The 10 Best Ratchet Screwdrivers

Updated December 12, 2020 by Alexander Rennie

This wiki has been updated 23 times since it was first published in February of 2018. When you're working with a lot of fasteners, the job is so much easier with a good ratcheting screwdriver in your toolbox. The gear mechanisms on these let you turn twice as efficiently as with traditional drivers. The models we've included here are recommended based on quality, ease of use, and other traits that make them useful to have around the house or in a professional's tool belt. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki. If you'd like to contribute your own research to Ezvid Wiki, please get started by reviewing this introductory video.

1. Channellock 131CB

2. Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27

3. Irwin Tools 8-in-1

4. Klein Tools 32593

5. Klein Tools 32558

6. Lutz 21001

7. Stanley 69-189

8. MegaPro 211R2C36RD

9. Workpro Quick-load

10. Tacklife HRSB1A Offset

Editor's Notes

December 09, 2020:

For this update, we removed our two Craftsman models, the Craftsman 9-41796 and Craftsman 47144 due to availability issues.

We also removed the Milwaukee 48-22-2301, due to its high price and the fact that it’s similar to several other models on our list. Similarly, we removed the DeWalt DWHT69233, another somewhat redundant model, and replaced it with a stubby-style option, the Klein Tools 32593. This compact model doesn’t take up much space, but can come in really handy in tight spaces like behind appliances, or inside mechanical equipment.

Something that's great about these ratchet screwdrivers, is that they’re all also multi-bit drivers. Having the ability to switch out different sizes and types of bits allows you to be ready for a wide variety of fasteners, but also means you don’t need to lug around an entire screwdriver set. This can be incredibly convenient when you’re on top of a ladder, in a crawlspace, or anywhere else you can’t bring your entire tool kit with you.

That being said, there are some instances and certain professions that do need entire sets handy, in which case this collection of magnetic screwdriver sets should provide you with a good amount of options. If you’re an electrician, or work around a lot of wiring, one of these insulated screwdriver sets could be a better choice.

December 09, 2020:

We replaced our two Craftsman models, the Craftsman 9-41796 and Craftsman 47144 with an updated model, the Craftsman CMHT68001.

We also removed the Milwaukee 48-22-2301, due to its high price and the fact that it’s similar to several other models on our list. Similarly, we removed the DeWalt DWHT69233, another somewhat redundant model, and replaced it with a stubby-style option, the Klein Tools 32593. This compact model doesn’t take up much space, but can come in really handy in tight spaces like behind appliances, or inside mechanical equipment.

Something thats great about these ratchet screwdrivers, is that they’re all also multi-bit drivers. Having the ability to switch out different sizes and types of bits allows you to be ready for a wide variety of fasteners, but also means you don’t need to lug around an entire screwdriver set. This can be incredibly convenient when you’re on top of a ladder, in a crawlspace, or anywhere else you can’t bring your entire tool kit with you.

That being said, there are some instances and certain professions that do need entire sets hand, in which case this collection of magnetic screwdriver sets should provide you with a good amount of options. If you’re an electrician, or work around a lot of wiring, one of these insulated screwdriver sets could be a better choice.

August 01, 2019:

We removed the No Cry Stubby because of issues with quality and availability. We added the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 27 because Wera makes quality screwdrivers and the 27 is no exception. It is made to last with an all metal ratcheting mechanism and a comfortable handle. The pawl engages with little travel and there is virtually no backlash.

We shifted the DeWalt DWHT69233 and the Irwin Tools 8-in-1 because they have proven to employ long-lived designs and use better quality plastics on their handles. The Tacklife HRSB1A has been demoted because of its clunky design that uses enormous teeth. This means that you can't ratchet effectively within confined spaces because you won't be able to pull the handle back enough to engage the next tooth.

Using tools can be dangerous and proper safety precautions should be observed to avoid personal injury or damage to property.

Last updated on December 12, 2020 by Alexander Rennie

Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.


Thanks for reading the fine print. About the Wiki: We don't accept sponsorships, free goods, samples, promotional products, or other benefits from any of the product brands featured on this page, except in cases where those brands are manufactured by the retailer to which we are linking. For more information on our rankings, please read about us, linked below. The Wiki is a participant in associate programs from Amazon, Walmart, Ebay, Target, and others, and may earn advertising fees when you use our links to these websites. These fees will not increase your purchase price, which will be the same as any direct visitor to the merchant’s website. If you believe that your product should be included in this review, you may contact us, but we cannot guarantee a response, even if you send us flowers.