Our screwdriver took three years [video]

Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by GarrickDrgn on Thursday September 01, 2022 @06:41AM (#32674515)

It really is a matter of convenience. Linus's work is obviously mostly with computers and servers, where you often work in tighter spaces; not having to reposition your whole hand (and/or pull the screwdriver out of the screw and reposition it because of a lack of space) is a nice convenience. Plus, most computer screws are not really tightened very much, so you'll be done with a few flicks of your wrist. He also explicitly mentions he uses the ratchet by turning only the axle and keeping the handle steady in his hand for a lot of the screws.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by Daub on Thursday September 01, 2022 @08:44AM (#32675528)

> He also explicitly mentions he uses the ratchet by turning only the axle and keeping the handle steady in his hand for a lot of the screws.

This is shown in action at this point in the video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K5Gqp1cEcM&t=606s

In many ways, this mimics the function of a jewelers screwdriver:

https://www.victornet.com/milpixpics/1315_GEN-SPC-100.jpg

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by smcl on Thursday September 01, 2022 @06:53AM (#32674618)

I'm not sure I understand the reposition-your-hand thing. If you're turning the screwdriver you either continuously manipulate it with your fingers or keep rotating your wrist back and forth regardless of whether you have a normal or ratcheted one. Only difference being in the ratcheted one you don't have to release the grip on the screwdriver (and in non-ratcheted you just have to not grip tightly). And if the screws aren't tightened too much - like in a PC - then you'd need a really light ratchet action for it to be of any use.

I guess it's just a personal preference thing rather than a real need of some sort, which IMO is fair enough

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by viraptor on Thursday September 01, 2022 @07:44AM (#32675018)

> or keep rotating your wrist back and forth regardless of whether you have a normal or ratcheted one

What goes away with the ratchet is the continuous clench/unclench action. While I don't normally have any other RSI-like issues, that movement just kills my wrist after 1 or 2 screws. I've got a ratchet screwdriver with an option to twist/bend it in the middle to get better leverage and the difference is amazing.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by BrandoElFollito on Thursday September 01, 2022 @07:34AM (#32674933)

I use a screwdriver when I have to (so I am a level 0 expert) but at some point you have to release your grip on the screwdriver and therefore need a way to keep it engaged in the screw (except if you reposition it at every 1/4 of turn).

This can be annoying (it is always for me) and a mechanism where you can arm the next 1/4 turn without disengaging the screw is great

PS. when I say 1/4 of a turn, this is to to indicate the torsion of the wrist. Could be more, could be less

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by TimMeade on Thursday September 01, 2022 @07:14AM (#32674778)

Sometimes you can't see the screw in computer racks. If you have to pull the screwdriver off even so slightly it might be difficult to get back on the screw head. Ratcheting negates this slight issue.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by smcl on Thursday September 01, 2022 @07:24AM (#32674857)

I've not encountered this, though maybe I've been lucky enough to only need to handle screws that I can easily keep a bit of pressure on while (idk the right term) "resetting" my fingers/wrist to keep [un]screwing.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by brailsafe on Thursday September 01, 2022 @07:12AM (#32674758)

Seems like it would be the same reason as any, keeping the driver in place.

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