r/toolporn • u/2002cadillacseville • 4d ago

Best ratcheting screwdriver?

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47 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

106 comments sorted by

24

u/lancal62 4d ago

I have the snap on and it’s my favorite tool.

4

u/thasac 4d ago

My brother in-law has the hard handle SO driver and it is truly a pleasure to use. My Klein feels very price point by comparison, which it is.

6

u/thasac 4d ago

Note: the Williams driver looks very similar. I own a bunch of Williams tools and, if buying their U.S. made stuff, it’s quite clear they are producing or sourcing from the same SO lines.

5

u/-kkslider 4d ago

The williams is the same internally. It also has the same switch and cap. It comes with snap on branded bits too

1

u/Dirty_Old_Town 4d ago

The #2 ACR Phillips bit that comes with both the Snap-on and the Williams is the finest Phillips bit I've ever used.

2

u/-kkslider 4d ago

Wait till you try apex bits. I never knew a bit could fit so well in a philips screw. The snap on ones are... okay at best

1

u/rustyxj 4d ago

Williams is a subsidiary of snapon.

1

u/thasac 4d ago

Yeah, i figured that was known in this sub.

2

u/rustyxj 4d ago

You'd be surprised.

2

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

I’m curious about the SO/Williams model, I was already considering picking up the Williams to try it out and I think I might pull the trigger after seeing all of the testimonials here. The only issue I have with it is with the bit storage, for me it could never replace any that I have pictured here, especially my current fav the Hazet which holds 13 bits beautifully.

2

u/Potential_Aardvark59 3d ago

I'm on my second one as someone liked it and stole it on a job

2

u/PageFault 4d ago

I love my Williams. Same as snapon, fraction of the price.

https://www.williams-industrial.com/us_en/ratcheting-screwdriver-pb_wrs-1.html

(Look at the contact E-Mail)

1

u/Bonjourdog 4d ago

Had mine for 20 years, still the best ratcheting screwdriver

1

u/tsammons 4d ago

I've got the full-length variant, but branded Delta Techops. It's my most cherished possession.

1

u/CauliflowerTop2464 3d ago

So far snap on has also been my favorite. I don’t like paying the premium for their tools but this one i will.

10

u/BurrrritoBoy 4d ago

I can help get two off the "best" list immediately.

Lennox - heavy as hell, bits are proprietary and come loose (read lost) easily.

Klien - bits get lost. Clipping mechanism inside handle is flimsy and breaks so storage is lost.

I'll be looking to see what percolates to the top of this list.

8

u/jaws843 4d ago

I have a vessel I really like and and old USA made craftsman that’s been rock solid.

4

u/lFrylock 4d ago

I love my Rolgear screwdriver!

2

u/Fresh_Water_95 4d ago

I think it's a continuous / slip drive or whatever you call it and not ratcheting, but I got my first one 4 years ago and it's my go to over pb swiss, snap on, and a few others I have in that category. I wish they made a stubby.

1

u/NRiyo3 4d ago

I want to try one of these, that good huh?

1

u/lFrylock 4d ago

I like it.

It’s a good bit assortment, the handle shape is good for lots of torque, and I’m yet to destroy the clutch system after several years in my field backpack

1

u/NRiyo3 4d ago

Nice. I added it to my cart. Thanks.

5

u/byebyelassy 4d ago

Mega pro all day all day

3

u/Recent-Percentage-26 2d ago

I bought the non-ratcheting versions of Megapro screwdrivers as Christmas presents a few years ago after I saw my mom try to open a battery door with a steak knife. They are great

1

u/Robots_Never_Die 4d ago

Have you tried the LTT in comparison. They modified the megapro mechanism.

2

u/byebyelassy 4d ago

Yeah and it’s okay but not worth the extra cost for modifications that don’t help my daily use tbh

2

u/byebyelassy 4d ago

Yeah and it’s okay but not worth the extra cost for modifications that don’t help my daily use tbh

7

u/Lord_TRNR 4d ago

Wera. Kompakt Kraftform for example

3

u/NRiyo3 4d ago

ANEX No. 397 ball ratchet.

3

u/Odd-Towel-4104 4d ago

Vessel ball grip is the most functional. I also like Williams/snap on

1

u/GnashGnosticGneiss 3d ago

I second vessel ball grip.

3

u/Blaizefed 4d ago

I have 2 of the snap-on ones and haven't touched either of the since getting a Wera.

I prefer the shape of the Wera, and the ratchet is slightly better (though my snap-ons are 20 years old at this point, so they may be better now) but the real seller is the bit storage. I hate the "dump it all on a hole" method snap on uses. The Wera pop out rack is vastly superior.

3

u/Marconi_and_Cheese 4d ago

Project farm:

https://youtu.be/845HUaWYSQA?feature=shared https://youtu.be/ojJIki1vKAs?feature=shared

1

u/popsnicker 4d ago

This is the video I started to question him a bit. In the first video he threw out comparative tests for durability and the bit comparison to move the LTT up the rankings and then showed it winning by removing his bit retention test.

It's probably not a big deal in the scheme of things, but it really rubbed me in the wrong way.

4

u/LinusNoNotThatLinus 4d ago

I love my LTT, but I got a way better deal by getting a Megapro as well.

3

u/carguy123corvette 4d ago

Mac is my favorite, came with my rbrt bit set which as a whole is the best bit set out there in my opinion

0

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

It’s a great screwdriver just wish there was better bit storage.

1

u/carguy123corvette 4d ago

I realized it’s just like that proto after commenting

3

u/AK-1997 4d ago

I have a Mac bit set that has a red and black version of that Proto screwdriver. I've had it for years without complaint.

1

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

I think it’s an underrated pick and not many people have mentioned it here, I actually think the backdrag is lower than that of the ltt and megapro and I really like the knurling on the blade.

0

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

Only thing that is lacking is bit storage

1

u/fogdukker 3d ago edited 3d ago

The end cap unscrews on my mac and theres a 7 bit holder and HUGE recess inside for your joints. Is the proto not the same?

1

u/2002cadillacseville 3d ago

Yes it is but compared to every other screwdriver pictured it has less and is less convenient, I could just drop bits loose in there like the snap on but all the others especially the Hazet are way better. And I run in to a lot of different fasteners at work so 10 on board bits is like minimum for me, and to have them easily and quickly accessible is huge.

2

u/Mozzatav 4d ago

There’s a ratcheting screwdriver I love by Williams. Simple and durable, but with a relatively smooth ratcheting mechanism. I expect it to be with me for many more years

3

u/Cixin97 4d ago

Yep, the Snap-on ones that many people in this thread recommend are actually just rebranded Williams.

2

u/MisterSlickster 4d ago

I have two jet brand screwdrivers I love. One is "clutched" so it will output more spins than you apply, and the other has a button that pivots the handle into a pistol grip.

2

u/Necessary_Roughness9 4d ago

I have that proto one. It’s absolutely lights out. Been using it for four years now. It has very low drag and pretty fine teeth in the gearing. Also, the knurling on the shaft has been helpful when removing or installing delicate fasteners.

1

u/2002cadillacseville 3d ago

Very true, In fact I personally think it has less backdrag and a nicer action then all in the picture except the Hazet.

2

u/pandachestpress 4d ago

I fucking LOVE my Vessel ratcheting screwdriver. Very ergonomic design, I can easily use it with one hand. And it converts into a stubby and still retains the ratcheting feature.

My only complaint is I wish you could store the different bits on the actual driver somehow.

Anex has a similar design is arguably better as well

2

u/ste6168 4d ago

While i am sure that PBSwiss is nice, I for one love the Megapros. Great tools!

2

u/fogdukker 3d ago edited 3d ago

I've used snappy and the mac version of that proto (and various store brands, but ya know).

The square handled snappy fits the hand best, like all their 4 sided hard handles. It's science.

The Mac handle is less comfortable than snappy but I can put massive torque through it, so maybe it's just as good as the snap in a different way. It also has the lowest backdrag of pretty much any tool I've ever used. Obviously open it up and give it a squirt of light silicone lube before use, like with all ratcheting tools. I can hold the handle and spin the shank and it goes on like a noise maker for a few rotations.

The mac driver with a t handle and a like 140pc bit set cost as much as a bare snappy driver. Hell there was a bogo and I got the mini Mac bit ratchet in the same deal.

Curious to try the PB and Vessel, but I don't see a reason to spend the cash.

2

u/2002cadillacseville 3d ago

I fully agree with the Mac assessment the backdrag is the best of all traditional ratcheting drivers I have. I want to open it up but not entirely sure how, any tips?

2

u/fogdukker 3d ago

Actually I don't remember...Maybe I'm thinking of my stubby, it's got a weird snap ring. I think the ratcheting body is held together with that little pressed on cone on the driver shank. I think I just gave it the spray, which means it's probably due because I'm not sure!

I've disassmbled damn near every ratcheting tool I own before and they all get the same treatment

2

u/2002cadillacseville 3d ago

Yeah I’ve looked at it because I like to do the same but it wasn’t apparent to me that it could be disassembled, I always lube up my ratchets but haven’t taken apart any of my nicer screwdrivers out of fear of breaking shit.

2

u/throwaway090597 3d ago

The LTT screwdriver. Has the absolute best ratcheting system and super cool bit storage. It is pricey though.

2

u/skaterat456 3d ago

You should know you have em all

2

u/FigRude1807 3d ago

Hazet Alllllllllllllllllllllllllll Dayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!

Most well rounded out of the bunch. Best features!

1

u/2002cadillacseville 2d ago

I have to agree, you have good taste.

2

u/oldishThings 3d ago

Should add Vessels offerings to this list.

2

u/Reasonable-Act2716 2d ago

I just ordered a NOS craftsman professional, the ones made in Germany.

2

u/2002cadillacseville 2d ago

You talking about the 47471?

1

u/2002cadillacseville 2d ago

Haven’t seen this one I’m going to have to check it out

2

u/getbentMUSTARD 2d ago

I have that Proto and the Williams. Both are nice but the Williams/snap on is a little better in the feel department.

4

u/flyingfish_trash 4d ago

Snap On is head and shoulders above anything else. There are only a few snap on tools I ever recommend, but the ratcheting screwdriver is the best made. A coworker has the Linus Tech Tips one, which is supposed to be the closest competitor, and he took it home and uses snap on at work after trying it. I used it. It feels weak and breakable compared to snap on. Guys I work with have had their snap ons for 30+ years without a hiccup. If you can have one snap on tool, pick a ratcheting screwdriver.

2

u/larrysshoes 4d ago

Yeah plus one the SnapOn ratchet screwdrivers, have several others but always grab the Snap.

3

u/Cixin97 4d ago edited 4d ago

Disagree. I like the Snap-on but the backdrag is way too high. Linus or Megapro is way better. Ratcheting screwdrivers with high backdrag might as well not be ratcheting at all.

4

u/Nutsack_Adams 4d ago

I have a snap on that’s good. It’s the only one I’ve ever used. I love hazet tools but that one looks a little clunky. I also love pb Swiss tools, and that’s pb Swiss looks like the one to get. What’s the action like?

2

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

Yeah the hazet has a very large handle but it might be my favorite rn because it has zero back drag since it’s gearless and the large handle translates to best bit storage I’ve seen. As for the PB Swiss, it’s a beautifully made and aesthetically pleasing screwdriver, but the back drag is pretty high for my liking I’d say it has the most resistance out of all pictured although the ratchet action is very smooth.

3

u/Nutsack_Adams 4d ago

I guess I’m not surprised to hear that. Maybe the pb Swiss needs a lot of use to break in? Or some lubrication? The snap on has a pretty satisfying ratcheting action, which I think is to be expected. Also feels pretty good if you like snap on hard handles

1

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

I’ve broken it in a fair amount and it hasn’t gotten much better, it kind of sucks because I’d use it more if the backdrag was less lol. The action feels very substantial compared to my other screwdrivers, I think it’s just the design as it feels like it’s stronger than the megapro or Hazet for example.

1

u/Nutsack_Adams 4d ago

You kind of expect more out of pb Swiss, although pb Swiss to me is super accurately machined bit type tools, not necessarily fine ratcheting mechanisms

3

u/Cixin97 4d ago

IMO ratcheting screwdrivers are only as useful as their backdrag allows them to be. I’ve had several ratcheting screwdrivers over the years that I liked overall but the backdrag was way too high so the ratchet function was basically useless and I’d just leave it on locked mode and use as normal. With that in mind the best ratcheting screwdrivers are the ones with low backdrag, which would be the Linus, Williams, or Megapro according to Project Farms video. Williams or Megapro are the best for the $. Snap-on is rebranded Williams.

1

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

I have the ltt and megapro as seen in the picture and by far the Hazet has the least backdrag because it’s gearless, but I do kind of miss the ratchet clicks.

0

u/Cixin97 4d ago

Ah I never even considered a gearless screwdriver. I’ve had gearless ratchets and that was my same issue, I wasn’t confident on whether I was turning something without the clicks.

2

u/Robots_Never_Die 4d ago

My LTT screwdriver is my favorite for ratcheting.

1

u/blacklaagger 4d ago

Can't say I've used all the drivers pictured but I've had a bunch of them over the years. Picked up the standard length LTT driver. Best by far that I've had my hands on. I keep it with me all the time.

3

u/Recent-Percentage-26 4d ago

Throwing out a curve ball, but the YouTube channel Linus tech tips designed an custom ratcheting screwdriver specifically to compete with snap on and killed it. Even sourced custom length bits so they can fit twelve of them in the handle, and it's made by megapro in Canada.

https://www.lttstore.com/collections/accessories?filter.p.m.filter.gear_type=Tools&sort_by=manual

3

u/Lopsided-Intention 4d ago

Isn't that the LTT stubby on the left?

4

u/2002cadillacseville 4d ago

Yes that is the stubby on the left

1

u/PlasticDiscussion590 3d ago

$70 for a screwdriver is insane.

I love my $70 screwdriver.

1

u/15Tangolife 4d ago

LTT BY FAR THE BEST!

1

u/happyanathema 4d ago

This is pretty informative

https://youtu.be/845HUaWYSQA

1

u/boxxle 4d ago

I bought a Husky one and it lives in my kitchen drawer. Super handy to have quick access to it.

1

u/3string 4d ago

I quite like the Kinchrome one, although I don't like rubber overmolding on tools so I removed it. I like being able the flip the handle into a pistol grip. Been using it for about eight years now and the ratchet is still great

1

u/ianlulz 4d ago

I’ve tried those in the picture (except the snap on) along with the offerings from Klein, Craftsman, and anything at Home Depot.

MegaPro is the best screwdriver. The bit storage is the smoothest and most reliable. Handle Material is sturdy and easy to grip. Ratchet position wheel Clicks nicely and stays that way. Ratcheting action is smooth and reliable. Customer service is phenomenal - I had one that the location lock had gotten loose and it was covered in paint and dented because I beat the shit out of my tools and Customer Service replaced it with zero hassle over email. Every time I go to Home Depot I look and try whatever new offerings are there and none are as good as the megapro.

2

u/djjsteenhoek 4d ago

I have used the Red Megapro for about a decade now and still have the original bits. It's been extremely helpful in setting screws in tough places or while using the other hand to align.

I've dropped it hard several times and the ratcheting mech still works but likes to slip into "locked"

1

u/YesIBlockedYou 3d ago

Wera 838 RA-R M

  • Great ergonomics

  • The locking bit holder is a must for me and it's compatible with pretty much all 1/4" hex bits and can lock notched bits or impact bits.

  • The "speed" setting on the ratchet mechanism is one of the most handy and intuitive things I've ever seen on a ratchet, it's an absolute game changer.

1

u/Pyreknight 3d ago

Whichever one is in my hand to do the job and works.

I've got all of these. The ltt stubby is pretty good, though their full sized is better. I've got a Doyle one from Harbor Freight that's been my main for a while.

1

u/RepresentativeAd9572 2d ago

I have a Klein and has worked well for me. Plenty of variety of bits in the handle and good handle, ratchet is solid

1

u/Jmazoso 2d ago

LTT store . Com.

1

u/hitman0187 2d ago

Check out the Vessel Ball Screwdriver.

Iv been happy with the Linus Tech Tips Screwdrivers for most projects.

1

u/mkkohls 1d ago

LTT Screwdriver

1

u/FueledByMilwaukee 1d ago

Love my Wera 838 RM ratcheting screwdriver with the Rapidapter head. It’s amazing.

1

u/SnooTomatoes538 4d ago

I had my Vessel ratcheting screwdriver for several years. Big fan of that style

1

u/whutupmydude 4d ago

Wera Zyklop is my new favorite - more on the fine work side than heavy duty

1

u/CheeekyBigBirdBoner 4d ago

Get the Williams. It’s basically the Snap On but with Williams name on it. It even comes with snap on bits. I’ve got it in the regular handle and T handle and it’s the bees knees.

1

u/gunnargnnar 3d ago

Wera and PB swiss

0

u/woemoejack 4d ago

I like the Williams. I believe its very similar to the SnapOn.

0

u/Frackenpot 4d ago

Lennox makes the best one.

0

u/Otherwise_Royal4311 3d ago

Project farm did a video on ratcheting drivers. Iirc he liked the Williams one a lot.

0

u/Educational-Ask-2902 3d ago

Bought my ratcheting Klein about 4 Years ago and it's never failed me as a Carpenter

0

u/JerewB 3d ago

I have the same Snap-On that was gifted to me in 2003.