Snap-on TMR4 ratcheting 1/4 driver

[davethorik]

I find that this thing, coupled with appropriate 1/4 socket, is far more used than a nutdriver for me personally. I don't run into many long studs or bits of all-thread that have small fasteners on them, but when I do it's wrench time anyway.

I really like the ergos, and ratchet mechanism is great just like all other Snappy ratcheting screwdrivers. However I have one gripe: in its natural state it is unbalanced.

The shank is the heaviest bit as it's chrome plated steel, but the handle is light plastic, especially without naturally-counterweighting bits in handle like the regular ratcheting screwdriver. It is extremely nose-heavy, I find when held horizontally it tends to droop.

My cheap solution: I found a small bit of brass bar stock that is a close fit in the handle. A couple strategically placed pieces of shop towel to keep rattling to a minimum, and voila...now the tool is more balanced, although heavier. I think it's a good trade off for improved ergos, it now 'points' like a good shotgun.

 

[Spacey_G]

Good use of the empty spot to improve the balance. You could maintain the same balance and reduce overall weight by concentrating the weight at the back of the handle. Maybe put a shorter lead weight at the back?

A piece of lead with about 3/4 the volume of the piece of brass would weigh the same amount and shift the center of gravity towards the handle. Or you could use a lighter piece of lead and keep the same balance you have now.

 

[malibu101]

Same here.
I have a complete set of Klein SAE and metric nutdrivers, but, I normally grab a SO TM4CSA handle and a rack of sockets instead of a "real" nutdriver.