The Bahco 808050L has an onboard LED light that can be useful, but it’s not worth the lofty price tag.

Ratcheting Screwdrivers (2023 Guide) - DIY Gear Reviews 5 Best Ratcheting Screwdrivers (2023 Guide) - DIY Gear Reviews

There are some things worth considering when shopping for the best ratcheting screwdriver beyond just the style of bit storage. Consider the length, the grip, and other built-in features you might find with certain models. Keep the following points in mind while shopping so you’re sure to get the best ratcheting screwdriver for your needs. Types of Ratcheting Screwdrivers You might need to use an extension shaft with the screwdriver head if it isn’t long enough to meet your needs. The WorkPro 12-In-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver feels and performs like a tool that should cost nearly twice as much.Most ratchet screwdrivers use ball detents or magnets to hold their bits in place. In either case, removing the bit simply requires pulling the bit straight out of the shaft. Why Trust BobVila The MulWark is made to insert and remove fasteners where there’s very little room to maneuver. Although it was the smallest ratcheting screwdriver we tested, we were able to insert screws in different types of wood—even in walnut—without the ratcheting mechanism failing. But because the MulWark is intended for use with fingers, not a fist grip, our fingers wore out before the tool did. For those times when you need to insert fasteners behind a mounted flat screen or in another tight spot, the MulWark shines. The bits storage and ratcheting mechanism show the build quality. First, the six included bits hide in the barrel, which is excellent for the overall design. We were impressed when lightly pressing a button on the butt of the screwdriver, and a hidden bit storage compartment satisfyingly springs open to reveal the six bits. We used the Megapro to insert screws in pine, ash, and walnut boards, and then we tested it on removing stubborn screws. It stood up to strong twisting force, and the ratcheting action didn’t slip or break. We used quite a bit of torque. If we could ask for one thing to be different it would be a magnet in the head—when we turned the screwdriver downward, the bits often fell out.

Megapro NC 211R2C36RD Pullout Bit Nylon Handle Ratcheting Megapro NC 211R2C36RD Pullout Bit Nylon Handle Ratcheting

Lastly, most ratcheting screwdriver kits have a carrying case with bits stored in dedicated slots. This is great for keeping your bits organized, but it isn’t a one-tool solution as you get with onboard bit storage. Set vs. all-in-one An all-in-one like the Megapro model is convenient but you don’t get as many bit options as you do with a set, like the Tekton model. Credit: Nathan Hamilton This is another point of improvement Linus will no doubt cover when it comes to future revisions of the LTT Screwdriver. Other tests Bit tip failure load Ratcheting screwdrivers aren’t new technology. One of the first popular models was the “Yankee,” manufactured by North Bros and first marketed in 1895. Not much has changed in the ratcheting function since then. The directional collar on the Bahco switches directions smoothly, and the screwdriver’s ratcheting action is smooth. We inserted screws into pine, ash, and walnut boards, and the Bahco didn’t miss a beat, even when we exerted force. There’s a tiny bit of play in the shaft, which we would have preferred not to be there, but it wasn’t enough to affect the tool’s performance. The benefit of ratcheting screwdrivers is that you can get a firm grip on their handle and apply plenty of torque repetitively without adjusting your grip. Not all screwdrivers handle torque as well as others, so try to find a robust, durable model.

The Gearwrench 40-pc. Ratcheting Screwdriver Set is a great choice if you prefer more shaft and handle options than bits. This model includes several swappable shaft lengths, flexible shafts, a t-handle, and a shorty-style handle.

Megapro Screwdriver UK (50 items) | Raptor Supplies United

The approach to bit storage is both convenient and a potential downside. The bits can be stored loosely when untwisting the end cap or placed in the carrying case in dedicated slots. These storage options add convenience since you can carry the tool as an all-in-one with the bits stored onboard, and there’s a reduced risk of losing the bits.The ergonomics are also superb, with the curvatures of the grip allowing for comfortable gripping power in many orientations and hand sizes. The green ovals in the recesses include a soft, rubberized material for added grip. Consider how much maintenance you’re comfortable doing. If you only plan on fixing a few furniture pieces, a model with six of the most widely used bits is all you need. Sometimes the model will have a handle that doubles as storage for the bits.

Screwdriver: the best all round ratcheting screwdriver? LTT Screwdriver: the best all round ratcheting screwdriver?

When shopping for the best ratcheting screwdriver, you may need to choose between a kit and a single screwdriver. With all this information laid out, I want to tell you that if you want a premium screwdriver get the Snap On. It will give you respect from technicians, engineers and mechanics and will out last you. Snap On warranties are legendary and their tools are priced and made to work for a lifetime. If you don't want to spend that much on a screwdriver, the MegaPro and Williams offer amazing value for about half the price. As for the LTT screwdriver, the tool looks well thought out and made but being priced about the same as the Snap On is a deal breaker. Linus, having used the Snap On screwdriver for 15 years, took a lot of inspiration from Snap On and made minor changes to distinguish it from being a clone. Buy the LTT if you want to support LTT and have needs for a cool screwdriver, but know that there are equivalent products for less and superior products for the same price. The Craftsman 15-Pc. Ratcheting Screwdriver is a popular model, and it’s hard to go wrong at the price point. But we prefer models that don’t store bits loosely in the handle, like this Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver.When looking for the best ratcheting screwdriver, notice they come in different lengths. Standard-length models are around 7 or 8 inches. Stubby models are under 3 or 4 inches. You can also find longer models with long shafts and handles over 9 inches long. The Wera Kraftofrm Kompakt 27RA has some of the best functionality, build quality and ergonomics of the tested models. On the larger Klein Tools screwdriver, using strong force to insert a screw into a walnut board was more than it could take, and the ratcheting mechanism broke.