Ditch The Regular Screwdriver: The Faster Alternative Is Easier On Your Wrists

Screwdrivers are tools every homeowner should have. Whether you're a major DIYer who uses them to finish off large-scale renovations or an apartment dweller who simply needs something to help with the process of building flat-pack furniture, these little hand tools sit very high on the list of importance. Their function is simple and often necessary, but they're not easy to use for everyone. 

Arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and injuries can make fully rotating your wrist and applying force to screws painful, if not impossible, rendering traditional screwdrivers functionally useless. So where does that leave you? Top-rated drills can help with the rotational pain, but they're often expensive and heavy, leading to a whole other host of issues. A compromise can be found in the form of ratcheting screwdriver sets, which are lightweight, require less rotation to use, and are available at a very reasonable price point.

Ratcheting screwdrivers might look like a plain screwdriver at first glance, but their magic lies in their usage. Near the head of the tool, there's a gear mechanism. This little add-on allows you move your wrist in the opposite direction without reversing your progress as you drive in a screw.

This might seem minor, but take this situation as an example: You're driving a long screw into a surface with a traditional screwdriver, and because completing a full wrist rotation causes discomfort, you're having to stop and readjust every few degrees to keep things going. With a ratcheting screwdriver, you can move back and forth at a much smaller angle without having to let go, making the process much more convenient and significantly less painful.

Most of these tools have interchangeable bits, so with one tool, you can complete a massive number of tasks throughout the home. Individual bits are much easier to store than a collection of distinct screwdrivers with their own handles, so if you're short on space and only need to use tools occasionally, a set like this is perfect.

As an added bonus, most ratcheting screwdriver sets will only run you between $15 and $45. You can save even more by checking out affordable screwdriver sets from Harbor Freight or shopping sales at other popular retailers.

To use your new tool effectively, you're going to need to complete a couple of simple steps before you get to work. Because the bits are interchangeable, it's necessary to match the bit to the screw you're trying to drive or remove. A little trial and error might be necessary here, but after you pop it into the chuck, you're set.

It's also important to pay attention to the setting of the screwdriver. There's typically a ring along the top that indicates the direction you're working in. Click it counterclockwise for loosening, set it in the middle if you don't want any ratcheting action, or move it clockwise for tightening.

While these screwdrivers are a great compromise for those with slightly limited wrist mobility, they're not a blanket solution for everyone. They still require both rotational movement and force to use, albeit on a smaller scale. If you want to eliminate rotation entirely, it might be worth checking out a rechargeable compact tool like an electric screwdriver instead.