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Stubby ratcheting screwdriver?

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n8n

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lashlee

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Jan 21, 2014
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I've got one of the Snap on's, bought it at least 10 years ago. Probably my favorite screwdriver. I've never tried the GW but I have one of the SO versions that I use also. I like the changeable extension since sometimes it's nice to have some different length options.
 
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Matt_C

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Apr 24, 2014
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London, UK
I have this horrible POS;

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B005NZAPMA/?tag=atomicindustr-21

And it is as nasty as it looks. However, it does come in handy from time to time, and it was also free...!

I've used the GW you linked to (over here in the UK, they are rebranded as a Halfords "own brand" tool - Halfords it like Pep Boys or similar, and most of their "own brand" tools are either Gear Wrench; the ratchet screwdrivers, ratcheting spanners/wrenches, and probably some others - not sure about the actual socket ratchets) and it's not a bad bit of kit.

Me, I'm on the lookout for one of these;

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...D=643053&group_ID=681248&store=uk&dir=catalog

I already have the full size version, and couldn't be without it, so I'd like the matching softgrip one, not only to match but also because the shank is removable/swappable with other shanks SO do.

But I use/need a stubby ratchet screwdriver more rarely these days than I used to, so I'm on the looking for a second hand bargain, rather than a brand new one. All good things come to he who waits, and all that.....
 
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jjjrmx5

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I bough "Kermit Jr" a decade ago.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=643054&group_ID=681248
Removable shank so I can fit whatz shank I need for length in it. LOL.

Used daily in prototyping on a mfg floor screwing in and out more than 50-100 fasteners a day often.

I;ve seen C'man and Kobalt normal drivers go south in two weeks regularly from the newbs.
GW fairs better, but if used regularly and professionally, it's worth every penny for SO for that tool IMHO.

If an "occasional use" tool, GW will get you by. :thumbup:
 
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dede2897234

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Northern, Ohio
n8n,

I would recommend this Bahco ratcheting screwdriver set available on Amazon: LINK.

It has a fine tooth ratcheting mechanism (45 or 48 tooth) made by Reverse Gear of Taiwan, interchangable shafts, and stiff direction selector (unlike the loose selector on the Gearwrench models).

I have the Britool version and love it!


Dave
 
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bareass172

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N'awlins
Let me start by saying that I'm not really a drinker of the SO kool-aid. I have some SO stuff and can appreciate the quality, but I mostly use other brands because of price and convenience (my driver is a bit of a douche). With that said, the SO ratchet screwdrivers are the one tool that just jumps out at me as being head and shoulders better than any other ones I've touched. I have 6 screwdrivers, one 1/4" socket driver, and am always on the hunt for more (Ebay, flea markets, estate sales). I considered the GW version but decided I'd rather put that money towards buying one I know I'd like instead of trying to save a few dollars on something I might not.
 
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gagreen

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Mar 22, 2013
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Colorado
I have the gw but hate ratcheting drivers lol, they bug my wrist. It's decent but the directional mechanism is downright confounding. It works opposite of the way my mind wants it to which is frustrating. I mainly use it with the flex shaft that is amazing. I'll buy a snap on one when I see a red hard handle on the shelf of the truck so it matches all of my other drivers lol, but other than the counterintuitive selector that pops out of the selected direction if you sneeze too hard the gw an adequate tool.

I'm not a ratcheting driver guy tho.
 
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Adam.C

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Jan 29, 2013
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Small snappy stubby is awesome. I actually like it better in the soft grip. My favorite set up is the stubby handle and the long shank. Totally awesome. Like it more than the full sized screwdriver handle.

Hard handle versions feel looser to me than the soft grip interchangeables. I also don't like storing bits in the handle as I hate the rattle.

What really distinguishes the SO models is the super low back drag and overall tight quality feel. Ratchet screwdrivers should feel like fixed shank screwdrivers on the power side.
 
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Dave455

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Sussex, England
I have the Snap On one, and it is my single most used tool, (my full size PB Swiss non ratcheting driver coming a close second)!

It works well in tight spaces, but the design is so good, and it fits my hand so well, that I tend to pick it up in preference to my full size driver!

For some applications I like the T Handle version, which I also own, and which is also a really well thought out design, but the regular pattern is the tool I use most!

I bought it years ago when I was doing a lot of repetitive assembly work and despite a lot of use it still works fine!

Think this is one of those occasions when you have to pay up and be done with it! If you buy the Gearwrench you'll still want , and end up buying, the Snap On, so you'll pay more in the long run!
 
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Badger 13

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Northern Idaho
I have the Snap on stubby soft grip and find myself using that on a regular basis. I would prefer the hard handle, but this is what was on the truck when I bought it. No regrets what so ever.
 
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Mooniac

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Jan 23, 2013
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Wichita, KS
I concur that the Snap-on ratcheting screwdrivers are worth their weight in gold. I have two hard handle full-size ones (leave one in my hangar tool kit) and one stubby. They are really worth the premium in this case over other brands IMO.
 
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Farmall450

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Marengo, Illinois
I have a SO, love it.

I also have the gearwrench non-stubby and t handle in a set w/ different shanks, bits, extensions, and sockets. I have the stubby separate. Love it too.

Which do I use more?
The snappy (non-stubby)

How come?
I'm a true American patriot (and the gearwrench in its nice case stays downstairs.)
 
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wvrailroader

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Jan 20, 2014
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West Virginia
dede2897234 said:
n8n,

I would recommend this Bahco ratcheting screwdriver set available on Amazon: LINK.

It has a fine tooth ratcheting mechanism (45 or 48 tooth) made by Reverse Gear of Taiwan, interchangable shafts, and stiff direction selector (unlike the loose selector on the Gearwrench models).

I have the Britool version and love it!


Dave
Click to expand...

Just a question - Do the shafts from this Bahco driver work in the Snap On ratcheting screwdrivers?
 
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rusjack

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Oct 11, 2013
Messages
57
Location
Ontario, Canada
Williams Short T-Handle #1
Snap On Hard Handle #2
Bahco Stubby #3

The only time I use the Snap On over my Williams T handle is when space is a major concern (which is rare). The #1 problem with the Bahco driver is that the selector knob on the driver works opposite to the direction of rotation, and more often than not when you're in a weird position and using the driver, you accidentally flip it from one direction to another. It was enough for me to go buy the Snap On one. If you could live with that, the actual mechanism in all three is near identical.
 
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cheechi

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Triad, NC
jim1987 said:
Stanley, Walmart, $9. Works great.
Click to expand...
Glad you have more success with yours than I did with mine.

I have the GW stubby (actually I have all 3 GW ratcheting screwdrivers with interchangeable shafts. they are great as a set since they all come with different length/style shafts)

I also have the Williams 3 piece T handle ratcheting set. The stubby (and even the middle size) which come in very handy any place that you would want a stubby. Sometimes they're a better choice than my GW.

Most of the time if I have the room for it I use a ratchet handle style bit driver though.
 
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Hpozzuoli

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Rhode Island
I bought my first and only ratcheting screwdriver a few months ago. More to see what the hype was about. I have never used it. I use my battery impact for everything. I have long and flex extensions and can get anywhere with it.

What do you guys use them for?
 

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cheechi

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Hpozzuoli said:
What do you guys use them for?
Click to expand...
Usually stuff either nothing else fits or other solutions (like the impact driver) are too much force. I work on electronics more than automotive and often you can't use a drill/impact or even electric screwdriver.
 
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ihateminimumwage

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Jan 26, 2012
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Hpozzuoli said:
What do you guys use them for?
Click to expand...

With most stuff I also go with my electric stuff first, but choose to use a ratcheting driver with more delicate things like plastics (some tail lights, blinkers, dashes) or electronics. Most of the time it seems a soft finger on the trigger of an impact driver will do fine, but there are those times to be overly careful...
 
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jjjrmx5

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Dec 30, 2010
Messages
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Cincinnati, OH
Hpozzuoli said:
I bought my first and only ratcheting screwdriver a few months ago. More to see what the hype was about. I have never used it. I use my battery impact for everything. I have long and flex extensions and can get anywhere with it.

What do you guys use them for?
Click to expand...

In a mfg environment where douches with power drivers strip fasteners and cause 100's of man hours fixing it due to "ZOMG , I GOT A BATTETY IMPACT DRIVER."
The fun part is firing them. :)

It effects the bottom line. I;ve had quarterly bonuses affected by such doucheness.

So go ahead.
Keep using the impacts douches. Ratcheting screwdrivers allow touch and finesse.

Hand tight is hand tight. Speed is not always the key.
Right tool for the right job.
 
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