How to Use a Ratchet Screwdriver

Of all the hand tools needed for general home repair, a ratchet screwdriver comes second in my book behind the hammer. A ratchet screwdriver can take the place of a whole drawerful of screwdrivers and it's so simple to use.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• ratchet screwdriver
• screws - flathead, phillips head and square drive

1. Remember with a ratchet screwdriver you merely change the bits instead of searching for a whole new screwdriver. You can donate all those extra screwdrivers hanging around taking up space in your junk drawer or tool bag. Save one short handled "stubby" screwdriver to use in some tight-to-fit places.

2. 
    

   To use a ratchet screwdriver, you need to be able to recognize the type of screwheads most commonly used. Look at the picture. Starting at the top right position, you'll see the phillips head (the X shape), the square drive screw and the traditional flathead.

3. 
    
   Bits store in handle.

   Most ratchet screwdrivers come with at least 5 double-sided bits, for a total of 10 bits. Make sure you have the correct shape and size of bit inserted into the screwdriver. Do this by matching the screwhead to the bit.
   To change out bits, grab bit between your index finger and thumb. Pull firmly. To replace bit, position finger and thumb as before and insert firmly into the screwdriver shaft.

4. 
    
   Righty tighty.

   You use a ratchet screwdriver as you would a regular screwdriver except the ratchet screwdriver eliminates a lot of the wrist work. Changing directions (right or left, clockwise or counterclockwise), is easy to do. To drive a screw in, push the directional tab towards the tip of the screwdriver. Remember the "righty tighty" rule.

5. 
    
   Lefty Lucy.

   To remove a screw, push the directional tab towards the base of the screwdriver. Move your wrist in a counterclockwise position and the screw will back out. Remember the "lefty lucy" rule.

6. Whether you are driving in a screw or removing one, put firm pressure holding your screwdriver square on the screw head. If your bit is "slipping" off the screw head, stop. Check the screw itself. If it looks like the shape of the head is warping, back out the screw. Begin again with a new screw.
   Most flat pack furniture now comes with instructions not to use a power tool. If you use your ratchet screwdriver, you can get the job done quickly and more efficiently. Learn to use this handy tool and you'll never want to be without one again.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're having trouble driving a screw into wood, rub the tip of the screw into an old bar of bath soap; this will usually do the job.
• If your bit keeps slipping, a likely cause is you are not putting enough pressure square on the screw head. You need leverage to do this, so if the screw is at eyeball heighth, stand on a stepstool or small ladder. Ideally, you want to have your wrist naturally level with the screw, so you'll easily be able to apply correct pressure.

[SchoolOfLife]

on 1/18/2009 Great article- now I can identify one, and with enough practice, will know how to use it. :P Great job- keep them coming!

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 1/15/2009 Great article! The pics really help too, especially showing the different screw heads. *****

[slphilbrick]

on 1/12/2009 You know, oddly enough, as proficient as I am with male oriented tools... this was one that I found perplexing when hubby bought it for me. I thought, "what the heck is wrong with just a good quality screwdriver?". I learned eventually and now I wouldn't be without it ! Great directions !

[Punkuns]

on 1/10/2009 Very detailed information! I keep a couple ratchet screwdrivers around the house. They are extremely handy to have! Great article!

[maryellen1001]

on 1/10/2009 Great advice!!