DeWalt Ratcheting Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set (11 pc)

A month with DeWalt’s ratcheting multi-bit driver

I spent the past few weeks reaching for DeWalt’s ratcheting multi-bit driver for everything from swapping cabinet pulls to installing a smart thermostat plate and knocking out a couple of shop jigs. It’s a compact, 11-in-1 package with a knurled metal selector, a bi-material handle, and on-board bit storage. There’s a lot to like here for everyday use, along with a few quirks worth knowing before you make it your daily driver.

Build, size, and ergonomics

The first thing that stands out is the metal selector ring. It’s knurled, easy to grip with bare or gloved hands, and lets me change direction without shifting my wrist. The mechanism has three positions: tighten, loosen, and lock (fixed). The detents are clear enough that I rarely switch settings accidentally.

The handle is classic DeWalt: rubberized overmold on a plastic core. It fills the palm without being bulky and gives a solid purchase when you’re applying torque. Fully loaded, the driver weighs a hair over half a pound (about 0.57 lb), and at 11.5 inches overall with a 4-inch shaft, it offers decent reach into appliance cavities and cabinet interiors. It’s not a stubby by any means, so tight quarters behind sink basins or inside network racks still call for something shorter.

Balance is neutral to slightly tail-heavy with the bit compartment loaded. It never felt fatiguing during longer sessions, but I noticed the shift when doing precise work on electronics plates. Not a dealbreaker—just the trade-off of on-board storage.

Ratcheting mechanism: feel and limits

In use, the ratchet gets the job done, but it’s not the silkiest mechanism I own. Backdrag (the resistance you feel when reversing direction) is moderate, and the tooth engagement feels a bit coarser than premium ratcheting drivers. That shows up when you’re making small, repetitive turns—there’s a touch more handle movement before the pawl catches.

The bigger consideration is how the mechanism behaves under axial load. If you bear down hard to keep a Phillips bit planted, the ratchet can bind, effectively turning it into a fixed driver. That’s fairly common in mid-tier ratcheting screwdrivers; it’s the nature of compact pawl designs. My workaround was simple: use the lock position to break fasteners free or to seat them, then switch back to ratcheting for the run. Doing that, I had no issues with door hardware, cabinet screws, or electrical device screws.

Over the test period, I had one moment where the selector felt mushy and didn’t positively click into a mode; a quick clean and tiny drop of light oil on the ring brought the detents back. If you regularly work in dusty environments, a periodic wipe-down helps keep the action consistent.

Bit selection and tip performance

DeWalt includes 10 common bits plus the bit in the chuck for an 11-piece kit: Phillips (PH1, PH2, PH3), slotted (3/16, 1/4, 5/16), Torx (T10, T20, T25), and square (SQ1, SQ2). That lineup covered everything I encountered during testing—cabinet screws, outlet/cover plate screws, appliance panels, furniture fasteners, and general wood hardware. I would have loved a couple of metric hex bits for furniture and tool assembly, but you can swap in your own standard 1/4-inch bits.

DeWalt’s MAX FIT tips are a genuine bright spot. The Phillips geometry bites nicely, especially the PH2, which I used the most. I got less cam-out than with many generic bits, and I didn’t chew up any screw heads. The square bits also seated well into pocket-hole screws, and the T25 was handy for a few interior Torx screws on a tool enclosure.

One caveat: out of the box, the bits and holder aren’t magnetized. That means screws don’t stick to the bit, and you’ll be using a second hand to start fasteners in awkward positions. The holder relies on friction to retain bits, which is secure but not as quick as a magnetic chuck. I magnetized the bits with a small magnetizer block, which improved one-handed starts. If you do a lot of overhead or one-handed work, budget for that accessory.

On-board storage: convenient, with quirks

The handle stores all the included bits under a screw-on cap. I appreciate having the entire set on the tool—nothing to misplace in the bottom of a bag. The downside is speed and durability: a screw cap is slower than a push-to-open door, and if you loosen it frequently with gritty hands, you’ll occasionally feel the threads protest. I also had the cap work itself slightly loose in a tool bag. A quick snug fixes it, but I wish the cap had a quarter-turn bayonet or a more positive click-latch.

Bit access is otherwise straightforward. The cavities are sized correctly, the bits don’t rattle, and swapping bits in and out of the chuck is firm but not a fight.

Real-world performance

Here’s where the driver shined for me:
- Cabinet hardware: The PH2 and SQ2 handled kitchen and shop cabinets easily. Ratcheting sped up removal/installation once screws were started.
- Electrical work: Slotted and PH tips made quick work of wall plates and device screws. The 4-inch shaft reached into shallow boxes without bumping the handle.
- Light assembly: Torx and Phillips bits covered small tool housings, storage racks, and a miter-saw accessory.
- Shop jigs: Starting screws and adjusting fixtures was faster with the ratchet than with a fixed driver.

Where I reached for something else:
- Stubborn fasteners: For painted-over or corroded screws, I used the lock position to break them free or switched to a regular screwdriver for more precise pressure control.
- Tight spaces: The length became a limitation behind appliances and under sinks. A stubby ratcheting driver or right-angle attachment was better.
- One-handed overhead work: The non-magnetic bit holder slowed me down until I magnetized the bits.

Durability and care

The tool is built to a sensible standard for its class. The metal selector ring is a nice upgrade over plastic dials, and the handle shows no signs of peeling or seam lift. To keep the ratchet reliable, I recommend:
- Wipe dust from the selector ring and bit holder after gritty jobs.
- Add a drop of light oil to the ring if detents begin to feel vague.
- Use the lock setting to crack stubborn screws, then ratchet to finish.
- Periodically check and snug the rear cap.

DeWalt backs the driver with a limited lifetime warranty, and the 90-day return window is generous if you run into an early defect.

What it does well

• Comfortable grip with good torque control
• Knurled metal selector is easy to operate and resists glove slip
• Broad bit assortment for household and shop tasks
• MAX FIT tips reduce cam-out and screw damage
• Integrated storage keeps the kit together

What could be better

• Non-magnetized holder slows one-handed starts
• Ratchet can bind under heavy axial load
• Screw-on storage cap is slower and can loosen in a bag
• No hex bits included; you’ll likely add your own

The bottom line

The DeWalt ratcheting driver is a capable, everyday multi-bit tool that covers a lot of ground for light to medium-duty work. The ratchet saves time on repetitive fasteners, the MAX FIT tips hold screws confidently, and the handle design is comfortable over long sessions. Its limitations are real but manageable: treat the ratchet as a speed aid rather than a breaker bar, magnetize the bits for overhead work, and keep an eye on the storage cap.

Recommendation: I recommend this driver for DIYers, homeowners, and techs who want an all-in-one ratcheting screwdriver for general tasks around the house and shop. It’s reliable within its lane and thoughtfully designed where it matters—selector ring, grip, and bit selection. If your work regularly involves high torque, awkward one-handed starts, or tight clearances, you’ll be happier pairing it with a stubby or premium ratcheting driver and a magnetized bit holder.