Makita Ratchet Screwdriver

Product Information

Bit storage is a nice feature that improves convenience and portability while reducing the risk of losing bits.

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 ProductMost ratcheting screwdrivers come with swappable bits in common head types, including Philips, slotted, square, and torx. It’s best to have as many bits as possible so you have the right tool for the job and avoid stripping screw heads. Bit storage The Wera, Megapro, and Workpro models all have convenient onboard bit storage. Credit: Nathan Hamilton 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.

There are also many styles of bit. Typically slotted, Phillips, and Torx (also called star) will be provided, but others may be included. While they can always be bought as extras, it’s useful to have the ones you need most supplied with the screwdriver. There are 12 single bits, which some people prefer to the double-ended type. They are slotted, Phillips, Torx, and hex. All of them can be stored within the handle. The shaft tip is magnetic to hold them in place, though some owners felt the strength was rather weak. The ratchet mechanism itself also came in for occasional criticism with a few owners experiencing jams or breakages. What to consider when shopping for the best ratcheting screwdrivers

THIS PRODUCT IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE

Williams Industrial Tools is another long-standing company, having been around for over 140 years. As the name suggests, the focus is on heavy-duty equipment for tough working environments. In the case of their ratcheting screwdriver, this means a handle made from impact-resistant plastic, a highly durable mechanism, and a shaft made from stainless steel, which won’t rust and has no need of a finish that might chip off over time. 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. The Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 RA has best-in-class ergonomics with its curvy grip and strategically-placed rubberized material for excellent gripping power for all hand sizes. The Wera’s handle ergonomics are easily best-in-class. Credit: Nathan Hamilton The Makita B-36170 Ratchet Screwdriver & Bit Set has a reversible ratchet screwdriver handle and power tool bit holder along with 45 screwdriver bits including pozi, phillips, torx, and hex plus a selection of nut spinners. 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 types