

My boys have purchased me a few inexpensive ones for gifts over the years but they're not worth using. Can't bring myself to give them away either.

 

[d.mcfarland]

2 Snap On straight handle drivers, and only use a fixed shank driver when I need a beefy flat blade for prying basically.

 

[T45]

I don't know about having lots of ratcheting handles, but i would say you should get the full complement of shanks. the short, regular, long, and square drive...all are useful.

as to what you grab first...its very personal.

IMHO, but as a general rule, traditional (+/-)screws are not all that common these days.

For simple tightening...like a half a turn or two...I prefer a one piece driver.

For alot of rotations, I like the ratcheting shaft/driver combo...as you can sping the shaft and hold the handle still. The low backdrag on the SO makes this a breeze.

 

[joseywales]

Why don't you just warranty it? Should be able to warranty it with a driver or with Snap-on Customer Service pretty much worldwide.

Well, I haven't worked in a shop in many years. I read on Snapon's site, you need proof of purchase. Heck, I found a Craftsman radial saw in the trash once. Cut the motor off it and sent it, prepaid shipping, to Craftsman and they sent me a check for $150. Not sure this Snapon warranty will be that easy though.

 

[cheechi]

used one of my several last weekend. Prior, hadn't used one for several weeks if not several months. Just depends on the situation.

 

[bushmechanic]

Edited.

 

[ssdave]

Use them daily. Automotive, when i do it, which is infrequent anymore. I use fixed blades quite a bit in automotive, too. Use one in construction, particularly electrical driving screws to hold in boxes, etc. I use it rather than carry a cordless drill for one at a time type work. I use a drill for multiple screw applications. I use one a lot for general mechanical work, and gunsmithing. Rarely use a fixed blade for those things. All Snap-on. Don't like any of the others I've tried, except maybe the Williams, which was okay, but didn't like the grip as well. I've got a half dozen Snap-on.

 

[anndel]

3 Snappys but I still use regulars when I feel like it.

 

[Wamsutta]

I only use mine when I need to use a reduced clearance #2 Phillips or if I need to use a Torx bit.

 

[WittHay]

Snap-on hard handle straight for dash work, interior panels on trucks, Case IH which is a Williams rebrand for security torx bits on appliances and other household uses

 

[ADSR]

Snap-on hard handle straight for dash work, interior panels on trucks, Case IH which is a Williams rebrand for security torx bits on appliances and other household uses

I'm surprised you don't have a made in BC driver....http://www.rolgear.com/product/4-inch-ratchet-bit-driver/

 

[WittHay]

I'm surprised you don't have a made in BC driver....http://www.rolgear.com/product/4-inch-ratchet-bit-driver/

Hey, never new they existed. Based in Ashcroft of all places. I have been by the Picquic screwdriver place in Vancouver, not sure if they are still made there.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Well, I haven't worked in a shop in many years. I read on Snapon's site, you need proof of purchase. Heck, I found a Craftsman radial saw in the trash once. Cut the motor off it and sent it, prepaid shipping, to Craftsman and they sent me a check for $150. Not sure this Snapon warranty will be that easy though.

Don't warranty anything and save us all the extra money of having to pay for people like you.


Staying on track here, the Snap On ones are more expensive, but they last forever and rebuild kits are available. Hard to justify another brand I think.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have Williams and Husky ratcheting screwdrivers. Both work equally well, with the Williams a bit better because of the laser etched tips included. The bits, however, sit inside the handle and rattle around. The Husky on the other hand has a revolver style bit holder that keeps all the bits in place.

 

[joseywales]

Don't warranty anything and save us all the extra money of having to pay for people like you.


Staying on track here, the Snap On ones are more expensive, but they last forever

I had a new Craftsman mower once. Went to adjust the deck and nearly burned the skin of 4 of my fingers. Blistering skin and burn cream for over a week. No full burn shield on their muffler. I'd say we're even, but thanks for caring.

Staying on track, I'd say the Snapon screwdriver didn't last forever. Me not sending my driver in for warranty won't save you any money. You've already paid for the warranty. The reason for the high price on many brands, such as Snapon, is partly quality but also the lifetime warranty. The warranty isn't free. The warranty cost is factored into the retail price of the item. The ability to purchase two drivers for the same cost is a fair reason to buy another brand.

 

[bassbone52]

Have a Snapon and a Williams and seldom use a "regular" screwdriver any more.

Same here.

 

[Biomed]

Don't warranty anything and save us all the extra money of having to pay for people like you.

Staying on track here, the Snap On ones are more expensive, but they last forever and rebuild kits are available. Hard to justify another brand I think.

Rebuild kits are only available for the hard handle Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers. No rebuild kit is listed or available for the Soft Grip ratcheting screwdriver. If you need to warranty a Soft Grip it will be replaced.

I have been told by several SO employees that part of the reason for the Soft Grip replacement vs rebuild was that it can be difficult for many customers to successfully disassemble, rebuild and reassemble a ratcheting screwdriver.

 

[Biomed]

Interesting... as I look at the poll 107 members have voted. I'm pretty sure you can only vote for one selection and vote one time. Why then when you add up the percentages does it exceed 100%?

45.79%
24.30%
48.60%
00.93%
13.08%
---------
132.7% ??

 

[T45]

Rebuild kits are only available for the hard handle Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers. No rebuild kit is listed or available for the Soft Grip ratcheting screwdriver. If you need to warranty a Soft Grip it will be replaced.

what is the difference? I thought all the ratcheting mechs were the same? the softgrip is defititely serviceble...they come apart for maintenace

 

[mcmtech]

Got a snap one one with a set of screwdrivers maybe 15 years ago. Can probably count the times I've used it on one hand.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Interesting... as I look at the poll 107 members have voted. I'm pretty sure you can only vote for one selection and vote one time. Why then when you add up the percentages does it exceed 100%?

45.79%
24.30%
48.60%
00.93%
13.08%
---------
132.7% ??

You can vote for more than once choice on this poll.

 

[Biomed]

what is the difference? I thought all the ratcheting mechs were the same? the softgrip is defititely serviceble...they come apart for maintenace

The hard handle shafts are not removable (unless you disassemble and remove the retaining clip). Soft Grip shafts are designed to be removed and replaced with different styles of shafts.

People keep saying on GJ that Soft Grip rebuild kits are available but they are not listed on the SO Web site and not available for order or from Customer Service.

It's been some time since I tried this so I cannot recall exactly. Anyway, I took a hard handle, removed the retaining clip and reinstalled the official Snap-on Soft Grip spacer. It didn't work well. Apparently there are some slight dimensional differences (primarily in the rotational axis). It did work, but not as well as the Soft Grip. I know some folks are using Delco air conditioner O-rings but it isn't the best. If you place a Soft Grip and hard handle side-by-side you will notice the location of the access slot for disassembly is different between the two models.


Sorry to hijack the thread.

 

[byoungblood]

I used one when I was working on computers all the time, particularly when swapping hard disks, DVD drives, etc. Of course they were too large for working on laptops, which typically used small Torx or 00/000 Phillips screws.

I've tried using them on general purpose stuff and most of the ones I used always seemed to have too much back drag to be of much use or the thick shank posed clearance issues.

 

[joseywales]

Thanks for all of the feedback everyone. I'm holding my new Rolgear screwdriver now. The silence is killing me. While turning it, I think it's cheap, even though I KNOW it's not! It feels like there's something wrong with it, but there is NOT. It feels like it's not working, but it is. Man, it is smooth and I like it. One test I've been trying is to see how well the drivers ratchet on a loose screw, without me holding the shank, so one-handed. The Rolgear and the Megapro do that very well. I'd be torn to choose between the two, but they use different bits, so serve different roles, at least that's what I'll tell the Mrs. With bits in place, the Rolgear is 8 3/4" and the Megapro is 9 13/16".

I'm returning the cheaper Tactix, though I really wanted to keep it. It's decent enough, but what killed me is the bit removal. A reviewer online said his bits kept falling out. Well, I can't get mine out, of anything! They are stored 3 to a rubber holder, then they sit on an angle in the main case. They look like jets lifting off. I thought that was a great way to store them and still believe that. But I can't grab them and pull them out of the rubber. It gets worse. Once I do get a bit out and place it in the screw driver, I can get it out of the driver either! I put one of their bits in the Megapro and couldn't get it out of there either. It's like trying to pull apart two tiny, strong, magnets. If I could get the Tactix handle alone, for the right price, I'd like to have it in my desk, but the bits are useless and even the smaller set has them. If it were a great driver, I'd bite the bullet and just toss the bits. maybe they read the bad review on the bits falling out and overcompensated.

All that is left now is to wait for the Williams. Pretty hard to beat either of these, so best might be a tie. My plan is to possibly keep all three, toss them in my desk, and various tool bags, and save the standard screwdrivers for my garage toolbox and hobby table.

 

[85blazer]

This craftsman by western forge is good for 13.99 on eBay
I have used mine for years without any problems

 

[joseywales]

This craftsman by western forge is good for 13.99 on eBay
I have used mine for years without any problems

Feels "normal" in the hand? I saw that one a few times, but it didn't look comfortable. Hmm...

 

[not-required]

Use my snap on daily. Our fire trucks always have a couple of torx fasteners holding on panels. Sometimes it's not enough to get out the electric screwdriver.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[ChevyEFI]

what is the difference? I thought all the ratcheting mechs were the same? the softgrip is defititely serviceble...they come apart for maintenace

The soft-grip selector knob/cap has a seal that retains the interchangeable extension bits.

The hard handle selector knob/cap has no included seal. The locking washer holds the bit driver shaft in place.

In my experience, Snap-On will sell you a rebuild kit for a soft grip if you talk nicely. But, it's the same pieces serviced.

If you were to grind detents inside the ratcheting piece of the mechanism, it would let the interchangeable bits (which have ball detent) stay retained. But, Snap-On chose a rubber seal instead.