Snap-on Ratcheting Screwdriver Review

[Farmall450]

It boils down to this: if you've got the spare coin, buy one. Or several


http://toolaudits.com/2014/08/snap-on-ssdmr4b-ratcheting-screwdriver/

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[just a noob]

Might as well go to your local Case/John deere/Cat dealer and get a ratcheting screwdriver from them, it's supposed to be the same mechanism

 

[d.mcfarland]

Might as well go to your local Case/John deere/Cat dealer and get a ratcheting screwdriver from them, it's supposed to be the same mechanism

Proof??

 

[Farmall450]

Might as well go to your local Case/John deere/Cat dealer and get a ratcheting screwdriver from them, it's supposed to be the same mechanism

Many people put their logo on them, however, I have yet to see rebadged ones cheaper than SO ones.

 

[gbh]

Does anyone know how I could get a replacement internal mechanism for one of these ratcheting screwdrivers? We don't have a truck here and I bought it from new from a third party online so I don't expect any warranty and am happy to pay for a kit. Not hating on Snap on, just surprised that it randomly goes into a kind of neutral while I'm using it.
I'm located in Japan so that's the reason for the online purchase from other than a Snap on rep.

 

[Farmall450]

Does anyone know how I could get a replacement internal mechanism for one of these ratcheting screwdrivers? We don't have a truck here and I bought it from new from a third party online so I don't expect any warranty and am happy to pay for a kit. Not hating on Snap on, just surprised that it randomly goes into a kind of neutral while I'm using it.
I'm located in Japan so that's the reason for the online purchase from other than a Snap on rep.

I put the part no. in my review, it should be the same on the Japanese website, I'd assume.

Edit: #RKSDR1

 

[Brownsfan]

The blue Williams ratcheting screwdriver is exactly the same and is much cheaper. I think the part # is WRS-1. They also have the t-handle versions in black at like almost half price. The 4"one I bought a while ago was around $30.

 

[Farmall450]

The blue Williams ratcheting screwdriver is exactly the same and is much cheaper. I think the part # is WRS-1. They also have the t-handle versions in black at like almost half price. The 4"one I bought a while ago was around $30.

I agree if you can find a US made one

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Many people put their logo on them, however, I have yet to see rebadged ones cheaper than SO ones.

My Case/International Harvester was bought brand new from a dealer for $25.50......and it's made in the USA.
http://partstore.caseih.com/us/TitanMachineryFergusFalls/sc80005-magnetic-ratcheting-screwdriver-p1133428.html

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Proof??

I own one, the only difference is the rebranded tools dont have a knurled shaft.

 

[Farmall450]

My Case/International Harvester was bought brand new from a dealer for $25.50......and it's made in the USA.
http://partstore.caseih.com/us/TitanMachineryFergusFalls/sc80005-magnetic-ratcheting-screwdriver-p1133428.html

How's the handle?
Doesn't look like the rebadged ones I'm used to - they're IDENTICAL besides the name.

 

[ADSR]

http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/jhwisnontras.html

3 piece T handle for 69 bucks

 

[ADSR]

Single williams for 25

http://www.industrialsupplydenver.com/jhwisnonmara.html

 

[Brownsfan]

I agree if you can find a US made one

All the Williams ratcheting drivers are USA made I believe.

 

[acmech]

just bought the williams t handle version for 25 bucks. identical to snap on except no knurling on shaft. it even has the same date code.

 

[1950mercury]

I cant stand them. After 30 years of using regular screwdrivers i boight one after listening to everyone rave about them. And i just cant get used to it

 

[Farmall450]

just bought the williams t handle version for 25 bucks. identical to snap on except no knurling on shaft. it even has the same date code.

I'll have to try one out.

 

[SASORacing]

I cant stand them. After 30 years of using regular screwdrivers i boight one after listening to everyone rave about them. And i just cant get used to it

These days I'm using a regular screwdriver, or a hex impact gun. Impact is the least likey to strip a old rusty screw.

 

[Farmall450]

These days I'm using a regular screwdriver, or a hex impact gun. Impact is the least likey to strip a old rusty screw.

This is true.

 

[JDon99]

Nice review. I am wondering if I would be satisphied with a Williams or one of the rebrands as much as others are with the Snap On.

 

[ADSR]

Nice review. I am wondering if I would be satisphied with a Williams or one of the rebrands as much as others are with the Snap On.

for 25 bucks, you can take the chance.

 

[Eric Nordstrom]

Does anyone know how I could get a replacement internal mechanism for one of these ratcheting screwdrivers? We don't have a truck here and I bought it from new from a third party online so I don't expect any warranty and am happy to pay for a kit. Not hating on Snap on, just surprised that it randomly goes into a kind of neutral while I'm using it.
I'm located in Japan so that's the reason for the online purchase from other than a Snap on rep.

Have you tried taking it apart? It's not that hard, give it a good cleaning.
I have one that wouldent work rite. I lightly streched the spings-the long flat ones. If you take it apart you'll see-lube w/light oil.

 

[JDon99]

for 25 bucks, you can take the chance.

You're right! Where are you guys finding them for $25?

*Edit: I see the previous post mention the t-handle for $25, just ordered the regular driver on Amazon for $30

 

[jcfields]

.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The shape is different. I was thinking the shape was the same. My bad on that! The mechanisim is obviously the same between williams rebranded and SO.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Satisphied....

 

[gbh]

Thanks for the part number Farmall450, I'll look into it.
Eric Nordstrom, I'll try your advice before I order parts.
It'll have to come apart whatever I do.
I found a thread that I'll follow (thank you Plinker)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22536&highlight=snap-on+ratcheting+screwdriver

 

[Farmall450]

Nice review. I am wondering if I would be satisphied with a Williams or one of the rebrands as much as others are with the Snap On.

Maybe I'll put them head to head soon.

Thanks for the part number Farmall450, I'll look into it.
Eric Nordstrom, I'll try your advice before I order parts.
It'll have to come apart whatever I do.
I found a thread that I'll follow (thank you Plinker)
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22536&highlight=snap-on+ratcheting+screwdriver

Good luck getting it going!

 

[espyking83]

The Bahco is closer to SO than the Williams, feels smoother. The Williams feels more durable though.

 

[espyking83]

Nice review. I am wondering if I would be satisphied with a Williams or one of the rebrands as much as others are with the Snap On.

Without a doubt. I still cant believe the quality you get for only $25-$35 when getting a Bahco or Williams.

 

[cgv69]

I bought my first Snap-on Ratcheting Screwdriver over 20 years ago and it is still my favorite and most used tool. I love that thing!

My wife, who generally couldn't care less about tools (and who's very cheap), insisted I get her one of her own after she tried mine. That was even after I told her how much they cost.

A year or 2 ago I bought the Williams version for my gun room and IMO, it's a close enough copy for those looking to save a few bucks

 

[Farmall450]

I bought my first Snap-on Ratcheting Screwdriver over 20 years ago and it is still my favorite and most used tool. I love that thing!

My wife, who generally couldn't care less about tools (and who's very cheap), insisted I get her one of her own after she tried mine. That was even after I told her how much they cost.

A year or 2 ago I bought the Williams version for my gun room and IMO, it's a close enough copy for those looking to save a few bucks

Age can't dull how awesome they are!

 

[Matt_C]

I'm another advocate of SO ratchet screwdriver. First one I had was the hard handle, but lost the screw cap end which made it very uncomfortable to use - but by then I'd already learned I could not live without one! So I bought the softgrip version, which I absolutely love and have had ever since (must have had it a decade!). Thought I'd lost it one day, and amazingly found one of the multi position versions ebay extremely local to me at a good price and was able to snap it up the next day. A few days or a week later I found my supposedly missing one, so I passed on the multi position one to another tech I worked with for what I paid for it, and then some time later picked up another normal softgrip version to keep as a backup should I lose my daily.

And I've just bought the matching stubby version I've been wanting for ages, literally 5 mins before loading up GJ and seeing this topic on the first page! Clearly it's a sign, haha!

All I need now is the long shank. I have a GearWrench long shank, which just fits the SO handle and does work, but it'd be nice to have the proper SO shank...

 

[JDon99]

Satisphied....

I'm glad to see I wasn't the only one

 

[Farmall450]

I'm another advocate of SO ratchet screwdriver. First one I had was the hard handle, but lost the screw cap end which made it very uncomfortable to use - but by then I'd already learned I could not live without one! So I bought the softgrip version, which I absolutely love and have had ever since (must have had it a decade!). Thought I'd lost it one day, and amazingly found one of the multi position versions ebay extremely local to me at a good price and was able to snap it up the next day. A few days or a week later I found my supposedly missing one, so I passed on the multi position one to another tech I worked with for what I paid for it, and then some time later picked up another normal softgrip version to keep as a backup should I lose my daily.

And I've just bought the matching stubby version I've been wanting for ages, literally 5 mins before loading up GJ and seeing this topic on the first page! Clearly it's a sign, haha!

All I need now is the long shank. I have a GearWrench long shank, which just fits the SO handle and does work, but it'd be nice to have the proper SO shank...

You're worrying me...if I lose my pistol grip one...what will I do!

 

[3xpendable]

Because of GJ I got a Williams.....because of GJ found a so in the classifieds .......like the snappy handle much better but don't dislike the Williams any because of it. I keep the will in my tool bag. Hell it even came with snappy bits in the handle

 

[Bruce57]

I have been tempted several times to buy one, but I just can't seem to comprehend the advantage of having a ratcheting screw driver so I can't justify the cost. I have a Snap on non ratcheting with interchangeable bits, and a set of Snap on hard handled screwdrivers. What the advantage you find with having one?

 

[Farmall450]

I have been tempted several times to buy one, but I just can't seem to comprehend the advantage of having a ratcheting screw driver so I can't justify the cost. I have a Snap on non ratcheting with interchangeable bits, and a set of Snap on hard handled screwdrivers. What the advantage you find with having one?

Fast. Comfy.

 

[ADSR]

Fast. Comfy.

Agreed.

Also, one handed reset.

I own 3 of them, but if my milwaukee fuel screw gun fits, i will use it every time i can.

 

[cgv69]

What the advantage you find with having one?

I know this sounds a bit lame but words really fail to explain the difference. I have a full set of SO HH's too as well as many other screwdrivers but they all play second fiddle to the SO RS and are only used in situations where the RS can't be used.

The best analogy I can think of is, other good screwdrivers (and non ratcheting bit drivers) are like Honda Accords to the SO RS's BMW like performance. Sure the Honda's are good, reliable cars that will get you from point A to point B but nobody who has driven both would pick the Honda over the BMW if given the choice (especially if the BMW can with a full lifetime warranty!)