A decent ratchet screwdriver

Nemesis379 · 31 Jan 2015 at 10:55

Hey guys

I'm trying to decide on what ratchet screwdriver to get I want something to last I've had quite a few most of them rubbish and break with about a month.

I've researched and here are a few but can't decide on what's best,

Bahco 808050 Ratchet Screwdriver and 6 Bits
Bahco 808050L Ratchet Screwdriver and Bits with LED Lights
Wera 05073660001 Kraftform Kompakt Bit Set KK27 RA 1 SB

£35 pounds is my absolute max for a ratchet screwdriver, unless there's one better for +/-£5.

I also want the screwdriver to be able to hold screws magnetically as some I've had cannot do this.

bainbridge · 31 Jan 2015 at 11:03

I've never had a decent one so just use a normal good quality screwdriver and if doing lots of screwing then out comes the powerdriver.

Maccapacca · 31 Jan 2015 at 11:12

I love my snap on one however are a bit more expensive.

Although mine was part of a set of 9 screwdrivers and a free ratchet screwdriver for circa £120 which may be worth considering.

DXP55 · 31 Jan 2015 at 12:34

I think it's a case of you get what you pay for - I have been buying Wera screwdrivers over the last few months and they are certainly worth the money - so the Wera one on your list is my choice.

I have had a Megapro one now for 25 yrs and it's still going well - If you can find a UK stockist then these are also worth a punt. It is not ratchet though but if you hold yellow bits it will turn in your hand while yellow bits stay still.

http://www.amazon.com/Megapro-151NAS-15-In-1-Original-Driver/dp/B004VJY0ZM

Dave

Little*Freak · 31 Jan 2015 at 14:22

When i was 16 i bought a Snap On ratchet screwdriver for work.
It cost more than a weeks wages.

I still have it more than 25 years later. Works perfectly too.

Nemesis379 · 31 Jan 2015 at 14:46

Something like this model?, SSDMR4BG I keep hearing about snap on a lot of people saying they are the best of the best.

What is the best place to buy snap on gear from?

Maccapacca · 31 Jan 2015 at 14:49

Find the man in the shiny van, lube yourself up and take a look inside.

DFish · 31 Jan 2015 at 15:40

The ratchet snap on drivers are usually on offer, and still the best you can buy. Well worth the investment.

Fish

Maccapacca · 31 Jan 2015 at 15:50

Here's mine.

This one is magnetic.

Little*Freak · 31 Jan 2015 at 17:06

Hi, this is exactly like the one i bought 25+ years ago.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...D=630565&group_ID=675083&store=uk&dir=catalog

Magnetic bits

Mark A · 31 Jan 2015 at 17:38

Lots of snap on ratchet drivers second hand on ebay.

Terminal_Boy · 31 Jan 2015 at 17:50

I had a bright orange Snap-On one which was excellent until I left it somewhere a couple of years back.

I replaced with a Wera one and I can't fault it.

kaiowas · 31 Jan 2015 at 21:52

Does anyone know how the online prices direct from snapon compare with buying from the man with the van? Are there savings to be had or is it all about the same?

Maccapacca · 31 Jan 2015 at 23:46

It's all about the same. Most snap on stuff is sold on credit accounts that make cash 4 gold look angelic.

I think the only thing you'd miss out on is a deal or offering the bloke cash no receipt which makes it cheaper.

piggin · 1 Feb 2015 at 09:14

I have the Bahco 808050L Ratchet Screwdriver and Bits with LED Lights.
It’s very good & I am very happy with it but the bits can be a little fiddly to get out of the holder in the handle but the light makes up for this inconvenience.
Another very good ratchet screw driver is the Facom FCMACL1A ACL.1APB Ratcheting Bit Holder Screwdriver.
This is used a lot & comes with a set of 8 bits.
If you Google it, you can get them for £25 including p&p
I also have a selection if Wera drivers which are very good (have a ratchet screwdriver by them also but don't have the version with the bits in the handle) Wera WER051461

Nemesis379 · 1 Feb 2015 at 12:49

Think I'm gonna go with the Wera WER073660 see how that goes looks pretty slick with the built in bit holder and eventually buy a snap on to see what all the fuss is about

.

Terminal_Boy · 1 Feb 2015 at 13:01

The "fuss" about Snap-On comes down to 2 things:

1. They're the Apple of hand tools: beautifully made from the finest materials, but eye-wateringly expensive.

2. If you break their stuff during normal use, they replace it FoC.

Honestly, if you don't rely on your tools for your livelihood, anything from Snap-On's Blue Point "hobbyist" range is probably going to last you a lifetime.

piggin · 1 Feb 2015 at 18:41

This is interesting

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851

Maccapacca · 1 Feb 2015 at 19:48

Terminal_Boy said:
The "fuss" about Snap-On comes down to 2 things:

1. They're the Apple of hand tools: beautifully made from the finest materials, but eye-wateringly expensive.

2. If you break their stuff during normal use, they replace it FoC.

Honestly, if you don't rely on your tools for your livelihood, anything from Snap-On's Blue Point "hobbyist" range is probably going to last you a lifetime.

You forget the convenience and credit account the Snap On Vans allow new mechanics and apprentices in the industry. Plus most are hand tools, just as the knife thread in La Cuisine if you're using a set of spanners all day, picking them up and having a play is worth it

Maccapacca · 1 Feb 2015 at 19:49

piggin said:
This is interesting

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249851

The ratchet screwdriver is 1/2 the price :eek:

Can't find any UK dealers and US dealers want quite a bit for postage

A decent ratchet screwdriver

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