One of my first reviews on ToolGuyd was of a Megapro 15-in-1 hex bit screwdriver. Fast forward a few years, and I reviewed Channellock’s ratcheting screwdriver, made by Megapro. Megapro makes some good stuff.
I have been meaning to try their 1″ insert screwdriver bit ratcheting screwdriver, but it’s been low on my to-do list. Why? Because I am already convinced that I’ll like it. It’s similar to the Channellock-branded one that I reviewed, but with a 1/4″ hex bit holder that works with standard-sized bits, and not just Megapro’s double ended ball detent ones.
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Not that the ball detent bits are bad, but I sometimes like a little flexibility. The last time I checked, Megapro’s bits were fairly easy to find, and some 3rd party bits might also be compatible.
Anyways, I recently learned that Megapro has come out with a new 13-in-1 T-handle ratcheting screwdriver. It features a gearless ratcheting mechanism, and is said to have been tested to over 354 in-lbs of torque.
In other words, it has a 0° “swing arc,” or pretty darned close, thanks to the gearless ratcheting mechanism, and is plenty strong.
It comes with 6 double ended bits.
- Phillips #0, 1, 2, 3
- Slotted #4, 6 (4 mm and 6 mm?)
- Torx T10, T15, T20, T25
- Square #1, 2
- 1/4″ hex nut driver (the bit holder)
The Amazon listing says that it’s made in Canada, which seems to be true of other Megapro’s screwdrivers as well.
The new T-handle screwdriver, model 211R2T36RD, is said to be manufactured for serious industrial use.
I’m calling this a new product as I’ve never seen it before, on Megapro’s website or elsewhere, but the listing says it was first available back in 2015. There’s only one review, dated in July 2017, so maybe it was listed early but launched recently.
I tend to be very picky when it comes to multi-bit screwdrivers, ratcheting screwdrivers, and T-handle screwdrivers. If I didn’t already have too many screwdrivers that I wasn’t actively using, I’d buy this one in a heartbeat.
Price: $28
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Traditional ratcheting screwdriver via Amazon)
See Also(Channellock version via Amazon) – if you don’t mind the colors, this one is sometimes less expensive.
I like the ratcheting mechanism that Megapro built into their regular style of ratcheting screwdrivers, and so I’m fairly optimistic that they got the gearless mechanism right on this one. If you’ve tried it, what do you think?
Koko The Talking Ape
If it took 1″ bits (and if I didn’t already have a 1/4″ hex ratchet wrench), I’d buy one now.
Also, the “stem” part of the T seems a little long. If it took ordinary 1/4″ bits, it could also take extenders. I even have a flex shaft somewhere. That way it could work where there is little clearance for the handle. A 1/4″ hex ratchet wrench seems more versatile.
But maybe on assembly lines it doesn’t matter.
nigeldh
Perfect for lathe chucks and accessories. The EWT, Easy Wood Tools, chuck includes an allen T wrench but sometimes it isn’t long enough – the handle hits the piece being fastened. So having the Megapro with an extension will be useful. Not to mention the other fasteners for various accessories with allen cap screws – one can either rotate the handle or ratchet.
Circular saws like the Milwaukee M18 mitre saw use an allen cap screw – so a T handle gives you leverage and ratcheting saves one having to remove and reset the allen key.
Raoul
There appear to be some similarities in the ratcheting mechanism as the Rolgear screwdrivers, slso made in Cauckistan. Any relation in these companies? I like my Rolgear when I need to bring a multi bit screwdrivet but most of the time I prefer regular fixed screwdrivers.
I have always had a problem with T handle screwdrivers slipping. I always thought it was that I have trouble keeping the screwdriver aligned as I twist, often damaging the fastener. Anyone else notice this? Just wondering if it was common or just me.
Brian
That was my first thought as well. The Rolgear is very well liked among it’s users and a great price.
The yeti
Is the Chanellock one made in USA. I tried to look it up. I love my Chanellock. Even the made in Spain spanner wrenches (adjustable) Chanellock is probably my most trusted too brand . I often buy their products just because they are on sale. I would buy the Chanellock I’ve the other options based on quality reputation alone . Being a Canadian. Made in USA is not the same as it would be to an American. To me it means good quality . If I can get it at a competitive price. I buy it
Stuart
Made in Canada, bits in Taiwan.
Brett
I frequently dream of a ratcheting T handle that takes standard bits, preferably 1″. Does such a thing exist? I just went on a 20 minute trip through the internet and wasn’t able to find anything.
Koko The Talking Ape
Haven’t seen one.
But there are many ratchet wrenches that take 1/4″ hex bits (some also take 1/4″ square drive sockets.) With an extension, it becomes a kind of L-handle. Maybe that would do. I use mine quite a lot.
fred
I have a Wera Pistol-Grip:
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/kraftform-ratcheting-screwdriver-handle-wera-05003263004/
Not quite a T-Handle but works for me.
fred
You might also try an Xcellite 994 ratcheting T-handle and use a Xcellete 1/4 inch hex nutdriver to hold the bit. Unfortunately the Xcelleite magnetic nutdrivers are a bit shallow and using a standard nutdriver might mean that an insert bit will be prone to slipping out.
ChrisP
I have that same Wera. Love the gearless mechanism but the handle feels a little weird. Been thinking about trying the 051030 because the handle appears to be longer and I imagine would be a lot more comfortable, has a regular rachet, not gearless. Price has put me off trying it!
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-051030-kraftform-kompakt-pistol-ra/
euphxenos
What about the Williams WRST1 (or the longer WRST4 and WRST8) ratcheting t-handle?
Brandon
Here you go…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DNT68U/
Paul
I have the Bahco. Pretty nice, great quality, but I wish it had a locking bit holder and a less stubby “short” side to the T handle. I finally decided to buy the Megapro too (haven’t received it, literally just ordered) as I want a better grip for extremely high torque applications. But if the handle shape suits you, the Bahco (I assume made in France?) is impeccable quality.
Nate818
Just got mine in the mail
Nathan
I might buy that williams. I’d like the megapro better if it was made around standard bits. Since I have many and that’s my go to.
Shame SK doesn’t make one as it would be a nice add on to their nifty palm ratchet – that I use quite a bit.
Charles
I’ve had mine for a few months now and have found it quite useful.
I have most of the Megapro bits and the ratcheting Megapro worked well putting a few IKEA cabinets together, then hanging them on the wall. I tend to use an electric driver initially, then snug things up with a screwdriver – which is much easier when it ratchets.
The gearless part it quite amazing. There is zero slop but using the reversing collar is a bit odd – finding the center is a bit finicky .
Overall a good purchase if you have other Megapro drivers.
Yadda
The current price on Amazon appears to be $38.
Stuart
Here’s the Amazon direct link. It’s showing as “usually ships within 1 to 2 months,” but is $27.27 if you order from Amazon directly.
Brian
The reviews looked great and the 0-degree ratchet is really unique. I got it and was disappointed almost immediately. Standard 1/4” bits are not usable, and that’s not very clear in their ads. Not only do they slide into the but holder, they fall right out. Additionally, the bit holder in the handle doesn’t hold standard bits securely, either. I love the handle, but work they would market one that takes regular bits. I use a combo of metric and SAE hex all day at work, and this just isn’t compatible with the bits.