Best ratcheting screwdriver: PB Swiss, Facom or other?
Discussion
Which ratcheting screwdriver would you pick? Something that holds its own bits, because these screwdrivers are about convenience.Normally I'd expect PB Swiss to win any screwdriver challenge hands down. But the ratcheting version of the PB Swiss Insider isn't cheap and Facom's equivalent seems to have hit the bullseye this time. Unusually for Wera, there are reports of quality issues with its Kraftform Kompakt 20 shooting out its own insides! Bahco quality doesn't seem what is was, but Bahco makes a ratcheting screwdriver which a handy LED light.
Any thoughts from the PH massif?
LimaDelta said:
Looks a nice driver - available a cheaper from German Amazon: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B004CJ8MDW/ref=s9_...Works out to GBP27 including postage
Wera is like the Porsche 911 of screwdrivers. The only problem is that PB Swiss is like the Bugatti Veyron of hand tools: once you've tried one, nothing else feels the same 
Wera's ratcheting screwdriver is £35. But the PB Swiss Insider is over £50 for the ratcheting version! If money was no object ...
In contrast, this Facom looks like something of a bargain. Especially as it's probably somewhere above Wera, but below PB Swiss, in terms of quality.
Hmmm, confusing choice
Wera's ratcheting screwdriver is £35. But the PB Swiss Insider is over £50 for the ratcheting version! If money was no object ...
In contrast, this Facom looks like something of a bargain. Especially as it's probably somewhere above Wera, but below PB Swiss, in terms of quality.
Hmmm, confusing choice
Ratcheting screwdrivers, why bother?
I love 'em because:
1. I find a ratcheting screwdriver quicker than a normal screwdriver: with the ratchet, there's no need to re-position my hand and no need to release pressure on the screw. I can maintain a constant pressure on the screw for faster driving.
2. A bit-holding ratchet screwdriver can replace a set of screwdrivers. That PB Swiss Insider 3, for example, comes with 10 bits inside its handle. That's 10 screwdrivers in one, which can be very convenient. (And PB Swiss makes the best bits in the business.)
3. If you want a different screwdriver bit, or wear one out, new bits are cheap and easy to swap. You don't have to buy a whole new screwdriver.
However, this doesn't work well with a cheapie: the ratchet mightn't be smooth, the shaft could have a lot of play and the screwdriver bits will probably be low quality. Hence I reckon it's only worth having a ratcheting screwdriver that's high quality.
I love 'em because:
1. I find a ratcheting screwdriver quicker than a normal screwdriver: with the ratchet, there's no need to re-position my hand and no need to release pressure on the screw. I can maintain a constant pressure on the screw for faster driving.
2. A bit-holding ratchet screwdriver can replace a set of screwdrivers. That PB Swiss Insider 3, for example, comes with 10 bits inside its handle. That's 10 screwdrivers in one, which can be very convenient. (And PB Swiss makes the best bits in the business.)
3. If you want a different screwdriver bit, or wear one out, new bits are cheap and easy to swap. You don't have to buy a whole new screwdriver.
However, this doesn't work well with a cheapie: the ratchet mightn't be smooth, the shaft could have a lot of play and the screwdriver bits will probably be low quality. Hence I reckon it's only worth having a ratcheting screwdriver that's high quality.
SVS said:
Wera is like the Porsche 911 of screwdrivers. The only problem is that PB Swiss is like the Bugatti Veyron of hand tools: once you've tried one, nothing else feels the same
Wera's ratcheting screwdriver is £35. But the PB Swiss Insider is over £50 for the ratcheting version! If money was no object ...
In contrast, this Facom looks like something of a bargain. Especially as it's probably somewhere above Wera, but below PB Swiss, in terms of quality.
Hmmm, confusing choice
I have about 50k EUR of Facom stuff on the boat and to be honest not one item has made me think, "wow I really like this Facom stuff!". It's ok, does a job, but nothing special. I have to admit I have never tried PB Swiss stuff, but only use Wera hand tools at home on my aeroplane, or in my grab bag at work.Wera's ratcheting screwdriver is £35. But the PB Swiss Insider is over £50 for the ratcheting version! If money was no object ...
In contrast, this Facom looks like something of a bargain. Especially as it's probably somewhere above Wera, but below PB Swiss, in terms of quality.
Hmmm, confusing choice
dickymint said:
However there is one exception.............
Cutting edge and does work
Bloody hell, a Yankee! They were even lower on my 'tools to use' list than a ratcheting driver. Occasionally got them to work with a Philips or Pozi screw, but slotted? no chance, the bit slid out, or for last bit of screw to drive home you ended up using it as a normal screwdriver anyway. Right were's my Panny impact driver?Cutting edge and does work
wolfracesonic said:
Bloody hell, a Yankee! They were even lower on my 'tools to use' list than a ratcheting driver. Occasionally got them to work with a Philips or Pozi screw, but slotted? no chance, the bit slid out, or for last bit of screw to drive home you ended up using it as a normal screwdriver anyway. Right were's my Panny impact driver?
Long time since I've seen one of those , lethal in novice hands , usually ended up stuck in a limb depending at what angle you were working at . Or scratching whatever you were screwing together ! paulwirral said:
wolfracesonic said:
Bloody hell, a Yankee! They were even lower on my 'tools to use' list than a ratcheting driver. Occasionally got them to work with a Philips or Pozi screw, but slotted? no chance, the bit slid out, or for last bit of screw to drive home you ended up using it as a normal screwdriver anyway. Right were's my Panny impact driver?
Long time since I've seen one of those , lethal in novice hands , usually ended up stuck in a limb depending at what angle you were working at . Or scratching whatever you were screwing together ! 
But in the hands of a tradesman they were brilliant - my Father was a coach builder by trade, he was co-founder of Stately Albion, they make mobile homes. The speed in which the workforce could use these drivers was mesmerising!Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff