DeWalt Telescoping Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set (10 pc)

First impressions and setup

I reach for a multi-bit ratcheting driver almost daily, and DeWalt’s telescoping ratcheting driver immediately felt familiar in all the right ways. The bi‑material handle fills the palm without feeling bulky, the knurled metal ring to change directions is easy to grab with or without gloves, and the bit holder snaps bits in with a reassuring click. Out of the box you get a compact 10‑piece set: common slotted (3/16 in, 1/4 in), Phillips (PH1, PH2), and square (SQ2) in both 1‑in and 2‑in lengths. That covers a lot of household and jobsite fasteners, particularly cabinet hardware, electrical plates, and general construction screws.

The hallmark feature here is the retractable telescoping bar. At standard length, the shaft measures about 5.25 inches, which is a sweet spot for control and reach. Extend it and you have extra reach for recessed fasteners inside appliances, cabinets, or tight automotive spots. Collapse it and the whole driver becomes more compact for a tool pouch or drawer.

Build quality and ergonomics

The DeWalt ratcheting driver strikes a practical balance between weight and robustness. At roughly 0.7 lb, it’s heavier than a bargain-bin multi-bit, but the weight is carried low in the handle, which keeps the nose from sagging when you’re working overhead. The handle’s dual-density overmold is grippy without being tacky. I could apply legitimate torque on stubborn screws without hotspots or forearm strain. The handle diameter is substantial enough for leverage but doesn’t feel like a club in smaller hands.

The direction selector ring is knurled metal, which I prefer over plastic toggles. It’s positive and audible: forward, reverse, and lock. The lock position is handy for high‑torque finishes where you want zero ratchet play, or when you’re using it as a simple bit holder with a drill.

Fit and finish are solid overall. There’s a tiny amount of slop at the bit holder when fully extended, which is typical for telescoping designs. It’s not a precision instrument; it’s a durable jobsite driver, and it feels like one.

Ratcheting performance

The ratchet mechanism is smooth with low back‑drag, which matters when you’re working tiny fasteners where you don’t want the pawl dragging the screw back out on the return stroke. Under moderate to high torque (think snugging cabinet hinge screws or driving construction screws to finish), the ratchet holds engagement without the grainy grind you get from cheaper mechanisms. I could keep my wrist in a neutral position and let the tool do the cycling—less fatigue over a long run of fasteners.

The lockout is true lockout—no detectable rotation—which gives you confidence when you need precision or leverage. Direction changes via the ring are one‑handed and tactile; I never found myself overshooting or hunting for a detent.

Telescoping shaft: reach vs. rigidity

The telescoping bar is the feature that sets this driver apart. Being able to extend the shaft quickly is genuinely useful: reaching screws recessed inside a disposal housing, grabbing a panel screw behind a grille, or clearing a cabinet face frame while keeping the handle out where you have leverage.

There’s a tradeoff, as with any extendable mechanism. Fully extended, there’s a bit more flex and a hint of wobble at the bit. For high‑torque tasks, I got better results by collapsing the shaft a notch or two to stiffen things up, or locking the ratchet and using it like a fixed driver. Keep the telescoping surfaces clean; a quick wipe at the end of the day and a drop of light oil on the tube keeps extension and retraction smooth. I also avoid twisting the shaft itself during extension—pull or push it in line with the body to prevent binding.

In practice, the telescoping feature solved more problems than it created. I was able to reach fasteners that a fixed multi‑bit couldn’t, and I didn’t have to carry a separate stubby or long driver.

Bits and the MAX FIT tips

DeWalt’s MAX FIT tips are designed to improve contact and reduce cam‑out. The benefit is most noticeable on the PH2 and SQ2: the PH2 seats well in typical construction screws and cabinet hardware, and the SQ2 is tight in pocket‑hole fasteners. I torqued on several older, slightly chewed up Phillips screws, and the bit didn’t immediately ramp out the way generic bits sometimes do.

The included selection covers the staples:
- Phillips: PH1 and PH2
- Slotted: 3/16 in and 1/4 in
- Square: SQ2
Each is provided in both 1‑in and 2‑in lengths. The 2‑in bits are handy for reaching past trim or hardware lips without extending the shaft, and they give a bit of visual clearance when aligning on a tight screw.

What’s missing? Torx and metric hex, which are increasingly common in furniture, appliances, and electronics. If you work on those frequently, you’ll want to add a small Torx/hex insert set to your kit. The bit holder accepts standard 1/4‑in hex bits, so compatibility isn’t an issue.

Bit retention at the nose is strong enough to lift a screw off a workbench and hold bits securely during ratcheting. I never had a bit back out under vibration.

In‑handle storage and everyday carry

The in‑handle storage is convenient and keeps the kit self‑contained. I could swap bits quickly without digging through a pouch. There’s a practical caveat: because there’s no separate case or pouch, you’re relying entirely on the handle to keep your bits corralled. It works, but if you frequently change bits on the move, it’s easy to end up with a rogue bit in a pocket or at the bottom of a tool bag. I eventually tossed a small zip pouch in my bag to keep the whole set together when I wasn’t using the handle as the sole storage.

Organization inside the handle is straightforward but not labeled. If you care about always grabbing the PH2 without looking, consider color‑coding the shanks with a paint pen.

On the job: where it shines

• Cabinet and hardware installs: The PH2 and SQ2 bits with the ratchet made quick work of adjusting hinges and mounting pulls without repeatedly regripping the handle.
• Electrical covers and devices: The 3/16 in slotted and PH1 covered most wall plates and device screws. The telescoping shaft helped reach past cover lips cleanly.
• Appliance panels and tight spaces: The extension reached recessed fasteners while keeping my knuckles clear.
• General maintenance: The driver lives in a drawer at home now, because it handles 90% of household tasks without a trip to the toolbox.

Limitations and small annoyances

• No Torx or hex bits included. The core five are covered, but modern fasteners often want T20/T25 or 3/32–5/32 hex.
• No pouch or case. The in‑handle storage works, but if you misplace a bit, there’s nothing to catch it.
• Slight flex when fully extended. Manageable, but I shorten the shaft for higher torque.
• The telescoping section, like any sliding mechanism, benefits from occasional cleaning. If you treat it like a pry bar or let debris accumulate, extension can feel sticky.

None of these were dealbreakers for me, but they’re worth noting depending on your work.

Durability and warranty

After steady use, the ratchet engagement is still crisp, the selector ring hasn’t loosened, and the handle overmold shows minimal wear. The telescoping tube hasn’t developed play beyond what was present new. This driver carries a limited lifetime warranty, which is reassuring for a hand tool with moving parts.

Country of origin is China, consistent with most mainstream hand tools today. Build quality is on par with what I expect from the brand at this price point.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and facility techs who want one driver to cover most day‑to‑day fasteners.
• Cabinet installers, carpenters, and maintenance pros who appreciate a smooth ratchet and occasional extra reach without swapping tools.
• Anyone who prefers a comfortable, torque‑friendly handle and in‑handle storage over a clutter of loose drivers.

If your work leans heavily on Torx/hex or you regularly need very high torque in deep recesses, you’ll want to augment this with a dedicated long driver or a broader bit set.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt ratcheting driver for anyone who wants a comfortable, well‑built multi‑bit with real everyday advantages. The ratchet is smooth and confidence‑inspiring, the MAX FIT bits grip well on common screws, and the telescoping shaft solves reach problems without bloating your kit. Add a small Torx/hex bit pack and a simple pouch, keep the telescoping tube clean, and you’ve got a reliable, versatile driver that earns its spot in the bag.