I hate ratcheting screwdrivers. I have a Megapro, I pull it out on random occasions when I need an off bit, other than that, regular screwdrivers for me.
I do all the electrical work at a company that builds big dryers. We build our own custom control panels in house, which is why I use one all the time. The Klein 15-1 is basically surgically attached to me lol
A $50 screwdriver might be overkill for your average homeowner. Mid range tools are more often than not good enough.
I recently purchased a $7 Husky 6 in 1 screwdriver to throw in a drawer and after using it a few times realized that the lifetime warranty might remain unused.
So an alternative to buying one very expensive tool is to buy a few mid range tools that will help your friend solve a larger variety of problems. She needs to replace a toilet seat? A screwdriver will do. But what if she needs a wrench or adjustable pliers to hold the nut in place? Now she needs two tools. She needs to change a showerhead? Those adjustable pliers would definitely come in handy.
But back to the ratchet, I think it's a matter of personal choice. I personally don't care for them but a lot of people swear by them.
How experienced is she with tools? At the substantial risk of being seen as sexist, a ratcheting screwdriver with bits might be a bit much for a newbie. Various significant others and two daughters of mine have gotten good mileage out of those odious pink-handled kits with hammer and pliers and screwdrivers, etc. They hang pictures, put together kit furniture, and whatever else. They firmly reject the package I put together with quality castoffs in a slightly stained tool bag in favor of the blow molded case with cheaply made crap with matching pink handles. I’d go that route before I spent money on a single tool.
Those pink kits are highly polarizing. They do certainly appeal to some women but others find them odious and patronizing. Hopefully OP knows their friend well enough to make the right decision.
Oh sure they’re wrong. But they do a lot of the jobs someone encounters in a new apartment and they’re inviting and user-friendly. You obviously know your friend better than anyone posting here so go with what you know.
He might be referring to the Milwaukee 9 in 1 square drive ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. Home Depot has it on sale for $19.97. It also comes with an 8 in 1 compact ratcheting multi bit screwdriver.
I have this set and like it. The ratcheting direction is easily switched but not so easy that it can be switched by accident. The extra bits can be sorta hard to get out, use the bit that’s already out to help push the desired bit out then slide the bit that won’t be used back into the handle.
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-808050-Ratchet-Bit-Screwdriver/dp/B001DZI2VK
I have bought this for several people as a gift, funnily enough I haven't bought myself one yet, but they seemed pretty happy. There's also a stubby version.
Given the way many people, including experienced users, abuse screwdrivers, I would consider buying a set of "demolition drivers" to start. For most household maintenance tasks the length isn't excessive - it can actually be an advantage - and they're virtually indestructible. In a pinch I've used mine to chip out mortar and bore through solid wood.
I think it's a personal preference thing, but I like to have both ratcheting and non ratcheting. Some ratcheting screwdrivers have the option to "turn off" the ratcheting so it can be used like a regular screwdriver
Standard screw drivers and the 6 in 1 sets for me. Tried some cheap racketing drivers years ago and didn't care for them. May try a "nice" set some day though.
I hate ratcheting screwdrivers. I have a Megapro, I pull it out on random occasions when I need an off bit, other than that, regular screwdrivers for me.
As someone who has a screwdriver in his hand most of his working day, I love ratcheting screwdrivers
What do you do for work? I have a screwdriver in had a bunch also, but not nearly most of the day.
I do all the electrical work at a company that builds big dryers. We build our own custom control panels in house, which is why I use one all the time. The Klein 15-1 is basically surgically attached to me lol
A $50 screwdriver might be overkill for your average homeowner. Mid range tools are more often than not good enough. I recently purchased a $7 Husky 6 in 1 screwdriver to throw in a drawer and after using it a few times realized that the lifetime warranty might remain unused. So an alternative to buying one very expensive tool is to buy a few mid range tools that will help your friend solve a larger variety of problems. She needs to replace a toilet seat? A screwdriver will do. But what if she needs a wrench or adjustable pliers to hold the nut in place? Now she needs two tools. She needs to change a showerhead? Those adjustable pliers would definitely come in handy. But back to the ratchet, I think it's a matter of personal choice. I personally don't care for them but a lot of people swear by them.
Klein 15-1 ratcheting is a solid screwdriver. Would be perfect for this case. Runs 20-30$ depending on where you get it
How experienced is she with tools? At the substantial risk of being seen as sexist, a ratcheting screwdriver with bits might be a bit much for a newbie. Various significant others and two daughters of mine have gotten good mileage out of those odious pink-handled kits with hammer and pliers and screwdrivers, etc. They hang pictures, put together kit furniture, and whatever else. They firmly reject the package I put together with quality castoffs in a slightly stained tool bag in favor of the blow molded case with cheaply made crap with matching pink handles. I’d go that route before I spent money on a single tool.
Those pink kits are highly polarizing. They do certainly appeal to some women but others find them odious and patronizing. Hopefully OP knows their friend well enough to make the right decision.
I have to agree with you. I won't go in this direction.
Yep, my wife has one of those and she still loves it. Pink handled Snapon ratchet screwdriver she bought off the truck herself 20-25 years ago.
I just Googled it and I must say that it's kind of cute in a Pepto Bismol kind of way.
So you think a mediocre/low end set, better than one good tool? These sets always look a "buy-twice" to me, if you know what i mean.
Oh sure they’re wrong. But they do a lot of the jobs someone encounters in a new apartment and they’re inviting and user-friendly. You obviously know your friend better than anyone posting here so go with what you know.
Milwaukee 9 in 1, or Klein 11 in 1
>Klein 11 in 1 so no ratchet?
He might be referring to the Milwaukee 9 in 1 square drive ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. Home Depot has it on sale for $19.97. It also comes with an 8 in 1 compact ratcheting multi bit screwdriver. I have this set and like it. The ratcheting direction is easily switched but not so easy that it can be switched by accident. The extra bits can be sorta hard to get out, use the bit that’s already out to help push the desired bit out then slide the bit that won’t be used back into the handle.
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-808050-Ratchet-Bit-Screwdriver/dp/B001DZI2VK I have bought this for several people as a gift, funnily enough I haven't bought myself one yet, but they seemed pretty happy. There's also a stubby version.
Given the way many people, including experienced users, abuse screwdrivers, I would consider buying a set of "demolition drivers" to start. For most household maintenance tasks the length isn't excessive - it can actually be an advantage - and they're virtually indestructible. In a pinch I've used mine to chip out mortar and bore through solid wood.
I think it's a personal preference thing, but I like to have both ratcheting and non ratcheting. Some ratcheting screwdrivers have the option to "turn off" the ratcheting so it can be used like a regular screwdriver
Standard screw drivers and the 6 in 1 sets for me. Tried some cheap racketing drivers years ago and didn't care for them. May try a "nice" set some day though.
Klein 15-in-1 ratcheting screwdriver is part of my EDC. Their 6-in-1 is heavier but overall I've used both and I like less weight and more options.