The ratcheting system has made the humble screwdriver a bit more of a high-tech tool. No longer do we necessarily need a cluttered box full of various screwdrivers in different sizes for each screw size and type.
What is a ratcheting screwdriver?
A ratchet screwdriver bears the same mechanism as the ratchet handle for sockets. The mechanism turns and fastens when the handle is turned in one direction but spins freely in the other, meaning you don’t have to remove and replace the screwdriver tip onto the screw head with each turn. Ratchet screwdrivers can also be reversed to unfasten, or even frozen so they become a standard screwdriver.
Like electric screwdrivers, ratchet screwdrivers can make some jobs much easier, such as putting together flatpack furniture, or your new BBQ.
Related: The best cordless screwdrivers
So, no need for a screwdriver set, then?
There are specific scenarios where a regular screwdriver is still the best option. Circumstances where screws are placed in awkward, narrow places such as down in the bowels of an engine bay, or a delightfully awkward piece of Scandinavian furniture.
But for most cases, such as tightening the screws on a door hinge, a ratchet screwdriver is perfect.
Related: The best socket sets
The best ratcheting screwdrivers:
Includes regular and precision bits
For a great DIY set with all the common bits and at a great price, this Draper set takes the prize. With 20 regular 1/4-inch bits and 20 precision bits, this set will cater for most easy-access screwdriving eventualities.
Pros:
Value
Range of bits
Cons:
Stubby ratchet handles won’t reach awkward places
Contents:
1 x Ratcheting screwdriver
1 x Precision screwdriver
4 x 25mm plain slot bits: 3, 4, 5, 6mm
4 x 25mm cross slot bits: No.0, No.1, No.2, No.3
4 x 25mm PZ TYPE bits: No.0, No.1, No.2, No.3
4 x 25mm hexagonal bits: 3, 4, 5, 6mm
4 x 25mm Draper TX - STAR® bits: T10, T15, T20 and T25
5 x 30mm plain slot bits: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3mm
3 x 30mm cross slot bits: No.000, No.00, No.0
2 x 30mm PZ TYPE bits: No.0, No.1
5 x 30mm hexagonal bits: 0.7, 0.9, 1.3, 1.5, 2mm
5 x 30mm Draper TX - STAR® bits: T6, T7, T8, T9, T10
Regular bits and nutsetters
The Bosch set is like the Draper set but includes a range of nutsetters for hex screws and bolts, rather than precision bits.
Pros:
Bosch quality
Range of bits
Cons:
No precision bits
Contents:
32 x 30mm screwdriver bits PH 0/1/2/3; PZ 0/1/2/3 S 3/4/4.5/5/6/7/8/9; HEX 1.5/2/2.5/3/4/5/5.5/6; T 8/10/15/20/25/27/30/40
12 x nutsetters for hex bolts 3/16 inch, 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 11/32 inch,3/8 inch,7/16 inch, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 13 mm
1 x universal holder, magnetic
1 x manual screwdriver, ratchet function in clockwise/anti-clockwise direction, bit holder in handle
www.tooled-up.com
This Draper set comes with a basic range of common screwdriver and nutsetter bits. But crucially, it also comes with a bottle opener, because every screwdriving job deserves to be celebrated with a beer, yes?
Pros:
Includes a bottle opener
Screwdriver can angle to a pistol grip
Cons:
Modest range of bits
Contents:
Ratchet screwdriver
Plain slot bits - 3, 4, 5, 6mm
Cross slot bits - No.0, No.1, No.2, No.3
TX Star bits - T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, T35
Nut runners - 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11mm
Bottle opener
www.tooled-up.com
A special edition from Draper that will adorn the garage shelf very nicely.
Pros:
Magnetic bit holder
Excellent beer can container
Cons:
Modest bit range
Stubby ratchet handle not suitabe for hard to reach areas
Contents:
1x Stubby ratchet screwdriver handle
1x 1/4" Hex and 1/4" Sq. Dr. socket adaptor
3x 1/4" Sq. Dr. metric sockets 8, 10, 13mm
3x Plain slot insert bits 3, 4, 5mm
3x Cross slot insert bits No.1, No2. and No.3
3x PZ-TYPE insert bits No, 1, No 2 and No.3
4 x Draper TX-STAR® insert bits T10, T15, T20, T25
www.tooled-up.com
Stanley offers a no-nonsense set here. You get 15 screwdriver bits, plus six metric hex sockets and six imperial ones.
Pros:
Good socket range
Stanley quality
Value
Cons:
No precision bits
Contents:
1 x Stanley Ratchet Screwdriver.
6 x Metric 1/4in Drive 6 Point Socket: 5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm.
6 x Imperial 1/4in Drive 6 Point Socket: 1/4in, 5/16in, 11/32in, 3/8in, 7/16in, 1/2in.
5 x 25mm Phillips Bits: PH1(2), PH2(2), PH3.
3 x 25mm Parallel Bits: 6mm(2), 7mm.
5 x 25mm Torx® Bits: TX10, TX15, TX20, TX25, TX27.
2 x 25mm Hex Bits: 3mm, 4mm.
1 x 1/4in Adaptor.
Best precision ratchet set
In addressing the lack of precision bits, this set is ideal for electronics, glasses, and other items using tiny screws. It has an impressive range of bits, including the smallest nutsetters.
Pros:
Value
Full range of precision bits
Cons:
No larger bits
Contents:
Magnetic screwdriver
Flexible attachment
Tweezers
59 precision bits
7 sockets
www.ffx.co.uk
Bahco makes an effort to address the issue of reaching awkwardly-placed screws with its flexible ratchet screwdriver.
Pros:
Can reach screws in odd places
Bahco quality
Cons:
Small range of bits included
Contents:
3 x Phillips Bits PH1, PH2, PH3.
2 x TORX Bits: TX15, TX20.
2 x Square Bits: S1, S2.
3 x Flared: 4mm, 5mm, 6mm.