To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Ratcheting screwdriver with zero wobble - suggestions?

gasongasoff

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
21
Can anyone recommend a ratcheting screwdriver (magnetic) that has zero wobble in the shaft?

The only one I've found so far is the PB Swiss Insider 3.

The following have some wobble in the shaft:
Wera Kraftform Kompact 27
Milwaukee 48-22-2301
Megapro 211R2C36

Suggestions?
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

rice rocket

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 24, 2011
Messages
3,175
I'm not sure what you're looking for, even if the shaft is somehow wobble-less, there'll be wobble in the bit?
 

ihateminimumwage

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
3,960
My personal use has been with the Snap-On SSDMR4B (which the Williams WRS-1 should be the same mechanism), and a T-Handle Williams WRST1 (which is also sold as the Snap On SSDMRT1).

I just checked them, and there is near no wobble in the shaft; I can feel a slight amount when trying to move it, but not enough to visually see (and this is after a few years of use).

The only experience I have with ratcheting drivers outside of my USA made offerings was a Chinese Craftsman, that was very sloppy in comparison, so I don't know how much wobble you're seeing in the models you already have.

Can't go wrong with the Williams / Snap-On offerings.
 

Sine Swept

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 2, 2014
Messages
440
Save yourself the effort and go SO. Get all the extensions too and throw in the stubby!
 

4xdog

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 18, 2012
Messages
5,611
Location
Santa Fe, NM
Looks like someone re-registered.

Hah! Same thought went through my mind...

I have the PB Swiss ratcheting driver with the bits in the flip-out piece in the handle. Nicely made, as expected, and very little wobble -- nothing that I notice, at least. I find it way too easy to inadvertently change the ratchet direction, however, and it lives in a kitchen drawer for infrequent use.
 
Last edited:
OP
G

gasongasoff

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
21
Ordered a SSDMR4B from the snap on website, although it's on backorder right now. Thanks for the advice.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
G

gasongasoff

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
21
Ordered a SSDMR4B from the snap on website, although it's on backorder right now. Thanks for the advice.

The SSDMR4B arrived today. The shaft DOES wobble.

Does anyone with first-hand experience know of a ratcheting screwdriver with zero wobble? Thanks again.
 

canuckian

Well-known member
Joined
May 7, 2009
Messages
4,103
Location
East coast of Canaaada
I have (too) many different makes and models of ratcheting screwdrivers and all of them have some play in them. I would think they'd have to or they wouldn't ratchet. But PB Swiss has the least amount of play of any of them by far. I'm talking small fractions of a mm. The short shaft ones seem to have even less than the longer shaft ones. It's perceived I know because of the shorter shaft.
Thinking more on it I have a gearless Cornwell one here somewhere that seemed to have less play in the shaft than most.
 

Dave455

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 19, 2013
Messages
5,806
Location
Sussex, England
Any of the PB swiss - doesn't have to be the Insider. In fact, I prefer the solid handle for general use!

Snap On, as previously mentioned, seem to be pretty good, PROVIDED you get one of the hard handle/fixed shaft models! There isn't any wobble in the shaft, though there is a little longitudinal movement (until you strip it and re position the circlip) and a little backlash on the ratchet!

I also have an old Proto I bought about a decade back from J & L on special. It has a roller clutch and has been a superb tool! No wobble there either. Don't know if it's still available!
 
Last edited:

Bigblue&Goldie

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 12, 2009
Messages
10,679
Location
AZ
Add me to the list of happy Snap On users. I've never noticed any kind of appreciable wobble in my Snap On or GearWrench. I say stick to standard drivers.
 
OP
G

gasongasoff

Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2015
Messages
21

espyking83

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 31, 2014
Messages
1,690
Location
Hell hole of a King Air 200
I really dont understand this concept of 'wobble'...

Ive owned the Snap On, Wera, Bahco, Gearwrench, and Williams drivers. Ive never noticed any sort of lateral wobble at all. The Wera felt much more 'stiff', if thats what you're talking about. What in the hell are you working on that requires such precision that a Snap On ratcheting screwdriver is inadequate? Im far from a Snap On fan boy, actually quite the contrary, but Ive owned virtually all of the better ratcheting drivers available at one time or another, and can honestly say that the Snap On is the best from top to bottom.

Are you crossthreading fasteners? You should be starting them witth your fingers anyways.
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom