On Thu, 3 Jul 2014 05:39:50 +0000 (UTC), John Doe
wrote:

I'm talking about a typical ratcheting screwdriver like one that has
a hex bit holder on the end. I've done some research/shopping, I've
seen many different brands. Talking about the ratcheting screwdrivers
priced from $8-$30.

How much force can be applied when turning it in the working
direction, without doing any damage whatsoever?

How long would it last if it were spun in the reverse direction? The
direction that makes it click.

Is there going to be much difference between $8 and $30 models in
those respects?

I intend to put them to the test. So I'm just wondering if it's in
the ballpark to think that they can take all the force most of our
hands put on them when using them to drive nuts or screws. And also
that turning them in the reverse direction so they spin/click freely
does no harm no matter how long you were to do that.

Thanks.
I've still got a 35+ rear old (wood handled) one around thet
generally works pretty good when you get the little slider in the
right position, and I've pitchead a good half dozen cheap Chinese
plastic handled ones that have stripped, jammed, and failed in just
about any way you could imagine. A good one will take all the torque
your wrist will give it, or more than a #10 screw will stand. A cheap
one will just bust your knuckles.

Good and cheap don't necessarily have any relation to cost, athough
good ones are seldom "cheap" and cheap ones are seldom "good"