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. Length 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.

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.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. 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 Screwdrivers

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. Slide tray that keeps 6 different bits handy and secure: PH 1, PH 2, PZ 1, PZ 2, slotted 4,5 and 5,5The Milwaukee is a solid little tool, and its ratcheting action is among the smoothest of the models we tested. This didn’t come as a surprise, since the Milwaukee brand is well known and has a great reputation for making quality tools. The head features a strong magnet that holds the bits in place, and the directional collar is well made and easy to switch.

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. KitsOn 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.