Earlier today, Benjamen reviewed Dewalt’s MaxFit screwdrivers, which are pretty darned good. He’s not the only one that’s quite fond of them.
Someone mentioned ratcheting screwdrivers, and I couldn’t help myself from thinking about all of the ratcheting drivers I’ve used in recent memory. I tend to use individual screwdrivers more often than multi-bit and ratcheting drivers, but there are a lot of times when I rely on multi-bit and ratcheting drivers.
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As previously discussed, we went through a move. This meant packing up all of my tools, including my many dozens of individual screwdrivers of all styles, sizes, and brands. I haven’t unpacked them yet, and have been using my Channellock ratcheting screwdriver quite a lot lately.
I have been using that driver and my go-to Wera flex-head ratchet sets a lot these month, and couldn’t help myself from gushing about them.
I reviewed the Megapro-made Channellock ratcheting screwdriver a few years ago, and it remains as good and well-recommended a driver now as it was then. Would I buy it again? Probably. Maybe. More on that in a moment.
I did notice that it skipped a few gears at times, but generally when pushed really hard. It’s held up quite well, longer than other inexpensive ratcheting screwdrivers have lasted in my hands.
It’s priced at $30 and is well worth it. Lesser ratcheting drivers are okay, this one is smoother and more comfortable to use.
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There’s one thing I don’t quite like about the Channellock driver, and that’s its double-sided bits. Sometimes I like the convenience of double-ended bits, but not when I come across a task where I need to pull out different insert bit size or style and a completely different tool because 1″ bits don’t fit the Channellock screwdriver.
Good news, Megapro makes a similar ratcheting screwdriver that works with standard 1″ bits, for around $36-36. The internals are the same, and only the bit holder and storage compartment are different. Since this one is geared towards automotive applications, maybe the handle is more resilient to certain fluids and chemicals.
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I have also been using my Wera Zyklop sets a lot. There are plenty of gimbal-head ratchets out there these days, but I find the Wera Zyklop ratchets, recently rebranded as Wera “Speed” ratchets, to be quicker and better to use. Aside from that one time I dropped a socket into my car’s engine bay, the quick release socket lock mechanism works like a charm.
When used in inline mode, they don’t turn as easily as a good ratcheting screwdriver, due to the handle being a little shorter, but their versatility more than makes up for this. The ratchets fits in areas too tight for my Channellock ratcheting screwdriver, and I can flip the handle, from inline to 90°, for greater torque.
Best of all, my 1/4″ and 3/8″ sets are compact and tidy, easy to pack into my minimalist rolling tool box.
Buy Now: Wera Zyklop | Wera Speed (same ratcheting tool, different set options)
Tell us about your favorite ratcheting screwdrivers!
Gary T.
One ratcheting screwdriver that I like is the Duralast high torque ratcheting screwdriver at Autozone. Its a fine tooth driver that only cost about $20.
Milwaukee tool Steve
Aww man no Milwaukee. lol 😀
Rusty
I really like their ratcheting screwdriver. Not a huge bit selection, but those long bits can get into a lot of places a regular ratcheting screwdriver can’t.
Chris Petersen
I’ve been pretty happy with Dewalt’s ratcheting screwdriver that just showed up on the wall here at my local Home Depot. Seems like a good option as well. I’ve got a couple of older Channellock ratcheting screwdriver sets that came from Sam’s Club Christmas tool assortments a few years back which I’ve also been very happy with, but I’m not sure if it’s a MegaPro like these shown (it’s a different style all-together).
Chad
The Snap-On Ratcheting Screwdriver all the way !! matches my old handles ( red ) hard plastic and never let me down, till my buddy borrowed it and moved away. still miss the SORS and will be replacing it soon.
I don’t speak to the tool thief anymore.
Craig Fleming
One of the great things about SO Soft Handle Ratcheting Driver is ability to use 1/4″ Dr. Extensions to lengthen your reach. Extension male end plugs into handle, bit adapter goes on female end. As long as hole clearance near bit isn’t an issue!
Nathan
I have a sioux tool labeled driver that is a gearless one – or rather a smooth one. I’ve never seen another shaped or branded like it sense and I know it has to be made by someone else. smoth as silk no notches nice handle. it used to be my go to.
Snap on set – work go to, peer pressure purchase – they are however sturdy as hell and smooth.
Kobalt double driver – christmas gift from a GF turned wifey that didn’t know not to buy me tools. (I mean I have no need for it). However, other that clunkiness and etc I do like it today other than access or use of an electric – it’s my go to device for kit assemblies. (furniture, accessories etc etc.
however for anything else I reach for the Sioux. And I will go put into a bag for a task – a stahlwille bit holder driver incase I need to do something where I don’t want ratcheting slop (electrical outlet or something adjusted).
John
I have to recommend my Wera Kraftform 816 RA Bitholding Ratcheting Screwdriver:
http://amzn.com/B004VMWZV0
As well as the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 RA which has in body bits (much like the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 but with ratcheting head):
http://amzn.com/B004VMWYCU
and if you don’t need the ratchet the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 25 with in body bits and extension is amazing:
http://amzn.com/B001HSNHM2
Travis
I did lots of research on these ratcheting screwdrivers last year. I held many of them in my hand. The problem I found with most of them was the weight and size. The Milwaukee version comes to mind as it had a very heavy in hand feel and was bulky. The Megapro/Channellock were too large.
I settled on the above mentioned Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 RA. I have not been disappointed after a year of use. This thing works great, has a slick in handle storage system, and a powerful magnet for bit holding. But most important, the weight is manageable and it feels great in my hands.
Gilbert G.
I second that motion. The compakt 27 RA is a great, well built, ergonomic ratchet screwdriver. The other 2 Wera Kraftform drivers are awesome too.
Rich Niewiroski Jr.
The 27 RA is great. The 816 and 25… not so much. Whoever came up with that bit holder design over there needs to get fired. It was definitely a form over function decision to go with that. How many deep seated screws can you get to with those screwdrivers? Oh right. None because the bit holder is humungous.
Chris
“The Snap-On Ratcheting Screwdriver all the way ”
Ditto. I’ve had mine for 20 years and it’s absolutely one of my favorite tools. If I lost it, I’d replace it without question.
Mark
The Snap-On is made by Williams. They make one about half price. They also have a short and long T handle version. I got one because I am in love with a used Snap-On that was gifted to me.
I generally like the Williams T handle, though if I only were to have one, I’d go with the standard handle.
I also had to take it apart and debur and remove filings. I don’t know if the previous Snap-On owner did that to the one I got, or if it was broken in over time, or if Snap-On requires a higher level of care in the assembly.
If you’re able to take it apart, lose none of the tiny components, clean and debur it and reassemble with some tried flow lubricant, it’s worth the difference in price, imo, most folks probably would lose something or ruin the tool or get mad at the snap ring.
Richie
I don’t own many Snap-On tools, but I have TWO of their ratcheting screwdrivers.
Seb
My baby bost see use on an almost daily basis, hands down the best ratcheting screwdriver I have ever used.
Bost is a subsidiary of facom, they also make a full size version but I have never used it.
https://www.amazon.fr/gp/aw/d/B00C7QP58M
T
I second this opinion. I own the “Expert” labeled version available thru MAC – owned by Stanley, which owns Facom/Britool/et al… Great little PROPER stubby ratcheting driver. Next to my Felo/Wurth drivers, this is used often.
Nate818
I love my Nebo 1/4 drive ratcheting driver
Allen
I use my Megapro ratching driver more than my Snap-On. I also have the Wera driver but it just isn’t as handy and the Megapro.
fred
I’ll put a vote in for Rolgear – that appeared on ToolGuyd some time ago:
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?cat=1,43411,43417&p=70725
I’ve also tried the Ideal 35-988 (doesn’t feel right in my hands) and the Megapro 211R2C36RD (I like it).
Stuart
I’ve got one of those. Used it a little, and then it got buried in the “truck it again later” pile.
Brian
I’m quite fond of my Gearwrench ratcheting screwdrivers(Geardriver).
JoeM
http://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/mastercraft-screwdriver-set-100-pc-0573665p.html#.Vw8sk_qVvxE
I’ve got one of these sets. Or, rather, one without the little tray, that has since been discontinued. I have that ratcheting screwdriver, which I’ve only used somewhere around twice. For a “Cheap” set (I actually got it on sale for $19.99 +Tax around 10 years ago) that screwdriver is remarkably comfortable, strong, and smooth. The day it breaks is the day I buy a better one, as mentioned by many of you. But, that day hasn’t come, and I use my DeWALT DCF680 Gyro Screwdriver, and my Leatherman Wave more often than I use my Screwdrivers.
My manual screwdrivers are in my “Better To Have It, and Not Need It, than to Need It and Not Have It” pile. I didn’t pay a lot of money for them, but when I’ve needed them (And boy have I needed some of them in that set) they’ve worked great.
Last I checked, these Mastercraft screwdrivers were made by Stanley, and re-branded Mastercraft for Canadian Tire here in… well… Canada… Though, for some reason I’ve never seen Stanley or DeWALT tools that have the triangular handles and other ergonomics that these Mastercraft ones do. I’ll be forced to upgrade some day, and then I’ll look further into it.
Pete
Megopro!!!! But wait i dont use their ratcheting one lol. I preffer their stainless driver. I think i would rather have their shaft lock over a ratcheting driver, never been a huge fan of ratcheting screw drivers.
Chris P
Bought the Wera Kraftform 98/4/1 Pistol Handle on Amazon at the end of last year. Was a bit hesitant at the price but it’s worth it.
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-05003263004-Kraftform-Hexagon-Screwdriver/dp/B003GDIR76
Thought it would be good in tight spaces and one handed operation, overhead etc. It’s great in all of those situations but it has now also become my everyday go to driver for most screw driving tasks. Bits are locked in, so as well as 1 inch bits I can use 2 or 6 inch power bits and the the bits never get left in the screw. It’s an incredibly versatile tool. The gearless ratchet takes a bit of getting used to at first but now I prefer it to any other style of driver.
Quality is good is very good. There is some play in the shaft, I think it’s an inevitable result of the gearless design but it’s never been a problem. Was initially disappointed to find the ratchet can’t be locked, only 2 positions forward/reverse but in practice if I don’t want the ratchet I don’t want a pistol grip either and use something else.
Nick
PB Swiss makes some great ratcheting screwdrivers as well, they are fairly pricy however.
Ken
For those that are interested in the snap on driver you might want to look at the JH Williams drivers, I think they are the same product with different branding, I’m not sure what the Snap On drivers sell for but the Williams can be purchased for about $30 if you shop around.
http://www.amazon.com/Williams-WRS-1-Magnetic-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B002NI1LZK
Chris
Anyone have experience with SpecTools’ screwdrivers?
https://spectools.com/shop/professional-overdriver-model-rgo-5412/
https://spectools.com/shop/overdriver-model-od-2001-2/
I’ve had an original OverDriver for 20 years but I’ve finally worn it out, so I need a replacement. Nothing beats a multi-speed ratcheting screwdriver for screwing/unscrewing lots of screws in a hurry.
David g
Nope! Where’s this Stanley one? It’s beefy, sturdy awesome and a steal at only $13 for a 20 piece bit set!
http://www.amazon.com/STANLEY-62-574-20-PIECE-MULTI-BIT-SCREWDRIVER/dp/B0052R85TO
Bro review this one!
David g
The stanley one is actually this one! Sorry! http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-62-574-Multibit-Screwdriver-Pack/dp/B004NMZFDS/
andrew nambudripad
Wera, Wiha and all those German tooling are top notch but really I can’t bring myself to buy anything more than the drivers. I know the quality of manufacturing is top-tier but as this isn’t my profession, spending tons of money on that Snap-On/Mac set just isn’t going to get enough use out. I’ve got my standard set of Craftsmen (non ratching, USA, ~1970s) I got from my father for anything that I’m scared I’ll strip (the steel is hardened/tempered to the point where you won’t have any deformation/yield on even over-torqued screws).
The best trade off for wratching tooling on price (new, if we’re talking about ebay hunting, you can score tons of good bargains) is my choice is probably going to have to be GearWrench. If you can do without ratcheting, I’m amazed as the quality of the Husky chinese made wrenches. I picked up a 19mm and 21mm a few years back to work on an import, and it’s still in top nick.
RE: Wera – What I definitely do endorse though is this : http://www.amazon.com/Wera-Kraftform-Insulated-Professional-Screwdriver/dp/B0085NTQJK if you muck around with mains voltage especially in EU where you’ll see 400 VAC P2P. I don’t work on substation transformers or anything but I’m around enough HV/HC that it’s basically a necessity. Definitely endorse that set.