Robert Schroeder 538-1335 Ratchet Screwdriver

I purchased this particular spiral ratchet driver due to the promise of using 1/4" hex shank bits, as this would hypothetically allow for nearly infinite flexibility. Technically, the tool does accept 1/4" hex shank bits, as well as 1/4" round. In practice, however, the locking mechanism precludes the use of any 1/4" shank (hex or otherwise) that has a lock groove. In other words, the majority of hex bits designed for power clutch mechanisms (with the little tapered section just above the base of the shank) will NOT be held securely by this spiral ratchet's tip-locking mechanism.The reason (as mentioned in Otto 80's review) is that the locking nut does not actually exert any direct (radial) clamping pressure, but rather functions solely to squeeze the included silicon-rubber O-ring against a 1/4" shank. If you have a straight, or shoulder-notched shank of sufficient length, this works beautifully-- and the included double-tipped Phillips/slotted bits are held very, very tightly (especially considering this is essentially a friction lock between silicon-rubber and steel). Unfortunately, shanks with lock grooves do not provide any steel for the O-ring to grip. In other words, 1/4" shanks with lock grooves will pull right out, and take the O-ring with them-- or, if you do some careful alignment, you'll get a half-arsed seat, where the very base of the shank may not pull out easily, but your bit will pretty much be bouncing around rather than seated securely and locked down.If there was a 1/4" non-grooved hex shank chuck adapter (a 1/4" version of  Insty Bit Quick Change Drilling Systems Insty-Lok Chuck ), that could work-- you'd be adding another adapter that would, in turn hold your 1/4" hex shank bit-- but securely. I've found nothing of the sort, unfortunately.I want to emphasize that the actual tool is superbly built, and out of the box, functions just fine as a driver (with the included double-ended tips-- and the tips are quality). Good luck finding a workaround to securely hold drill bits, though. The Snappy drill bit hex adapters (1/4";  Snappy Drill Bit Adapter Set ) have lock grooves and, unfortunately, do not allow for proper securing (I tried).

I just received this and after reading the reviews (mainly the first two) I took the screwdriver out to check how the screwdriver bit was held in place. I took the bit and slid it into the bit holder, it was tight so I turned the black end piece to loosen it (lefty loosie) the bit slipped right in after it was lined up. I turned the black end cap the other way (righty tighty) and it cinched right up. I grabbed my Craftsman nut drivers for a drill, and they fit as well as the screwdriver bits that were provided with this screwdriver. Maybe some people just don't know how to operate a chuck. 5 stars for the screwdriver and locking mechanism. the one bad thing is screwdriver bits with the 3/16" notch cut 1/4" up the shaft have the cut out end right at the top of the chuck, this could cause damage to the screwdriver if the bit was to slip out 1/16" and bind, so I would stay away from them.The way the Chuck works is there is a rubber O'ring in it, when you screw the Chuck cap tight it Squeeze's the O'ring which flatten it which in turn applies pressure on the bit and holds it in place.

This tool is a real gem. I'm restoring an old house, and the paint removal guys (exterior) removed one of my newly-installed outlet boxes. They are deep, and the anchor screws (through exterior ears) are nearly impossible to drive home because of the tight proximity to the box.I decided that this was probably not the right application for this tool, but why not?! So the carpenter nearby drilled my pilot holes for me, and I inserted a big wood screw (phillips head) and Wowie Zowie! That tool drove the shorter one home in two plunges, and the longer one in 3 1/2. About 1/2" at a time. Slick as a whistle, no wrist fatigue, and the "push" stroke ensures that the bit is not going to pop up and ruin the head.Removing screws can be more of a challenge for the pump action, because the pressure to hold the bit in the screwhead will want to push the screw back in if it is a loose hole. Never fear! This baby has a locking mechanism that turns it into an ordinary long OR short screwdriver! (Lock it while extended or lock it will collapsed.)Good, smooth, clean action. I wonder if it is OK to oil the rotation threads? Or if they'll just gum up on me.

I bought this screwdriver for my brother for Christmas. I was very excited to test it out to make sure it was working properly. I was fixing everything around the house that i could find. I have a few drill bits that were hexed 1/4" it drilled into 2x4 studs fairely easy. Drill bit wouldnt back out of hole but would have if i pushed hard enough but i felt like i was being rough on it being new. i think it should be broken in a little bit before really reaming on it. My brother is a Hvac technician he wasnt super wasnt near as excited as i was about it. I need to get one for myself now.

Screwdriver bits difficult to remove and then reposition in the handle

had hoped I could use it as a "Yankee" type manual push drill but the spring in it is not stiff enough to cause the drill bit to progress into the wood.Works okay as a screw driver when you only need a moderate amount of torque

Works perfectly. The handle is wood and looks as if it has seen some real use. Doesn't bother me, but I don't believe these are 'new' drivers.That said, they are well made.

Makes me feel like I'm 30 again! Like being able to buy brand new Mod. A ford. This thing seems to be the same as the old Yankee drivers I once owned. Beautiful: I love, love, love it! And I think the new bit holder is great too. Don't have to rummage around in tool box for the little propriatary bit holder. I just wanta screw all day with this tool.