There is an abundance of ratcheting screwdrivers on the market. Unfortunately, many of them are not good.
I don’t think any of them will ever come close to the Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver.
Anyone that’s ever bought snap-on tools, will know it’s hard to find a tool as good as the snap-on equivalent.
TengTools and Stanley do offer good alternatives, but they’re not on the same level as the SSDMR4B.
A lot of the other options are a fraction of the price but buying cheap can mean buying twice.
After a year or two of use here’s exactly what I think of the Snap-on ratcheting screwdriver.
What I Use It For
As an auto body technician removing and installing is a huge part of my job.
When I’m not using a ratchet or power tool for stripping, I’ll tend to use this screwdriver.
It’s great for removing door cards and other interior trims and components.
I also tend to use it at refit. It makes adjusting headlights, bumpers, and even fenders quick and easy.
If you’re someone that uses normal screwdrivers every day, this will be an improvement.
Features
A ratcheting screwdriver isn’t really a feature-heavy tool. There’s only so much it can do.
However, when buying the SSDMR4B you’ll receive 5 bits.
- Flat Tip Bits 3/16″ & 9/32″
- Phillips Bits 1, 2 & 3
These are stored inside the screwdriver handle, just unscrew the end and you’ll be able to get them out. I’m sure it’d be useful for storing other things too.
Snap-On doesn’t disclose the number of teeth in this screwdriver, but once you’ve used it, you’d understand why this doesn’t matter.
Using The Snap-On Ratcheting Screwdriver
When using cheaper ratcheting screwdrivers, the ratcheting would feel stiff and unnatural.
With this snap-on option, it’s unbelievably smooth. It’s so natural that you don’t think twice.
Definitely better than any other screwdrivers I’ve tried.
It comes with 3 different modes, that you can switch by moving the neck.
The 1st mode loosens, the middle is a stiff shank and the 3rd will tighten.
This means it can be used as a ratcheting driver or a standard screwdriver if you want.
As for the weight, it’s fairly lightweight in your hand.
The main problem you’re going to face when using this for prolonged periods is wrist problems.
This is the same with any ratcheting tool though.
Thankfully I’ve never faced any overuse issues, and don’t think I will with this tool.
You only need to turn it about 8-12 degrees to get to the next tooth.
This means you’re not turning your wrist too much and can ratchet quickly.
It also fits perfectly in your hand. I’ve never complained about how this feels in my hand and it’s never gotten hot and sweaty either.
If you’re a 2 hander, the shank also has an extra textured area for extra grip.
Please Sir, may I have some more bits?
While the screwdriver itself is a great piece of equipment, and so are the bits, there are not enough bits.
The 5 Bits that you do get are great, they fit perfectly into the heads and I have no complaints.
My main issue is that there are so many different heads on screws these days.
Snap-On is an automotive dealer, so why haven’t they thought about this?
I only encounter phillips out of the bits supplied and these are on Hondas, Hyundais, and Kias.
For the price, I’d expect a little more, even if they’d have to supply them in a separate rubber bit holder.
This is so you buy their bit sets to go with it.
Personally, I opted for this Milwaukee shockwave set.
It’s much more automotive orientated with most, if not all the fixings you’re going to encounter on a vehicle.
I’d recommend looking at what bit sets suit your needs and buying them.
You’re definitely going to need to buy some more to go with the driver since it only offers 5 different bits.
Price
The type of people that buy Snap-on often don’t care about the price.
Being able to add the tools to their bills and pay them off weekly encourages them to spend more money.
I’ve been there and done that.
I bought mine for $75.
At this price, with the use, I’ve had and the fact it’s never caused me problems, I’m happy enough.
Unfortunately, the price has gone up since then in the UK.
For those in the states, it’s $77.95 on the website.
Your local dealer may be able to do you a deal, or it may come on promo again making it even cheaper.
Alternatively, you could buy off eBay but it’d be without a warranty.
At $77.95 I’d absolutely recommend this to anyone that uses screwdrivers often.
You’re not getting a better ratcheting screwdriver than this.
I loved it so much that I even bought the stubby version.