Ratcheting screwdriver use poll

[monkeyspanners]

Have a Bahco one that is used daily, also have a Roebuck one which i got cheap on ebay that is like a 9 in 1 with a ratchet built in.

 

[66HertzClone]

One of these and I love it.

 

[Schurkey]

Snap-On Orange hard handle
Snap-On Orange Tee handle stubby
Snap-On Orange "Limp ****" "Pistol Grip".
^^^ Automotive and electronics use
Craftsman WF (2) (Homeowner use)

So, yeah, I voted for two choices.

I like them. They **** for recessed fasteners due to the shank size. I've had to buy some extra-long P2 tips, which then makes the screwdriver uncomfortably long overall.

They're not perfect. I'd like a long-handle, long-bit-storage version with a stubby (replaceable) shank. Then I could use and store my long bits without having a "too long" screwdriver. In orange, of course.




There's instructions on this site for changing the "fixed" Snappy shank to a "replaceable" shank...but I'm too lazy to track it down. I'm too lazy to actually convert my fixed-shank version to replaceable shanks. I'll do that "someday".

 

[franzdom]

They are really cool and I have quite a few but I just don't reach for them any more. I generally want the control of a fixed blade or the ease of a power driver. Recently picked up the M4 screwdriver and it's so very nice, and for more power there are 12V options impact and not impact to go to.

 

[APEowner]

I voted "tried it and didn't like it" but that's not entirely accurate. I own several of them because the interchangeable bits and on board bit storage is nice but I've never had any use for the ratchet feature and just keep it locked. I just relax my grip on the handle when I turn my hand back the other way.

 

[joseywales]

Good feedback here. I have to say, my orange Snapon pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver just arrived. It's new in its original plastic package and I'm not hating it! It feels more natural than I thought. I paid a premium for it and I won't claim it was a better deal than the Rolgear or the Megapro, but I'm glad I don't hate it. There was a chance of the with the odd angle.

 

[rlitman]

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

I have one of those, and a similar one that has bit storage in the handle.

FYI, it is NOT made by Western Forge. It is made by Schroeder in Germany.

I find the ratcheting mechanism to be coarse, but the handle lets me put more torque on a screw than anything other than a wrench assisted driver.

 

[SantaAna12]

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

????

 

[joseywales]

... but the handle lets me put more torque on a screw than anything other than a wrench assisted driver.

This is exactly the reason I wanted to try the pistol grip Snapon. I know guys will say, if you're cranking that much get a standard screw driver, but I think the leverage lets you get a bit with the screwdriver, rather than having to step up to a wrench assist. I was wrong once before though...

 

[JR 42]

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

I've had one of these for a couple years now, Epstein's still had a big pile of them last I checked. It's coarse, clunky, and a little loose (compared to a 10-year-old Stanley box store product and a Husky I had to buy to get a T10 security Torx bit 10 miles from home at 8:00 pm six months ago), but the flattened handle shape and hinge are a big plus. I'd buy another for the $15 it cost... but will probably pick up a Williams if I feel the need to buy another ratcheting screwdriver.

As for use, for tricky (tight, old, rusted, painted, stuck) stuff I'll take a plain old screwdriver, much better feel and feedback; for clean stuff the ratcheting screwdriver is the go-to. Like someone mentioned, for a lot of turning, it's hard to beat the ratcheting driver.

JR

 

[PhantomEB]

Only at work to save room in my tool box.

 

[joseywales]

Only at work to save room in my tool box.

That's partly my attraction, though I'm looking to save weight in the packs, as much as save space. I think I'll keep these in my home office, general home repair pack, etc. I'll leave the standard screwdrivers in the garage.

 

[joseywales]

OK. So the Williams WSR1 came in today. I don't think there's any doubt it's the same as the Snapon. The shaft isn't knurled, but I like the 3-sided feel of the Williams handle better than the original Snapon I have.

Still, I really like the Rolgear and the Megapro. I have the Husky in the HD bag, ready to return, but for $10, I think I can find a home for it.

Thanks again to everyone for their opinions. I'm on more forums than I care to admit and it's clear the folks are good to go.

 

[jherb10]

I have 3 Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers. They mainly just sit in the drawer. I use my Snap on battery screw gun or grab one of my Mac screwdrivers.
John

 

[Jarhead0408]

I prefer fixed blade for home/shop use...but I like ratcheting screwdrivers for working on well pumps, HVAC units, and I always throw one in the bag for road trips.

Here's my favorite: Megapro 13-in-1 Automotive Driver.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VJY1FQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[MattVette89]

After I tried my first Snap On it was downhill from there. Just got a new soft grip yesterday. I've tried other brands and didn't care for them.

 

[Parrothead]

I have a Snap On and a Husky ratcheting screwdriver and while there's nothing wrong with either of them, I use a regular screwdriver or my cordless 95% of the time. If I use one, it's the Husky over the Snap On, which in my opinion is way overrated.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If anyone has the stubby ratcheting screwdriver that they don't want I would be interested. Or I would trade one of my standard length drivers. Some people hate them some people love them.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Waterh20]

Combination of both myself as well. For mobile toolkit / size limits I love keeping a spare ratcheting driver. Currently I don't use the T / bent style ratcheting drivers just the plain ol straight handle.

 

[uncwstudent]

I have a Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver....and I never use it. Ever.

 

[Rarified27]

One of these and I love it.

Any chance you paid less than $99 for it and if so, where?

 

[Qualitytools]

I use a hard handle snap on, I use it all the time for automotive, home, work. I Love my ratcheting screwdriver. In fact I like them so much I just purchased the Vessel ratcheting one with interchangeable shanks, very cool as it can also be used as a ratcheting stubby

 

[Cope]

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.

Call them. I've never been asked for proof of purchase.

 

[dthor68]

I plan on getting the Megapro, again, next week. I Used my Megapro daily in electrical work. Half the people on a job site in SC are working at minimum wage, tools tend to disappear rather quickly when you don't keep an eye on them. Anyway, one of the best screwdrivers I have ever had. I have not seen any mention of Megapro yet. Like Husky, the name kind of sounds generic. However, it is anything but generic!

 

[matsurocka]

Pretty much never. I prefer regular ole screwdrivers.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mbshop]

Stuff like this just points out how lucky folks are with all the choices these days as compared to the "good ole days".