Kamasa 55703
Bits supplied Flat blade 4, 5, & 7mm. Phillips sizes 1, 2 & 3. Pozidriv sizes 1, 2 & 3. Hex 3, 4, & 5mm Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, & T30
Ratchet gearing 18 positions
Price £6
Tel 01926 815000
Web www.kamasa.co.uk
Comments Can a £6 screwdriver, complete with 18 bits, be any good? In this case, yes. The tool is well finished. The handle is nicely shaped and rubbery, for an easy grip, even with oil-soaked hands. The ratchet gearing is pretty fine and the direction switch, which can also lock the tool, is handily positioned in a thumb wheel at the base of the handle.
Verdict Stunning value for money. A very usable tool.

Draper 74632
Bits supplied Flat blade 5 & 7mm. Phillips sizes 1 & 2. Pozidriv sizes 1 & 2
Ratchet gearing Ten positions
Price £5.95
Tel 02380 266355
Web www.drapertools.com
Comments At first glance, this looks like one of those novelty hot hatch car gearknobs but the odd shape works well in your hand. The rubbery feeling material is also oily-hands friendly. Another innovation with that unusually shaped handle is a flip-top lid, under which are the six driver bits – we like this because if you've got the driver to hand, you know that all the bits are there, too. Points were lost, though, for a fiddly direction switch. And the ratchet itself is somewhat coarse, and less free than most in the non-load direction.
Verdict Short, stubby, shape is excellent for awkwardly placed screws.

Franklin 8700
Bits supplied Flat blade 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7mm. Phillips 2 sets of sizes 0, 1, 2 & 3. Pozidriv 2 sets of sizes 1, 2, & 3. Hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, & 6mm. Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T30 & T40
Ratchet gearing 40 positions
Price £15.98
Tel 0114 272 1429
Web www.franklin-tools.co.uk
Comments At three times the price of the Kamasa, what justifies the extra cost? Well, the ratchet gearing is ultra fine – ideal for tackling awkwardly positioned screws. The wide selection of bits is well chosen, and a 50mm extension is included. The handle is grip friendly and the direction switch is well placed. Verdict A top quality product, with the finest ratchet of any on test here.

Stanley 0-68-010
Bits supplied Flat blade 4 & 6mm. Phillips sizes 1 & 2. Pozidriv sizes 1 & 2. Square drive sizes 1 & 2. Torx T10 & T15
Ratchet gearing 16 position
Price £7.69
Tel 08701 650650
Web www.stanleyworks.com
Comments The handle of this Stanley model has been borrowed from the company's Dynagrip range of screwdrivers, which means that it is superbly shaped for maximum grip. And, an unusual bit holder built into the tool keeps six favourite sizes close to hand. But getting them out is an acquired knack. The ratchet is reasonably fine and a good mover in the free direction. In fact, the only niggle we have with this tool is its rather bulky size.
Verdict Nice to use, apart from the stubborn bit retainer.

Agriemach PM099690
Bits supplied Flat blade 5 & 7mm. Phillips sizes 1 & 2
Ratchet gearing Infinite positions
Price £9.99
Tel 01342 713743
Web www.agriemach.com
Comments You might think that only supplying four bits is rather mean. But consider this tool's no-nonsense design. The shaft is double ended, and each has a double-ended bit so it's also incredibly quick and easy to change from one size bit to another. The ratchet is a swish, step-less, design, which grips as soon as you change direction. But this is not without its drawbacks: the clutch mechanism can slip under high loading. Also, the tool cannot be locked for non-ratcheting operation. But the biggest minus is the hard plastic handle.
Verdict Difficult to use and grip when you have oily hands.

Clarke CHT 344
Bits supplied Flat blade 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7mm. Phillips 2 sets of sizes 0, 1, 2 & 3. Pozidriv 2 sets of sizes 1, 2, & 3. Hex 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, & 6mm. Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T30 & T40
Ratchet gearing Infinite positions
Price £12.87
Tel 01992 565300
Web www.clarkeinternational.com
Comments Without a gearknob-style dog-leg to its stubby handle you cannot get a really good grip, and the hard plastic finish makes matters worse if your hands are oily. Nevertheless, this is an impressive tool with a super-smooth ratchet mechanism. And the bit selection included matches that of the Franklin set (above). The 50mm extension supplied is especially useful with this short tool.
Verdict The poorly shaped and finished handle spoils an otherwise excellent set.