When looking for the best ratcheting screwdriver, notice they come in different lengths. Standard-length models are around 7 or 8 inches. Stubby models are under 3 or 4 inches. You can also find longer models with long shafts and handles over 9 inches long. 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. Smooth ratcheting stroke, three position ratchet mechanism: forward, reverse and neutral next pawl tooth When it comes to really cranking down on a fastener, the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver has all the grip you could need. This ratcheting screwdriver’s shaft doubles as a ¼-inch nut driver, and it comes with 12 bits (six double-ended bits), including four Phillips bits, two square drive bits, two slotted bits, and four Torx bits.

We 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.There are a handful of styles of ratcheting screwdrivers, so the results of our tests and this comprehensive guide let you know what’s out there before you start shopping. The main difference in style is how each screwdriver stores its interchangeable bits. There are benefits to each style, so it’s worth giving some consideration. Bits in the Handle 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. If you’re still a little twisted up about buying the best ratcheting screwdriver, the following section will help. It includes some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about ratcheting screwdrivers. Q. How does a ratcheting screwdriver work? On 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.

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 Not all screwdrivers will have their torque rating clearly displayed, but durable models can handle around 50 newton meters (nm) or about 36 foot-pounds of torque. Taking a screwdriver beyond its torque capacity will usually break the pawl or shave teeth off the ratcheting gear, making the screwdriver useless. Lengthteeth ratcheting screwdriver which permits smooth operation and minimum rotation arc to catch the next pawl tooth 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.