Yesterday we discussed two new Channellock ratcheting screwdrivers, and it has got me wondering about what everyone else thinks about such tools. Multi-bit screwdrivers have been a DIY and pro favorite for a while now, and ratcheting drivers have appeared on the market in droves in recent years at all price ranges.
So what do you think, do you like ’em, or not?
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MikeR
I’ve been a fan of them for some time, starting with Gearwrench’s modular screwdriver kit. Comes in handy for tight spots.
DC
I actually own the megapro ratcheting screwdriver (and a newer mini version they just released) and i have to say its awesome…i use it all the time and find it necessary to only use a screwdriver with a ratcheting action…just my 2 cents!
Norm
I have to say yay!
My go to screwdriver is the 9-in-1 Ratch-a-nut by ideal
http://www.idealindustries.com/prodDetail.do?prodId=35-988&div=3&l1=screwdrivers&l1b=9-in-1_ratch-a-nut_screwdriver
Because I’m an electrician, it really helps me torque on some wire nuts!
The best feature though is the 3 nut drivers, 1/4″, 5/16″ which are both common, but where it stands out, is the 7/16″. If there was only a way to get a 3/8″.
That said, there are 2 complaints I have with it.
The wire nuts only tighten on with it. Some times I find that a wire nut is corroded or just on really tight, and needs to be removed or replaced. I still use the screwdriver though by holding the very end, but it would make it that much more convenient if it just ratcheted with whatever way the screwdriver is going.
The other, and I find this with mostly all screwdrivers, is the bits rust. I just replace them with a $5 fisherman’s screwdriver I found at harbor freight, that has stainless steel bits (or so they say). I’m not really convinced they are indeed stainless steel, but they don’t rust, and that is what matters.
I guess one other thought, which is to all the screwdrivers, is the nut drivers on the shaft (usually 5/16″ & 1/4″) wear very easily. The material should be made out of something harder.
JeffD
I only use them in my truck & motorcycle tool kits where size and multi-function tools are important. In the shop, however, the bits tend to get lost and much time is wasted switching bits.
Stuart
There’s now a mini Megapro ratcheting screwdriver?! I’m going to have to look into that!
I’ve seen the Ratch-a-Nut and wondered how well it worked, thanks Norm, for the mini review! I also agree with you about multi-bit drivers having somewhat soft nut-drivers. I have also received a few which were not correctly formed with 6 complete flats.
Jeff, I see your point as well. At least 4/5 of my indoor screwdriving needs are done with complete one-piece screwdrivers. Occasionally a multi-bit comes in handy, though. On-the go, I’ll usually grab a mini kit of some kind.
justin
I have a gearwrench set with the t -handle and stander handle. I all so have a snapon 5-Position handle one. I find that the only time I use any of them is when a normal screwdriver will not fit or if I need torx, hex,…
Blair
I have one that fits perfectly in my cordless drill case, and I use it all the time for things I don’t want to “power in”, like outlet covers, and other things that might break, or strip out with over torque. Also, it holds about 10 bits in the handle, and keeps them from flopping about the case during transport, so I know where to find them when needed.
One thing I have noticed, is that even in the shop, if the drill case is there, I will often use this driver for hand driving/removing screws, when there is a tool box with a ton of very capable drivers not 5′ to the right of it.
KenZ
Another satisfied megapro user. Have several of them. Not only is it, and the bits extremely well made, but the bit holder in the back is awesome. Not some crappy stuff slot.
Colin
Snap-on’s is one that I think everyone needs to own. Normal bits, stored in the handle. Great ratcheting mechanism, and bar none the most comfortable handle I’ve ever used. This is one that I would even give to mom, sister, or any other person that doesn’t use a lot of tools.
Craftsmans red handled driver came close to being as good, but the bit storage that was “revolver like” wouldn’t fit some of the specialty security bits I use.
I want to try Channellocks, but the inability to use “normal” bits means that it’s useless for my occupation…
DC
Yeah the compact version of the megapro screwdriver is pretty nice…i ordered mine from sears:
MegaPro Compact 7 in 1 Ratcheting Driver 171BKRDR
glenn
i have the original megapro ratcheting with the 1″ insert bits, now dubbed “Automotive” ratchet by megapro. I also have the stainless steel screwdriver, too. I recently picked up compact ratcheting and i dont know if mine is defective or it is just horribly made in comparison to the american/canadian-made megapro drivers. my ratcheting mechanism always gets jammed up and it sounds almost like it is grinding gears. its the pits. clearly nowhere close to smoothness of the bigger ratcheting megapro, whose ratcheting mechanism is the probably the closest thing to snap-ons. do other megapro compact ratchet owners experience anything like what i described or do i just need a new one? thanks.
Wayne R.
Late to the game here, but I’ve never understood the appeal of complicating a simple thing like a screwdriver with a ratcheting mechanism.
I use 5-in-1 Klein multi-bit drivers in my portable kits, but my overall preference is to use plain old drivers (nut or screw). Why have to flip a switch to change driver direction? That messes with my head.
Narq
While I have my full set of tools for serious work, I can’t live without a good mult-tool to keep in the kitchen drawer for everyday tasks around the house. I swear by my MegaPro- probably one of the best quality tools I’ve ever owned. It’s so good, Channellock simply rebrands the MegaPro multi-driver and sell it as their own.