Ratcheting screwdrivers have different handle curvatures and materials on the grip, making some models grippier and easier to apply more torque. 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. All the ratcheting screwdrivers we looked at have a similar mechanism, but there are a number of individual features that are likely to have an impact on your choice. The following section explains them in depth. Operation & comfort

German manufacturer Wera Tools developed its unique screwdriver handle with the help of the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering, a company that specializes in the interaction between humans and the equipment they work with. The ergonomic design has two functions. First, it allows maximum torque to be applied. It is rated for up to 50 Newton meters (Nm), which is equal to 37 foot-pounds (ft.lbs.). Second, it reduces stress and abrasion, thus helping to prevent tiredness and blisters. Usefully, it also stops the screwdriver rolling off a table or workbench.Handles are often made of a soft-grip or rubberized plastic that not only makes them more comfortable to work with but may also increase the torque (twisting force) that can be applied. T-handle ratchet screwdrivers have the same kind of mechanism, but some people prefer that style of grip. It also provides additional leverage. Shape & reach Craftsman has been supplying tools in the US since 1927, and the company’s reputation has always been one of providing great value for money. This ratcheting screwdriver costs very little money and, along with the features found on many rivals, has a patented SpeedDrive mechanism that is claimed to be twice as fast as alternatives. For those who work with a screwdriver in production or repair environments, this can be a major benefit. The ratcheting screwdriver itself has a steel shaft with a magnetic bit holder that will take bit lengths of up to 1- inch. The handle is a chunky item made of rubberized plastic with raised pimples. There’s also a lanyard/hanging hole that some might find useful. The handle does provide good grip, but is quite bulky and might be difficult for those with small hands. Although all ratcheting screwdrivers work in basically the same way, construction quality and materials vary. Brand reputation had a bearing on our choices because some manufacturers are known for supplying premium tools, while others are recognized for their value for money. We also looked at the number and variety of bits provided; for convenience, it’s nice to have either onboard bit holders or a storage case. We believe that there is something in our selection above that can make the job easier for everyone. Why trust us Non-standard grip types, such as knubby short grips and T-handles, are suitable for some uses but not all. Most people are best to buy a single ratcheting screwdriver with a standard barrel-grip design. Honorable mentions

You can also select a convenient day to receive your delivery by choosing a named day delivery (delivery on working days only). Klein Tools has been around since 1857, and most of its manufacturing, including its screwdrivers, is done in the US. They have a reputation for durable, high-quality equipment that is particularly popular with professional electricians. Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now. The WorkPro 12-In-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver feels and performs like a tool that should cost nearly twice as much. The 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion Cordless 3/8" / 1/4" Sq. Drive Ratchet Kit (RW01R1) is designed to loosen nuts and take the nut off the bolt. This ratchet features interchangeable 3/8” and ¼” anvils for versatility. The kit includes the ratchet, 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah Battery, 12V max CXT Lithium-Ion Charger, and two anvils.

Honorable mentions

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. Part of the expanding 12V max CXT® series, combining performance with superior ergonomics in a compact size Ratchets are great and save you a lot of time, but the best ratchet screwdriver, like the Wera Kraftform, will have a switch to change direction without removing the tool from the screw. We appreciate how the six dual-sided bits slide into the storage slots. Some similar models hold the bits too tightly, making it hard to slide bits out. But the WorkPro 12-In-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver’s storage slots are sized well, and swapping bits on the fly is easy max CXT® Lithium-Ion 2.0Ah battery BL1021B, features an integrated L.E.D. battery charge level indicator

The Bahco 808050L has an onboard LED light that can be useful, but it’s not worth the lofty price tag. You can buy an all-in-one ratcheting screwdriver or a set with various bits and shafts and a screwdriver. The latter will typically include a carrying case with dedicated slots for each add-on. The ratcheting screwdriver itself offers a good combination of versatility and convenience. The shaft is comparatively short, making it good for tight spaces. But you also get an extension shaft in the box to extend the length to a more familiar size.If you want the kitchen sink of ratcheting screwdriver sets, consider buying the Tekton Everybit Ratchet Screwdriver and Bit Set. It has a whopping total of 135 pieces. You’ll undoubtedly have a bit for every task, big or small. That’s because this set also includes a mini precision screwdriver with 22 bits, great for fixing small electronics or for glass and jewelry repairs. 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.