Ratcheting screwdrivers: Normal or T handle?

[Krokodil]

I'm looking at getting a ratcheting screwdriver. Will probably be a Wera as I'm very happy with their other products. They however offer a normal grip and a T handle grip. I know that you can put more torque and force on the T handle.

Which would you guys prefer?

 

[NJHandyGuy]

matco makes one that can be both i love it also a huge fan on snap ons but i tend to reach for my matco more often

 

[tradesmanschoice]

I'd go for the normal one, be easier to use in confined spaces... I don't need such great torque that often.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Normal here too.

 

[metal1313]

i find i can work the t-handle faster, and for longer with my hands. but i use both all the time so its hard to say. i do get some wicked hand cramps though from breaks in them mountain biking and in lacross

personally i would get both

 

[Octarine]

I prefer the mini style ratchets myself. I find the more comfortable to use and I can apply more inline force to the fastener.

 

[fr0mastaj]

I prefer the normal style. I dont think the T handles too ergonomic...

 

[pirana]

I have a Wera ratcheting with more of a pistol grip than a T handle. Also have a regular handled SO which I use most often but both are good. I bought my wife a Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver & it's every bit as good as the Snap On as far as I can tell.

 

[Ritter4.0]

I use the normal style the most. I don't have a T-handle version, but when I need more torque, I just use a 1/4" ratchet with either a bit socket or bit holder and extension.

 

[Caleb T]

I personally prefer the regular style. The T-handle seems more awkward to me.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I have both types, and I tend to use the regular with far more regularity. The only time I really even like the T-handle is certain spots where the shorter overall length makes it more comfortable.

 

[canuckian]

I use the regular one more than the t-handle but I use a pistol grip more than either of them.

 

[TireTracks]

I use my T handle more often. Can get more torque and doesnt tire my fingers out.

T-Handle + ACR phillips bit= No screw thats unscrewable.

 

[socalbodydude]

Gearwrench hands down. Get the set from sears, comes with both. Don't waste the money on the strap-on.

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-56-pc-ratcheting-screwdriver-set/p-00944013000P

I use this set ALOT it is the first thing I grab when disassembling / reassembling cars. T handle is great especially when driving/loosening nuts.

 

[rickairmedic]

I have a gear wrench set that has both and honestly I use the T handle mostly when I need more torque and the regular when I dont .

Rick

 

[lwlobo]

Depends on your use. For typical screws, phillips head stuff, etc, the traditional screwdriver handle may be easier to use.

I like using a pistol Wera for small 1/4 drive stuff, removing fasteners on covers, etc. Way quicker than a ratchet, and with the pistol grip you can loosen a lot of fasteners that are too tight for a screwdriver handle. The pistol grip works good for places where you need more control and feedback than a drill. An example was re-hanging doors when the wood wasn't in the best shape and I was afraid of stripping them out if I used the drill.

Get both!

 

[red-flag]

I have both the pistol grip and normal Wera ratcheting drivers and use the normal one more, as most screws i encounter aren't all that heavily torqued. The problem with the pistol grip is that once it's loosened you really can't spin the fastener out. A T-handle style ratchet such as the Wiha Topra or PB Swiss Crosshandle ratchet might be better in that respect. (haven't played with either hands on)

 

[DHCrocks]

I only have the Snap-on ones, the soft grip stubby and regular and regular plastic handles. The one I grab 90% of the time is the stubby it just feels so comfortable and is easy to palm in my hand and quickly spin. Next would be the regular plastic handle which is also comfortable and easy to handle 10% useage on this one if I need a little bit more leverage. I never use the soft grip regular it's just too bulky and doesn't fit my hand well. I would think a t-grip is also too bulky for confined spaces. If I really need some torque I'll just use my gearwrench offset bit holder (it's like a ratcheting wrench but has a fitting to hold the bits).

 

[DARKSCOPE001]

both! I have a regular one right now and really wish I had a T-Handle one. They are nice for when you have to push really hard on a screw to get it out. Dunno what they are called but at my new job working on EMB-170's there are thousands of these little fasners that look like weird Philips. They are fine going in but coming out they are a bear if there is a hint of resistance so you have to push SUPER HARD! or get out the extractor either way they ****. So a T-handle is great

Good luck!
Sean Scott

 

[wchamberlain]

Either or..............I have several which to wit I do not use, due to being new and an avid collector. I'm with Canuckian, I like the pistol grip personally. Have 7 of those, with more on the way.

I use Snap On, Matco and Mac............I personally like the Mac, the S/O soft grip is junk IMO

 

[Krokodil]

Looks like the normal style is leading the tally!

I think I'll get that one. It should be able to get closer to corners and confined spaces.

 

[boiler7904]

Gearwrench hands down. Get the set from sears, comes with both. Don't waste the money on the strap-on.

http://www.sears.com/gearwrench-56-pc-ratcheting-screwdriver-set/p-00944013000P

I use this set ALOT it is the first thing I grab when disassembling / reassembling cars. T handle is great especially when driving/loosening nuts.

I picked up the same set a few weeks ago. Kinda pissed at myself for not getting a ratcheting screwdriver sooner since this is the first set of tools I reach for now. Have to say I've used the T-Handle way more than the conventional handle - it's more comfortable for me.

 

[socalbodydude]

I picked up the same set a few weeks ago. Kinda pissed at myself for not getting a ratcheting screwdriver sooner since this is the first set of tools I reach for now. Have to say I've used the T-Handle way more than the conventional handle - it's more comfortable for me.

I have to agree on the t handle... I actually just got the stubby set recently and it comes with different size shanks, a shorter and a much longer one. Get it if you dont have it.

 

[e30bradley]

The only one I have is the 'normal' style snap on and I love it, if possible get both but if are only getting one I think the standard style would be best for most situations.

 

[bradleykd]

I have one, but I never use it... I got it for the hype, but I dont really see the use. Maybe if you are screwing into wood or something, but i use an impact driver then... Unless it's cross threaded, I rarely come across a screw that needs more than just broken loose and spun out.

 

[Frankstools]

I prefer the T handle, more ergonomic on the wrist..

 

[lzenglish]

This is the only one I use, since I bought it about 10 years ago. It is a Topra Gearless Roller Ratchet, made in Germany, by Wiha Industrial Tools. It feels nice in the hand, and has a smooth quiet action. It is also very user friendly, with one hand selector operation, while in use. www.wihatools.com is the web site, but I believe I bought mine at one of the local wholesalers. I own about 10 of the typical straight handled ones, as it seems they are the perfect gift for fathers day, etc., but this one has put them all in dry dock for the most part. Now that I said all that, the S.O.B. will probably break on me next time I use it! Lol

Wayne

 

[Krokodil]

Very nice! I haven't bought one yet. Was leaning towards the Snap-On, but throws open the field again.

 

[Danglerb]

+1 Topra is my go to ratchet driver.

 

[ascalise]

I used to buy the snap on hard handle old style ratcheting screwdrivers. I kept losing them so decided to buy the J.H. williams version of it. Aside from the hand, it is the same exact screwdriver. Hard to beat for the price. (Less than half of a snap on)

I also have a new style (soft grip) long shaft snap on. I find that the handle is a little too fat for my taste.

 

[saturdaymechanic]

Another vote for the GW set from Sears. I love the flex shaft. The regular handle is my favorite The T handle is useful in certain situations. The set is a great deal.

That being said, I want a SO black hard handle one now.