Over the weekend I replaced belts, radiator hoses, heater hoses, etc. on my PU. I ruined the tips of 2 fairly new Milwaukee phillips screwdrivers that I thought would be better than the craftsman, husky, kobalt, dewalt ones I have destroyed in the past. No such luck! Yes, I have gotten warranty replacements but that's turning into a nuisance. I'm not going to buy another fixed tip one if I can help it. I now want to try a decent ratcheting one so when a phillips tip destructs I can just replace it quickly. I have a cheapo Harbor freight one that's a little too bulky and sloppy. I'd like one with onboard storage for just a couple of tips (impact quality?) to keep it to a manageable size. I want one that feels like a good regular sized screwdriver if you know what I mean. I would like to be able to get at least two of them (garage and basement shop areas) so looking for something reasonably priced and readily available. Recommendations appreciated!
Good ratcheting screwdriver?
- Thread starter GaryMX5
- Start date
Snap-on the king
I’ve had good luck with Makita screwdriver bits. Buy them in bulk. Toss them when they begin to show wear.
I would think your Milwaukee would be great with new bits.
If not, Vessel screwdrivers are excellent, and they make a ratcheting one.
I would think your Milwaukee would be great with new bits.
If not, Vessel screwdrivers are excellent, and they make a ratcheting one.
The Klein Tools ratcheting screwdriver is pretty high quality and affordable. I like the heft and balance of this professional grade tool. Available at Lowe's and Amazon.
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JH Williams (now Snap-On Industrial Brands) has a great ratcheting screwdriver. I’ve had one regular, and also the t-handle version, for over 10 years. I’m not a professional mechanic, but they have been very durable. Reasonably priced, as well.
Amazon Link
Amazon Link
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I have a Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver, but rarely use it. I prefer the ergonomics of a regular screwdriver. Mostly I use Vessel screwdrivers, and I use them hard. Never hurt the tip on any of them. I also have a PB Swiss, and it's got the best tip I've used, but I prefer the Vessel handles. Honestly, I can't imagine damaging the tip on any of these. You must have had some really crap bits.
+1 The Williams is identical to the Snap on sans a bit of knurling on the shaft, Made in USA on the same production line using the same mechanism.
Megapro seems to make nice screwdrivers. Channellock 131cb is also another nice one
If you need qualify bits, spend for Apex or Zephyr
Husky double-ratcheting is a great value at <$15. Readily available at Home Depot with lifetime warranty
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Continuous-Drive-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-18-piece-00014/316165467
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Continuous-Drive-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Set-18-piece-00014/316165467
My exwife bought me a Craftsman ratching screwdriver one Christmas after I asked for a Snap-On. Your Husky recommendation reminds me of that lovely holiday.
- Joined
- Jun 2, 2002
- Messages
- 4,641
I know they're expensive but I have to second the suggestion for Snap-On. I was given one of these things as a Christmas gift at the shop Christmas party and it has been amazing. My Matco broke and the cheapy GearWrench stuff is just cheap Chinese junk.
Pay the price and have it nice. I don't recommend Snap-On very often but for this particular item I'd do it.
Pay the price and have it nice. I don't recommend Snap-On very often but for this particular item I'd do it.
Clarification...My Milwaukee screwdrivers are regular fixed tip ones. My idea is to definitely use a ratcheting one with replaceable bits (1/4" hex ones preferrable). Just prefer to not have a too bulky or heavy one.
No question it's a very nice tool. The Williams one mentioned earlier (which I understand is suppose to be the same thing) costs less than half as much (38.00 vs 80.00). That's a pretty big difference. The Klein has caught my eye price wise and features.
That’s my go to.
J
Jokester
King of what? Overprice/hype for tolerable simplicity? We all have our varying expectation/experiences and there is no best that will suit everyone. My personal favorite brands the last few yrs has been Vessel and Wera. The bit sets made by both are absolute top notch and various ratcheting mechanisms have been flawless as well from standard to stubby to T handle.
I have a dumb question: what is the appeal of a ratcheting screwdriver? I have never found myself wanting one or in a situation where one could have been beneficial.
J
Jokester
I find them useful for a few reasons... one is speed as in being able to really crank screws in faster than when using a fixed type. Also, much more versatile in confined spaces as in using fingertips to maneuver due to not enough space for an entire hand.
The Williams is the same tool and is made by Snap on in the same factory using the same parts, that little bit of knurling or a different colored grip cost an extra $40. IMHO there is no value in the Snap on branded over the Williams.
I have the Williams and another from Genius which has also been good. I use them when I do work away from my tools, with good bits it makes for a multiple driver replacement
The ratcheting part of it over a hex fixed driver is personal preference. I find I use fixed blade drivers most of the time.
J
Jokester
I will add that I've been quite impressed with the design/function/versatility of this one...
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/ratcheting/2200mbh120k01-detail
Combined with this bit set and all bases are covered...
https://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/bit-sets/ib31p02u-detail
https://www.vesseltools.com/handtools/screwdrivers/ratcheting/2200mbh120k01-detail
Combined with this bit set and all bases are covered...
https://www.vesseltools.com/industrial-bits/bit-sets/ib31p02u-detail
