Using this Driver is a Real Ball! Easy Driver Ratchet Ball System

[gerleatherberman]

A neat hand tool I picked up today for about $8. I had looked at it a few times and talked myself out of it a few times. But, today I caved in after I realized that all of the pieces were there. It looks as if it is missing some pieces at first glance, but the label shows what it should have. 

The EasyDriver Ratchet Tool System.

















And so the kit looks like I believed it should have to begin with, I filled the empty spots with appropriate bits. 




Has anyone else have one of these, or ever seen/used one of these before?

[Vidar]

 

I've had (have?) one of those. If I remember correctly they were kind some mail order trending thing in the 80s. Priced somewhere around USD 8 to 15 or thereabouts?

It's claims that the ball shape fit perfectly in the hand depends on whose hand I guess, and its claims that it fits perfectly with every bit is just not true. But I guess it is hard to make room for reality when you want to write a few big sale points with big fonts on a small box.

It did feel a bit cheap though, and that was mostly due to the hard plastic handle.

Fun to see one again! 

[gerleatherberman]

Thank you, Vidar!


I was just a kid in the 80s, so I do not distinctly remember them. It does scream 1980s gimmicky for sure. You're so right, it is not perfectly fit to any hand I can think of(aside from a coffee-cup shaped hand). The ridiculous nature of it is what attracted me to it. 

Indeed it does feel pretty cheap. But, it has a lot of ratcheting teeth. The noise it makes is borderline insane, and my dog freaked out when he heard it. I guess the 1980s were the time when "loud meant quality"? 

[Vidar]

I don't actually remember using it so I have no idea about the ratchet as such

It makes total sense - people were running about with Ball sweaters in the 80s, so that someone got inspiration for a ball ratchet was just bound to happen. And then sell it to all those ball wearing people?

Of course, some of us got gifts from not-so-trendy relatives.. I distinctly remember walking around in a "Call" sweater instead! 

[Wspeed]

Looks like a cool tool set GLBM 
Are you going to use it or is it for your collection 

[gerleatherberman]

I don't actually remember using it so I have no idea about the ratchet as such

It makes total sense - people were running about with Ball sweaters in the 80s, so that someone got inspiration for a ball ratchet was just bound to happen. And then sell it to all those ball wearing people?

Of course, some of us got gifts from not-so-trendy relatives.. I distinctly remember walking around in a "Call" sweater instead! 

Makes perfect sense to me, Vidar. If a Ball sweater is cool, then a ball handled tool must be cooler. 

I'll make a quick video of the noise in a bit. 

Looks like a cool tool set GLBM 
Are you going to use it or is it for your collection 

Thank you, W! 

If the tool didn't make such a crazy noise, I would likely use it as a "random use desk tool". 

[gerleatherberman]

[Wspeed]

That’s a cool noise GLBM nothing wrong with that

[gerleatherberman]

That’s a cool noise GLBM nothing wrong with that

 

 

[Wspeed]

 

[ezdog]

Funny,I would love to see the Dogs reaction!

I have had and used a few of these mainly because my Dad had them and when at his place I used them to fix stuff for him.
I did not run out and try to find one afterwards.

Interesting idea though and would have been pretty easy to make a really nice version if there had been any good reason and even the Asian makers did not try to bring these out again.

The Ball is just silly to me and my hand fits well on anything that I grab that has a handle shape but the ball just promotes slipping for me.

The Best Ratchet Drivers that I have owned are for sure the Snap-On drivers. They are pricey of course but really smooth and strong although they do ALL seem to croak too when the internal snap rings wear out. Then the Snap On Truck guy can easily fix it for you for life and for free!

The thing I don't really understand about the Ratchet drivers is that they all seem to work the opposite direction that you turn the selector switch?
Except for the Snap-On.

I have not tried the German Tool Brand versions either in all fairness but I imagine that they are more like the Snap-On than the Ball too?

Cool Find though either way!

[gerleatherberman]

Thank you, ezdog!

That is very cool you have hands on experience using one of the ball ratchets. I think it is understandable that you didn't rush out to buy the ball drivers.

I have never really explored using ratchet drivers, mainly because they don't jive well with antique brass wood screws(or I just am not used to using them compared to regular drivers).

The silliness is part of the charm for me, but it is definitely not going to win any ergonomics awards.

May have to check out the Snap-On stuff though, if the boss is willing to let the moths out of his wallet.

[Sos24]

Interesting looking tool, but I can definitely see the ball not fitting well in many people’s hand.

As far as the noise, my dog would probably be trying to get it because he goes crazy for unknown or strange noises made by things I have.

[ezdog]

Thank you, ezdog!

That is very cool you have hands on experience using one of the ball ratchets. I think it is understandable that you didn't rush out to buy the ball drivers.

I have never really explored using ratchet drivers, mainly because they don't jive well with antique brass wood screws(or I just am not used to using them compared to regular drivers).

The silliness is part of the charm for me, but it is definitely not going to win any ergonomics awards.

May have to check out the Snap-On stuff though, if the boss is willing to let the moths out of his wallet.

Oh Man,you should really try finding and trying a nicer one then and see just what you are missing!
These days almost everyone is using Power Drivers of some kind at least in a construction environment and these are often a whole lot more power than is needed or suggested just used for the convenience more than the best practice to me.
So a Ratcheting Hand Driver can be an ideal tool in a lot of jobs as it offers the control of a Hand Driver and the speed and torque of a power driver,well mostly.

The good ones can change the way you work.

This is the one that I have most of and it is the best for the money that I have used though unlike the Snap-On it is reversed in control action as are all of the ones I have tried aside from the Snap-On?

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Screwdriver-Storage/dp/B005ZLX1XC

I have not seen these at Lowes yet but they do sell them at ACE Hardware here and cheaper than on Amazon too.

[ezdog]

Here is a review you might like too?

[parnass]

I use the larger Easydriver on woodworking projects because it is a great torque amplifier.  The only problem I had with it is that the handle doesn't always grip the shaft tight enough to prevent the shaft from slipping out.

My ratcheting screwdrivers are shown in this photo.  The blue handled driver is my favorite and made by Williams (Snap-On). Enderes Tools made the 13-in-1 ratcheting driver with the yellow handle.

[gerleatherberman]

Interesting looking tool, but I can definitely see the ball not fitting well in many people’s hand.

As far as the noise, my dog would probably be trying to get it because he goes crazy for unknown or strange noises made by things I have.

Thank you, Sos24!

Oh Man,you should really try finding and trying a nicer one then and see just what you are missing!
These days almost everyone is using Power Drivers of some kind at least in a construction environment and these are often a whole lot more power than is needed or suggested just used for the convenience more than the best practice to me.
So a Ratcheting Hand Driver can be an ideal tool in a lot of jobs as it offers the control of a Hand Driver and the speed and torque of a power driver,well mostly.

The good ones can change the way you work.

This is the one that I have most of and it is the best for the money that I have used though unlike the Snap-On it is reversed in control action as are all of the ones I have tried aside from the Snap-On?

https://www.amazon.com/Craftsman-Ratcheting-Magnetic-Screwdriver-Storage/dp/B005ZLX1XC

I have not seen these at Lowes yet but they do sell them at ACE Hardware here and cheaper than on Amazon too.

Many thanks for the information, ezdog!
It has really helped warming up to the idea of trying a ratchet driver.

Here is a review you might like too?

So many good choices!

I use the larger Easydriver on woodworking projects because it is a great torque amplifier.  The only problem I had with it is that the handle doesn't always grip the shaft tight enough to prevent the shaft from slipping out.

My ratcheting screwdrivers are shown in this photo.  The blue handled driver is my favorite and made by Williams (Snap-On). Enderes Tools made the 13-in-1 ratcheting driver with the yellow handle.

(Image removed from quote.)

Cool to see one being used and appreciated! Makes the prospect of using the one I got a bit nicer. Will have to try it at work when I get some other ratchet options to try. Thank you, parnass!

[lowtech]

My Dad had (Has?!v - Need to ask...) one of those and I remember "helping" him with projects using this tool back in the 80s. Thank you for some nice memories! I will ask him if he still owns his example and maybe test it again.
This week he´s out and about on a hike with a few old friends on their annual "old man trip". He´ll be 70 in October but he´s still active and hiked the alps last year - I hope I will be able to do that in his age, too.
Back on topic: Nice find!

[gerleatherberman]

My Dad had (Has?!v - Need to ask...) one of those and I remember "helping" him with projects using this tool back in the 80s. Thank you for some nice memories! I will ask him if he still owns his example and maybe test it again.
This week he´s out and about on a hike with a few old friends on their annual "old man trip". He´ll be 70 in October but he´s still active and hiked the alps last year - I hope I will be able to do that in his age, too.
Back on topic: Nice find!

That is cool! Glad your Dad is doing so well! My Dad is 69 and healthy also, and I am very thankful for that as well. 

Looking forward to seeing how the ball driver works for you, lowtech! 

[mashguy4077]

I have one. It doesn’t come with all the extra bits or original packaging though.

If I found that one, I would have jumped on it as well.

[Yadda]

Great buy!  I had one, they are a little earlier than the '80's.  Mid to late '70's is probably more accurate and there were different similar ratcheting ball like screwdrivers as early as the mid '50's.

[gerleatherberman]

I have one. It doesn’t come with all the extra bits or original packaging though.

If I found that one, I would have jumped on it as well.

Nice. Definitely qualifies as a unique tool and after messing around with it on some unsuspecting screws, I can see what the designers were trying to do, but it just doesn't do it better than a regular driver(not counting the ratcheting mechanism of course) in my opinion. Mileage varies of course. Some people like a 50s style gear shifter feel to their screwdriving needs. 

In hindsight, I would have bought it earlier. Really neat tool.

Great buy!  I had one, they are a little earlier than the '80's.  Mid to late '70's is probably more accurate and there were different similar ratcheting ball like screwdrivers as early as the mid '50's.

Thank you for the information, Yadda!

The packaging, while similar to the later 80s style labeling, does have a bit of a late 70s vibe to it. It could definitely still be an 80s version, but it is hard to tell.
I have to give the company credit for the materials used, as nothing has turned sticky, brittle or gummy from storage. Even the softer base material is slightly pliable, so the bits are held tightly in place.

I can imagine someone coming home from a day at work using their Wang data entry terminal and wearing a leisure suit, fixing the Radar Range door with the Easy Ball Driver so their wife can get stuff ready for the fondue party.

[tankerG]

Great tool! Since discovering it about 20 years ago, I moved away from corded drills and nut drivers for panel screws and used an EASYDRIVER ball and magnetic 1/4" drive sockets. Never looked back.

But there is one problem....the darn things multiply like rabbits! lol
And this is an old picture, too.

[gerleatherberman]

Great tool! Since discovering it about 20 years ago, I moved away from corded drills and nut drivers for panel screws and used an EASYDRIVER ball and magnetic 1/4" drive sockets. Never looked back.

But there is one problem....the darn things multiply like rabbits! lol
And this is an old picture, too.

Awesome collection of ball drivers, tankerG!

I didn't know they came in so many types and attachments. Thanks for sharing!

[Scorpion Regent]

I remember seeing one of those easy driver ratchets for sale in the 70's.  I told my father it looked silly.  He said, "It's not silly if it works."  He didn't need a ratchet driver at the time, but knew from the moment he saw it that big ball is a great way to put force into a fastener and ratchets save time.  Yes the ratchet teeth were big and crude, but that was the level of machining then.  It's still viable today.  A couple years backI found a smaller scale version of the same driver with the  Skil tools brand at a thrift store, still in the box, for around $5.   It has a bit collection stored inside the ball and a telescoping shaft.  It's 1/4" drive not 3/8", but it's perfect for what we work on these days.

Update:  Having watch Gerleatherberman's video I realize what I have is a Fastball with a few less options.  Mine does not have the on shaft storage. (Hey I'm talking' about Shaft!) or the 1/8" drive feature, but otherwise is identical down to the rubber grip pattern, the only other difference is the color.

[gerleatherberman]

I remember seeing one of those easy driver ratchets for sale in the 70's.  I told my father it looked silly.  He said, "It's not silly if it works."  He didn't need a ratchet driver at the time, but knew from the moment he saw it that big ball is a great way to put force into a fastener and ratchets save time.  Yes the ratchet teeth were big and crude, but that was the level of machining then.  It's still viable today.  A couple years backI found a smaller scale version of the same driver with the  Skil tools brand at a thrift store, still in the box, for around $5.   It has a bit collection stored inside the ball and a telescoping shaft.  It's 1/4" drive not 3/8", but it's perfect for what we work on these days.

Update:  Having watch Gerleatherberman's video I realize what I have is a Fastball with a few less options.  Mine does not have the on shaft storage. (Hey I'm talking' about Shaft!) or the 1/8" drive feature, but otherwise is identical down to the rubber grip pattern, the only other difference is the color.

Very cool you found that one, Scorpion Regent! 

I have used mine a few times since I got it, and have warmed up to the concept. However, that said, I have used standard drivers every single day at work(and sometimes at home), sometimes hundreds of times a day, for about 20 years. So I'd be hard pressed to attempt to swap over.

[TazzieRob]

My Dad has one of these, and I think my Mum has the one we had. A distinctive sound I remember from my childhood, thanks for sharing!

[Scorpion Regent]

Very cool you found that one, Scorpion Regent! 

I have used mine a few times since I got it, and have warmed up to the concept. However, that said, I have used standard drivers every single day at work(and sometimes at home), sometimes hundreds of times a day, for about 20 years. So I'd be hard pressed to attempt to swap over.

I suggest you put it in a practical "on the go tool kit" that you leave in your car or  truck that you have for simple repairs away from the house that can do jobs that are just a step up from a multitool.  That's what I did. 

[gerleatherberman]

My Dad has one of these, and I think my Mum has the one we had. A distinctive sound I remember from my childhood, thanks for sharing!

You're certainly welcome, TR!

I suggest you put it in a practical "on the go tool kit" that you leave in your car or  truck that you have for simple repairs away from the house that can do jobs that are just a step up from a multitool.  That's what I did. 

A good idea!

[Scorpion Regent]

You're certainly welcome, TR!
A good idea!

Hey, no extra charge.  Maybe that's a topic worth discussing so I got it rolling:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,83653.new.html#new
Party on!