If you only plan on fixing a few furniture pieces, a model with six of the most widely used bits is all you need. Each ratchet step is slightly bigger and more tactile than other picks on this list, so the teeth will be durable. The only downside—and it’s not a big one—is that the directional collar is a little wider than the grip where it attaches, and large hands can inadvertently change the direction without meaning to.

Makita 13-in-1 Ratchet Screwdriver | Robert Dyas

The bit storage base slid out easily with just a light push of the button on the bottom, making it easy to select the bits. 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. We act as a credit broker not a lender, offering credit products provided exclusively by Klarna Bank AB UK branch (BR020956), a branch of Klarna AB (556737-0431) which is authorised and regulated by the Swedish Financial Services Authority. XPT™ is a series of integrated seals engineered to channel away dust and water for increased durability. The longer bits gave the tool greater reach, and the head comes with a metal, pull-back release that—along with the magnetic bits—keeps the bits firmly in place during use.As far as ratcheting goes, the Milwaukee has a collar to switch directions or lock the shaft in place. The end cap slides out for easy bit retrieval, and the double-ended bits make it handy to find the right bit without needing to carry extra bits around. For instance, you can find screwdrivers with wire strippers, benders, and wire nut sockets for electricians. We were impressed when lightly pressing a button on the butt of the screwdriver, and a hidden bit storage compartment satisfyingly springs open to reveal the six bits. Some models even include hex bits, nut driver bits, and more common Philips, slotted, square, and torx bits.

Makita 47-Piece Ratchet Screwdriver and Bit Set | Robert Dyas

Working days are defined as Monday-Friday 8am-7pm inclusive, excluding Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays. Its handle features rubber inserts and is comfortable to grip, but it might be a little large for someone with smaller hands. But overall, we appreciate that there is onboard bit storage and a well-organized carrying case is included. 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 head features a strong magnet that holds the bits in place, and the directional collar is well made and easy to switch.It’s best to have as many bits as possible so you have the right tool for the job and avoid stripping screw heads. Small variations in your grip can change the angle of the tip quite a bit, leading to stripped screws and scuffed knuckles. 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. Occasionally, you can get a ratcheting screwdriver in a comprehensive kit of driver bits and attachments.

Ratcheting Screwdrivers 2023 - Tested by Bob Vila The Best Ratcheting Screwdrivers 2023 - Tested by Bob Vila

Longer screwdrivers provide plenty of grip, and they allow you to see the workpiece without blocking it with your hand or grip. Older models have switches in the shaft that allow you to toggle between clockwise, counterclockwise, and completely locked. This cordless ratchet is ideal for the automotive professional and auto enthusiast, allowing them to attach or remove nuts faster.When it comes to really cranking down on a fastener, the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver has all the grip you could need. The WorkPro 12-In-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver and the Tekton Everybit Ratchet Screwdriver and Bit Set have room for improvement. The Wera Kraftofrm Kompakt 27RA has some of the best functionality, build quality and ergonomics of the tested models.

Makita B-50289 Multi-Bit Carrying Case Ratcheting Screwdriver Makita B-50289 Multi-Bit Carrying Case Ratcheting Screwdriver

Although the bits do take up a bit of space on the handle, there is plenty of gripping area for applying lots of torque. 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. Flashlight DC18RE 18V LXT® / 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion Rapid Optimum Charger BL1041B 12V max CXT® Lithium-Ion 4. Star Protection is communication technology that allows the Star Protection-equipped tool and battery to exchange data in real time and monitor conditions during use to protect against overloading, over-discharging and overheating.It works by eliminating the need to continuously reposition your wrist with every turn of the screwdriver. Whether you’re working on a car, installing a doorknob, or driving a screw by hand into a piece of dense wood, the best ratcheting screwdriver can help.