Stubby, ratcheting screwdriver

[SteveCh]

I buy a tool if I have to borrow it more than once. Fortunately, my airplane mechanic lets me do a lot of the work on my plane, and there are a couple places I need a ratcheting stubby screwdriver. Which I don't have, so I borrowed his SnapOn.

Any recommendations of what other ones people like? I did see one at Home Depot recently, maybe $15. Seemed a bit clunky compared with the SnapOn.

Just looking for other ideas......

 

[Dave455]

I'm a big PB Swiss fan, but I've got to be honest those Snap On ratcheting stubby screwdrivers are about the best out there.

I assume we're talking about the hard handle model rather than the rubber handle interchangeable blade. If so, I've had mine for about 20 years. Superb tool, use it several times a week and no issues. I've tried other magnetic bit drivers, but on an awful lot, especially those made on the cheap, the magnets are just not up to the job!

The Snap On holds the bits firm, and also the screws. The shank is just the right length, the handle has become a bit polished with use, but not scuffed like a cheaper soft grip would have, and apart from stripping and oiling a couple of times the ratcheting mechanism still works smoothly!

Sadly, Snap On don't really promote these, but they're in the catalogue (in both black and orange) together with the T Handle bit drivers, which are about the only tool I'd consider as an alternative!

 

[fordgasm]

I have the Milwaukee and its a good piece for the money

 

[dutchgray]

The Bahco one is fine and relatively cheap, for as much as you need a stubby, its the same Taiwanese one that is sold under many brands.
http://www.bahco.com/en/p/stubby-ra...3e-f8-41-a0-1e-37-d3-a9-75-33-71-fe-26-25-a5/

 

[SteveCh]

Thanks for the responses.

The magnetic feature doesn't matter, as on aircraft one is dealing with stainless or brass fasteners. Mostly.

I will look for Bahco in the USA and check out the others, too.

 

[Sine Swept]

I have a Williams T-handle ratcheting driver, not exactly a stubby but shorter than the regular Snap On ratcheting screw driver.

For hard to reach I've got a Vim bit ratchet and a few Skewdriver Pro's. I'm thinking dash screws in 70s muscle cars.

 

[Indy125]

Maybe consider this? Way more than $15 but...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000HBAHNC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ssdave]

Buy the Snap-on. None other compare, although the williams is close; it's identical to the SO in mechanical working. A lot of SO stuff is nice, but not noticeably better in function than other makers stuff. The ratcheting screwdriver is absolutely and inarguably better than their competition. It's one thing they have really got right. And their durability is extreme; I've been using my first one for approaching 30 years and it's as good today as new. I have several of them, only one has had a problem; the magnet lost it's magnetism and I warranted it out for a new one.

I bought the GW that is pictured above; a lot of guys on here have recommended them highly. It is a clunky, clumsy, piece of excrement in comparison to the SO. If you had never had a SO one in your hand, the GW would feel good compared to a non-ratcheting driver. But, in comparison, it's a very distant competitor. If you want to find out for yourself, I'll sell my GW driver set, in as-new condition, for $10 less than the going rate and pay the postage.

 

[davethorik]

I'd like to get a Snap-on stubby, but haven't found the right deal yet.
I'm another fan of their ratcheting screwdrivers. I have a Williams, Williams T-handle, and a Snap-on 1/4 sq driver.

 

[PeedoPie]

I have the Milwaukee one pictured above (along with its full size brother) and they are my most used screwdrivers. Super smooth ratcheting and nice bit selections. Use them with 1/4” adapters as well for small socket applications. They work great for automotive interior removal/ assembly

 

[GTO]

See post #8

 

[rlitman]

See post #8

+2

One note. I have both the older hard handle style, and the newer soft Instinct handle with removable shank. The hard handle is shorter in length.

GW shafts fit the Instinct handles BTW. But the GW shafts are chrome, while SO uses stainless.