Our screwdriver took three years [video]

Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by magicalhippo on Thursday September 01, 2022 @08:38AM (#32675483)

I highly prefer a ratcheting screwdriver if I have to remove a stubborn philips or pozidriv screw, especially if the screw is not directly accessible or there's limited space for my hand.

This allows me to keep a good grip and the pressure on the screw all the time, ensuring the screwdriver head doesn't slip out of position.

I also find it faster to just twist the shaft of the screwdriver once the screw is loose, something which I find easier with a ratcheting screwdriver (many have a knurled section on the shaft for this).

And a good ratcheting screwdriver allows you to lock the mechanism, so you have the best of both worlds.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by mrweasel on Thursday September 01, 2022 @09:14AM (#32675792)

The locking mechanism is really where many cheap screwdrivers fail. If it's to easy to hit, or doesn't lock cleanly in place, it can be pretty annoying.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by geerlingguy on Thursday September 01, 2022 @10:11AM (#32676437)

This is one thing I'm keen on testing. I bought a PB Swiss driver to compare, and the ratchet on it is a huge improvement over every other ratcheting driver I've used.

I never really liked ratcheting drivers but I might make an exception for the PB Swiss (jury's out on the LTT driver). It feels like a real screwdriver when you lock the ratchet.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by denton-scratch on Thursday September 01, 2022 @10:49AM (#32677080)

My ratchet driver is Stanley. It's about 15 years old, and it has no faults, other than being too fat for some jobs; the shaft has a sort of rolodex for bits built-in, and it can get in the way. I don't think Stanley make this driver any more (Stanley are not the toolmaker they used to be).

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by robocat on Thursday September 01, 2022 @03:59PM (#32682239)

Black & Decker bought Stanley in 2010 to become Stanley Black & Decker. They then started becoming an umbrella company, buying many other existing brands such as Craftsman and DeWalt.

It is hard to trust a “brand” any more. From 2017 there is a great summary of brand ownership here: https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/gear/a28359/mega...

The consolation of design and manufacturing has lead to some quality problems for existing hand and power tool brands.

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Re:Our screwdriver took three years [video] by magicalhippo on Thursday September 01, 2022 @09:22AM (#32675885)

Fair point, if the alternative is between a plain and a cheap ratcheting screwdriver, I'd probably go with the plain one. But I've bought a few "mid-range" ratcheting screwdrivers and I've found them very useful.

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