LTT screwdriver review: YouTuber beats Snap-On?

LTT just released a new ratcheting screwdriver, and it costs $69.99. Is it merch or is it a quality tool that can match other pro tools in its price class?

I bought screwdrivers from PB Swiss, Snap-On, Wera, and more to see which ratcheting screwdriver is the best!

Screwdrivers tested in this video (along with price + shipping, some links are affiliate links):

Videos referenced in this video:

Contents:

00:00 - Linus talks a big game
01:24 - The Contenders
05:08 - It's just merch, right?
05:57 - LTT Screwdriver overview
07:20 - Magnets in the Gauss
09:01 - Blade
10:31 - All ratchet, no clank
12:13 - Ratchet ASMR
13:14 - Little bits
14:48 - Bit changes
16:55 - Grip, flip, and slip
18:15 - PC Building
20:13 - Touch wood
23:46 - Voiding the warranty
27:02 - ...with a bowling ball!
28:26 - More than just a tool

[LinusTechTips]

Only about 1/4 of the way through, but thanks in advance for taking the time to test us out!

I love your presentation style and u can see a lot of time and care was put into making this a shockingly digestible 30 minutes video :D - LS

[ProjectFarm]

Hi Jeff, "Very Impressive" review!! Looking forward to more of your upcoming reviews!

[JPBennett]

The oil on the driver bits may actually be a feature. Prevents any oxidation or corrosion while the kit sits in a warehouse waiting for someone to buy it.

[joshburgin]

Love the video, I will say the "bit switch speed" was a bit unfair because you know with the PB Swiss there will be a 10-30 minute penalty where you're walking around looking for the bit storage brick that you "left somewhere you wouldn't forget it"

[Blue-cqhl]

Oil on metal parts actually helps act as a rust preventative as someone who works more on the manufacturing side of metal production. We have customers that literally require us to oil their stuff before we send it back to them for example. I'd rather have oiled bits than rusty bits when it comes down to it.

[zyeborm]

I like that the ltt driver is the one that got dropped the most. They really should have had it drop rated lol

[dfdorsey]

The biggest complaint I have as a mechanic with "Grippy" handle or rubberized handles is that once you start getting greases and oils on them, they start falling apart and/or getting really nasty sticky feeling to them. This is something that is not considered "Warrantable" by the tool companies I have dealt with.
The hard handles wipe off and are good for life.

[rklauco]

Should someone ever told me that I'll spend 30 minutes watching screwdriver review, I'd tell him to think again. Yet, here we are...

[SevenGC]

I laughed so hard at "is itt better than our sponsor?" hahaha The LTT segue is legendary, Great video man. Hope you're doing good with your health, always keep you in my thoughts and prayers I now what it's like to live with a chronic illness, I was born with a rare kidney/liver disease and have had 3 transplants in my life and live with pain every day. Youtube is my way to keep my head in a good place. 🙂

[grumpychocobo]

The hangup for me on the Williams would be the "just toss em in there" nature of the bit storage. Probably just a personal pet peeve but it drives me bonkers hearing bits rattling around inside while I'm working.

[fuoman]

I like the review, one thing to point out is that the rubber handles drivers tend to hold onto dirt and debris over time. Sweat and greases can cause them to break down quicker.

[MarcoGPUtuber]

I never get screwed by Jeff Geerling vids.

[shapelike]

Was glad to see PB Swiss and Wera represented in the comparison, nice review!

[IThinkNowListenUp]

A rotating end is an overlooked feature... The ltt allows you to apply downward force at the end with palm and than spin with second hand without the end creating friction against your palm. It's the ultimate to prevent the driver from camming out and preventing damage to cheap fastener heads

[SylvainBellerose]

So far I watch 3 video and no one has disclaiming the quality of the LTT driver. Honestly I’m impressed with the care they took putting it together. They could have coasted on the brand recognition but they chose to actually create a quality product. My hat goes to LTT for caring

[jameslewis]

It seems to me like the internal storage of the LTT and Amazon basics drivers are a good convenience feature and saves time in comparison to having bits stored seperately or loose in the handle. It is a shame the Amazon basics had such a poor ratchet and weak magnet, otherwise I could see that being quite a nice format for PC building.

[magoid]

The problem with these type of screwdrivers on a IT environment (PC specifically), is that there isn't long screws in the first place, maybe with the exception of water cooling radiators. And if you are dealing with a humongous number of screws, it would be best to simply invest in a powered one with adjustable torque setting.

[narlycharley]

Thank you SO much for testing the proper Snappy driver. Also, thanks for giving prices “shipped”.

[Skyfighter]

One thing about the Snap-on in these comparisons that nobody ever mentions: The shaft is a separate piece from the driver, and you can trade out the shaft for the length of screwdriver you want. Need a stubby screwdriver? Put in a short shaft. Need extra reach for some reason, get a longer one!

[JLSRR]

I typically never respond to these discussions, however, for some reason feel compelled here. Excellent review overall, I must say - thank you!

As far as the ratcheting screwdrivers, I have been utilizing WERA for years. WERA makes various "grades" of ratcheting drivers, some even with adjustable torque control (miniature torque wrenches - both adjustable and factory preset for a specific purpose such as mass production of a specific part requiring a specific torque setting). I find all their tools to be top-notch and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending them to anyone. For those concerned about cam-out of the screws, please utilize the "Laser Etched Anti-Cam-Out Bits" WERA offers. They are extremely grippy and will never cam-out. At least not in my extensive experience. WERA Bits are heat treated for hardness, typically with Rockwell Hardness Scale numbers of about 55 to 60, slightly less then the PB Swiss.

As for PB Swiss - they are fantastic. Absolutely top notch. I use these for jobs in which extreme precision is required. The bits are harder then the WERA bits, typically testing to a Rockwell Hardness Scale of 58 to 65. All are heat treated for hardness. I personally find the comfort grip handle design of the WERA System to be more comfortable for MY hand (size 7 glove, smallish hand for guys. Average male hand is a size 8). Nevertheless, personal preferences on the comfort of the handle aside (subjective), objectively, the PB Swiss will cope with a little more torque over WERA and the bits are harder. You get what you pay for.

In addition to WERA and PB Swiss, I have tried and own Snap-On, WIHA, Klein, Craftsman ("old Craftsman" from the 90's and earlier is TOTALLY different then "new Craftsman" that you purchase today with the older stuff so much better then the newer stuff, Dewalt, Stanley, and others. That being said, I personally own the complete line of WERA Tools, entire system, as well as PB Swiss. I have yet to have one break or need repair. I also own the complete Knipex System for pliers and other assorted tools. Hand-held power tools I go with Festool and Dewalt depending on the tool.

In conclusion, as a Master Machinist / Tool & Die Maker involved in precision work as well as heavy machining work in the aviation and motorsports industries specializing in making low volume production runs of parts that no one else can figure out how to machine, I would have NO PROBLEM recommending WERA and PB Swiss to anyone. Knipex for Wrenches and electrical wire cutters, pipe wrenches, etc.... You can't go wrong.

As for the review, as I said, overall, excellent. One aspect overlooked, however, is the bits! The same bit should have been used in ALL comparisons. This would have taken that variable out of the equation as the bits are significantly different. How can one compare of PB Swiss bit heat treated to a hardness of Rockwell 60 or WERA Laser Etched Anti-Cam-Out Bit in INOX Stainless Steel heat treated to a hardness of Rockwell 55 with a cheap Harbor Freight bit that has never been heat treated and is likely a Rockwell 20 at best, or, bits made from remelted scrap from the production of other products as opposed to centrifugally forged material specifically made for the creation of the hex stock for the bits? BIG DIFFERENCE!

*Note - All Rockwell Hardness Numbers quoted were obtained by MY OWN TESTING utilizing a Rockwell Hardness Tester which is verified to be in spec (yearly) and kept in a climate controlled measurements room for standardization of parts prior to the company who ordered the parts completing the sale. In other words, if specified tolerances are not met, hardness not met, etc..., they will not take the parts and I have lots of scrap on my hands, so, that CAN NOT happen. All information shared is MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.

Thank you
Jonathan