I’ve never really been a fan of offset screwdrivers – they just didn’t seem too convenient to me. Until now. There was a fastener I needed to reach in a really low-clearance area, and none of my usual low-profile drivers fit. None, except for the offset Phillips driver that sat unused in a drawer for a few years now.
Now that I found a need for them, I have a newfound respect for offset screwdrivers.
Advertisement
Offset Screwdrivers via Amazon
IndyEngineer
I know that you can’t work on a stack washer & dryer without them. I have had had offset screwdrivers in my tool arsenal for about sixteen years now.
teicher
That’s strange that you wouldn’t like them, they clearly solve a problem when you have a hard to reach screw. One time I didn’t have an offset screwdriver handy, so I used my smallest rachet, put a phillips head bit in a properly size 6pt socket, then wrapped a piece of masking tape to hold the bit in place. It worked and solved the problem I had at that time.
JeffD
@ teicher – Another trick is to use a 1/4″ ractchet with a 1/4″ socket. In a pinch you can insert a 1/4″ bit and you’re good to go.
Stuart
Most of the time I try to use a low-profile ratchet + bit combo as well. I’ve used offset screwdrivers in the past for indirect driving when I couldn’t put pressure directly above the screwdriver’s tip. The results weren’t pretty at all.
But, like I said, I needed one, used it, and now I love ’em.
george
i have two complete sets. maybe used them several times in the last 35 years. but those few times they got me out of some bad situations. should be standard in every tool box.
teicher
Good point on pressure over the tip, that’s the hardest part about using offsets. I think we all agree, when your back is against the wall, it’s nice to reach into your tool box, pull all offset out, and take care of the problem. 🙂
Mr P
By far the best offset as everyone stated obove would be this
http://www.homedepot.com/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Ratchets/Tools-Hardware-Hand-Tools-Ratchets/Husky/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgaZbav7Zbav7Zrd/R-100041241/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=1
uthscsaedu
I’m sure I have some lying around, but I can’t even remember the last time I used it.
Rick
I have a couple of these, but almost never use them since I found a small set from GearWrench at Lowes that was yellow-tagged. it had a bunch of 1/4″ bits and a special ratcheting wrench with a spinner ring. I picked up the last two they had and it has been great.
Stuart
Rick, I actually have that Gearwrench Microdriver set as well, but couldn’t find it at the time! That is a pretty handy tool indeed.
SteveR
I have several (5 or 6) of these plain offset screwdrivers; they’re not ergonomic, as the handle is 1/4″ or 5/16″ thick their whole length, and many aren’t knurled. Those are first-gen tools; not easy to use, but they got the job done. They do fit a purpose, though, which is to remove/install screws in places you can’t get to otherwise (like a door lockset). When I can fit it in, I like to use my Blue Point (Snap-on) ratcheting offset screwdriver (BTWOS) handle, which has a 72-tooth mechanism. Sears sells a similar unit, as do several others (I think one company makes them, and everyone slaps their name on it). A 1/4″ ratchet with a 1/4″ socket will work, but you have to have enough room (height) to fit them in. Offset screwdrivers are a niche tool, but when you need one, nothing much else will work.