Snap-On Ratcheting Soft Grip Screwdriver Reviews

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Good Points: Guaranteed for life against material defects (dependant on dealer?)Interchangeable 1/4" square drive magnetic bladesInterchangeable 1/4" hex bitsSoft grip handle is solvent resistant (oil, diesel, petrol etc..Storage in handle for up to 10 bits, and 1 in blade (recommended).

Bad Points: Guaranteed for life against material defects (dependant on dealer?)Twist action ratchet mechanism.Twist action bayonet cap for bit storage.Expensive in terms of value for money.

General comments: This Snap-On Ratcheting Soft Grip Screwdriver is supposed to be "the ultimate screwdriver" along with, its posh relative, the 5 position handled job. I have a lot of problems with this screwdriver and consequently don't use it at all, which is a shame, because it has the potential to be the most cost effective and easiest solution to most screw-driving situations.A nice idea, on the surface, but in actual use I find the, twist action, ratcheting mechanism constantly fowling in my grip and the screwdriver can suddenly change direction when in use. Not surprisingly; this action can ruin a fastener if the user is not expecting it. I'm not a big fan of ratcheting screwdrivers! In an attempt to keep away from the ratchet mechanism (at the bottom of the handle) once a higher position on the handle is sought, the twist action cap (on the top of the handle) that retains all the other screwdriver bits, easily, comes off, spewing all those expensive bits onto the floor. Not the easiest things to find! The handle is also a little too bulky to be comfortable, but, is the least of it, since I cant find 'a sweet spot' to grip the handle. I don't even have massive hands.The 1/4' square drive (male) blades, with indent ball, are available in 3 different lengths all with a magnetic 1/4" end (female). They are strong, relatively thin and well designed. Snap-on currently have a catalogue of about 70 different bits to fit in the end, which gives the screwdriver an enormous amount of scope.Screwdriver tips do wear, and when that happens, it can effect the outcome in trying to remove a fixing successfully. It can also mangle the head of a new fixing leaving razor sharp burrs on the screw head. It's so much more cost effective, to able to change just the tip when it wears, than change the blade (if possible) or re-new the entire screwdriver. It's also better for the environment.Snap-ons old model circa. 1980 was lovely. In an attempt to be all things... it has since become useless!