Battle of the Bit Ratchets
- Thread starter CGarage
- Start date
Ton ton
Well-known member
It looks like a Snap On.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
That particular ratchet combination is not sold directly by Snap On according to the website, but can be made by a dealer very easily.
RKRTM72A would be the guts to change any 1/4" 72 tooth ratchet into a 1/4" bit ratchet.
To make the pictured ratchet, buy a 1/4" ratchet with part number THLD72R and the conversion kit RKRTM72A.
Cost would be around $170 total if purchased new.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ That's enough to buy TEN of those little Titan mini-bit ratchets! 
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
I agree that there isn't much value especially in a bit ratchet where high torque is not required. I would think that something with a high tooth count but also VERY low back drag would be ideal. Buying from a dealer might save $20 or so, which still, doesn't matter much.^ That's enough to buy TEN of those little Titan mini-bit ratchets!
Yeah but for the price of 10 titan mini ratchets you could buy 170 gas station keychain bit drivers on the counter inbetween the bubble gum and sunglasses^ That's enough to buy TEN of those little Titan mini-bit ratchets!
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ One of the more salient points regarding these tools. How much torque can be applied to those fasteners?
The ones that seem to cause the greatest difficulty (in respect to accessibility) seem to be smaller sizes, unless I'm missing something.
The one I use most frequently is the unbranded $3.50 Temu at the bottom. Works fine for most things. The one I never use is the one everyone is selling , where you slip the extension through the bit holder to make it a T-handle. I use the Gearwrench to remove lug nuts. lol. It’s good for weird access situation though.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
How many "pass thru" style like the General above are out there? I really should just go Titan.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Ok, I asked about the Icon bit ratchet @ harbor freight and the employee was kind but clueless. I did see Pittsburgh brand of bit ratchet but I was hoping to get something more upscale.
Ton ton
Well-known member
Thank you!
four.cycle
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
I didn't see any bubble gum at O'Reilly's yesterday, but they do have a nice assortment of "Hot Wheels" cars and "Polly Pocket" dolls.
four.cycle
Well-known member
Titan 11205 11-piece "Micro Bit Driver Set" $17.99 @ O'Reillys
Tiny little thing. I can see this easily getting lost in a tool box. Not sure where I'm going to put it!
(* the Korean coin is what I had at the moment - same size as our quarter. *)
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KnurledNut
Well-known member
I got so tickled at him trying to figure this out:The bit ratchet head will swap into the new long handle 1/4 dr. ratchet.
ChevyEFI
Well-known member
What's the trick on those?I got so tickled at him trying to figure this out:
1L4ORVLuJtc
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I pulled the guts when I did mine because I wanted to see what was inside and lube it. They will come out whole so I assume if you got the angle just right its possible they could go back that way eventually, but its easy to tear it down and the ring just slips in.
I have one of those - great for tight work spots!
seber
Well-known member
For me the most important dimension is how thick is it and how thin can I make it with a shortened bit. I only use mine when there is no clearance above the fastener. Otherwise, I'm using a screwdriver type.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
- Joined
- Apr 23, 2024
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Signet 22090:
1/4" drive built into the handle for a possible spinner by adding a though extension on the head.
For scale:
Next to Koken Z series 1/4 flex (2726Z):
Icon meme tool for scale:
Definitely the smallest bit ratchet I've ever owned. Not much posted here on Signet, but I gather they are a Taiwanese Tool company that specialize in some unique tools. Not sure if there are buying to resell from InFar or Kabo, or if they actually produce in-house, but I love the little kits they make.
1/4" drive built into the handle for a possible spinner by adding a though extension on the head.
For scale:
Next to Koken Z series 1/4 flex (2726Z):
Icon meme tool for scale:
Definitely the smallest bit ratchet I've ever owned. Not much posted here on Signet, but I gather they are a Taiwanese Tool company that specialize in some unique tools. Not sure if there are buying to resell from InFar or Kabo, or if they actually produce in-house, but I love the little kits they make.
Last edited:
Catfishdan
Well-known member
So similar, yet so different.
I absolutely love my wera bit ratchet that I keep in my work van. It gets me out of all kinds of jams. But I thought when I got one for home use I’d give the little wiha a try. It *****! I find it almost impossible to use without accidentally reversing the ratchet. The lever is just too big. Looks like I’ll be ordering another wera to go with the box of wiha bits.
I absolutely love my wera bit ratchet that I keep in my work van. It gets me out of all kinds of jams. But I thought when I got one for home use I’d give the little wiha a try. It *****! I find it almost impossible to use without accidentally reversing the ratchet. The lever is just too big. Looks like I’ll be ordering another wera to go with the box of wiha bits.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think that tiny bit ratchet is actually made by High Five tools in Taiwan.Signet 22090:
1/4" drive built into the handle for a possible spinner by adding a though extension on the head.
For scale:
Next to Koken Z series 1/4 flex (2726Z):
Icon meme tool for scale:
Definitely the smallest bit ratchet I've ever owned. Not much posted here on Signet, but I gather they are a Taiwanese Tool company that specialize in some unique tools. Not sure if there are buying to resell from InFar or Kabo, or if they actually produce in-house, but I love the little kits they make.
You can get a similar one from VIM Tools:
HI-FIVE PRODUCTS DEVELOPING CO., LTD
Through constant innovation, Hi-Five has seized the industry's leading role in the design and manufacture to geared products. Adherence to the strictest quality standards, combined with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, makes Hi-Five an especially reliable partner in the tool business...
www.newtools.com
2024 update to this thread:
I bought the Harbor Freight Icon bit ratchet.
I compared to my Facom and USAG versions and I believe this HF offering comes from the same factory in Taiwan without question. (Same as Tone Japan bit ratchet, also).
I prefer the Icon case to the Facom/USAG plastic case!
I bought this for $26 US, highly recommended! ! !
I bought the Harbor Freight Icon bit ratchet.
I compared to my Facom and USAG versions and I believe this HF offering comes from the same factory in Taiwan without question. (Same as Tone Japan bit ratchet, also).
I prefer the Icon case to the Facom/USAG plastic case!
I bought this for $26 US, highly recommended! ! !
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ It's $40 bucks for the ICON set. Computer says my local HF finally has two in stock. Last three times I was in there they were out of stock on that item.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
They were on sale before Christmas and that's probably why your store was out of stock. Icon is releasing an updated set this year that includes sockets and a different ratchet.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Wera released a smaller Tool Check with/for their “Advent calendar” late in ‘24. While I do live in a world with an abundance of bit ratchets, including the original Wera (shown here for size reference) I couldn’t resist the set and opened a door each day through December. The novelty is a bit ratchet head with 1/4” hex shaft. So you can even make it a “long” handle ratchet - for a set & ”on the go” not too bad, I guess.
Kind regards,
Olli
The novelty is a bit ratchet head with 1/4” hex shaft. So you can even make it a “long” handle ratchet - for a set & ”on the go” not too bad, I guess.Kind regards,
Olli
tez929rr
Well-known member
I totally don’t need that but I want it so much.Wera released a smaller Tool Check with/for their “Advent calendar” late in ‘24. While I do live in a world with an abundance of bit ratchets, including the original Wera (shown here for size reference) I couldn’t resist the set and opened a door each day through December.
Kind regards,
Olli
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Here are some other sets some might find interesting.
First is set by KS Tools 918.3050 ( https://www.kstools.com/en/products.../4-11-mm-go-through-socket-and-bit-set-31-pcs ) Please be aware that the sockets do have an additional 1/4” internal drive, this results in the ”through” feature only working up to M6/ 10mm socket size. From socket size 11 and up the ”through” feature will not work.
Ratchet will take any 1/4” hex bit, those supplied with the set are somewhat proprietary.
Shown with Wera bit ratchet including standard 1/4” hex bit for size reference.
Next is a set, probably imported, by German industrial supplier Berner/BTI. Sockets are multi-profile. 1/4” drive ratchet w/ quick release. 1/4” hex drive bit ratchet with detent ball locking in the bit. ( https://shop.berner.eu/de-de/p/30363-finger-ratschensatz-24-teilig.html?article_id=30363 ; no link in english language, sorry.)
When size doesn’t matter. Felo, Made in Germany, Ergonic K - lockable flex head bit screwdriver/ratchet set. ( https://www.felo.com/en/innovations/ergonic-k.html )
Kind regards,
Olli
First is set by KS Tools 918.3050 ( https://www.kstools.com/en/products.../4-11-mm-go-through-socket-and-bit-set-31-pcs ) Please be aware that the sockets do have an additional 1/4” internal drive, this results in the ”through” feature only working up to M6/ 10mm socket size. From socket size 11 and up the ”through” feature will not work.
Ratchet will take any 1/4” hex bit, those supplied with the set are somewhat proprietary.
Shown with Wera bit ratchet including standard 1/4” hex bit for size reference.
Next is a set, probably imported, by German industrial supplier Berner/BTI. Sockets are multi-profile. 1/4” drive ratchet w/ quick release. 1/4” hex drive bit ratchet with detent ball locking in the bit. ( https://shop.berner.eu/de-de/p/30363-finger-ratschensatz-24-teilig.html?article_id=30363 ; no link in english language, sorry.)
When size doesn’t matter. Felo, Made in Germany, Ergonic K - lockable flex head bit screwdriver/ratchet set. ( https://www.felo.com/en/innovations/ergonic-k.html )
Kind regards,
Olli
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
And two more.
The ‘21 Hazet “Advent calendar” set with HiPer bit ratchet and the infamous 1/4” hex shaft open end wrenches. (Again shown with Wera bit ratchet for size reference.)
And a limited edition Set bit ratchet from German industrial supplier Wuerth. Includes multi-profile sockets, extensions … .
Kind regards,
Olli
The ‘21 Hazet “Advent calendar” set with HiPer bit ratchet and the infamous 1/4” hex shaft open end wrenches. (Again shown with Wera bit ratchet for size reference.)
And a limited edition Set bit ratchet from German industrial supplier Wuerth. Includes multi-profile sockets, extensions … .
Kind regards,
Olli
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
And here is a Stahlwille 415SGB N from my bike tool-kit. Again shown with the Wera bit ratchet for size reference. ( https://stahlwille.com/en_gb/products/detail/847830 )
Kind regards,
Olli
Kind regards,
Olli
tez929rr
Well-known member
I almost fell for the advent calendar last year but I figured it was a bunch of stuff I really didn’t need.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Just got the little guy in the middle because of another thread on here...
SwissMetric
Well-known member
@kbeefy: Those ones are impossible to find here.
Pics below:
The one above the red PB is a Stahlwille 4008-2 but does someone know who manufactures it? It's rather average in quality and of course overpriced if labeled Sthalwille. There is also a long version.
While most Stahlwille tools are great, I don't find their bit adapters with toroidal spring (former versions were with a C-clip) very convenient. Some bit versions can be difficult to remove and the C-Clips could get lost. The toroidal spring is replacable.
IIRC I've mentioned some details about the bit adapters in another topic. AFAIK only the bit adapters (sockets) for ratchets and the ones integrated in the rotating part of ratchets are made by Stahlwille, the others are 3rd part products. Also the Stahlwille bits are overpriced 3rd party products. The articulated 10 mm ring-ratchet it a Kraftwerk with a I very highly recommend it (the inserted Stahlwille 412-1 bit holder with 10 mm hexagon is itself not that useful). The small reversible bit holder ratchet is an Ironside, a must-have IMO. There are also some imperial 1/4" wrenches as size comparisons.
Pics below:
The one above the red PB is a Stahlwille 4008-2 but does someone know who manufactures it? It's rather average in quality and of course overpriced if labeled Sthalwille. There is also a long version.
While most Stahlwille tools are great, I don't find their bit adapters with toroidal spring (former versions were with a C-clip) very convenient. Some bit versions can be difficult to remove and the C-Clips could get lost. The toroidal spring is replacable.
IIRC I've mentioned some details about the bit adapters in another topic. AFAIK only the bit adapters (sockets) for ratchets and the ones integrated in the rotating part of ratchets are made by Stahlwille, the others are 3rd part products. Also the Stahlwille bits are overpriced 3rd party products. The articulated 10 mm ring-ratchet it a Kraftwerk with a I very highly recommend it (the inserted Stahlwille 412-1 bit holder with 10 mm hexagon is itself not that useful). The small reversible bit holder ratchet is an Ironside, a must-have IMO. There are also some imperial 1/4" wrenches as size comparisons.
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
And, more or less, the last batch. Again, all shown in comparison to the Wera bit ratchet.
Snap-On TM72 / TM936SET ( https://shop.snapon.com/product/Magnetic-Ratchet-and-Bit-Sets/Magnetic-Ratchet-and-Bit-Set/TM72SET )
Limited edition bit ratchet with magnetic tray for bit storage in the handle from German industrial supplier Wuerth. ( The regular variant that came later should be available through Wuerth: https://eshop.wuerth.de/1-4-Zoll-Bitknarre-8-teilig-BITKNAR-1-4ZO-MG-8TLG/071201408.sku/de/DE/EUR/ )
Next a well known classic, the Swiss Tool bit ratchet. And if it ever came to the hypothetical question of “you can only keep one” - this would be it for me.
Then a DeWalt set, that I think is not available any longer.
Then another interesting one from ASW Wekador, uses proprietary bits that are similar to those from KS Tools but not the same. This one comes with an extension/ bit holder specifically for these shallower bits, so they can be used with other 1/4” hex drive tools/ accessories. ( https://asw-wekador.de/sortimente-spezialitaeten/ )
One more to follow in next post due to the 10 pictures/post limit.
Kind regards,
Olli
Snap-On TM72 / TM936SET ( https://shop.snapon.com/product/Magnetic-Ratchet-and-Bit-Sets/Magnetic-Ratchet-and-Bit-Set/TM72SET )
Limited edition bit ratchet with magnetic tray for bit storage in the handle from German industrial supplier Wuerth. ( The regular variant that came later should be available through Wuerth: https://eshop.wuerth.de/1-4-Zoll-Bitknarre-8-teilig-BITKNAR-1-4ZO-MG-8TLG/071201408.sku/de/DE/EUR/ )
Next a well known classic, the Swiss Tool bit ratchet. And if it ever came to the hypothetical question of “you can only keep one” - this would be it for me.
Then a DeWalt set, that I think is not available any longer.
Then another interesting one from ASW Wekador, uses proprietary bits that are similar to those from KS Tools but not the same. This one comes with an extension/ bit holder specifically for these shallower bits, so they can be used with other 1/4” hex drive tools/ accessories. ( https://asw-wekador.de/sortimente-spezialitaeten/ )
One more to follow in next post due to the 10 pictures/post limit.
Kind regards,
Olli
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
Last but not least another classic. The Blue-Point bit ratchet with offset handle. ( https://shop.snapon.com/product/Rat...iniature-Ratcheting-Handle-(Blue-Point)/BTWOS )
Kind regards,
Olli
Kind regards,
Olli
Do most of these bit ratchets hold the bit pretty well? The only one I used (forgot the brand) twice when I either accidently dropped it or put it down the bit fell out and of course per Murphy's Law went down into an elevator shaft where I had to go into the pit to retrieve them (no fun).
Nobody-named-Olli
Well-known member
I can only account for those that I have shown, you won’t accidentally lose/drop a bit from them. Not through dropping it from reasonable height or putting it down.
The only thing that can happen, on those that are a little less tight, if the bit is stuck to the bolt/fastener you might be able to pull the ratchet off the bit. But that is a known issue with almost all non-locking bit holders. Although there are differences as well, depending on if they use a detent ball, round wire snap ring or magnet. (Or a combination of these.)
Kind regards,
Olli
The only thing that can happen, on those that are a little less tight, if the bit is stuck to the bolt/fastener you might be able to pull the ratchet off the bit. But that is a known issue with almost all non-locking bit holders. Although there are differences as well, depending on if they use a detent ball, round wire snap ring or magnet. (Or a combination of these.)
Kind regards,
Olli