CRAFTSMAN Screwdriver Set, Ratcheting Offset, Multi-Bit, 10 Piece (CMHT68008) – The Complete Review

When we first got our hands on the CRAFTSMAN 10-Piece Ratcheting Offset Screwdriver Multi-Bit Set, we weren’t sure what to expect. After all, there are countless screwdriver sets on the market promising to be the ultimate solution for every job. But after putting this particular set through its paces during several home improvement projects and furniture assemblies, we can confidently say that CRAFTSMAN has delivered something genuinely useful here.

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What Makes the CRAFTSMAN CMHT68008 Stand Out

The offset ratcheting design is what immediately caught our attention. We’ve all been there—trying to reach a screw in an impossibly tight space where a traditional screwdriver just won’t fit. This set solves that problem elegantly. The offset design allows you to work in confined spaces while the ratcheting mechanism means you don’t have to reposition the tool constantly. It’s one of those “why didn’t I have this sooner?” moments.

During our testing, we tackled everything from cabinet hardware installation to HVAC vent adjustments, and the offset head proved invaluable in every scenario where space was limited. The 15-degree offset angle is perfectly calibrated—not so extreme that it feels awkward in open spaces, but aggressive enough to make a real difference in tight quarters.

Unpacking the 10-Piece Set: What’s Included

This isn’t just a basic screwdriver set thrown together. CRAFTSMAN has thoughtfully curated the bits to cover most common applications:

The set includes a ratcheting offset screwdriver handle with a magnetic bit holder, along with 9 different bits: Phillips #1 and #2, Slotted 3/16″ and 1/4″, Square #1 and #2, and Torx T10, T15, and T20. In our experience, these sizes cover about 85-90% of typical household and light professional tasks.

We particularly appreciated that CRAFTSMAN included both square and Torx bits. Many budget sets skip these, but we found ourselves reaching for the square bits constantly when working on electrical fixtures and the Torx bits when dealing with modern appliances and electronics.

The Ratcheting Mechanism: Smooth and Reliable

We’ve used ratcheting screwdrivers that felt cheap and flimsy, with mechanisms that skipped teeth or failed after minimal use. The CRAFTSMAN CMHT68008 pleasantly surprised us with its smooth, consistent ratcheting action. The three-position switch (forward, reverse, and locked) is easy to operate even with gloves on, and it stays firmly in whatever position you set it.

During a particularly demanding project involving dozens of screws in tight spaces, the ratcheting mechanism performed flawlessly. There was no slipping, no grinding, and the tool maintained its smooth operation even after extensive use. The forward and reverse functions worked predictably, which might sound basic, but we’ve encountered tools where the direction switch felt ambiguous.

Working in Tight Spaces: Our Real-World Testing

We deliberately sought out challenging applications to test this screwdriver set. Installing cabinet pulls where the interior shelf prevented straight access? No problem. Adjusting the mounting brackets behind a wall-mounted TV? The offset design made it surprisingly manageable. Tightening screws on outlet covers in recessed boxes? Finally, a tool that actually fits.

One particularly memorable test involved replacing the thermostat in our test workshop. The mounting screws were recessed about two inches into the wall box, surrounded by drywall on all sides. A standard screwdriver would have required removing more drywall or using an extension, but the offset design let us reach in at an angle and make quick work of the installation.

Build Quality and Durability You Can Feel

CRAFTSMAN has a reputation to uphold, and this tool feels like they took that seriously. The handle is constructed from durable composite material with a comfortable grip texture. It’s not rubberized, which some might prefer, but the advantage is that it won’t become sticky or deteriorate over time like rubber grips sometimes do.

The bits themselves are made from heat-treated steel, and after several months of use, we haven’t noticed any significant wear, rounding, or stripping. The magnetic bit holder is strong enough to keep bits securely in place during use, but not so strong that swapping bits becomes a frustration. It’s that Goldilocks “just right” strength.

We did notice that the chrome finish on the bits has held up remarkably well. Even after exposure to moisture during an outdoor deck project, there was no rust or corrosion. This suggests proper material selection and finishing processes that should ensure longevity.

Comfort During Extended Use

One aspect we didn’t anticipate appreciating so much was the ergonomic design of the handle. The offset screwdriver has a slightly bulbous shape that fits naturally in your palm, and the weight distribution feels balanced. During a project that required driving about 50 screws, our hand didn’t develop the fatigue or discomfort we’ve experienced with less thoughtfully designed tools.

The tool measures approximately 7 inches in length, which provides good leverage without being unwieldy in confined spaces. For those with larger hands, you’ll find it accommodating; for smaller hands, it’s still manageable without feeling oversized.

Is This the Right Screwdriver Set for You?

After extensive testing, we’ve identified who will benefit most from the CRAFTSMAN CMHT68008:

**Homeowners** tackling typical DIY projects will find this set covers most needs, especially when dealing with furniture assembly, appliance repairs, and home improvements where access is limited.

**Apartment dwellers** will appreciate the compact nature of the set and its ability to handle most maintenance tasks without requiring a full toolbox.

**Automotive enthusiasts** working on interiors, dashboards, or other areas with limited access will find the offset design invaluable.

**HVAC and electrical professionals** might consider this as a supplementary tool for those awkward access situations that inevitably arise.

**Casual DIYers** looking for their first quality screwdriver set will find this offers excellent value without the overwhelming selection of larger sets.

What We Wish Was Different

To keep this review honest and balanced, there are a few minor considerations. The set doesn’t include a storage case, which would have been nice for keeping everything organized. We ended up using a small zippered pouch, but a custom-fitted case would have elevated the package.

Additionally, while the included bits cover most common applications, we occasionally found ourselves wishing for a Phillips #0 for smaller electronics work. That said, CRAFTSMAN designed this as a general-purpose set, and including every possible size would have increased both the cost and bulk.

The magnetic bit holder, while generally strong, occasionally struggles with longer bits in overhead applications. We found that pressing the bit firmly into the holder before inverting the tool solved this issue.

Customer Reviews: What Others Are Saying

We always cross-reference our testing experiences with customer feedback to ensure our findings align with broader user experiences. The CRAFTSMAN 10-Piece Ratcheting Offset Screwdriver Multi-Bit Set has garnered substantial feedback from verified purchasers, and the consensus largely matches our observations.

Many customers specifically praise the offset design for saving them in situations where traditional screwdrivers failed. One reviewer mentioned using it to install dishwasher mounting brackets, a notoriously tight-space application, with significantly less frustration than previous attempts