I found one of these and use it now and then. It's OK, I guess. Not really sure if it saves any time or effort.
Good ratcheting screwdriver?
- Thread starter GaryMX5
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I’ve been pleased with every Williams tool I have ever bought. They are my go to for sockets, for example, and some of my Williams socket sets have a few Snap on Sockets in the set. They actually are made on the same line, that’s how a few Snap On sockets got into the Williams sets that were delivered. The Williams screwdriver sets are excellent as well. I didn’t know that Williams made a ratcheting screwdriver.
My issue getting one like this is the double ended bits if my concern is them wearing out. You are stuck finding new double ended ones instead of just a regular 1/4" bulk pack or stronger ones.
At the same time I like having my Klein and other 10 in 1 versions with double ended bits and different size nut drivers when doing projects. Has been handy to have the choices.
Everyone I work seems to have a different ratcheting screwdriver... The Snap-on hard handles are my favorite.
I have the big Gearwrench kit but replaced the handles with snap-on.
They're surprisingly helpful for old guys like me that have weaker hands and arthritic fingers. I recently changed out all the electrical plugs in my SIL's house (she had to replace the beige ones with gray ones.... go figure). I did that with a regular screwdriver and it took a lot longer and my hands felt it afterwards. A ratcheting one would have made the job so much easier. (this is where one of those small low torque electric screwdrivers would have been helpful too, but virtually useless for anything else).
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I have this Vessel that I like (it has lots of tips with it).
+1 for Vessel. Their screwdrivers, ratcheting or not, are the best I have used.
Try the small Bosch driver, I have been using one for a few years and it is a great little tool, it gets used almost daily for something, battery life and power is surprisingly good. I bought the refurbished from CPO. Bosch has its own service center in the USA, most of the tools are buyers remorse returns but all get checked out thoroughly so no fear. If it died tomorrow I would replace it with the same tool.
https://www.cpooutlets.com/factory-...-pocket-driver-kit--2-ah-/bshrps22-02-rt.html
My stubby Multi-Bit Stanley ratcheting screwdriver is my most-used screwdriver. It's the version with the silver end cap. I have one in every car's tool kit and in drawers around the house. I often use them with a 1/4" drive 10 mm socket. The US model with the yellow end cap sucks. They are already a few years old so I don't know which model is now available.
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JHZR2
Staff member
I almost solely use them when I need an actual screwdriver over an impact gun.
So much less wrist work, faster and easier.
Regular screwdrivers have their place, but ratcheting just saves time and effort. On some things like outlets and covers, they really help. On a onesie twosie screw it may not matter as much.
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I ordered a Milwaukee 48-22-2904 for pick up at my local Ace hardware for $20 on sale. I don’t know how it rates and I know it will not be made in USA.
I went to pick it up, it uses double end bits. The lady opened it and tried a regular short bit. She said it uses them too. She couldn’t get it back out. I said try a magnet. Magnet didn’t work. So I got money back and left.
I went to pick it up, it uses double end bits. The lady opened it and tried a regular short bit. She said it uses them too. She couldn’t get it back out. I said try a magnet. Magnet didn’t work. So I got money back and left.
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Vessel for the win. I like it a lot. Reasonable price on Amazon.
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The are so many ratcheting screwdrivers for sale. The Megapro made in Canada or USA is supposed to be good.
I got a Dewalt at HD for $13 which is really nice used it last weekend. No bit storage but well worth it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT68001/317265368
I got a Dewalt at HD for $13 which is really nice used it last weekend. No bit storage but well worth it.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-...-Screwdriver-Set-10-Piece-DWHT68001/317265368
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Klein is also heavy
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I like my lutz 15-1 ratcheting screwdriver looks like this
J
Jokester
Yep the design/function/quality/price of their products kills most other brands if you ask me. Have had this set for some time https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/ratcheting/2200mbh120k01-detail along with a larger bit set https://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/bit-sets/ib31p02u-detail and I seriously doubt ANY brand of bits will exceed how well they precisely grab any fastener or from a longevity standpoint. The only very slight complaint I'd have is the magnetic attachment point for the bit end is quite strong, but you'll never have a lost bit in the process.
I found my ratcheting screwdriver useful when I was taking off a storm door window frame with 10 or so small phillips screws that needed to be removed (and then put back on). I also find it super useful to have on the main floor of the house (vs. my Veto bag in the basement with many more tools) as it has multiple bits (phillips, slotted, hex and torx) and I can grab from our junk drawer to do quick fixes versus always having to run down into the basement. More times than not, I have the ratchet function locked out and am using it like a regular screwdriver, but because of the multiple bits, don't have to grab a whole bunch of screwdrivers. Cheers!
I was of that mind until i got into RC cars with the kids. Lots of long(ish) and low-torque fasteners that are sticky to come out being threaded into polymers. I've used my SATA stubby ratcheting screwdriver with great effect!
