Ratcheting screwdrivers

[iScream]

I've got a black hard handled Snap-on screwdriver I bought about 15 years ago and I've probably used it over the years more than any other tool I own.

Now I'm thinking about buying into the soft grips with interchangeable shafts. But I've got a couple questions before I jump in.

The first thing is whether there is some other brand out there that I should also look into before buying Snap-on? Is there a Williams version of these that work the same for less money?

The other question I have is about the 5 position handle. I've got a Craftsman screwdriver with that kind of handle, except it doesn't lock into position like the SO. It's nice to be able to put some torque on a fastener but I hardly every use it because the edges dig into my hand.

Does the SO 5 position soft handle have that problem as well? Is it pretty comfortable to use with the handle in any position?

Thanks for any help or advice.

Chris

 

[plinker]

There is no Williams soft grip that I know of, just the Hard handle. I do not have a 5 position driver, So I'm no help there.

 

[iScream]

There is no Williams soft grip that I know of, just the Hard handle. I do not have a 5 position driver, So I'm no help there.

Thanks. I didn't find any with a quick search and didn't see anything in the tool truck equivs thread either. But it never hurts to ask.

 

[dankicksass]

The Gearwrench interchangeable shaft soft handle screwdrivers are Snap-On clones.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The other question I have is about the 5 position handle. I've got a Craftsman screwdriver with that kind of handle, except it doesn't lock into position like the SO. It's nice to be able to put some torque on a fastener but I hardly every use it because the edges dig into my hand.

The SO pistol grip (hard handle) would probably work best for you it sounds like.

 

[iScream]

The Gearwrench interchangeable shaft soft handle screwdrivers are Snap-On clones.

Thanks. I'll check them out.

 

[iScream]

The SO pistol grip (hard handle) would probably work best for you it sounds like.

Thanks man. Do you mean the t-handle? I don't see a ratcheting screwdriver that says pistol grip.

I probably should have explained what I have in mind a little better.

I'm looking at buying the 5 position soft grip and a stubby soft grip, then add the different length shanks I can swap between them. Plus a 1/4" nut driver shank.

Seems like it would be a really flexible setup.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The hard handle pistol grip is old. Check eBay. They are kind of rare now I guess, but if you like them they are worth it.

 

[redwrench60]

You can easily convert your regular hard handle Snap On ratcheting screwdriver to accept the interchangeable blades. I did it to mine. There's a thread on here about it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

The Gearwrench interchangeable shaft soft handle screwdrivers are Snap-On clones.

I own both the Snap On and Gearwrench; the Gearwrench has a huge handle and isn't as refined as the Snap On. Not a bad tool, but the size is annoying.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have the gearwrench and the snap on as well. It's such a copy that the shanks are interchangeable between the 2. I actually like the gear wrench better. The most comfortable soft grip ratcheting driver I have used is the Cornwell. I bought it with a bit set a few years ago and use it more than the snap on or gearwrench.

 

[Fedwrench]

The five position snap on ratcheting screwdriver is comfortable to use but, like other soft grip ratcheting screwdrivers, it's a little on the large side.
My favorite ratcheting screwdriver handle is gearwrench's stubby. it's not too big and it accepts a wide variety of blades.

 

[1950mercury]

The Gearwrench interchangeable shaft soft handle screwdrivers are Snap-On clones.

The gearwrench tighten/lossen selector is opposite of the snap on which drove me nuts at first. But I bought the kit they had with the screwdriver, t handle, extensions and 1/4 sockets for under 10 bucks when sears was blowing them out. I bought 4 sets and sold 3 to pay for my 1. They are not as smooth as the snap on but get the job done

 

[markharleypainter]

I happen to have a snap on orange pistol grip screwdriver. Hardly ever use it. I could let it go....

 

[iScream]

Thanks everybody. I had a $10 Amazon credit and a few dollars of gift card balance so I just ordered a Gearwrench ratcheting T-handle. Doesn't look like Snap-on offers a t-handle with interchangeable shanks so I'll have another style handle and get to try out the Gearwrench ratcheting mechanism. Only cost me $5.66 so why not.

I need to catch a truck so I can see what I think of the Snap-on soft handles.

Chris

 

[iScream]

Anyone had a Snap-on soft handle and a Wera soft handle in your hands? I'm one of those who like the Wera handles, if that says anything.

 

[shockwave]

Most tool companies make ratcheting screwdrivers snap on/Williams are both great witte makes one aswell Matco and Cornwell have there's aswell

 

[ScottsGT]

Still miss mine since it was stolen. One day I'll replace it.

 

[iScream]

Still miss mine since it was stolen. One day I'll replace it.

I feel your pain. When I was 20 years old I had about $3K worth of Snap-on hand tools and Snap-on/Blue Point air tools stolen from me. About half of it was given to me by my dad and a couple other people but I had paid for the rest through tool truck payments.

That was 23 years ago. I can't justify Snap-on prices for most stuff today but I sure do love my Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver. The first one I owned was part of those stolen tools.

Chris

 

[d.mcfarland]

I happen to have a snap on orange pistol grip screwdriver. Hardly ever use it. I could let it go....

PM me about it please.

 

[Sine Swept]

I own the softgrip SO as well as a Williams T-handle, a Milwaukee (quite impressed for the $20) and a Signet, SO clone that came with 6mm-12mm attachments:

http://www.signetcanada.com/gearwrench10.htm

The reach of the soft handle with the long adapter / strength of the magnet is where the Snap On really shines. It is not so much that the magnet holds the bit, but that it will retrieve the screw from places like a dashboard, without going to fetch a magnet.

 

[iScream]

I ended up buying Snap-on stubby and 5 position screwdrivers from the classified section. Got both of them today so I was able to check them out side by side with the Gearwrench t handle I got from Amazon. I also got a selection of Gearwrench shanks from Tooltopia.

Just twisting them by hand the ratcheting mechanisms feel very similar between the SO and GW. The soft grip coating also feels almost identical but we'll see if one or the other holds up better over time. One very noticeable difference is the switches for reversing direction. The GW selector is loose and feels cheap compared to the SO.

And Sine Swept is right on above about the magnet strength. The Snap-on shanks actually pull the Gearwrench shanks to them if they get close. The Gearwrench shanks don't do that to each other. Having said that, the GW shanks seem to hold bits with sufficient strength.

 

[Dave455]

Those Snap On hard handle bit drivers are one of the best tools out there in my opinion. It's a hard act to follow!

If it was the interchangeable shanks that appealed to you on the newer models, then there's not a lot out there that's quite that modular! It's a well thought out system!

If you like the soft grips, then have a look at the PB Swiss.

Alternatively, add a stubby or long shank bit driver to match your own. They're all still available, as are the superb T handled models!

 

[Vortaku]

I really love the look of the hardhandle from snapon, I want to get it and the pb55 plastic case magnetic set.

 

[zkling]

The gearwrench drivers are nice for the money. The bits aren't all that great, but for the price. I keep mine for clean, wood, appliance and electronics type work.

 

[Mark914]

Got a lime green Snap On racheting screwdriver, bought about 1990ish. Best screwdriver i have.

 

[stihlntime]

Anyone had a Snap-on soft handle and a Wera soft handle in your hands? I'm one of those who like the Wera handles, if that says anything.

If you like the Wera, you should try one of the Felo 410 series screwdrivers. German made outstanding quality. Love the grip, I never use the Snappys anymore.