Makita P-90071 13-in-1 Racheting Screwdriver with Various Bits Hidden in the Handle

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Some ratcheting screwdrivers store bits loosely in the handle by twisting off an end cap. This design approach is good for portability, but it can be annoying with the bits shaking around. Plus, when swapping bits, you need to pour out all the bits onto your work surface, which isn’t ideal. 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 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. 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.

Makita USA - Product Details -RW01R1 Makita USA - Product Details -RW01R1

The Milwaukee is a solid little tool, and its ratcheting action is among the smoothest of the models we tested. This didn’t come as a surprise, since the Milwaukee brand is well known and has a great reputation for making quality tools. The head features a strong magnet that holds the bits in place, and the directional collar is well made and easy to switch. There are several types of bit storage for ratcheting screwdrivers. Many models store the bits onboard, either hidden in the handle or slots, which is great for tightly securing each bit. But you are limited to adding more bits if there aren’t available slots, and the proprietary slots may not fit perfectly with aftermarket bits. Budget models will typically forego premium materials for plastic and straighter grips. More premium models can have better ergonomics with grippier materials and finishes and more thoughtfully-designed curvatures to hold the ratcheting screwdriver confidently with more torque. Shaft and grip typesWe used the Williams screwdriver to insert screws in a variety of wood types, and its ratcheting action remained smooth and sure—even when we used force. The directional collar switches with ease, and the shaft head features a magnet that holds bits in place. The long, thin design of this screwdriver is well suited to reaching fasteners in tight spots while exerting pressure. Consider buying the Megapro Ratcheting Screwdriver if you want more bits than the Wera model above offers. The Megapro Ratcheting Screwdriver includes six bits with a tip on both ends for a total of 12 options, including Philips, slotted, square, and torx heads. The onboard bit storage is also great. Pull the end cap to extend the revolver-like bit storage. This is not intended to be a full statement of your rights under the Consumer Contracts Regulations. Full details of your rights are available from your Local Authority’s Trading Standards Office. How To Return A Product max CXT® Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery BL1021B, features an integrated L.E.D. battery charge level indicator Every so often, you’ll need to clean your ratcheting screwdriver. Keeping tools clean is a great way to extend the life of your tools. If the screwdriver isn’t too dirty, you can simply wipe them down with stainless steel wipes. Tools that need a deeper cleaner are better suited to the use of WD-40. You should also use WD-40 on any comfort grip handles, as these handles absorb the chemicals found in other products, which can cause them to wear out prematurely.

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

Ratcheting screwdrivers can be used for any task a typical screwdriver would be used for. But ratcheting screwdrivers are more versatile and convenient. The best ratcheting screwdrivers include several bits that can be swapped out on the fly, reducing the number of tools you need to carry. Some models even include hex bits, nut driver bits, and more common Philips, slotted, square, and torx bits. But sets aren’t as portable and typically require some tool set up before use since the screwdriver typically can’t be stored in the case with a bit inserted. If you’ve ever tried to tighten or loosen screws in tight spots where a straight-handled screwdriver won’t fit, consider the MulWark Low Profile Mini Ratchet Screwdriver. It comes with 20 bits, featuring an assortment of Phillips-head bits, slotted bits, torx bits, and hex bits. It comes with a strong magnet in the head so bits don’t fall out. No onboard storage because this tool is just too small, but the bits fit in two plastic holders that can be easily stored together in a drawer. Most ratcheting screwdrivers use a gear-and-pawl system. Depending on the direction you set the screwdriver to, the pawl will engage with the gear, forcing the tip to rotate with the handle. When you twist the screwdriver in the other direction, the pawl skips over the gear’s teeth, rotating the grip independently of the tip.First, the ratcheting mechanism was among the most satisfying of the models we tested. The steps are noticeably smaller and less tactile than other models. The feel is excellent, though we wonder if long-term durability may suffer with the smaller teeth wearing down. We haven’t had the tool long enough to know if this is a genuine concern.