You might have already stumbled upon small arrogant screws that are hard to remove. In that case, no matter what technique you implement, with a regular screwdriver, the overall process will not get any easier and faster for you.
To make those scenarios easier, and to make any fastening and loosening process faster, what you are going to need is a ratcheting screwdriver. Those will make screwing bolts and screws feel effortless.
And, if you are wondering about where you will get to know about the best ratchet screwdrivers, well, you just stumbled upon the right source for that.
We will not only make things easier for you just like these screwdrivers does but also will introduce you with some of the best ones that your money can buy right now.
11 Best Ratchet Screwdrivers in 2022
It is quite easy to get baffled among all the options that are available in the market. To make the choosing process easier for you, we went through the most popular ones that are available right now and picked only the ones that offer decent overall performance. They are:
1. Klein Tools 32593 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver, 6-in-1
Reaching the tight spaces and screwing screws can be a bit hassle with a regular-sized screwdriver. Keeping that in mind, Klein came up with this stubby unit that will make the process feel like taking a walk in the park.
To start with, it features an exceptionally smaller body than most of the drivers that are out there. It is only 5 inches in length, which will let you easily reach into the tight spaces and fasten screws without any hassles at all.
Besides that, because of the ratcheting mechanism that it features, you will be able to finish all your fastening and loosening tasks done within a matter of minutes. This mechanism will let you be more efficient and faster in comparison.
Even though the unit is small in size, it did not skimp one bit in the case of overall comfort and functionality. The handle that it comes with has a cushioned grip that will offer you maximum comfort and will allow you to reach maximum torque without any issues.
Alongside that, the unit is extremely versatile too. It comes with two different Phillips heads, one ¼ inch, and one 3/16 inches slotted tips. With that, you will be able to fasten and unfasten most of the screws at ease.
Lastly, it also comes included with two different nut drivers(check out the best nut driver sets). You will receive one ¼ inch, and one 5/16 inches drive with the package.
Pros
Cons
2. Kings County Tools Multi-Purpose Ratcheting Screwdriver
In your search for the best ratchet screwdriver kit, you are going to stumble upon a plethora of units. But not all of them will be able to offer you the flexibility that this one from Kings Country does.
Let us talk about the entire kit first. The package will come with a plethora of bits. You will receive three flat slots, four Phillips heads, three Allen key heads, and lastly, three Torx head sets. With these, you will be able to cover most of the fastening and unfastening tasks.
You will not have to worry about the birts falling into places because it comes with magnetic storage on the back. The bits are held securely there, and you will be able to take out the one that you need to work on the fastening task.
As we have mentioned above, the kit will offer you much flexibility. It comes with a driver that can be used in three different positions.
You will be able to use it as a regular straight screwdriver. Plus, by taking the head out and placing it in 90 degrees, you can convert it into a right angle driver. You can also set the head in the middle, which will make it a T-shaped driver.
The handle that the unit feature is quite comfortable as well. It is of ABS material and has a rubber coating on the surface. You will be able to grasp it firmly and work on the fastening and loosening tasks.
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3. WORKPRO 12-in-1 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver, Quick-Load Mechanism
Among all the options that are available in the market, the ones that can hold the extra bits within the driver body are the ones that will make fastening and loosening process faster. And, this one from WORKPRO is one of them.
As we have mentioned above, the unit comes with a unique design that holds all the bits. Because of that, you will have quick access to different bits and will be able to switch from one to another in a matter of seconds.
Unlike most of the units that are out there, this one comes with three different operational modes. You will be able to choose from forward, reverse, and normal mode.
The switch will let you switch between the three modes within seconds. After that, you will be able to make the unit rotate clockwise, counter-clockwise, or make it lock in place.
It also comes with an ergonomic handle that is quite comfortable to hold. There is a slip-resistant coating on the surface that will let firmly grasp the body and reach the maximum torque easily.
You will also receive a plethora of screw bits with the package. It comes included with a ¼ inch hex shank, S2 steel bits, 3-1/2 inches bits, and many more. With them, you will be able to tackle most of the fastening and loosening tasks at ease.
Lastly, because of the three-ball bearing that the unit features, it will be able to offer you a smooth ratcheting operation.
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4. Mars-Tool Heavy Duty RATCHETING SCREWDRIVER
Even though the market is full of options, not all of them will let you adjust the shaft angel the way you want to. However, this one from Mars-tool will give you full freedom in that case.
First of all, the unit comes with a bend and lock mechanism that will allow you to modify the head the way you want to. You will be able to adjust the shaft every 10 degrees up to 90 degrees on both sides. With that, you will be able to not only use it as a straight driver but also as a right-angled driver.
Other than that, you will not have to worry about losing screw bits with this. It comes with a design that will hold all the bits on the bottom. With that, you will be able to have quick access to all the bits and switch from them within a matter of seconds.
It also features a compact and portable body. This small footprint will let you carry it with you, and you will be able to fit it in the car toolbox easily. Alongside that, it also offers three different modes.
You will be able to switch between fixed, forward, and reverse. With the twist and locking system, you will be able to switch between the modes easily.
The handle that the unit features is quite ergonomic as well. It also has a soft rubber coating on the surface that will make it comfortable to hold.
Pros
Cons
5. Stanley 69-189 Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver
Are you in the lookout for a direct alternative of full-sized screwdrivers? Want something that has the same size as traditional screwdrivers but has a ratcheting functionality? Then you should have a look into this unit that is from Stanley.
To start with, unlike most of the units that are out there, this one features a full-size body. With that, you will have the exact same holding experience as you had with a regular screwdriver. But screwing will be faster and easier with this one that regular ones could not offer.
Keeping the tabs up with most of the units, this one also comes with three different operational modes. You will be able to switch from a locked position to clockwise to counter-clockwise with just a flick of a knob. This knob makes the unit extremely versatile.
It also comes with a magnetic bit holder that will make the fastening and loosening process hassle-free. You will be able to secure the bits on it and swap between different bits with the quick release mechanism that it features.
The body also features a convenient storage area that will let you keep the bits within reach. With that, you will be able to switch between the bits within a matter of seconds.
Talking about the bits, it comes with six different chrome vanadium bits. The bits have all the primary heads. Alongside that, the handle comes with a bi-material texture that will not only let you comfortably hold it but also will allow you to reach maximum torque easily.
Pros
Cons
6. IRWIN Tools Ratcheting Screwdriver, 8-in-1 (1948774)
Most of the units will come with some sort of texture on the handle that will let the user hold it comfortably. But IRWIN came up with this innovative design that has three different textures that do not only make it comfortable to hold but also have different functionality.
As we have mentioned above, the unit comes with an innovative handle design. It has three different texture zones that will offer a different type of grip. You will be able to switch from low to high texture to no texture zone. All of them will give you a different kind of torque.
Just like the label states, the unit is an 8 in 1 kit. It comes with eight different screw bits. You will receive two different Phillips head, two slotted head, one Trx head, and three different nut heads. With them, you will be able to do most of the fastening and loosening tasks at eas.
It also comes with the double-ended standard insert and power bit holder. That means you will be able to get extra standard bits if you want to. You will also not have to worry that much if you lose essential bits that come with the package.
Alongside that, it comes with a storage area inside the handle. With that, you will have easy access to all the bits and will be able to switch between them quickly. You will be able to finish the fastening jobs in no time at all.
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7. CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set
Are you searching for the best ratchet screwdriver set? Looking for something that will come with most of the screw bits? Then we might have the perfect thing for you, and it is from CRAFTSMAN.
As we have mentioned above, the set comes with most of the bits that will let you fasten and loosen most of the screws that you might stumble upon. It comes with twenty-six different bits. With them, you might not ever feel the need for any other bits for doing screwing operations.
It also comes with a telescoping magnetic pick-up tool. With that, you will be able to pick the bits from the storage rack easily. Alongside that, you will also receive a pouch that will let you keep all the things organized and will make it easier for you to carry it around.
Just like most of the units that are available now, this one also features three different ratcheting positions. You will be able to switch from a forward, reverse, and fixed mode. With the fixed position, you will be able to use it just like a regular screwdriver.
The handle comes featured with three different zones too. There is a zone for speed, another one is the tactile zone, and lastly, there is one that will let you reach maximum torque easily. The handle is quite comfortable to hold too. You will be able to get a firm grasp of it and do all your fastening and loosening tasks at ease.
Pros
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8. Channellock 131CB 13-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver
You are going to find a lot of decent options while going through the best ratchet screwdriver reviews. However, not all of them will be able to offer the amount of torque as this one from Channellock will be able to.
Let us talk about the highlighting feature first. The unit comes with a ratcheting mechanism that has 28 gear teeth. With that, it will be able to offer a staggering 225 inches per pound of torque. That amount of torque will make most of the fastening and loosening tasks look like a piece of cake.
Alongside that, it factored in the overall comfort too. It comes featured with a grip that has a dual composition of layers. That means holding it will not only be comfortable but also you will be able to get a firm grasp of it. You will be able to have full control over the movement with that.
Other than that, it comes with 13 different bits. You will get most of the primary heads along with some extra bits with the package. With them, you will be able to carry out most of the screwing tasks at ease.
As the handle comes with a conveniently positioned bit storage, you will not have to worry about storing them too. You will get quick and easy access to all the bits. Lastly, there is two different ratcheting option. With the knob that it comes with, you will be able to switch between them easily.
Pros
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9. DOUBLEDRIVE Ratcheting Screwdriver Set
While there might be many sets in the market, there will be hardly a few that will come with as many bits as this set from DOUBLEDRIVER has.
To begin with, it comes with thirty-seven different bits. The set includes four slotted bits, four Phillips head, two Pozi heads, five Torx bits, five Hex bits, four Square heads, five handle bits, one screwdriver bit, and few other duplicates that you can use if you lose one of the essential bits.
With that much amount of heads, you might not even feel the need for any other bits. You will be able to do most of the disassembly and assembly tasks at ease.
Other than that, it comes featured with a patented ratchet that has double drive technology integrated into it. With that, you will be able to work more efficiently and faster than most of the drivers that are out there.
The blade and the bits are of chrome vanadium that enhances the overall durability. Alongside that, the bits are also magnetic, which means you will be able to switch between them quickly.
Besides that, the overall size of the unit is quite compact as well. Because of that, you will have no trouble at all in the case of carrying it around with you. You will also be able to store it in tight spaces easily.
Lastly, the handle that the unit features is exceptionally ergonomic. It comes with a slip-resistant grip that will let you firmly grasp it while operating.
Pros
Cons
10. Metric Multi-Bit 15-Piece Ratcheting Screwdriver
Many of the units will come with some sort of pouch or a storage setup that will hold all the bits externally. But the ones that can keep the bits in the body are the ones that will let you switch between them faster. And, an excellent example of such a unit would be this one that is from Metric.
Let us talk about the bits first. It comes with 15 different things in the package. In the case of screw bits, you will get four Phillips head, two different Torx head, and three slotted bits.
It also comes with four ¼ inches sized carbon steel sockets and 25 millimeters socket adapter and plunger. With these, you will be able to tackle most of the fastening and unfastening tasks at ease.
Moreover, it holds all the bits and adapters inside the handle. That means you will have quick access to all of them. You will be able to switch between them within a matter of seconds.
All of the bits are of CR-V6150 steel. This overall construction will not only make the bits durable but also makes them resistant to rust. You can expect them to last for a good amount of time.
The ratcheting mechanism that it comes with has three different modes. You will be able to choose from the forward, reverse, and locked position. With the locked position, it will work just like a regular screwdriver. Lastly, the handle comes with a soft grip that will let you grasp it comfortably.
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Cons
11. NoCry Stubby Ratcheting Screwdriver Kit
We are going to finish off our best ratchet screwdriver reviews with this unit that is from NoCry. If you were searching for a stubby ratcheting kit, then you should have a look into this one.
First of all, the unit comes with a compact and small body. Because of this footprint, you will be able to work in tight spaces and confined areas without any hassles at all. Alongside that, it will be easy to carry and store as well. You will be able to store it in small spaces easily.
Even though the unit features a small body, it did not skimp one bit in the overall functionality. Just like most of the drivers, it also comes with three ratcheting modes. You will be able to use it clockwise, counter-clockwise, and standard position.
It comes with a plethora of tips as well. You will receive three flathead slotted heads, three different Hex tips, three Torx bits, and lastly, three Pozidriv heads. All the tips are of high-quality Cr-V steel that makes them resistant to corrosion and rust.
The handle that the unit features has built-in storage for the tips. That means you will have quick access to all of them and will be able to switch between them quickly.
Other than that, the handle is also quite comfortable as well. It is grooved and has a rubber coating on the surface that will not only let you reach the maximum torque easily but also will let you grasp it firmly.
Pros
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How to Choose the Best One?
The market is full of options in the case of ratchet screwdrivers, and not all of them will be able to offer you adequate performance. To get the very best one among all of them, you should keep some factors in mind. These points will let you scrutinize the units efficiently and will allow you to make an efficient decision. They are:
Ratcheting Mechanism
The first thing that you have to consider before you decide to spend money on a unit is the ratcheting mechanism. If the drivers come with a good quality bearing and the balls are of decent quality, you are going to get a smooth ratcheting action.
Most of the fastening and unfastening tasks will look like a piece of cake if the driver comes with a smooth ratcheting mechanism.
Bits
Besides the ratcheting mechanism, you should also consider the overall selection of the bits that comes with the package. If the unit that you are shooting for does not come with essential bits, you will have to go through the trouble of getting extra ones just to get your screwing operations done.
That is why you should check the bits that come with the package before you make a purchase.
Size
The size of the driver is another important factor that you should consider before you make a purchase. If you are looking for a direct alternative for the regular drivers, then you should pick the regular-sized ones. With them, you will have the same holding experience as you had with the traditional drivers.
On the other hand, if you want to get into small and tight spaces easily, you should opt for the small, compact, and stubby ones. With those, you will have no trouble at all in screwing the tiny nut that is in a small confined area.
Magnetic Holder
Most of the drivers will feature a magnetic holder, or the bits will be magnetic. With those, switching between one bit to another will be hassle-free. You will be able to take one out and install another one within a matter of seconds with the ones that are magnetic.
Built-in Storage
Even though most of the drivers will not feature built-in storage in the handle for storing the bits, but the ones that do will give you quick access to all the bits. With them, you will have all the heads in your fingertips. You will also not have to worry about carrying a different case to have all the bits with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are ratcheting screwdrivers worth it?
Ratcheting screwdrivers are not just another type of screwdriver. It is an alternative to the regular ones but with added benefits. With those, you will not have to take your hands off the handle to wind and unwind screws. You will be able to get your tasks done faster. So, we would say that they are very much worth it.
2. How do you change the bits in a ratchet screwdriver?
For most of the drivers, you will be able to change the bits by simply pulling the bit that is installed in the head and then installing a new bit in it.
3. Will I be able to buy replaceable bits?
It depends on the head that your driver has. If it is a standard head, you will be able to buy replaceable heads easily. On the other hand, with the nonstandard one, you might not be able to find bits that easily.
4. What is the best ratchet screwdriver that is small in size?
We would recommend you to have a look at the Klein Tools 32593 Multi-bit Ratcheting Screwdriver that we included in our review section.
5. Will the bits rust over time?
If they are not of high-quality steel, they might catch rust and even corrode over time.
Final Words
Getting one of the best ratchet screwdrivers will not only make the screwing operation easier for you but also will let you finish them faster. And, we hope that we were able to make the choosing process easier for you and you can now choose one for yourself easily.
We would like to end it here by wishing you good luck and hoping that all your screws tightens and loosens easily. Do check our article on the best wood screws.