We found the Megapro well suited for use by those with large hands. Its handle features rubber inserts and is comfortable to grip, but it might be a little large for someone with smaller hands. The end cap slides out for easy bit retrieval, and the double-ended bits make it handy to find the right bit without needing to carry extra bits around. The directional collar is easy to switch, and the ratcheting action is smooth.

There are a handful of styles of ratcheting screwdrivers, so the results of our tests and this comprehensive guide let you know what’s out there before you start shopping. The main difference in style is how each screwdriver stores its interchangeable bits. There are benefits to each style, so it’s worth giving some consideration. Bits in the Handle Not all screwdrivers will have their torque rating clearly displayed, but durable models can handle around 50 newton meters (nm) or about 36 foot-pounds of torque. Taking a screwdriver beyond its torque capacity will usually break the pawl or shave teeth off the ratcheting gear, making the screwdriver useless. Length If you’ve ever tried to tighten or loosen screws in tight spots where a straight-handled screwdriver won’t fit, consider the MulWark Low Profile Mini Ratchet Screwdriver. It comes with 20 bits, featuring an assortment of Phillips-head bits, slotted bits, torx bits, and hex bits. It comes with a strong magnet in the head so bits don’t fall out. No onboard storage because this tool is just too small, but the bits fit in two plastic holders that can be easily stored together in a drawer.The most common style of ratcheting screwdriver stores its bits inside the grip. Often, there is a cap that threads on and off or pops out of the handle, providing access to the driver bits. Multiple bits clip to a removable ring, allowing you to choose the appropriate bit or store it away securely. Other models have bit-clips built into the cap.

We used the Williams screwdriver to insert screws in a variety of wood types, and its ratcheting action remained smooth and sure—even when we used force. The directional collar switches with ease, and the shaft head features a magnet that holds bits in place. The long, thin design of this screwdriver is well suited to reaching fasteners in tight spots while exerting pressure. The benefit of these screwdrivers is that, many times, the bits are long. You can get a good grip on them when storing or swapping bits. The downside is that these screwdrivers are often heavier, and bits often fall or slide out of lower-end models when you aren’t looking. Kits We used the Megapro to insert screws in pine, ash, and walnut boards, and then we tested it on removing stubborn screws. It stood up to strong twisting force, and the ratcheting action didn’t slip or break. We used quite a bit of torque. If we could ask for one thing to be different it would be a magnet in the head—when we turned the screwdriver downward, the bits often fell out. A single screwdriver is a far more streamlined tool than a ratcheting screwdriver kit. The bits all fit inside or on the handle, allowing you to keep everything with you. The issue is that you simply won’t get as many bits as you would with a kit. Also, when storing all of those bits on board, single ratcheting screwdrivers tend to be heavier. Ratcheting MechanismThe benefit of storing the bits in the handle is that it’s harder to lose them. As long as the cap stays shut, the bits are secure, even if they pop out of their clips. The downside is that switching between bits stored in the handle does create some downtime. Also, these bits are often smaller and harder to grip. Bits on the Handle Ratchets are great and save you a lot of time, but the best ratchet screwdriver, like the Wera Kraftform, will have a switch to change direction without removing the tool from the screw. On the larger Klein Tools screwdriver, using strong force to insert a screw into a walnut board was more than it could take, and the ratcheting mechanism broke.

Don’t expect frills or extras with the Williams T-Handle Ratcheting Screwdriver, because you won’t find any. What you will find is a solid screwdriver that comes with a long shaft and accepts standard ¼-inch bits. It comes with just one Phillips-head bit. The Milwaukee is a solid little tool, and its ratcheting action is among the smoothest of the models we tested. This didn’t come as a surprise, since the Milwaukee brand is well known and has a great reputation for making quality tools. The head features a strong magnet that holds the bits in place, and the directional collar is well made and easy to switch. Ratcheting screwdrivers aren’t new technology. One of the first popular models was the “Yankee,” manufactured by North Bros and first marketed in 1895. Not much has changed in the ratcheting function since then. The Wera comes with six bits, including two Phillips-head bits, two square drivers, and two slotted drivers. The shaft also doubles as a ¼-inch nut driver. We tested the Milwaukee’s ratcheting action on a variety of boards, and it didn’t bog down even when we used maximum force inserting screws into walnut wood.When it comes to really cranking down on a fastener, the Megapro ratcheting screwdriver has all the grip you could need. This ratcheting screwdriver’s shaft doubles as a ¼-inch nut driver, and it comes with 12 bits (six double-ended bits), including four Phillips bits, two square drive bits, two slotted bits, and four Torx bits. As opposed to storing your bits inside the handle, several models come with storage on the handle. These models have slots or holes for holding the bits right in the grip. They either clip into place or slide in from the bottom of the handle.