Which micro ratchet and bit set?

[submariner]

Today I used my stubby screwdriver for the first time and it was a pain to remove a couple of screws in a confined space. So I want I want to buy a micro ratchet and bit set, my budget is $50. Due to my location, I prefer to buy from Amazon (US, UK or DE).

I found 3:
1. Gearwrench 85035
2. Bahco 2058/S26
3. Metabo 6.30426

Has anyone try these micro ratchets? or know of any better ones?

 

[ilovevocs]

I have the gear wrench unit and only use it occasionally. I have been happy with its quality and performance for the price point. I'm not familiar with the other units and have no basis for comparison.

 

[mattmus4357]

I have the Gearwrench set and I LOVE it! I use it mainly as part of my motorcycle tool kit, and have used it quiet a few times out on the trails. The ratcheting mechanism is really smooth on it. I'm going to grab a few more sets if they go on sale this holiday season, as I picked mine up for $12.50 last year.

 

[mech-tech]

The sunex set is also nice, very nice ratchet and foam fill case too.

 

[cludwin]

The one I have and really love is the Wadsworth Ratchet Set Mini Super Deluxe.
I've used it for year and it's been a great set. The other alternative is to get a hex bit holder and use a 1/4" ratchet. I've done both but I really like this set.

Obigatory Amazon link:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WTWZ2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[STGFordCrazy04]

How about a 1" hex bit in ratchet wrench?

 

[kythri]

I've got the GW set. It has a better clearance than anything else I've tried - specifically, the depth of the bit determines the depth/clearance of the tool.

FAR more clearance than a 1/4" ratchet and adapter.

Helped me out a couple of times.

 

[jml93]

I can second that the Sunex kit is very nice.

 

[928'er]

Picked up two of these 23 piece metric 1/4 pass through Gearwrench 8923 sets and keep them in my cars for emergency repairs

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004O91GMY/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Found them on sale for $8.99 ea at Orchard Supply about a year ago. Seems like a versatile, well made set.

 

[jim faston]

I don't think there is a kit available, but Vim makes a couple of decent ratchets at a good price. This one, for example:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002Y0729G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The Gearwrench set you refer to is decent too, I picked mine up on closeout at Sears or Lowes a few years back for cheap.

 

[submariner]

I've got the GW set. It has a better clearance than anything else I've tried - specifically, the depth of the bit determines the depth/clearance of the tool.

FAR more clearance than a 1/4" ratchet and adapter.

That's just what I need, thanks.

 

[shockwave]

The sunex set is also nice, very nice ratchet and foam fill case too.

I second the sunex set a broader range too

 

[CJKaz]

Have used these for many years, available in hex (SAE & Metric), Torx etc, etc.

The ratchet handle might seem a bit rudimentary, but it works just fine, particularly with the extension and driver handle to give extra torque. Used with the bit alone, it fits in very tight spaces.

http://www.chapmanmfg.com/

One of the various sets available:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WSYYW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

100% made in the USA!

 

[Avgas]

Husky 8 piece bit ratchet set

It is similar in design as the gearwrench set, but more compact ( I have both sets )
The angle on the head is just perfect, and it has a great swing arc. It can be used for 1/4" bits or to drive 1/4" sockets.

Unfortunately the home depot has discontinued this item in favor of the bigger gearwrench model, but you can still find it on ebay from time to time.

http://reviews.homedepot.com/1999/100041241/husky-8-piece-bit-ratchet-set-reviews/reviews.htm

 

[Professur]

Any reason to not just go with http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-reversible-offset-ratchet-screwdriver-set/p-00941469000P?prdNo=2

 

[submariner]

Any reason to not just go with http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-reversible-offset-ratchet-screwdriver-set/p-00941469000P?prdNo=2

Sears shipping is prohibitive to Australia. Amazon's is pretty reasonable so that where I buy most stuff from.

 

[kythri]

Any reason to not just go with http://www.sears.com/craftsman-5-pc-reversible-offset-ratchet-screwdriver-set/p-00941469000P?prdNo=2

That particular design has the knurled part of the bit stick out past the pack of the head.

As such, it's going to have a deeper clearance need than the GW (or Husky, as it seems) set.

Specifically, you run the risk of backing out the thing against something with not enough clearance to remove the fastener itself.

 

[devoncoolman]

The matco kit is very compact. Similar to that husky kit. I have both the matco and the gear wrench kit. The gear wrench is bigger. Good for larger aplications. But where size is key i use the matco. Very nice and cheap too

 

[RCL]

Bought the Gearwrench set when it was on sale and have been very satisfied.

 

[GCncsuHD]

I have the GW set, got it as a gift several years back. I decided to throw it in the truck "just in case" toolbox, but I have grabbed it out for several projects in the garage, and it has been mighty handy.

 

[priceman1414]

Have used these for many years, available in hex (SAE & Metric), Torx etc, etc.

The ratchet handle might seem a bit rudimentary, but it works just fine, particularly with the extension and driver handle to give extra torque. Used with the bit alone, it fits in very tight spaces.

http://www.chapmanmfg.com/

One of the various sets available:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000WSYYW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

100% made in the USA!

I also have the Chapman midget ratchet (a pocket pack) and like it very much. Used it a few times on some hard to reach screws and it helped alot!

 

[Arne73]

I've got both the GW set and the Wadsworth Super Deluxe set. I've used the GW set quite a bit for both sockets and various bits and haven't got any complaints.
I got the Wadsworth set as a gift and but don't use it much for some reason.

 

[Nortonscustom]

I've been using that Gear Wrench set for a couple of years now at work. Keep it in my tool bag. It's well made and has been pretty handy.

 

[Hammer1963]

I have a VIM kit with half cut bits and use it on about 50% of my jobs. Nice compact ratchet and the bits are S2 so they hold up well

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Try Wera or Felo... I don't know why this Wera set went up in price, it was much cheaper last time I checked.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B004ISLNRO

Here is the Felo set...

http://m.ebay.com/itm/261280765214

Oh and I completely forgot... Wiha now offers a bit ratchet of their own, which is on sale.

http://www.kctoolco.com/Bit-Ratchet-Compact-Pouch-Set-28-Piece-p/74992.htm

 

[submariner]

Here is the Felo set...

http://m.ebay.com/itm/261280765214

That Felo set is nice

 

[Nocturnal-G]

That Felo set is nice

I take it you went with the Felo set?

Listing has ended.

 

[k-os]

I picked up the Gearwrench set a a family gift exchange and have been really happy with its use it all the time in tight spaces on the motorcycles, mainly carbs while they're still installed.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[submariner]

I take it you went with the Felo set?

Listing has ended.

Yes, I bought it from that ebay seller after I saw the review here: http://robonza.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/review-felo-xs-33-mini-ratchet-set.html

I have a set of Felo precision screwdrivers and I've been happy with them. But I wonder why the Felo XS 33 it's not more widely available (not sold on Amazon US or DE) since Felo is quite good and reasonably priced?

 

[JRock10]

Posting for later reference.

Tapatalk...my downtime occupier

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Yes, I bought it from that ebay seller after I saw the review here: http://robonza.blogspot.com.au/2013/04/review-felo-xs-33-mini-ratchet-set.html

I have a set of Felo precision screwdrivers and I've been happy with them. But I wonder why the Felo XS 33 it's not more widely available (not sold on Amazon US or DE) since Felo is quite good and reasonably priced?

I'm not sure... A few things that are great about that set is its a little more complete (more bits). The case looks nice too.

Post a review when you get it...

 

[submariner]

Post a review when you get it...

No worries, thank you all for your help

 

[submariner]

I received the Felo XS 33 today, exactly six days after purchase. It was sent by regular USPS airmail which is quite impressive since I'm on the other side of the globe. Perhaps that's why USPS is losing money I thought it was going to take a couple of weeks for delivery so I bought a Bahco 2058/S26 micro ratchet and bit set locally last week to finish up my project. Now I have something to compare it with.

The Felo set is built like a tank (400gm vs 280gm). The case is very tough, made from similar material to my Hazet socket case except with rubber bumpers. It would easily survive a 4 foot drop without damage. The finish on the Felo bits are exceptional - the Felo logo, size and part number are stamped on each one. The Bahco bits look and feel cheap and only have the size on the bit. Can't beat the Felo value

 

[mrjaw14]

I haven't seen anyone look at this set yet. I have the other gearwrench style, except under the kobalt brand and I use it quite a bit. but I recently needed something with a bit more beef with super low clearance for a seized fastener. I was afraid I was going to break the smaller one. I looked and looked and finally found this. It's a 1/2" gearwrench with inserts for 1/4" and 5/16" bits. You can put those inserts into any 1/2" box end if you really need to crank on something, or use it in a flex head gear wrench for even more versatility. I just ordered one.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HBDWKM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jensputzier]

Today I used my stubby screwdriver for the first time and it was a pain to remove a couple of screws in a confined space. So I want I want to buy a micro ratchet and bit set, my budget is $50. Due to my location, I prefer to buy from Amazon (US, UK or DE).

I found 3:
1. Gearwrench 85035
2. Bahco 2058/S26
3. Metabo 6.30426

Has anyone try these micro ratchets? or know of any better ones?

How about this one? http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200963592000&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

I could sell you one of those for 50$ shipped.

 

[Mastermind]

i have the gearwrench set you guys are discussing, and the sunex, and a kobalt one like the gw only smaller, like them all, take a #2 phillips that fits thru the gw one backwards, grind it down halfway of the hex (mine had a little reference mark to lock into a bit holder) and get even tighter clearances.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Just because I find their design interesting, the Sealey AK6962 AK6961 rathcets for 1/4 hex and 1/4 square.

 

[flippin]

For my fellow Canadian members, Crappy Tire has this set in their weekly flyer. It's pretty good for the price and comes with a nice set of bits. Purchased 3, one for the house, truck and boat.

http://www.canadiantire.ca/browse/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524443279726&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=1408474396672077&bmUID=1381956886346

 

[bart1]

Popular opinion when I was looking was to get one that said reverse gear on the knurled wheel. Made by a week respected company in Taiwan. I did, and mine was the Husky set, as pictured above. It's been great.

I have given a Gearwrench set as a gift, it's a bit bigger but packaged nicely.

I was always intrigued by the Chapman set an of course would like a Hazet set.

 

[submariner]

How about this one? http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200963592000&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

For around the same price as the Witte, I would rather buy the Hazet set. Both the Hazet and Witte sets are not selling well on Amazon.de - I assume it's because of the limited number of bits. People buy a bit set for the quantity of the bits. No point in quality when you don't have the right size bit.