Ratcheting screwdrivers, whats a good one?

[PowerGenGuy]

Mine is the Williams, rebranded International Harvestor. Paid 30-35$ for it here in Canada. The bits are snapon bits. Don't waste your money on SO, this one does the job. I use mine, but nothing beats using a normal screwdriver.

 

[Piles]

I have the snap on and the Wera. I much prefer the Wera.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have that one in this set http://store.snapon.com/Ratcheting-...ting-Soft-Grip-Master-Red-8-pcs--P643059.aspx

I bought it at a pawn shop minus the bit set in almost new condition for $40 cash. Easily my favorite of all my ratchet drivers. I meant to be under the stubby snap on post but 2 more post happened while I posted

 

[tjpavlov]

What about the Enderes one? Haven't tried it but hoping to get one on Enderes Day! $20 I think.

 

[dede2897234]

I have a bahco one that converts to pistol grip. It's my favorite. 45 on amazon.

I own both the pistol grip and the stubby ratcheting screwdrivers. Both models are fine tooth (48 teeth). The two that I own are branded Britool. Both the Britool and Bahco models are made in Taiwan. One nice feature with both models is that they are compatible with Gearwrench ratcheting screwdriver shafts. Here is the link to the Bahco stubby ratcheting screwdriver set on Amazon: LINK. Here is the link to the Bahco pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver on Amazon: LINK.

There is an upgraded model of the pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver under the Blackhawk brand with 72 teeth. Here is the literature page on Proto's website: LINK. The screwdriver can be purchased at MSC Industrial Supply: LINK.

Dave

 

[zkling]

I have the snap on and the Wera. I much prefer the Wera.

Are you talking about the KK27? Why do you like it better than the Snap on?

 

[nicksnothereman]

So I'm thinking I "need" a ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. The Snap On gets mentioned alot bu t is there another that might cost a bit less thats still good?

I bought a couple of "garbage" ones from husky (home depot) last year for like a buck. Still have em; the bits **** but the mechanism is okay. I use them for woodworking with longer screws when I don't want to use a drill with a bit adapter.

But yeah if you feel the "need" (if you use bits that much) you might want to foot it for a better one. I guess it would be better than using a screwdriver but you could also just get a socket bit adapter and use that (just keep a dedicated ratchet with that socket bit adapter on it). Of course the usefulness of that would depend on the clearance for the fasteners you're tightening.

The real question is: what is it worth to you? If you're woodworking then sure. For mechanical work? Not completely necessary.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have a snap on and craftsman. Honestly, the craftsman one is more comfortable. Doesn't have the removable cap but instead has a twist cap with different spots for bits. And I'm sure it's cheaper tko

 

[matty d]

So, I dug out this months Truckin Magazine (2013 #12) to look at their review of ratcheting screwdrivers in the $7-$20 range.

Good article. Lots of pics of the items. I hope I'm not breaking any copyright issues - its a good mag and they often review tools in this manner...

Here is Truckin's results in order (1= best).

1) Husky 55 piece Ratcheting Screwdriver Set #395-977 ($20 Home Depot)
no bad comments, lifetime warranty, 6 handle inserts, solid, plastic case holds everything. Bits include: Slotted, Philips, Security Torx, Metric Sockets, SAE Sockets, Square Bits, Allen Bits…Oh My!!!

2) Channelock 18 bits #70154 ($15)
ergonomic, solid, comfortable to use

3) Craftsman 25 bits #47144 ($20)
precise, separate sleeve for bits, little storage in handle

4) Kobalt 25 piece #239446 ($13.58)
loose bits hard to keep track of, belt clip, magnetic extension

5) Pittsburgh 34 Piece #94779 ($6.99 Harbor Freight)
Value, no storage in handle, loose cassettes easy to misplace

6) Stanley 25 piece pistol grip #63025 ($20 at WalMart)
low on ergonomics, limited warranty, more suited to home applications

7) Milwaukee 10 in 1 #22-2302 ($16.97 Home Depot)
long bits, ratcheting system slips with higher torque

8) Pittsburgh Multi-Angle #46801 ($7.99 Harbor Freight)

 

[dave12b]

I've also got the Kobalt version ... The End Cap Retention is major suckage.

During a search for a stubby and affordable version of my beloved red racing series snap on, I bought the kobalt about 5 years ago. In the store it seamed perfect, comfortable, short shank, and an extension right in the handle. But every time I tried to use it the screw cap would come lose. Bought a second one thinking it was a fluke and now i'd have 2 extensions, but the same thing.
I love my snap on (only so tool i currently own) but its a tad long for around the house. I would like to try the Williams stubby but i really like the knurling on the so.

 

[Danglerb]

Williams I got from I think the place is MRO, crazy low shipped price under $30. Picked up a Stanley fat max and like it a lot too, but I'm a screwdriver bitdriver junky.

 

[jjjrmx5]

I use mine, but nothing beats using a normal screwdriver.

Oh to the contrary.

If you bill work by the hour or work to a TAKT time in production, nothing beats the ratcheting screwdriver for work with small , deliocate , brittle equipment where using powered screwdrivers are not allowed or cannot access.

Buying new whole screwdrivers for workers as they wear is FAR more expensive than suppling them bits once the tip is worn.

Std. screwdrivers are required to access some fasteners in many cases, but also very slow at repetitive tasks or removing a lot of screws.

Even a 12v battery driver can crack plastic housings, vehicle trim and other brittle parts if done incccorectly or in the wrong hands, which I see all the time.

For some, ratcheting screwdrivers are a professional necessity. For others a toy or novelty.

They're not for everybody, especially at the price of buying a good one.

 

[cburnscrx]

Oh to the contrary.

Even a 12v battery driver can crack plastic housings, vehicle trim and other brittle parts if done incccorectly or in the wrong hands, which I see all the time.

For some, ratcheting screwdrivers are a professional necessity. For others a toy or novelty.

They're not for everybody, especially at the price of buying a good one.

I agree with the cordless screwdriver assessment. I think people overbuy for such tasks and a Ryobi Tek4 or the Black & Decker LI4000 would suit their needs better. The Ryobi has higher RPM's and the Black & Decker has more torque. Both are great little screwdrivers that won't break the bank and aren't overkill for removing interior parts in cars.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I agree with the cordless screwdriver assessment. I think people overbuy for such tasks and a Ryobi Tek4 or the Black & Decker LI4000 would suit their needs better. The Ryobi has higher RPM's and the Black & Decker has more torque. Both are great little screwdrivers that won't break the bank and aren't overkill for removing interior parts in cars.

True. I love my Bosch PS21, but I sometimes grab my ratcheting screwdriver, other times I grab a fixed driver. It really depends on what I'm doing.

 

[decaf]

I have this set and it´s the best i´ve ever used:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004VMXNR0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Deskmechanic]

I have one of these and love it. However, the downside is that it has no bit storage (at least the version I have) so I don't use it as much as I would like.

 

[monkeyspanners]

Klein make a ratcheting 11 in 1 that looks good but i have not tried in person.

 

[Monte]

Monte, who do you think is the best source in the US for PB swiss stuff like that ratcheting driver?

there are 2 dealers listed in the US:
http://www.pbtools.us/
http://toollady.com/

 

[jjjrmx5]

there are 2 dealers listed in the US:
http://www.pbtools.us/
http://toollady.com/

Tool Lady.

She loves the GJ guys and gals.

Full follow thru of any who order from her.

 

[Lasu]

Here's what i use.

 

[superautobacs]

The ratcheting (or gearless?) handles are a Wera product.

Iv been using the SO one at work for quote a while.

For at home I've recently purchased this unit. It feels really well made, the ratcheting is nice and crisp and the bit holder is much better than the snap on one. They go for about 33$ here in Canada. Its also made in Canada. (I think its also sold as MegaPro)

http://www.circuittest.com/ct-1050r-13-in-1-multi-bit-ratchet-screwdriver.html

Over the years I've played around with several brands。

Snap-on / Williams / Harley Davidson / Bahco / etc. COO=USA

MAC COO=Taiwan

Channellock (older version) / KTC COO=Taiwan

Schroeder / Craftsman / SK (older version) COO = Germany

Hi-Five, the Taiwanese producer for the Reverse Gear brand, is sold under so many brands.
In Europe: Facom, Bost, Britool, Wurth, Expert, KS Tools, Pastorino
In North America: Bahco, SK, Blue Point, Matco, Cornwell, Blackhawk by Proto, Greatneck
In Japan: SEK, Tone, Deen

Here's a Bahco model:

Wera, which I believe uses the same ratcheting mechanism from the Hi-Five, is assembled in the Czech Republic:

PB Swiss COO=Switzerland:

Megapro / Channelock (new version) / Wurth. COO=Canada

I've had my Megapro for a few years now. It has the smoothest ratcheting action of all the ones I've held.

 

[Burgerkong]

Megapro, $25-35.

YES! I LOVE the two I have.

 

[parnass]

There is a web review of several ratcheting screwdrivers here:

The Best Multi Bit Screwdriver

The author likes the MegaPro 13-in-1 Multi-Bit ratcheting screwdriver, which he points out can also be purchased as a Channellock 131CB.

 

[Rico.]

My personal favourite.... It has a lovely tactile feel to it.


facom ratchet screwdriver

 

[Piles]

Are you talking about the KK27? Why do you like it better than the Snap on?

Is the KK27 the one with bits or removable shanks? If bits, then thats what I got. I prefer it because the bits dont rust when in the holder whereas the snappies do. Perhaps thats from the bit coating but its all a set so that should be included. I think the bits fit better and are stronger. Its also smaller, has a hex shank, and I find the bit holder better. The snappy is pretty primitive if you ask me, works, though it is less favourable for me to dump all the bits to find which I need.

Ratchet action definitely goes to the snap on, but its a screwdriver, I dont need super smooth action like a real ratchet.



Perhaps its just splitting hairs, and I would be perfectly content with the snappy as my only one (would try different bits though), just I find the Wera better.

 

[ag45099]

How many teeth is the mechanism on PB Swiss ratchets? finer than Wera? Snapon?