Don’t expect frills or extras with the Williams T-Handle Ratcheting Screwdriver, because you won’t find any. What you will find is a solid screwdriver that comes with a long shaft and accepts standard ¼-inch bits. It comes with just one Phillips-head bit. If you’re looking for a heavy-duty ratcheting screwdriver capable of frequent use, consider the Wera Kraftform Kompakt RA Screwdriver. This ratcheting screwdriver has secure in-handle storage for your bits. It also has an ergonomically designed grip for comfortable use and plenty of torque. By simultaneously depressing the two buttons on either side of the handle, we were able to eject the storage tray that comes with six bits—two slotted and four Phillips head. The shaft comes with a magnetic head that holds the bits securely. The benefit of these screwdrivers is that, many times, the bits are long. You can get a good grip on them when storing or swapping bits. The downside is that these screwdrivers are often heavier, and bits often fall or slide out of lower-end models when you aren’t looking. Kits When shopping for the best ratcheting screwdriver, you may need to choose between a kit and a single screwdriver.

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. 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 benefit of storing the bits in the handle is that it’s harder to lose them. As long as the cap stays shut, the bits are secure, even if they pop out of their clips. The downside is that switching between bits stored in the handle does create some downtime. Also, these bits are often smaller and harder to grip. Bits on the Handle 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. Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.The Wera comes with six bits, including two Phillips-head bits, two square drivers, and two slotted drivers. The shaft also doubles as a ¼-inch nut driver.

We also tested the wire stripper, and it easily removed the insulated sheath from household electrical wires, making the Milwaukee a beneficial tool for DIY electricians as well as for assembling furniture and other projects. The screwdriver has a collar direction adjustment, as well as a lanyard hole for a wrist strap or hanging cord. However, it doesn’t have any onboard storage, so you should keep the case on hand for easy access to bits. As opposed to storing your bits inside the handle, several models come with storage on the handle. These models have slots or holes for holding the bits right in the grip. They either clip into place or slide in from the bottom of the handle. 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. 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 ScrewdriversOn 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. A single screwdriver is a far more streamlined tool than a ratcheting screwdriver kit. The bits all fit inside or on the handle, allowing you to keep everything with you. The issue is that you simply won’t get as many bits as you would with a kit. Also, when storing all of those bits on board, single ratcheting screwdrivers tend to be heavier. Ratcheting Mechanism We tested the Workpro by inserting screws in a variety of wood types, and it came through with flying colors—even when we used maximum force and dense walnut wood. We then tested the tool on a range of fasteners and found the bits are well made and appear to be hardened steel. 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. 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