S.O. Ratcheting screwdriver

[SK-Mike]

Almost pulled the trigger a time or two, really like the long versions. Are they worth the coin? Are they magnetic tip? If so is it a strong magnet that will hold fasteners well?

 

[WhiffySpark]

They're worth it but depending on what you're doing they can be obsolete to me. I had one that sat in the box for years once we got 12 volt stuff.

 

[mikebaker1129]

The driver has a very strong tip that holds the bits very well.
I have 2 of the snap on 's ,1 black hard handle and 1 green removable shank 90 degree version.
I also have a Williams WRS1 driver that is a different color and shape, it does not have the knurling the snap on does,but other than that it is pretty much the same driver.
Williams unit runs about $30 and if you shop at Zoro during a sale you can get 20- 25% off sometimes.
I like the Williams as good as the SO and at half price of the SO ,it is a good value.

 

[cgrutt]

I've had one for a very long time and use it almost everytime I reach for a screwdriver. I generally just use it with the multi-packs of #2 tips (Bosch, DeWalt, etc.) that you get in the big box stores but change tips as needed. Mine is not magnetic (but the bit holder might be). They're great. I also recommend the 1/4" driver version.

 

[KM223]

I use mine all the time. Very strong magnet keeps the fastener secure. I have several but now that I have the new 5 position I don't think the others will see much use.

 

[Marv's Shop]

I use mine all the time. Very strong magnet keeps the fastener secure. I have several but now that I have the new 5 position I don't think the others will see much use.

Another feature I really like about those is the bit holder can be removed and a 1/4" extension added onto it for extra needed length. Also the tail cap can be used as a bit driver if you're in a pinch and don't have anything else on you.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I bought mine in the mid 1990s. It's probably my most used tool. Indispensable. Its only drawback is the shank has to be big to accept the bits and still be strong, so if you need to use it in a blind hole, it often doesn't fit.

 

[spotco2]

I struggled and saved to buy my first back in the early 90's. I had it rebuilt several times before they finally just replaced it. I've got 8 or 9 of them now laying around in different places. I love them and use one every day.

You can usually find a pretty good deal on eBay for them if you don't mind gently used and missing original bits.

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have the stubby version. It's nice. I like it. I just can't say I use that often. Especially since I have a SO 7.2 volt screwdriver and a 9.6 volt impact. The only downfall for the stubby that I've found is it's often too long or too bulky for most situations where I would usually use a stubby screwdriver. But all in all not a bad piece.

 

[G_P]

I have an orange one I snagged at a yard sale. Screws stick to the bits quite well. Not sure if the SO bits are magnetized, or if the magnet that holds the bits in is strong enough to grab the screw as well as the bit.

 

[NewShockerGuy]

I have 5 of these, 3 normal size and 2 stubby. Use them all the time for almost everything.

My red one though seems to be skipping a gear or tooth because as I turn it, the ratchet mechanism will either stop or pause/skip and it's annoying as hell. Bought that one used here...go figure.

Other than that I like them a lot. Fits my hands perfectly and is comfortable to use.

-Nigel

 

[steveo3002]

its my most used tool , no regrets buying it

 

[GSMotorrad]

They're worth it but depending on what you're doing they can be obsolete to me. I had one that sat in the box for years once we got 12 volt stuff.

This. I grabbed one back in 2001, when Sears was selling orange Harley Davidson branded Bahco tools with Snap-On handles and date codes. It's very nice, but I've basically never used it. I've held on to it all these years and probably used it two or three times. Those times were a pleasure, don't get me wrong, but I reach for my little impact gun for just about everything.

I keep trying to keep it in a road-kit, a toolkit that travels always in the truck or bike, but it's kind of huge, for what it does, so it usually gets left behind. The ratcheting action is like butter and even the screw-on cap in the handle threads very nicely. I think they're like $59.35 or something, whew. Yeah, they're nice, and I guess they're worth that, but dang. Just not useful enough for me to spend that much on. I think they're just for collectors. JH Williams version WRS-1 is like $30, and it's probably as much the same as my HD-Bahco version. Yeah, my HD-Bahco handle looks identical to the Williams WRS-1 version. Are the SnapOn branded ones better? Here's mine:

 

[espyking83]

Best ratcheting driver hands down, IMO. Williams is a close second.

 

[JBradley500]

I have one and don't use it much but it really is worth the money. It's super nice and strong.

 

[davethorik]

Yeah, my HD-Bahco handle looks identical to the Williams WRS-1 version. Are the SnapOn branded ones better?

I agree, your Bahco handle looks identical to the Williams WRS-1 that I have. First time I've actually seen the Bahco version.

To answer your second question, most people here will say yes. The handle is different and no knurling on the shaft. Are those two things worth forking over twice as much cash?

I have the Williams WRS-1, WRST-4 (T-handle), and the Snap-On TMR4 (the 1/4 driver version). Truth be told I like the Williams handle a little bit better, but the Snappy is a close 2nd. If Williams offered a 1/4 driver, probably would have bought it just to save $ but got a decent deal on the Snap-On.

 

[bry@n]

I have several. For me, I use it all the time.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I have one I got just recently in green, I love it. It is and will usually hold a small screw. I use it more than any other driver in my box, Really worth the $$$.

 

[canuckian]

to answer the OP's questions
-yes IMHO
-yes
-yes, as strong as or stronger than other brands I've tried.

I'll admit I use mine less since I've gotten my compact lithium drivers but there are a lot of instances where they're the perfect tool, especially with smaller fasteners where over-torquing would cause issues. Not always easy to feel the torque of even a small battery powered tool.

 

[dashunde]

Is it worth it? Not sure... depends on how you use it I guess?
I have a red instinct removable shaft version with a extra 1/4" square shaft (socket driver).
I also have a Dewalt 8v gyroscopic screwdriver.
They are the same price after the $20 1/4 square shaft is added.
The Dewalt is not huge by comparison either, the SO is rather large in fact... 1.5" thick and 10" long with a standard shaft and tip in place.

The Dewalt is much quicker, applies very delicate pressure when needed and can also drill a hole using a set of hex-drive drill bits.
But it can not reach anything that is down in a small hole without an extension.

I keep the Dewalt in a larger tool bag for wider ranging jobs.
The SO is in a small go-bag along with a Gearwrench socket/bit/mini-ratchet set for odd jobs around the house... bicycles, electronics, vehicle interior work, tightening misc furniture nuts/bolts/screws and so on.

The best part about the SO ratchet is you get a great Instinct style handle and you can replace the tips with whatever you want as they wear. Plus you can keep most common tips in the handle instead of going back and forth to the tool box.

I absolutely love the Dewalt screwdriver, but the SO is also really nice to have around.
If I could have only one it would be the Dewalt without question.

 

[MikeF2316]

I have regular and stubby, 1/4 drive adapter and long shank. With the advent of cordless tools, I pretty much only use them for reinstallation of automotive interior plastic panels.

 

[Finky198]

I own 6-7 there one of my fav tools. Have em in black and yellow in stubby, reg, long. I'd like to pick up the Williams palm drivers in 3 sizes. They are well worth the money I like the hard handle but that's just me. You can also convert them to interchangeable shanks which can be pretty awesome...

I used these for 75% of my screwing needs.

 

[Soslow]

Like most snap on stuff, you can tell that their ratcheting screwdrivers are great in fit and finish. I don't use mine all the time but when I do it is a pleasure

 

[Vbwiley92]

My Williams wrs1 is my go to screwdriver and I'll pick up a snap on when I find a price I'm willing to pay.

Sent from my SM-T320 using Tapatalk

 

[martin666]

Not home right now but had someone send me this picture ( they missed a few ). over the years I've tried most other brands out there but none are equal to these. At least half the time I use a screwdriver or need a nut driver one of these is in my hand

 

[ADSR]

Is it worth it? Not sure... depends on how you use it I guess?
I have a red instinct removable shaft version with a extra 1/4" square shaft (socket driver).
I also have a Dewalt 8v gyroscopic screwdriver.
They are the same price after the $20 1/4 square shaft is added.
The Dewalt is not huge by comparison either, the SO is rather large in fact... 1.5" thick and 10" long with a standard shaft and tip in place.

The Dewalt is much quicker, applies very delicate pressure when needed and can also drill a hole using a set of hex-drive drill bits.
But it can not reach anything that is down in a small hole without an extension.

I keep the Dewalt in a larger tool bag for wider ranging jobs.
The SO is in a small go-bag along with a Gearwrench socket/bit/mini-ratchet set for odd jobs around the house... bicycles, electronics, vehicle interior work, tightening misc furniture nuts/bolts/screws and so on.

The best part about the SO ratchet is you get a great Instinct style handle and you can replace the tips with whatever you want as they wear. Plus you can keep most common tips in the handle instead of going back and forth to the tool box.

I absolutely love the Dewalt screwdriver, but the SO is also really nice to have around.
If I could have only one it would be the Dewalt without question.

What kind of job do you have that you have that type of tool selection in a bag? I even see a dual 80 in there.

 

[shockwave]

I like the older hard handles vs the soft grips which are bigger but interchange blades where hard handle is solid

It depends on your needs I use mine mostly for interior or clamps the 1/4 square drive is helpful too with

 

[fastbike02]

I have a snap on and i picked this little jewel up from sears when it was on sale for 11 bucks and they are exactly the same, only difference is the name and color
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-ratcheting-magnetic-screwdriver-with-bit-storage/p-00947144000P

 

[SK-Mike]

I have a snap on and i picked this little jewel up from sears when it was on sale for 11 bucks and they are exactly the same, only difference is the name and color
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-ratcheting-magnetic-screwdriver-with-bit-storage/p-00947144000P

I also have that same Craftsman, but figured the Snap on was better build quality, and smoother.

 

[Regal2800]

excellent screwdriver. i have 5 of them at various locations.

 

[anndel]

I have 3 SO ratcheting screwdrivers - SSDRM4 and yes they're worth it. I use them all the time and they are magnetic tips. I somehow demagnetized 1 so since I only used Philips most of the time I crazy glued the bit.

 

[GSMotorrad]

I just realized why I never warmed up to the ratcheting screwdriver concept. The Snap-On Roto-Ratchet TM737 always handled that duty, with more leverage when needed, and the handle shape is more comfortable to me. A long extension or a longer bit increases its reach without drama.

Just another option to consider. I also have these Wera adapters that convert the ratchets to "drivers". I REALLY like these, and even use these on impact (abusing them) and never had any problems. They're strong and smooth, and take the smaller 1-inch bits, and locks them in securely too. The collar almost feels like it's on bearings to grasp and hold it to steady the bit into the fastener.

(just noticed they might have a new version of this, with laser etching instead of the roll-stamp)

I leave the Wera adapter on my Harbor Freight Roto-Ratchet now, since it securely locks to the ratchet, as well as locking in the smaller, 1-inch, "insert" bits. A long locking 1/4"-drive extension extends its reach.

Even though I've had both the Bahco/Harley-Davidson (Similar to Williams and SnapOn) ratcheting screwdriver for decades, I've always just used the roto-swivel-ratchets. They're very similar in utility, with different ergos and torque capability. All attachments lock to, the Wiha handled tool, throughout the entire chain of command. My ratcheting screwdriver only uses a magnet to secure bits.

I'll tell ya what, that Harbor Freight/Wiha/Wera deal is my goto hand-tool for bits. It takes both screwdriving and ratcheting to the next level. Its ratcheting mechanism doesn't compare to the Bahco/H-D screwdriver though, no contest. The Snap-On TM737's ratcheting mech does though, but still not as fine and light feeling as the B/H-D ratcheting screwdriver.

 

[Jim_No_Garage]

I just realized why I never warmed up to the ratcheting screwdriver concept. The Snap-On Roto-Ratchet TM737 always handled that duty, with more leverage when needed, and the handle shape is more comfortable to me. A long extension or a longer bit increases its reach without drama.

Just another option to consider. I also have these Wera adapters that convert the ratchets to "drivers". I REALLY like these, and even use these on impact (abusing them) and never had any problems. They're strong and smooth, and take the smaller 1-inch bits, and locks them in securely too. The collar almost feels like it's on bearings to grasp and hold it to steady the bit into the fastener.

(just noticed they might have a new version of this, with laser etching instead of the roll-stamp)

I leave the Wera adapter on my Harbor Freight Roto-Ratchet now, since it securely locks to the ratchet, as well as locking in the smaller, 1-inch, "insert" bits. A long locking 1/4"-drive extension extends its reach.

Even though I've had both the Bahco/Harley-Davidson (Similar to Williams and SnapOn) ratcheting screwdriver for decades, I've always just used the roto-swivel-ratchets. They're very similar in utility, with different ergos and torque capability. All attachments lock to, the Wiha handled tool, throughout the entire chain of command. My ratcheting screwdriver only uses a magnet to secure bits.

I'll tell ya what, that Harbor Freight/Wiha/Wera deal is my goto hand-tool for bits. It takes both screwdriving and ratcheting to the next level. Its ratcheting mechanism doesn't compare to the Bahco/H-D screwdriver though, no contest. The Snap-On TM737's ratcheting mech does though, but still not as fine and light feeling as the B/H-D ratcheting screwdriver.

Wow - that Wera Adapter is $25.00! That's almost the price of the Williams Ratcheting screwdriver. Interesting idea but not on my list yet.

Cheers

Jim

 

[Sine Swept]

If you do lots of interior work or take off lots of bumper covers, this tool is for you. The magnetic tip works well for pick up duty when you lose a screw in the dash. I see my friend use the removable shanks in his DeWalt drill, maybe more than it spends time in the handle.

 

[GSMotorrad]

Wow - that Wera Adapter is $25.00! That's almost the price of the Williams Ratcheting screwdriver. Interesting idea but not on my list yet.

Cheers

Jim

I agree about Wera stuff being overpriced. I have to redact my statement about the Wera Adapter collar spinning like it's on bearings. I was thinking of the 1/2" version, and a Wiha bit holder. For some reason, this smaller, 1/4" version binds up when in the locked position, so it's the opposite of spinning freely. Just wanted to officially state this truth here, since I misspoke earlier. Regards.

 

[shockwave]

I have been looking for awhile for the ssdmr24 extra long ratcheting screwdriver but eBay prices are crazy for these

 

[dalehsc]

I have regular and stubby, 1/4 drive adapter and long shank. With the advent of cordless tools, I pretty much only use them for reinstallation of automotive interior plastic panels.

I have the same set,with interchanging shafts,only in orange. The only complaint is the cap comes off the regular handle at the most inappropriate time . I don't store bits in it for that reason. Other than that, a very good quality piece. And yes in a blind hole,(steering column trim) the shank diameter is tool large.

 

[dashunde]

Wow - that Wera Adapter is $25.00! That's almost the price of the Williams Ratcheting screwdriver. Interesting idea but not on my list yet.

Cheers

Jim

Yea, I've been eyeballing that adapter for awhile... but its nothing compared to the $600+ Strider SMF knife he has in the bottom right corner of the photo.

 

[fastbike02]

I also have that same Craftsman, but figured the Snap on was better build quality, and smoother.

nope far as i can tell they are the exactly the same, but i do have an older snap on version

 

[GSMotorrad]

Yea, I've been eyeballing that adapter for awhile... but its nothing compared to the $600+ Strider SMF knife he has in the bottom right corner of the photo.

What makes you think it's an SMF? And why wouldn't you think it was a $37 eBay clone?