Ratcheting Screwdrivers....gimmicky?

[RatchetMan]

What's the general consensus on ratcheting screwdrivers? I have been wanting to treat myself to a new tool purchase and I think I may go the screwdriver route. I don't argue Snapon quality but are their ratcheting screwdrivers kind of a solution looking for a problem? Am I missing out on not having a ratcheting screwdriver?

An obvious benefit would be that you have many tips at your disposal. Is that the biggest advantage?

 

[franzdom]

RatchetMan is questioning this?

If it were just the tips then you have static bit holding drivers as an option.
If you have not tried one you owe it to yourself. It's just nice not having to keep repositioning your hand or the bit on the screw. They offer the same advantage of ratchets/sockets and ratcheting wrenches vs regular wrenches. It's kind of a no-brainer.

 

[RatchetMan]

RatchetMan is questioning this?

If it were just the tips then you have static bit holding drivers as an option.
If you have not tried one you owe it to yourself. It's just nice not having to keep repositioning your hand or the bit on the screw. They offer the same advantage of ratchets/sockets and ratcheting wrenches vs regular wrenches. It's kind of a no-brainer.

Funny. I get the irony. It's just that I've never owned one and didn't know if there was some outstanding benefit to using one vs. the old standby.

 

[Journaler]

I bought a ratcheting screwdriver after seeing my electrician put in a few light fixtures with them. They're very fast, that's their biggest advantage.

 

[Stuart in MN]

They're good if you have a lot of screws to remove, I suppose, but I'm usually not in that big of a hurry. I have one but don't take it out of the toolbox very often.

 

[franzdom]

I usually handle similar questions this way: buy it used and if you don't like it you can sell it and you are only out shipping & pp fees.

 

[bobcatdan]

They are handy if that is all you have, but a cordless drill has made them pointless in my book.

 

[Journaler]

They are handy if that is all you have, but a cordless drill has made them pointless in my book.

That's what I used to think also, but the ratcheting screwdriver has its place.
If you're standing on a ladder, 16' in the air, holding up the item to screw with one hand over your head, you'd want something fast and light in the other hand. Especially if you've been installing those darn things since 8am.

 

[Duck72]

I have found they work well in compromising positions. I found this out recently when I disassembled and re-assembled our computer desks. I think the one I have is a Stanley. Nothing too fancy.

I also found it to be useful when I was hooking up our dryer. It worked wonders on the clamps. I couldn't fit my cordless drill back there. I also assembled some end tables from world market recently.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I don't argue Snapon quality but are their ratcheting screwdrivers kind of a solution looking for a problem? Am I missing out on not having a ratcheting screwdriver?

Snap-On as the solution ---yes.
Are you missing out--yes.
Solution looking for a problem?--only those that have never used one say that. And I see it once a month.

Do you need one--depends.

If you work in repair, assembly or in a mfg. segment where precision, speed and quailty matter, there is no better.

For replacing outlet covers on the weekends in the den. Not so much.

The S-O ratcheting driver is my go to unless space prohibits it.
I've used almost all of the brands. Most are ****. Others seem gimicky. S-O is simplicity at its finest.

Can't afford it? Don't buy one. But find a friend or your local mechanic and ask to at least try one out for 30 seconds.

They aren't for everyone. But where speed can save your job or make your job far easier, they are irreplaceble.

They are handy if that is all you have, but a cordless drill has made them pointless in my book.

LOL.

Using a cordless drill would get your *** fired in a second in the segment I work in.

Not every tool user or profession uses the "bigger-better-more powerful" goon mentality.
Sorry bubba.

 

[Roots]

Ratcheting screwdrivers/bit drivers are pretty much my standard goto now. They really are easier on your hands/wrists IMO.

 

[Larwyn]

The one I have never gets used. I tried to like it but after using it a few times it just seems pointless to me. The ratchet mechanism just adds bulk and weight to an otherwise simple tool.

On the other hand I find the Klien Rapi-Drive crank handle screwdriers to be quite useful. Smaller and lighter than an electric, almost as quick, and never a dead battery.

 

[rwhite692]

There are certain situations where a good ratcheting driver is a godsend.

Once you have one, you will find out quickly.

Working with small fasteners on cars in tight locations is one of many examples.


The Snap-On ones are worth the money IMHO because of the fine-increment ratcheting action but there may be ones with similar characteristics on the market.

The Williams branded ones are identical to the Snap-On ones and available at a lower price point.

I have several but one of my favorites is the bent-handle one (the one on the right in the pic below).

 

[JerseyBoatBuilder]

I have not used a regular screw driver in years, The only time I will grab one is if I need to use a flat head to pry on something when I am to lazy to go get a small pry bar or a proper tool to do something.

Other than that I do everything with ratcheting screw drivers I just grab a regular handle, stubby or Offset with what ever length, type of shank and or bit & blade that I require for the job.

 

[rsanter]

I love them and in some cases they really speed up the work.
One thing I love is that I can have 8 or so bits in the handle, grab just one screwdriver but have several options

Bob

 

[Mickey O]

I've never seen the appeal, now the older Yankee ratcheting push screwdrivers were great.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

The fine tooth ratcheting action and handle balance of the old hard handled snap-ons was outstanding. They're still pretty good in soft grip, but not the same, IMO.

 

[slob]

If I didn't have a ratcheting screwdriver at work my hand would have fallen off years ago. I don't think two hours have gone by where I haven't used one.

 

[MachYou]

Since we're on the subject. Any one have experience with snap on SGDMRCE44

 

[tkonetzke]

I cant say to much about snap on ratcheting screw drivers, i have used others and was less than impressed. My go to is the 7.2 volt snap on screw gun. It cost about double the ratcheting screwdriver, but is worth every penny.

 

[franzdom]

The fine tooth ratcheting action and handle balance of the old hard handled snap-ons was outstanding. They're still pretty good in soft grip, but not the same, IMO.

Why do you say old? They still make them:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...group_name=Standard+Handle&store=snapon-store

 

[osborn.ozzy]

Im always using my 7.2v cordless driver. When I pick up a screw driver its usually not for turning screws so I can not justify the purchase.

 

[franzdom]

Indeed, they can not be recommended for people who aren't turning screws.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

What's the general consensus on ratcheting screwdrivers? I have been wanting to treat myself to a new tool purchase and I think I may go the screwdriver route. I don't argue Snapon quality but are their ratcheting screwdrivers kind of a solution looking for a problem? Am I missing out on not having a ratcheting screwdriver?

An obvious benefit would be that you have many tips at your disposal. Is that the biggest advantage?

Yes.

They're nice to use. I still use regular screwdrivers but when I've got a lot of hardware the ratcheting driver is nice. It is especially helpful for me with one hand that I don't have to pull the driver bit out of the screw head to reposition for the next twist. I don't have a second hand to support the shaft and I end up fumbling around. Its slow, and in out of position reaches, frustrating and tedious. The ratcheting screw driver takes that out of the equation.

 

[dirtmister16]

i can't go a day without mine. use it everyday, generally with 1/4" or 5/16" sockets. now i have three at home so i don't have to be without. they are a great tool, if you ever work on small engines trust me they are a time saver.

 

[Brownsfan]

I use my Snap On one all the time. Especially when I am one the road doing installs. I put a bunch of commonly used bits in the top. If you are under a dash or on a ladder and need a different bit there is nothing more convienient. Instead of taking 6-7 drivers with you you can take 1 with 6-7 bits. I prefer my Snap On "pistol" grip version. I am bummed they do not make it anymore. i broke my original this year and had to look all over the net for a new one. Thats how I found this place. Bought a NOS orange one from a member here (warmpancakes). My life is whole again.

 

[bart1]

I have one. It's a Souix, not sure who makes it, but its gearless. Bought my ex GF a pink snap on and used it some. Now that I have my regular screwdrivers handy I don't ever use it. I don't think it makes it any faster. Usually once you break it loose, you can spin a normal driver faster that you can twist your hand back and forth. If you are screwing into non drilled wood or fighting a lot of rust, ratcheting is probably better.

 

[DFW-LSX]

I think your missing out, I have the Snap-On Wounded Warrior edition and its the only screwdriver I use. It comes with about 8 different bits to use and I bought the shank to use it as a 1/4'' socket driver occasionally so its a useful and versatile tool imo, I dont wrench for a living though.

 

[Wakefield]

A Snap on ratcheting screwdriver was one of the first "good" tools I had. Still works after many years and the magnet in it usually makes the screw stick to the bit.
Also you can have a lot of bits in a small bag or something for small Torx and Phillips and so not have to carry a whole bunch of individual drivers to work on something. Not all the bits I have will fit in the handle at one time.

 

[shampoop]

IMO, they are awesome when a fastener is in something that doesn't immediately break free so you can loosen it the rest of the way with your fingers. Think plastic like replacing a tail light bulb on a car. Places where there's a constant resistance for several revolutions.

 

[Plasmatic]

Since we're on the subject. Any one have experience with snap on SGDMRCE44

That's my go-to driver. I really like the 5-position feature and the fact that it has the interchangeable shanks. Got mine used on evilBay.

 

[d_rock]

I'm thinking of picking up the matco straight handled one next week. Although, honestly, I don't think i'll use it much. I can turn a screw much faster with two hands then ratcheting with one. Although if you only have one hand free it would probably be nice to have, as long as its not sitting in your toolbox.

 

[The Frisco Kid]

Why do you say old? They still make them:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...group_name=Standard+Handle&store=snapon-store

I said old only because most drivers don't keep them on the trucks often anymore. You can still order them.

 

[RCStocker]

We had the yakee drivers years ago with replaceable bits. They were not good on sloted heads but great on philips. The in the late 60's I found a Stanley and miller falls ratchet driver with a flat tip. Then they came out with one for the apex bits. I have been using it on and off for 40 years. I have driven thousands of screw installing hinges and doing electrical work. 15 years ago I picked up one the the little milwaukee cordless drivers. It has a flex joint in the middle. It is fantastic for working on electronics, computers, Light plates. Lighting fixtrues and anything small on a car or truck. Then I like my cordless drills for driving screws. I use them on drawer glides, hinge screws and other hardware when building cabinets or custom diplay fixtures for store use. I still don't have one of these new ones. If I find one cheap I will pick it up.