Men, women, white-collar, blue-collar, we all need a good screwdriver in our homes. Whether you want to tighten some loose screws or want to assemble new furniture, take apart faulty electronics, a good screwdriver is invaluable, and the best ratcheting screwdriver will make your entire experience much easier.
Ratcheting screwdrivers are usually very affordable (not like an impact driver or a cordless drill), but if you want to put your money to good use, then you have to pick a good product from a reputable brand. Whether you’re a worker or a DIY enthusiast, it’s important to give the market a thorough glance before landing on a reliable, affordable tool. Without further ado, let’s take a look at our top picks for the best ratcheting screwdriver.
The Best Ratcheting Screwdrivers
Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 RA Slotted Ratcheting Screwdriver
Best Ratcheting Screwdriver
- Fine-pitched ratcheting screwdriver
- Integrated bit chamber
- Ergonomic, rubberized handle
- Magnetized tip
When you’re shopping for a product that’s seemingly simple, every bonus feature adds a tremendous amount of value. The Wera Kraftform Kompact ratcheting screwdriver is such a product. With a chamber system for various bits, an ergonomic handle, and a ¼” socket, this screwdriver is extremely versatile.
Having the ability to switch between different heads allows you to work on different appliances and electronics without a bulky toolkit. If you’re a professional and have to do a lot of house calls, the Kraftform Kompact 27 RA is an amazing grab. The tip is magnetic, so you don’t have to be overly careful with the screws, the rubberized handle gives you good grip, and the shape and length make it a very comfortable and user-friendly screwdriver.
Another great feature present in this product is the fine-pitched ratchet which gives you a lot of freedom in terms of precision. Wera really set the bar high for the next entries with this particular tool.
- Very user-friendly
- Fair price for its features
- Integrated part chamber makes storing tips very easy
- Expensive when compared to other ratcheting screwdrivers
CRAFTSMAN Ratcheting Screwdriver Set CMHT68001
Versatile with Lots of Bits
- 3 speed settings
- Included bits, pouch, and magnetic pick-up tool
- Lifetime warranty
Finding something versatile and within budget is a sure-fire way to land on a high-value product. The Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver set comes in a very attractive package, at a very attractive price. First off, you have a multi-speed ratcheting screwdriver that has a ¼’’ socket. Pair that with their wide array of bits and the very low-profile, simplistic pouch, and you have a great purchase.
One downside is that this product doesn’t come with a magnetic tip. Craftsman has remedied this design flaw by adding a telescopic magnetic pick-up tool to help you manage and store your screws. This can also help you be more organized since the tool is separate and much easier to handle because of its size.
Overall, the Craftsman ratcheting screwdriver is a good pick for anyone who is looking for a feature-packed screwdriver and plenty of bits for various applications. It’s an all-in-one product that comes at a very attractive price, so make sure to grab yours ASAP.
- Very affordable
- Very complete bundle
- Amazing value for people who want an all-in-one tool
- No magnetic tip
- Telescopic tool is not very high-quality
NoCry Stubby Ratcheting 12-in-1 Screwdriver Kit
Stubby but with a Good Bite
- Stubby design
- 12-in-1 tool with 12 available bits included in the kit
- Chamber for holding bits
NoCry is a new manufacturer with a reputation for making innovative and affordable products. The Stubby Ratcheting 12-in-1 screwdriver is a testament to those values. This mini ratcheting screwdriver comes with 12 bits in a single kit. You have a highly functional, compact tool that can be used in a wide range of applications. It’s great to work in tighter spaces because it’s so compact and easy to maneuver.
Tightening or loosening screws at an angle can cause a lot of stripping, so a small screwdriver really yields a lot of advantages in a lot of different situations. If you work with computers, vehicles, or if you plan on assembling cabinets or just furniture in general, a small screwdriver can be much more efficient.
While the handle is small, it has well-designed grooves that will give you enough torque to loosen or tighten most screws. Bottom line, the NoCry ‘Stubby’ ratcheting screwdriver is very versatile and very dependable. While it doesn’t bring the mechanical power of a longer screwdriver, it makes up for it with a fresh design and an attractive kit included with the purchase. It’s reasonably priced, so make sure to grab yours while you can.
- Easy to work with in tight spaces
- Small grip with well-placed grooves
- Good multi-purpose tools
- Versatile, but lacking in certain specific applications that require more force
WORKPRO 12-in-1 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver
Best Value Ratcheting Screwdriver
- Slender
- Has 6 double-headed bits
We’re gonna take a look at another clever design. The Workpro 12-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver comes with 6 double-headed bits that you can conveniently store in the handle. It’s small and slender, comfortable to hold, but not without flaws.
The first thing that comes to mind is its size. The bits are all kind of small, so if you need to work on bigger screws, like those found on furniture, you’ll be struggling to find a compatible bit. With that out of the way, if you’re looking to work with electronic equipment and smaller screws, this guy’s just the right size.
Now, regardless of what you plan on using it on, this is a solid product, but it lacks a magnetic tip. If you can live with that, then this is a very budget-friendly choice, especially considering that you’re getting 12 bits for various types of screws.
- Built-in storage for bits
- Good size to work on PCBs and electronics in general
- Not a great handle, small grooves
- No magnetic component
Klein Tools 32558 Multi-Bit Ratcheting Screwdriver
Flexible Use, Good Set
- 6 included bits (3 double-headed)
- Comfort cushion grip
We’ve been throwing around the term “versatile” kind of loosely up until this point, but this next product truly meets that standard. The Klein Tools multi-bit ratcheting screwdriver/nut driver comes with a solid design, made using quality materials and ergonomics in mind. This multi-bit screwdriver has compatibility with any ¼’’ hex bit and can even be used to tighten/loosen nuts.
The grip is comfortable, Klein Tools opting to go for a cushion style. It provides good grip without wearing out your palms while you’re working. While it’s a bit more expensive, the money guarantees you tempered metal parts, a sound design, and a very reliable tool.
While it’s not fancy, not by a long shot, it does bring a lot of flexibility in terms of what it can be used for. The tempered steel nut drivers alone can make you assemble and disassemble furniture a breeze. Pair that with a high number of clicks per turn, giving you both satisfaction and precision, solid included bits, and a premium feel, and you’re left with a complete purchase.
- High-quality, ergonomic design
- Well-designed ratcheting system
- Comfortable to use
- A bit more expensive
Stanley 66-358 Stanley Stubby Ratcheting MultiBit Screwdriver
Magnetic Tips, Lots of Bits, Budget-friendly
- Stubby design
- Five included tips
- Magnetized bits
The Stanley Stubby ratcheting screwdriver is another short screwdriver great for tightening screws in tighter spaces. It comes with its own bits, which adds to the value, and handle has sharper curves for a better hold. The bits are made using hardened steel, so they are long-lasting and won’t strip your screw tips easily.
The tips are also magnetized, so you won’t have to use magnetized trays to keep your screws from falling off the workbench. With five bits (two phillips and three slotted tips), you have enough versatility to work on electronics, furniture, and other household appliances without the need to invest in an expensive tool chest. The price is very budget friendly and for the quality, this item brings amazing value to the customer.
The quality isn’t amazing, but it’s a screwdriver. It doesn’t have to be. If you don’t plan on using it in the field, we think that it makes the cut for a good tool that every homeowner should have.
- Magnetic tips are excellent to have
- Durable for the price
- Great value pick
- Not the best quality
- A bit bulky
Irwin Tools 8-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver
The Best Cheap Screwdriver
- 8 included bits
- Three-zone grip (different textures for different applications)
- Durable
With 8 included bits, a comfortable handle, and a very attractive price, the Irwin Tools challenges the idea that you have to spend good money to have a good tool. The rubberized grip allows you to get good torque without putting too much force into the twisting motion, keeping your hand rested and your screw tips safe.
The included bits can be stored in the screwdriver. It’s a bit of a hassle to access them, but it’s the only downside to the product. Made using steel, the screwdriver is durable and long-lasting. The design is very ergonomic and it’s quite visually pleasing.
The product is durable, great for pros and amateurs alike. The included bits cover a wide range of applications, and even comes with three nut driving heads. It’s a truly versatile tool, compact without being bulky, and very reliable.
- Great value
- All-in-one tool for most applications involving screws and nuts
- Bits are hard to access because they’re stored inside the steel rod
How to Choose the Best Ratcheting Screwdriver
Choosing the right tool for the job is, in general, a pretty straightforward process. If you’re on the ropes about a product or if you’re not familiar with the entire evaluation process, we’ve come up with a list of points to determine which features should be the most sought-after in a good ratcheting screwdriver or screwdriver set. Let’s take a look!
Comfortable Handle
The first feature you need in a good ratcheting screwdriver is a comfortable handle. You should be able to hold it tightly in your palm without feeling any discomfort. Of course, if you’re shopping online, it’s a challenge to find a good fit. That being said, look for screwdrivers with a smooth shape (as little indents as possible), no sharp angles, and a rubberized grip. This will ensure that you have a comfortable, yet firm grip when you’re working.
Available Bits
A screwdriver is as good as the bits it can use. If you want to make good use of yours, then you need to make sure that it has a lot of available bits. Magnetic bits, for instance, are great for keeping track of your screws, especially smaller ones. Having different bits is also good if you’re planning on taking apart electronics, assembling furniture, usually activities that will have you switch between different screwdrivers.
Budget
I would recommend you won’t go overboard with the budget. We’re basically talking about screwdrivers, and all of the items that we’ve provided are affordable. Don’t go for something super expensive because it’s definitely not gonna be worth it. Even household names like DeWalt provide affordable ratcheting screwdrivers.