First, this is a great tool, first-class in every way. The form and fit are just about perfect, the screwdriver is almost like jewelry (really tough jewelry). The handle is comfortable and cleaned up well, the drive shaft never developed any play and the ratchet never skipped a tooth. Special mention has to go out to the bit holder in the handle. This part is amazingly good- no more dumping a pile of bits out on to our work or the floor, the holder does not drop bits, but does not hold them so tightly as to make bits hard to remove with greasy hands. It flips open quickly and closes securely and easily. I really, really want to figure a way to get this handle on to another driver!!!
The not-so-perfect: The shaft is a bit too wide. This may allow for a more solid connection and more robust tool, but it makes it harder to spin between your fingers. The lack of knurling, which I thought would be a big issue here, was not so much of an issue since the shaft is so wide (plenty of grip for spinning). So- the tight ratchet bearing combined with the smooth and wide blade make this not-so-ideal when speeding out fasteners.
I could have lived with that, but there was one more thing. The direction selection ring: while mostly very good- easy to change with one hand, firm to prevent accidental changes and nice, solid click stops- it GOES BACKWARDS. In other words, if you are tightening a fastener and your thumb rests on the direction ring as mine does, and your thumb moves in the direction you are turning the driver- you will reverse direction! I figured I would get used to this, train my brain/hands and all, but that never happened. I constantly hit that reversing ring while turning screws and bolts- usually at the most inconvenient times.
Turn, turn, turn.....shit.... stop and adjust the direction...turn turn turn... shit...stop...etc...
So the Snap-on ratcheting has gone back in to my work tool kit and the PB has gone in to the kitchen kit.
M
