The only good stubby is a ratcheting stubby. Is the PB Swiss Stubby Ratcheting Screwdriver the best?

amzn.to/3Z6h4ax I'm convinced that the only good stubby screwdriver is a ratcheting stubby screwdriver. So the obvious question Is if the PB Swiss Stubby Ratcheting Screwdriver the best of the options? What do you think?
PB Swiss Ratcheting Stubby: amzn.to/3Z6h4ax
Vessel ball ratcheting driver: amzn.to/3ImGqLg
SATA ratcheting stubby: amzn.to/3Z5qZwZ
Wera ratcheting stubby: amzn.to/3IpH1Mg
Gearwrench ratcheting stubby handle: amzn.to/3jFF4kj

[@cafecybernz]

Fully agree with you, Doc: all my bit drivers are ratcheting (not only the stubby ones). The bit magazine on the Wera 008886 Kraftform Kompakt Ratcheting Stubby is better than the one on the PB Swiss: it is easier to open, and easier to retrieve the bits thanks to its sideway range of motion. However, I prefer the PB Swiss stubby to the Wera stubby because the Wera is too short (funny to say that about a stubby driver): it does not have any bit holder protrusion in front of the ratchet, like the PB Swiss has, so does not feel as comfortable in the hand. And the bit magazine hurts the palm of my hand when using it. So, yes, the PB Swiss version is the best. Have you considered acquiring the PB Swiss PB 6510R-30 or PB 6510 R-100? They are both ratcheting long screwdrivers (30mm and 100mm shaft) similar to the ones you already have but with a captive magazine holding 10 bits.

[@howardpayne4128]

I use my Wera stubby with my toolcheck. I like the fact that it's that short, I can always put a bitholder in it to extend it, you can't make any of the other stubby's shorter which kind of defeats the purpose.

[@smplfi9859]

been contemplating between the 6510r-100 and the 8453r-30. Went with the 8453r. I just end up using the stubbys more anyways. plus the 6510r-100 is on backorder every I seen. only 2 of the ratcheting stubbys left and didnt like that snap on lacked the bit storage.

[@808HasBeen]

My wallet can’t catch up to your videos 😅

[@Imurge]

🤣 🤣 🤣

[@pieces94]

I bought the 100mm PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver after watching your review of it. I have to say that I’m impressed with it. I do wish there was bit storage in the 100mm version but saw this stubby and the grip looked a little awkward. I think the spinning top makes up for the longer length. Definitely going to try this out.

[@Fjfjjdckdk]

I think it's too long to be a stubby. I think with that mechanism in front they should make it a midsize with a longer slim grip. I like their stubby non ratcheting bit holder more for small spaces. I have the wera ratcheting stubby and it has one big issue I don't experience with other ratcheting drivers- I'm constantly changing the drive direction by accident while using it. For anything requiring more than finger strength it seems like the selector ring always gets in the way. It's easy to turn which makes it easy to knock loose.

[@GS-lh2nx]

Doc I do have to say I envy you. Every video in your basement or garage with $1,000 worth of tools on the bench and you probably have a dozen of the same tool in different brands and colors somewhere else. Looking at all their quirks and features all while wearing a Rolex. Hahaha. I have bought several of your recommended tools and I have not been disappointed. I appreciate the insight of someone who does not just own tools but uses them. This video is a good case in point. I don't like ratcheting screwdrivers at all but a ratcheting stubby actually makes sense. You are trying to get a screwdriver in an already small space so only having to turn it just a little to move the fastener while not fumbling with a tiny handle is genius. Just ordered a vessel ratcheting stubby. Not a ball design but it was only like 12 bucks on amazon and made in Japan. That is a win for me. Thanks

[@dcrickerson7611]

What about the Vessel ball grip you reviewed a while back? It seemed like a great design. I have one on the way. I love tools, I'm 73 retired electrician and still helping people on the side, still buying tools. Enjoy your channel, thanks for all your reviews.

[@mcspikesky]

It's the tits. You'll love it.

[@philipdumas4435]

I picked one of those up, and LOVE it. Personally it’s my favorite stubby. It ratchets, and the thing is tiny without losing too much gripping space. You don’t have bit storage, but I’m pretty sure if you find a place you need a stubby, you probably only need one bit in that circumstance.

[@jasonsovereign4750]

I have both and both are fantastic. why pick just one right.

[@RogerRabbitt]

Outside of the vessel review video, how are you still liking it? I picked one up about a week ago and I really like it so far

[@owendavis4154]

Been using the stubby ratcheting Stanley for years....perfect for locking down heatsink screws....hasn't missed a beat....the PB Swiss looks great but the price!!!

[@VeniVidiVid]

I was wondering if you’d get to the Vessel there. I got one of those after your review, and love it. Seems like the smallest ratcheting stubby out there. But no bit storage, so that may have been the deal killer.

[@cboyamg]

Klein 32593 is by far my favorite ratcheting stubby. I only use it for 5/16 and 1/4 inch nut driver

[@ToolReviewsofToolsIUse]

That stubby does look like a great fit. My only issue with many stubby driver though is.. that they are not very stubby! Many of the times I've needed a stubby half of the ones shown would not fit. So I always find myself going back to regular fixed ones like the small snap ons you showed.

[@martinblouin3639]

you should look for Vessel and Annex, they make some great stubbys too

[@michaela3330]

Great video. This tiny PB Swiss is 80$ on amazon, crazy!

[@marcowens3522]

You get what you pay for you buy cheap tools you usually get cheap results!! If you use your tools everyday high quality is a must.

[@Callelle6251]

@@marcowens3522 Not true in the slightest.

[@kittytrail]

@@Callelle6251 not true for everything but mostly true when tools used every say are what we're talking about.

[@Callelle6251]

@@kittytrail I know what you're talking about, and my point stands

[@smplfi9859]

​@@Callelle6251 and I could build a house with a rock instead of hammer. yeah we know what you're talking about but his point also stands,

[@TylerSnyder305]

The only ratcheting stubby I've ever liked was the Armstrong 66-582 gearless. They're no longer made but Cripe distributing still has them NOS for $14 . I like them because they are the only one I've found that as stubby as a regular stubby screwdriver, they accept bits directly or you can use whatever 1/4 hex extension you want. I know you prefer on board bit storage, but you should still check one out for the price.

[@angelacruz71]

a non ratcheting stubby comes in handy in a tight spot when you have to throw on a cobra for added torque. i keep a beater acetate stubby for those situations.

[@legros731]

Yes if you need a stubby you need it short these thing a useless novelty

[@DenyTheZeitgeist]

@@legros731like stubbies in general?

[@reykjavik9187]

It would be great if you purchased ratcheting stubby from Wera and compare it side-by-side with the one from PB Swiss.

[@1vw4me]

Of all those, I prefer the VESSEL ratcheting. This PB Swiss is too long to even be considered a "stubby."

[@boosted2.4_sky]

Exactly..pretty much all drivers.. I only grab ratcheting drivers now☝️

[@cdogdrankthekoolaid]

My girl when she hears “PB Swiss” in a video i am watching: here comes the Amex again..

[@smplfi9859]

it's investing in yourself! equal to her makeup budget. cause the 'tool makes the man' 😆

[@desertdispatch]

In my humble opinion. One thing I like about this PB Swiss stubby ratcheting screwdriver is that it doesn’t feel cheap. Not at all. I consider myself a snap on fan boy and I like this better than snap on’s version. I would definitely says it’s on par with snap on. I bought it for basic tasks around the house. This thing, with reasonable care, should last years.

[@ironclaw6969]

For a bit driver, l love the Vessel ball grip that takes standard 1/4" hex bits. Works great as a regular ratcheting screwdriver, and it includes a free ratcheting stubby.

[@Tom_-]

I have one of these, not sure what I'll need it for but it's nicely made (aside from that gap!) and is a joy to use.

[@jasonsovereign4750]

I love PB swiss and have all three of those as well. I still think the vessel for a stubby ratchet is nearly as good for cheap and has a smaller footprint for tighter areas. I suggest getting both as the vessel is just a few bucks

[@rafflesmaos]

Check out the Armstrong 66-582. It's a gearless stubby.

[@Tools_and_Guitars]

The SO soft grip ratcheting stubby is still my favorite. Mostly because of the knurling on the shank and the interchangeable aspect as well. Now, if they could only find a way tp implement some bit storage into that model, I'd say it would be the clear winner of all stubby screwdrivers!

[@ricoblaser6308]

Well, for the work for which we use the Stubby in the company, we need extremely short devices and since the PB 8453 R-30 is already too long. We don't need a ratchet for working with electrical terminals, since we have the normal VDE electrical screwdrivers. But it's also good that there are people who can use a ratchet anytime and anywhere.

[@jestempies]

I've lost my PB Swiss stubby somewhere in the attic, so this comes just in time :) I don't use tools nearly enough to justify spending that much, so I'll look up Wera to see if it's cheaper.

[@lastbesttool]

If you can hang tight, I've got a Vessel on it's way that might be the cheapest best, or best cheapest ratcheting stubby.

[@scott4036]

Great vid, very hepful. The pb swiss certainly gives me the most fizz. I'm currently going through my tool box and wanting to simplify. Do you find ratcheting screw drivers with extensions and bits can pretty much replace all your fixed screw drivers?

[@chrisfyfe9212]

What I use Stubby wise is a PB Swiss magazine stubby ( non ratcheting ) , in the same case ( of my own manufacture ) , I carry a Wera 1/4” hex ratchet ( for excessively tight spots ) , I also carry a few 2” 1/4 hex impact bits , for weird applications .

[@IanSmithKSP]

The Engineer DR-54 is an interesting ratcheting driver. It’s basically just a knob with a ratcheting mechanism. The ultimate tight space driver

[@mcspikesky]

Vessel Tools, best fit in the hand of any screwdriver

[@martinblouin3639]

the dog want to get in!! lol

[@georgeferlazzo7936]

Hello again Doc Thank you for another Great Video 👍

[@dinomares5697]

Good job love you From Dino Mares Fontana CA

[@daifeichu]

Just picked up the Klein ratcheting stubby at HD. It also came with that finger ratchet I believe you showed a little while ago. The ratcheting stubby seems alright. I've never had one before but I think I have to agree that as far as stubbies go, ratcheting is the better.

[@nitrorc4life1]

I just push the screwdriver into the screw with my palm as I readjust my grip with a stubby driver, no ratcheting needed, but is a useful feature.

[@davidhull2060]

I'm fond of the Bahco stubby t handle ratchet driver. It's quite small, has a good grip and seems very durable.

[@jonc3768]

So I had the same problem with my stubby PB Swiss (cap was slightly crooked and wouldn’t close flush) and they warrantied it out no problem. The replacement they sent me was nearly perfect. Seems like they had a bad batch.

[@applesauce1680]

A Stanley ratchet stubby 6 bit screw driver & 6" Crescent wrench in the kitchen drawer will save countless trips to the garage, basement, tool shed...wherever your more expensive but no better small project/repair tools may be.

[@ParkerBinion]

Am I crazy? I prefer the 711L Lollipop to the stubby ratchet. The L Handle gives me the torque. The spinning top allows me to reposition my hand like a ratchet without the noise or slight resistance. And the spinning top allows me to twist a loose screw very quickly with my fingers. On board storage is the only benefit to the stubby ratchet IMO.

[@seanmcelroy4764]

I just purchased my first racheting screwdriver a pb swiss and a wera and to get free shipping I threw in a knipex plier wrench 🔧

[@smplfi9859]

what size plier wrench?

[@seanmcelroy4764]

8603150 is the model I think 7 inch

[@Goliad_Respector]

Have you done a video on the Wera ratcheting stubby? Wera makes their stubby in a ratcheting with bit holder just like one you have there, as opposed to their new ones without bits.

[@Foxholeatheist]

I've got a non-ratcheting Wiha stubby that fits well in a Milwaukee screwdriver bit box. I can grab that box and have a good general-purpose screwdriving kit all in one box.

[@lastbesttool]

This one? kzbin.info/www/bejne/m52WdZZjZdl9lac

[@aussiehardwood6196]

You need low backdrag in a ANYTHING ratcheting. My wera ratcheting screwdriver is hopeless compared to Japanese options at a fraction of the cost. I want a tight bit fit, low backdrag and minimal 'slop' in the movement. Since the US realised how good PB Swiss is the prices have literally gone through the roof, more than doubled. I wont buy them for that reason.

[@kelvinlau1229]

What would be your recommendations then?

[@masoodamg6633]

that was perfect . Thankful

[@philipespersen2694]

Try to look for Bahco 1/4" Bit Holder Stubby T-Handle Ratcheting Screwdrivers 808050TS I havent tried it myself, but i have their normat stubby it is great. No bitholder though

[@cafecybernz]

You're right: the Bahco Stubby Ratchet Screwdriver 808050S, the one you have I guess, was my preferred stubby before I got the PB Swiss one.

[@thejoshman4883]

The Wera stubby ratcheting screwdriver is great and gets into tighter spaces than the pb and has bit holding

[@SH0CKxWAVES]

Do you find yourself using these more than a snap on? I don’t have many tools of my own but I did recently purchase a snap on screwdriver set. My biggest thing is buying tools that will also last for my kids

[@lastbesttool]

No, one of my favorite tools is the Snap On stubby ratcheting screwdriver with interchangeable shafts. But the PB is great too.

[@markc1844]

Check out the Facom Stubby Ratchet driver, it's solid, has a great grip and will last forever - My fave was the Snap On-However on many occasions it was just far too long.

[@GlennC789]

I kind of hate ratcheting screwdrivers and don't understand your seeming obsession with them. How am I wrong?

[@mcspikesky]

You don't like to work efficiently?

[@GlennC789]

@@mcspikesky Well that would be the argument, but it seems so much more efficient to turn a regular screwdriver by spinning it than a ratcheting screwdriver a quarter turn at a time.

[@paulhunt598]

My son has recently added PBSwiss to his favorite use tools. He likes the precision parallel flat drive. He was attempting to get me to try them. I am like you in that I don't get much value from ratcheting screw drivers. I prefer fixed blade. I have about 5 Snap-On ratcheting screw drivers in two configurations. They are wonderful tools, but I just can't get enamored with using them. I simply prefer fixed blade tools. If I need a ratcheting function, I am more inclined to use a ratchet wrench. My finger on the back of the bit captured by the ratcheting wrench is much shorter than any stubby screw driver. I agree that fixed blade stubby screw drivers are pretty much useless. I have many of them, probably because they are usually cheap and pristine in the used Snap--On tools box at the flea market. Mine take up drawer space and will still be pristine when my wife has my estate auction. Maybe they will bring high dollar for another sucker like me!

[@legros731]

@@mcspikesky efficiently lol it way faster by hand with a regular screwdriver and if you really need it small for tight space a 1/4 bit mini ratchet is less than 20mm in height Just the fact they are ratchet make them not stubby the "bad" snap on one is like half the length of the pb swiss

[@123IGRACH]

@@GlennC789 Plus you can't really tighten the screw correctly with ratchet.

[@jasonwagner5571]

In my opinion, there is no need for a multi-bit holder on a stubby. 95% of the time there are driver bits an arms reach away. The purpose of a stubby is the small size. With that, I think the small, ratcheting Kline is the best because it’s very compact.

[@peterryan7340]

Does the PB Swiss or Vessel have a smoother ratcheting mechanism?

[@MattLitkeRacing]

An aftermarket shank for the Snap-on that’s shorter would be great. Maybe with a spinner on it too

[@motionsick]

1/4" bit ratchets make stubby screw drivers irrelevant. PB swiss is too long to be considered a proper stubby.

[@thomaspolley4977]

I bought the milwaukee stubby a while back thinking I would customize it with different bits. I didn't realize they were an odd length. They're shorter than the typical 2 inch bits. I can't find anywhere that sells them.

[@CygnusRising]

Looks like Wera just released the 8009 Zyklop Pocket -- a combination 3/8" ratchet 1/4" hex drive with 12x 1" bit storage in the handle and a Zyklop pivoting head. It's expensive, but... man, that's a *dense* tool package in one hand.

[@CygnusRising]

@HTR Yeah, the more I looked into it, the more that became somewhat apparent. I'm sure for somebody it's a really great tool, but it does indeed look like it's trying to be too much at once.

[@FrancisRoyCA]

A special favour to ask of the author or the reader: I cannot find the dimensions of the handle for the PB Swiss Ratcheting stubby. I use a cheap Mastercraft one in my EDC, but I'm always fighting for bits. I want to replace it. But the size is good, I can fit in in my little belt pouch: 1 inch by 1 1/8 inch about 3 inches long (handle only.) What are the dimensions of the PB Swill handle?

[@joyo2122]

perfection

[@jeffreywolf5235]

I have a DeWalt that has a bit holder on there and it is the biggest piece of garbage every time I open it up four to six bits go flying out.

[@VincentDelaforge]

What about the Vessel Ball Ratchet Screwdriver 2200 ? The smallest ratcheting stubby with a good grip.

[@cgtbrad]

Williams makes a T handle stubby (Model WRST1) that I really like. Fine ratchet with low back pressure just like the Snap On because it's the same mechanism. Approx $30 on Amazon right now.

[@TylerSnyder305]

he already has that one, because it is / was also offered through snapon. The one I like which is no longer made is the William's super torque bone, it was one of the strongest made because it was just a round head ratchet mechanism inside a plastic housing. Most other ratcheting bit drivers do not use a very strong mechanism.

[@zizu35]

the best you have there is the one you didn't talk about... the vessel ratcheting stubby, it's short, PB swiss stubby shouldn't be called a stubby, it's way too long for real use

[@brendangriffin1791]

Doc your a bad influence I've been buying more of these drivers than i need more than i will ever use but it is fun. Keep ip the good work

[@feicheng7022]

Sunflag makes good stubby ratcheting screwdriver. Pretty good.

[@CJINW]

I was looking to purchase, however….Yikes!!! $80 on Amazon. As of Jan 4, 2023. Cannot spend that on a stubby. I have the Klein that you show. It’s a 6 out of 10. Non-standard bits and mine is very hard to open and bit removal is sometimes hard to do. They are tight in there.

[@Tollyman69]

Linus Tech Tips is going to be coming out with a subby version of their screwdriver.

[@Tollyman69]

@HTR have you tried the screwdriver or looked at any of the reviews about the screwdriver?

[@Tollyman69]

@HTR well then why dont you put your money where your mouth is? As a hand tool review channel this is exactly something I would expect to see on your channel. Then you can make the "right" comparison to the screwdrivers you think it matches with.

[@Gerginthehat]

Amazon has the PB Swiss as unavailable.

[@nickshowsstuff435]

You’re making things a little more complicated than they really need to be which I like to see it’s interesting but you simply twist with your right hand and use your left hand to push a couple fingers on the back given you have enough room to fit two fingers but if u don’t have room for that good luck backing the screw all the way out! Very rarely ever need to use one anyways but I enjoy the thought and analysis.

[@joaomiranda8245]

😂😂😂

[@justinkase1360]

I have done exactly what you suggest and it does work, hut ratcheting is simply better. Anyway, you also can't always use two hands like that.

[@fa-ajn9881]

MAC Tools makes one too!

[@CellaDorrn]

… even a stubby rests on the inside of my palm.. where the joint of my index and middle finger is… With my Fingers like a Claw.. so no problem for me.. hand size 9 in eu.. wich would only be L Bit i think i will have a closer look at that one anyway

[@jtb52]

Like it elusive technology 😂

[@daisymontague9515]

I hope LTT makes more tools. Would be exciting if they made a ratcheting stubby.

[@Callelle6251]

Why? So they can take another existing design and make it worse?

[@svn5994]

No thanks. Leave tool making to the people who know how to make tools and not overpriced gimmicks for an industry that doesn't need ratcheting screwdrivers.

[@platoscavealum902]

👍

[@methylbenzodiazepine]

Blue point FSDR you're welcome

[@jroark101]

I don’t like how long the PBswiss is. I’d rather have a true stubby like the wera

[@drabusharr]

$79... Today. Supply,/ demand?/Advertising? Frankly outrageous.

[@gl0sek]

Pb swiss is way too expensive for me. I also never understood people using ratcheting screwdrivers. Until I got xiaomi mi 16 in 1 screwdriver... I don't know what kind of voodoo did the chinese do on that ratcheting mechanism but the back drag is so small that I can barely feel it. It's not a stubby, I would even say it's quite big but that ratcheting is buttery smooth and I love it.

[@gl0sek]

@HTR Couldn't find any that was available to buy... But even the worse one has an awesome ratcheting mechanism!

[@gl0sek]

@HTR oh it's not perfect but if the other one is unavailable then what good is it for me... Seriously I'm not going to drive a screw with power of my mind by just thinking how good 8 in 1 was... I picked 16 in 1 and it's great for my usecase. Simple as that.

[@alexstrouse6333]

I cannot seem to fond the PB swiss anywhere.

[@justa1098]

PB Swiss tools are massively overpriced

[@jackof1]

“Overpriced” is relative

[@justa1098]

@jackof1 that very true. All I can say is "in my opinion PB Swiss tools are massively overpriced".

[@svn5994]

@@jackof1 $80 for this is not worth it.

[@jackof1]

@@justa1098 I mean it’s relative to other tools. PB Swiss is massively overpriced compared to Jobsmart, but if you’re using a tool to make $80/hour you shouldn’t have a problem spending $80 on it

[@justa1098]

@jackof1 I agree with what you're saying to a certain extent. I'm an engineer myself and I don't buy cheap handtools. I can see why PB price themselves so high

[@a8f235]

*Dog:* _Cat want chikn again ruh rah... Covey leader to raven. Talk to me Johnny..._

[@justinkase1360]

Entirely too long for a stubby, IMHO. I use the Klien 6-in-1 ratcheting stubby and it's great. It would be nice if it did have bit storage qnd too standard bits, though.

[@dannyluna5736]

That’s a big dog

[@southsidetom]

Bits in the handle are a trash design and they take too long to fiddle with opening and removing. That's why I like that Milwaukee stubby ratcheting screwdriver. Also with the MLW the ratcheting mechanism is not sloppy and it's well made. Get the combo deal with it's regular sized cousin and be happy.

[@backroadcamry1467]

Lol you compared PB Swiss to Milwaukee. Lol

[@Wellspicedchaffinch]

I have the Milwuakee stubby and regular and the bits are too difficult to remove for my liking. I have to use a second bit to remove the bit I want. Very bad design in my opinion - after maybe a year of use. That's how I found this video - wanting a better design. Sadly... It seems like I'll have to pay maybe £100 for it. I'm not sure better design is worth an extra £85... but I' tempted.... Sorely tempted...

[@qzetu]

The issue with the pbs stubby is it's too long.

[@drengskap]

Being PB Swiss, I'm sure it's lovely quality, but sorry, that ain't very stubby!

[@xXCigarXx]

Spray something slick with teflon.......I dont think you know what teflon does....

[@mamumonkan]

too many problems and no longer available in the US

[@ricker76er]

Ratcheting stubbys tend not to be very stubby.

[@23x31]

Its a stubby that's too long to be called a stubby and at the bargain price of $80.

[@smplfi9859]

never had a position that needed/ only allowed just 3inches that someone else drilled through. Yes, I agree it's a bit long to classified 'stubby' it's more of a perfect compact midsize. Just too many adjectives and compartmentalizing categories. he said in another video that pb swiss knows about the failing to close and is sending out new models to those affected. means they really care as well despite being overseas. plus this model is cheaper by 20$ off of amazon. don't use the big brother and support your neighbors if you can. your local dealer definitely has a better price, but you typically can't google their inventory outside of the biggest dealers.

[@halama172]

pb is a little bit too long for a stubby driver.

[@GhostScheming]

First

[@ollivgv]

too long 'nose'

[@dan__________________]

WERA 008886