JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
How often do you guys really use yours and on what applications? I have a stubby one but I find it awkward to use. Just looking for some input before I possibly drop money on getting a standard size
Snap On ratcheting screwdriver
- Thread starter JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
- Start date
05CarbonDRZ
Well-known member
They take awhile to get used to,You just have to force yourself to grab it each time you need a screwdriver.In no time you will wonder how you lived without it,with the right bits in the handle it is a very usefull tool.Pick up a gently used hard handle one from the bay,If you are patient they can be had for about $40 or so.
bad daddy
Well-known member
I use mine a lot, but I have the regular size one. I bought the flexible spring socket extension for it, and have a 5/16" socket on it for working on hose clamps in tight spaces. One of my favourite tools!
OP
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
Thanks guys, I'll search eBay, if I can get a black one for around $40 I'll pick it up. I usually use the 7.2v screw gun at work
WRX/Z28
Well-known member
I use mine all the time. Some screws are too delicate for a gun. I have 4 of them because of this. 3 are orange. I'd love to trade an orange one for any color but black. Personally, with it being an easily lost/forgotten tool, I prefer bright colors that won't let me miss taking them out of the car, or out from under the hood.
OP
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
I like the bright colors for the same reason you stated, I just prefer black since that the color of my stubby, guess its an OCD thing
Brucegbombara
Well-known member
I love them I have a standard hard Handel. Soft grip and soft stubby with 3 shanks. 2 of the long boys 24" and a mini hard Handel set
spoolgarage
Well-known member
Be careful I started collecting after my first one. I have like 6 now....... None black.....
dagoat_1
Well-known member
Same here but mine is Green and in the laundry room mini house toolbox. (the kitchen junk drawer will not fit another screwdriver)
supra90turbo
Well-known member
I really like mine. It does take getting used to, but it's extremely handy and especially useful for hose clamps and tedious under dash type work. You won't regret buying it, especially with a socket adapter.
I got mine off craigslist with the big plastic case and a load of bits.
I got mine off craigslist with the big plastic case and a load of bits.
As weird as this one looks it is actually awesome and it seems you can torque much more with this. Only downfall is no bit storage.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=706&store=snapon-store
dwm
Well-known member
I've been using mine regularly for decades.
64merc, when the screw is almost out, I spin the shaft with my other hand's fingers. That's the purpose of the knurling. Doesn't take long to become very fast at removing screws this way (counter-rotating the handle at the same time so there's almost no interruption in rotation).
64merc, when the screw is almost out, I spin the shaft with my other hand's fingers. That's the purpose of the knurling. Doesn't take long to become very fast at removing screws this way (counter-rotating the handle at the same time so there's almost no interruption in rotation).
Honda guy
Well-known member
I've borrowed them from coworkers just to see how they feel. I "wanted" to like it, but honestly, I think they feel awkward and don't see the advantage of using one. Not knocking it, it's just not something I'd use.
rsanter
Well-known member
I keep one in my desk at work and in the misc drawer in the house
it is my go to screwdriver for most basic things because it has interchangable bits ans is quick to use
bob
it is my go to screwdriver for most basic things because it has interchangable bits ans is quick to use
bob
BloodySinner
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2011
- Messages
- 169
As weird as this one looks it is actually awesome and it seems you can torque much more with this. Only downfall is no bit storage.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=706&store=snapon-store
I own one. My only gripe with that particular model is that the shank is not interchangeable.
canuckian
Well-known member
I use mine constantly. Have them in all shapes, sizes and colors and each variation excels in different applications. my wife has her own and there are a few scattered throughout the house. My first one was a pistol grip that I bought off the truck a dozen or so years ago and that one is still the one I reach for. Last year, I decided that I was going to get one of each size in orange. That took no time at all and for some reason or another I decided I needed to get one of each color. Thats just about complete now. Still have a couple oddball ones I would like to get but that drawer is almost full so I figure I'll stop soon.....hopefully! I've also branched out into other brands so maybe not so soon after all.
Damn things are like crack.......
Damn things are like crack.......
I've never wanted one, just recently I was talking tools with my boss as he was using his husky rachet screwdriver. For some reason I want a snappy one now. Guess it will be on the list when my dealer comes around. Gotta have it in orange!
The black ratcheting screwdriver is my go to screwdriver .. with as assortment of bits in the handle.
have the regular one at first i thought they were to big and ugly but after using a co workers (mostly for the anti cam out bit to get out a screw that no other driver in the shop would look at ) i just had to buy one the next time snappy called in. and it's used heaps now great for pulling off tail light lenses to replace globes etc and a 1/4" socket adaptor is a must to have in the handle. infact i liked mine so much i just bought my old man and my father in law one for chrissy.
Its on my acquire list, but no way I am paying $40 for a used screwdriver.
I bought a couple of the GearWrench clones during holiday sales, and so far not real impressed. Pretty good, handles feel big, and blades seems a little sloppy of a fit to my taste.
I bought a couple of the GearWrench clones during holiday sales, and so far not real impressed. Pretty good, handles feel big, and blades seems a little sloppy of a fit to my taste.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I went from zero to five of them thanks to GJ! wchamberlain and canuckian have made me into a collector. Seriously though, they are very nice quality screwdrivers and I use them often.
jdcompman
Well-known member
As weird as this one looks it is actually awesome and it seems you can torque much more with this. Only downfall is no bit storage.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=706&store=snapon-store
OP
I think if you find this style awkward to use, you might be holding it wrong. I was at first as well and thought the same thing.
I find the most comfortable way to hold it and get the greatest amount of torque is to place the handle in the center of your palm. Then place your index and middle finger around the shaft and wrap them over the top of the cap. Your ring finger and pinky will wrap around the other end.
I don't know if that makes sense but I hope it helps.
plinker
Well-known member
I used one when I was a kid (around '98) and I thought I had a death ray so to speak. I got my own in '99 and my collection since '07 and I've got around eight handles (various styles), plus blades and shanks.
You can modifiy the T handle to use interchangeable blades & shanks.
You can modifiy the T handle to use interchangeable blades & shanks.
fatfillup
Well-known member
Friend gave me one for Christmas in the late 80's I think. Did take a little to get used to, but I love it and would buy another if it got lost. Mine is Red HH.
Don't think I'd like the soft grip version myself
Don't think I'd like the soft grip version myself
I don't have one, but I'm strongly considering the Williams versions (roughly half the price of used Snap-on). Would like both the straight and T handle versions.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55615
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55615
saturdaymechanic
Well-known member
I want a black hard handle one. I love my GW set, especially the flexible shaft. They are quick to use.
I still use my standards, but I reach for the ratcheting one first.
I still use my standards, but I reach for the ratcheting one first.
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canuckian
Well-known member
I have em and I personally am not fond of them. They just don't feel right and the cap on the end of the standard handled one comes off all the time! I do like the interchangeable shafts on them though. Been thinking on converting one of my hard handled ones to be like that.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
Preference and use usually is a result of how and when they are used.
If used in production, mfgr, or where time and speed is a factor or comes into play, there is no better solution for fastners that require a "hand feel" or hand torquing.
Faster still is power tools, but also more likely to damage low torque fasteners. ( OMG I am the bestest mechanic evah and use battery drivers all day long"types" can STFU and you know why. thankyouverymuch
)Add in the SO magnetic tip and you loose or misplace far less screws than regular drivers.
My ratcheting SO screwdrivers are my go-to in all but the unusual case, but they are not for all folks, but it's a tool that is well worth the price if used professionally or if speed and hand run-up of fasteners is the goal.
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j.c.whitney
Well-known member
Expensive but worth the price of admission imo. If you work on electronics or other small items the SGRMINI is little known but well regarded amongst electronic techs, good luck finding one.
JMcFly
Well-known member
Now I want one!
canuckian
Well-known member
Preference and use usually is a result of how and when they are used.
If used in production, mfgr, or where time and speed is a factor or comes into play, there is no better solution for fastners that require a "hand feel" or hand torquing.
Faster still is power tools, but also more likely to damage low torque fasteners. ( OMG I am the bestest mechanic evah and use battery drivers all day long"types" can STFU and you know why. thankyouverymuch
Add in the SO magnetic tip and you loose or misplace far less screws than regular drivers.
My ratcheting SO screwdrivers are my go-to in all but the unusual case, but
they are not for all folks, but it's a tool that is well worth the price if used
professionally or if speed and hand run-up of fasteners is the goal.
I was only referring to the soft grip ones....as to say I prefer them less than my hard handled ones, which I use most times I need a screwdriver. I'm sure there are instances where the soft ones would be the superior driver but I haven't found that instance yet. I only use a power driver where the are many fasteners that have a low chance of stripping or camping out or worse yet, damaging the item that the fastener is being screwed into.
jjjrmx5
Well-known member
I looked at the SGRMINI set a few years ago when they caem out , but being a swap out shaft drive unit vs a bit holder with a magnetic tip like the true ratcheting SD, the use in electronics was a wash to me.
I still have the old hot deals flyer from snappy with it in it (it came with a nylon pouch IIRC for all the shafts), but magnetizing smaller drivers (Wiha) is what I use.
To each their own of course, but not worth the price to me.
Happy wrenching.
My bad Canuckian. I misinterpreted ur comment.
I have several of both the soft grips and HH ratcheting SD's and use them interchangeably.
Soft may have a more confy grip if used for hours, but really they are pretty much the same driver. Bayonet cap on soft grip and screw cap on HH.
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OP
JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN
Well-known member
I don't have the t handle style like that, I own the standard style stubby. I'm going to have to keep an eye out for a bargain on a black standard now, I gotta join the rest of the bandwagon
I found the GW flexible shaft worthless. First job I tried it with even a small amount of torque and the shaft would twist like a pigs tail. I grabbed my Mayhew Cats Paw flex shaft driver and had zero trouble.
Do a search, but I recall seeing a thread that showed how to open them up, remove a retaining clip, and install an o ring to make them into removable shafts.
-Jeff
I've always hated ratcheting screwdrivers, but it was because they were the cheper china ones, and the bits I was using were ****. The other day I used a good one (here we don't have access to Snap-On as easy as yours) and I already ordered a Facom one like the picture below.
Appleyard
Well-known member
I use mine strictly for interior work since my other screwdrivers are always so dirty. And you can take a variety of bits in the car without having a bunch of different drivers.