The Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver offers the automotive Pro a wide range of color-coded bits and lots of control. I’ve used it extensively, especially for interior fasteners, and found that it remedies a couple of tool headaches and makes my work more efficient. We “T’d up” this tool in my automotive shop space where I primarily work on a mix of Ford, Lincoln, and Mercury vehicles.
Pros
- 45 ratchet teeth make for smooth action
- Color-coded bits held in a convenient, rubberized strip
- 3-position adjustment: forward, reverse, and lock
- Allows a lot of control – finesse or force as needed – more easily than a traditional ratchet or screwdriver
- Change ratchet direction with one hand
- Comfortable rubber handle
Cons
- No significant downsides
Recommendation
This T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver is the hand tool you didn’t know you needed until it makes your work more efficient. It gives a lot of control over fastening and loosening, with a wide range of color-coded bits, in a form that works fits your hand comfortably. Moreover, you won’t need to swap out sockets on your regular ratchet or use a power tool that overdrives the fastener because the Wurth is the dedicated, appropriate tool for the job.Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver
Handle It
A couple of months with the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver have revealed its clear benefits of convenience, control, and versatility. The skeptical among us might think it’s just a $50 way to manipulate fasteners, but there’s much more value than that.
Can you get the job done with a traditional ratchet or dedicated driver? Sure, but you’ll probably find yourself searching around for the right bit and 1/4-inch reducer to swap out for the socket on your ratchet. Then you might have to search for that socket when you’re done! And where is that one dedicated driver? It’s a mystery.
With the Wurth Zebra T-handle, the wide range of color-coded bits fit conveniently into a rubberized strip. They take only a moment to swap out. I found the rubber handle comfortable and easy to turn in tight spaces. This particularly helps where you might not have room to swing a regular ratchet. The 45-tooth mechanism made fine enough movements to work in all the situations I encountered.
Ratchet It Up
The Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver quickly became my go-to tool for smaller fasteners like those on door panels and other interior trim. The T design allows you all the force—and that 45-tooth ratchet all the finesse—needed to control your work without over- or under-doing it.
In addition to the obvious forward and reverse ratcheting functions, you can also lock the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver. This effectively turns it into a rigid T-handle driver. And you don’t need two hands to do it. Most will find they can extend their fingers from the handle to the ratchet so your work won’t miss a beat. Obviously, that’s helpful in awkward or tight spaces.
Price
At $49.90, the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver looks like a solid deal compared to the big names automotive in automotive tools. Snap-On’s SSDMRT4R is $71 and doesn’t come with a bit selection. Like Snap-on, Wurth “Zebra” brand hand tools include a limited lifetime warranty (other Wurth USA hand tools carry a one-year warranty from the date of original purchase.)
While you can find some off-brand substitutes for under $10, Wurth’s quality is quite obviously better. The functionality of this tool—and the warranty—make it a pretty compelling choice. I don’t really have time to replace cheap tools so I typically avoid them.
Wurth USA runs promotions, so be sure to check to see if this product is on special!
The Bottom Line
I’m sold on the Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver for small Philips and Torx fasteners. It offers you more leverage when you need it or, with its 45-tooth ratchet, more finesse when you need that. The conveniently color-coded bits keep you organized and working swiftly instead of spending lots of time looking for the right tool. Especially for tight spaces or awkward angles such as those on interior trim, this tool is Wurth its weight!
Wurth Zebra T-Handle Ratchet Screwdriver Specifications
- 1/4-inch ratchet bit
- Slotted 5.5 mm bit
- 4mm Hex/Allen bit
- 5mm Hex/Allen bit
- Phillips 1 bit (PH 1)
- Phillips 2 bit (PH 2)
- Torx: TX 10, TX 15, TX 20, TX 25, TX 30
- Handle (WxL): 100 x 85mm
- Shaft: 95mm
- Tip width: 10mm
- Drive: 1/4-inch hex
