THE New Standard? ANEX’s 72-Gear Ratcheting Ball Grip Screwdriver 🪛

[@michaellindsay8934]

This is the first video I've seen where I would actually buy the ratcheting screwdriver to be honest most of them look cheap to me . The ANEX looks comfortable and easy to use and at $20 it's a great price. Thanks for sharing your expertise. I do enjoy your videos.

[@ThingsMen]

I appreciate your feedback. I’m glad to hear you enjoy my videos and that I could share something that you too could use in your toolbox. 👍🏻

[@joaquinchan9936]

I was using the vessel with the bit holder and one of the things I can't stress enough is how important the length of the shaft is when working on something. The vessel just did that job effectively at almost 5.5 inches. The width/thickness of the shaft is also another feature the vessel has going on over other brands. Mind you, I own both ratchets and I like them both.

[@ThingsMen]

Good point. If you require a narrow long tang then the vessel is a bit better in that regard. Which one do you find yourself using more?

[@joaquinchan9936]

@@ThingsMen for the work I do, I often find myself getting into tight areas and by that I mean extending my tool. I like going stubby, but it all depends on the situation. As of late, I have been using the Vessel. It is not the best ratchet, but it does other things well.

[@robertcasey3528]

That Anex is my favorite along with the ratcheting Vessel screwdriver

[@ThingsMen]

Mine as well. You can’t go wrong with them both. 👍🏻

[@andrianrahardja8854]

@@ThingsMen​​⁠only buy product from vessel when there is written ‘made in Japan’ mate, not one with ‘product of japan’ or ‘made in Thailand. Trust me this is why i never buy the ratchet one from the vessel until i find the one with ‘made in Japan’ on it The original made in japan comes with the box and you got 1 bit inside it separately. And it’s really hard to find it right now unless you ask the seller before you buy

[@GuyBaptist777]

Love my 397! I threw all my other drivers in a box after this one.

[@ThingsMen]

@@GuyBaptist777 atta boy!

[@rogerfluhr5652]

Interesting video about the Anex. I have that Vessel driver and love it. I also did some improvements on it. Figured out how to open it up. Cleaned and lubed it (I always use Superlube) and it lowered its already low backdrag, noticeably. I also spent about 20 minutes "working in" the yellow plastic switch. Now I can easily switch it with two fingers while operating the driver. I do not have any issues with accidentally turning the switch.

[@ThingsMen]

Glad to see you customizing your Vessel. They are probably my second favorite right behind the Anex. The Anex is really nice. 👍🏻

[@rogerfluhr5652]

@@ThingsMen I gave it a shot.......ordered the Anex and it arrived today. I'm not liking it. My Vessel, after I modded it as above has MUCH lower backdrag and smoother action. While the Anex is tighter in the "locked" position, that is not of concern to me. It was a nice ratchet, but as I like my Vessel more, the Anex won't get the use.

[@ThingsMen]

@@rogerfluhr5652 well you gave it a shot. I also like the compactness and the finite dexterity more especially at the fingertips. Maybe give it some time but I won’t blame you in the Vessel. Those are still great. 👍🏻

[@rogerfluhr5652]

@@ThingsMen Yes, we're talking about 2 good tools here. But I think if you do as I did in my mod, you may change your mind. VERY smooth and fits my hand and fingers better. As I already own a Megapro as well, it is time to downsize a bit..

[@ThingsMen]

@@rogerfluhr5652 I’ll keep using mine for sure and see if my opinion changes.👍🏻

[@CarlosMartinez-mj6cu]

Great video. I own both and I can agree with you. Of the two the Anex is my favorite. The long shaft and the locking mechanism are fantastic.

[@ThingsMen]

Thanks for commenting. Glad to see we agree on the Anex. 👍🏻

[@agathahearth]

I like the stubby mode on the vessel. That’s the only reason why I haven’t switched. I will say the vessel is very to change the ratchet direction accidentally

[@ThingsMen]

@@agathahearth do you own an Anex yet? If not then you will feel the difference.

[@Fred_the_Head]

I have read several reviews about the Anex ratcheting screwdrivers. Some state that the ratcheting screwdrivers have 60 teeth, some state 72 teeth. My PB Swiss ratcheting screwdrivers have 24 teeth. Most other manufacturers have 45 teeth.

[@ThingsMen]

@@Fred_the_Head it’s up there for sure. Very smooth.

[@robertcasey3528]

Anex = Action, nice & excellent

[@ThingsMen]

😆

[@ironclaw6969]

I would like to see Anex put out a ratcheting screwdriver that takes standard 1" bits as I am quite hesitant to buy anything that uses a proprietary bit. Also, that built-in stubby in the Vessel has come in pretty handy on occasion. Especially as it basically counts as a free tool.

[@ThingsMen]

The vessel has its share of piney tricks for sure. However overall ease of use and comfort goes to Anex. They have really dialed that driver in, in my opinion. Thanks for commenting 👍🏻

[@nachoisme]

It doesn’t take a proprietary bit but you do need a bit longer than an inch

[@jamesrodgers3132]

Seriouly? It's cheap and trivial to put a standard adapter in this, like he showed.

[@hardlyb]

This is all I need: another tool channel where I end up buying tools. My wife will kill me! But I've ordered it. You should put links in, so you get a commission from your viewers.

[@ThingsMen]

Glad I could help feed you addiction. 😆 🫂

[@hardlyb]

@@ThingsMen I now have 3 of those Anex screwdrivers. Don't tell my wife. With the Makita 6in magnetic bit holder (minus the little retaining ring), the Anex is my new favorite screwdriver.

[@ThingsMen]

@@hardlyb atta boy! Glad to see you really liking them. They are my current favorite as well. Ill probably pick up a second one in the coming weeks. Hopefully you are enjoying your extension too.

[@matthewaaaron7421]

Love mine. Can put so much torque into it, putting big screws into wood.

[@ThingsMen]

@@matthewaaaron7421 glad to hear. 👍🏻

[@stevegee218]

The Anex 306-D is super short with a common hex locking collar.

[@ThingsMen]

Correct. I might review that one as well if enough people are interested. 👍🏻

[@СергейТим-ч1л]

JAPAN 🇯🇵 FOREVER 💪☝️🤘

[@ThingsMen]

Some good stuff for sure. 👍🏻

[@scotts4125]

I have all those except the Anex but Wera, PB Swiss , Gearwrench too. Nothing comes close to the Hazet 810R-4. Blows them all away with the best bit storage and lowest back drag.

[@ThingsMen]

I’ll have to look into the Hazet. I have a pb Swiss that I’ll will review soon. The Anex is really nice especially for the price. 👍🏻

[@scotts4125]

@@ThingsMenI have 2 PB Swiss. One with bit storage and one without. I really don't like either one. Really high back drag and not a fan of their bit storage. One sits on my desk as a fidget toy. The other is in a tool kit bag in my car that never gets used. The Hazet is in my primary Veto bag and my goto ratchet driver. The Wera was also disappointing. All loose tolerances. Huge fan of Vessel bits. I think I have Annex bits as well but no drivers.

[@ThingsMen]

@@scotts4125 I agree that the on Swiss is high backdrag. It’s a nice driver otherwise. I think that if you like vessel then you will definitely like the Anex. Very similar but a bit more refined in ergonomics and gear functionality. 👍🏻

[@EbikeCarlos]

Great video ! Been looking into a ball grip screwdriver. Is the phillips Jis standard?

[@ThingsMen]

Thanks. Hard to tell for sure. Conflicting sources say either. I’m leaning towards standard.

[@egbluesuede1220]

Curious to see comments from Vessel fans. That Anex looked pretty decent if you like ball grip ratchets.

[@ThingsMen]

Would be interested as well. Having both now I really like what the Anex offers.

[@Kage_Bojji]

Hi do you know of any locking bit extension that fits into this screwdriver that would let it take normal size bits? I was found the Wera 889/4 R but I think it will still stick out quite a bit. Thanks!

[@ThingsMen]

Great question. I have used several, but you probably don't want to go under 3" length as it wont fully seat. 4" and longer should be ok. Doesn't matter the brand, but i think i have an Irwin, and a Makita that i last used.

[@heypeteyj]

I have both the Anex and Vessel and I prefer the Vessel. It’s super smooth and with very little resistance. Paired with the Vessel Impact Ball bits…a perfect match. Vessel bits are where it’s at IMO. Just to qualify that, I prefer the short bits over long reach. Much easier to store and switch out, IMO. As for people like Last Best Tool, breaking in, these ball drive screwdrivers with a drill, it’s pretty silly, IMO. You’re effectively diminishing the shelf life of the working components of the screwdriver. They were designed by brilliant Japanese engineers, with normal rotation in-mind. But, hey, these aren’t people who use tools daily, which will do the trick on break-in. They are tool showcasers.

[@ThingsMen]

Thanks for sharing your preference. I agree that the vessel bits are very nice and well above par. Which grip do you prefer and what type of work are you mostly using yours on?

[@Hibbicon]

What is the difference between 397-D and 397-H?

[@ThingsMen]

@@Hibbicon H doesn’t come with the bit. Just handle.

[@rickcarpenter4518]

I like the overall bit holder handle selection from Anex better than that of Vessel. I have mostly from Anex, but I have a few from Vessel as well. I use the 397 with a Wiha Centrofix bit holder that holds Japanese and Western bits, as well as C6 insert bits. I need to superglue it in tho.

[@ThingsMen]

That’s an interesting combo. Does the bit holder fully seat?

[@johncarpenter6275]

@@ThingsMen Yes, it does with very little wobble, but with only a friction fit it does not lock. I need to superglue it in place.

[@rickcarpenter4518]

@@ThingsMen It fits tightly but doesn't lock in. I need to superglue it in place.

[@jessicalawson1417]

might be an unpopular opinion but i think i prefer the wear turbo screwdrivers over a ratcheting screwdriver.

[@ThingsMen]

Nothing wrong with having a favorite. 👍🏻

[@jessicalawson1417]

@@ThingsMen hate that autocorrect changes Wera to either were or wear, lol

[@SachsVDE]

What the heck man! ,50 bucks on Amazon (shipping) for a screwdriver 🪛😨??? Here in Germany you can buy a set of 🪛 insulated 32€ Wera(OBI) , plus another VDE set by Witte 19€,at Hornbach...both Made in Germany (10 piece 55$) mind blowing 🌟

[@ThingsMen]

Yea not sure about Germany but in the US they ship for $20 before tax. Might not be a nice of a deal for you at $50.

[@lern2swim]

"You just can't shorten it up as easy" LOL it literally has a built in stubby.

[@ThingsMen]

Truth. 👍🏻