Hand tools come in all shapes and sizes. What makes uniquely designed tools memorable, however, is not a distinct shape or size on its own. It’s when a new design creates a better tool and offers more versatility in the application that such a tool stands out from the rest. Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg, Indiana, says the Wurth ZEBRA T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver offers a design that changes the dynamic of ratcheting drive hand tools.
The Wurth ZEBRA T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver Set with 11 Piece Bits, No. 061363040, comes as a kit with a range of interchangeable bits to accommodate different applications. Included is a bit strip that will store 10 bits at a time, with a legend along the side to indicate bit size. Some of Fort’s favorite features revolve around the bits and the bit strip itself.
“I hadn’t ever really given it a thought before, but seeing most of the bits having a splash of color on them is nice,” he says. “I also like that I can push or pull a bit directly from the [strip].”
Perhaps more importantly, Fort enjoyed the driver.
“My favorite thing about this bit driver is how smooth it spins,” he says. “The ‘T’ handle is comfortable in the hand. Having it be a ‘T’ handle over a [typical] screwdriver style is huge. I can apply more force with less effort.”
Not only does the tool’s design offer comfort and fatigue relief, but, “the T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver is a great time-saver over non-ratcheting bit drivers,” Fort says.
Setup to application is a quick process.
“The only setup required is for one to choose which bit is needed, followed by setting the directional control,” Fort says.
Not only are the bits themselves interchangeable, but the connection on the tool is also interchangeable. Fort mentions he favors the ability to utilize a longer or shorter bit holder depending on the job at hand.
“I use this one daily,” Fort says. “My favorite job [that I used this tool for] so far has been unscrewing air cleaner boxes. The length of the bit holder seems to be just right.”
Fort uses the T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver in instances that call for a high number of rotations and exertion of torque, something he says the tool handles adequately.
Fort did mention that “when working in very tight spaces, bumping and switching the rotation accidentally is bothersome.” However, this lead technician values the versatility the tool offers, the tool’s job-in-mind design, and gave the Wurth ZEBRA T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver a highly rated review.
“I will be using this one for years to come,” Fort concludes.
