Bit Ratchets
- Thread starter Ralf11
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TuxThePenguin
Well-known member
I have a Vim one that is a bit ratchet on one end and 1/4" on the other and it's fine. But dang, nice little flex head on that Facom. Now I kind of want that too.
Dave455
Well-known member
Bear in mind they are (I believe) Taiwanese.
They’re among the better Taiwanese, but don’t over pay. You can probably find the same tool with a different name on for less money.
Personally, I think there are better bit ratchets out there. Stahlwille (the new fine tooth), Hazet, or of course Snap On are all nicer tools.
The Facom scores with the nice box. They’re well designed.
If you’ve never owned a bit ratchet they’re great tools. I wouldn’t be without them. Here are a couple of mine, with their matching 1/4 drive ratchets. I’ve since added the short Hazet that’s missing from the pic. I had to really...!
They’re among the better Taiwanese, but don’t over pay. You can probably find the same tool with a different name on for less money.
Personally, I think there are better bit ratchets out there. Stahlwille (the new fine tooth), Hazet, or of course Snap On are all nicer tools.
The Facom scores with the nice box. They’re well designed.
If you’ve never owned a bit ratchet they’re great tools. I wouldn’t be without them. Here are a couple of mine, with their matching 1/4 drive ratchets. I’ve since added the short Hazet that’s missing from the pic. I had to really...!
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Other brands of this "Reverse Gear" locking flex bit ratchet to look for are USAG (same as Facom but usually cheaper), Würth (they had one in black, too), KS Tools, Deen, and Tone. KS Tools is often the most affordable, through amazon.de, and seems no less in quality or workmanship than the others. I have several of these in different places, because they're so useful. Here's a comparison between Facom/USAG and KS Tools. There are likely others as well.
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The Facom Pico are very nice, though for North American use I would like to see square bits, maybe SQ1-2 and PZ2 instead of PZ1-3. Still, I bought one for each of the girls' tool kits because they're so handy.
VIM also offers a stubby version with a female square for use with a breaker bar. I wish it were shorter, like the Nepros 1/4" stubby, but it's nice for fasteners in tight spots where you need long reach.
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Depends. Nothing is more versatile, due to the small head dimensions, locking flex, and spinner ring. Feel is better than Snapon or the old Stahlwille 20T or 22T, maybe a notch below Stahlwille 80T or Nepros 90T, and not close to Koken. If there's more space to work I'll generally use my much larger Koken instead (below, with the Hazet handle pressed on).
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Snapon Dual80-they-mean-72 isn't competitive with either Reverse Gear or Koken. Clunky size, crappy mechanism, risible quality control such that every single damn one feels different. Maybe they could bother to test the springs before slapping together $100+ ratchets? (It amazes me what shortcomings people will put up with when they imagine a brand is good.) Stahlwille is fine but larger-headed and not as flexible. I've not used Snapon roto.
Dave455
Well-known member
I knew someone would have a list!
Yes, agreed with respect to the small head!
I have the Wera as well, which has the same head with a Wera handle. Superb little tool, which I show here compared to the Stahlwille. The small dimensions are obvious.
They thought about the ergonomics too, as they’re easy to use with one finger behind the bit to hold it into the screw head!
The Stahlwille “N” models with the fine tooth ratchets are beautifully smooth, and I like the option of the all metal handle too, but yes, you pay with more bulk!
The Hazet feel very nice, and are perhaps my current favourites. You can’t see well in my pic, but the short handle Hazet’s are actually the “bent handle” style, which works very well in practice!
The Snap On roto head, with the old style “hard handle” is exactly the tool I have, and it’s great. Super smooth, and can use it either as a bit ratchet or a screwdriver style bit driver. A good versatile tool. It is more bulky than the others shown, so tends to live in my shop.
Price is very much an issue with anything Snap On at the moment. List price on the roto head, which I didn’t (and wouldn’t) pay is roughly ten times what the Wera cost me! Koken anything always scores well on price to performance, but I don’t own any of their bit ratchets.
I generally have either the Wera or the Short Stahlwille in my work jacket. Takes up no space, and it’s amazing how many times I reach for it in a day!
The GJ answer, of course, is to have one of each!
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the Zyklop?
Nope, it's actually the one in the post just above yours.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ISLNRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20
old_smokey
Well-known member
Vessel makes a nice one for getting into really tight spots. I use it for removing carb float bowl screws on motorcycles when they’re still mounted to the engine for jetting changes. Very low profile.
https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/product/screwdriver/detail/250076
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
https://www.vessel.co.jp/english/product/screwdriver/detail/250076
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I've got a small matco bit set that has a little ratcheting bit holder
I also have the EZ Red flex ratchet where one end is 1/4" square and other is 1/4" hex bit holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSR50BQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
the pic is crappy, I cropped a pic of my whole top drawer, but you get the idea. Matco doesn't list this bit set anymore but has others that are similar
I also have the EZ Red flex ratchet where one end is 1/4" square and other is 1/4" hex bit holder https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DSR50BQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
the pic is crappy, I cropped a pic of my whole top drawer, but you get the idea. Matco doesn't list this bit set anymore but has others that are similar
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Firebrick43
Well-known member
I have a wiha and the vim. The wiha is pretty substantial but as a result is larger.
On the other hand the single ended vim I would never break free a bolt with it but it is so tiny it has saved my bacon more than once simply because it fit. It turned one 5 hour job into a 15 min one.
On the other hand the single ended vim I would never break free a bolt with it but it is so tiny it has saved my bacon more than once simply because it fit. It turned one 5 hour job into a 15 min one.
If you want a US made one, Lang makes a decent set. They're small so they fit in tight spaces.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TX0HS6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TX0HS6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I think VIM makes really nice bit ratchets in lengths ranging from 3 to 12 inches long. They are extremely handy and durable.
The Facom versions are nice too and can be found under several brands. I think the best bit ratchets come from Taiwan.
The Facom versions are nice too and can be found under several brands. I think the best bit ratchets come from Taiwan.
CGarage
Well-known member
Facom and USAG are tops. One of the most useful tools ever made.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079GL5TS7/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I've got this Stanley set as well as this same one but under the Bostitch name. I had the Bostitch one first and it's still my go to. I had got my original one for doing small work. Ended up using it once to replace the blower motor in a old Dodge Grand caravan I had. It was the smallest "ratchet" I had and the 72 tooth helped alot. I have since gained ALOT more tools but this little kit is handy as hell. I keep one at home and in my mobile toolbag. I also gave one to my father inlaw as he always wanted a reason to use mine as he said this is a cool handy little kit! He has since lost half his and there rusty..... He isn't good for taking care of his tools. One reason I started getting my own tools.
But I highly suggest checking this little kit out. My original one is going on 5 years no problems. Makes a good in the car bit kit.
I've got this Stanley set as well as this same one but under the Bostitch name. I had the Bostitch one first and it's still my go to. I had got my original one for doing small work. Ended up using it once to replace the blower motor in a old Dodge Grand caravan I had. It was the smallest "ratchet" I had and the 72 tooth helped alot. I have since gained ALOT more tools but this little kit is handy as hell. I keep one at home and in my mobile toolbag. I also gave one to my father inlaw as he always wanted a reason to use mine as he said this is a cool handy little kit! He has since lost half his and there rusty..... He isn't good for taking care of his tools. One reason I started getting my own tools.
But I highly suggest checking this little kit out. My original one is going on 5 years no problems. Makes a good in the car bit kit.
jeepnut24
Well-known member
Before I picked up my first Reverse Gear locking flex (USAG I think) my favorite was Felo, for that reason. The bent handle is a good choice for access without skinning your hand, though a locking flex opens up more options still. Felo is also quite a bit cheaper than Wera, over here at least.
To starkly show size difference between Koken and the dedicated bit ratchets (as opposed to a full-sized 1/4" drive ratchet with a female hex instead of a male square) here's Koken next to Felo and Wera, as well as a cheap and nasty Anex (that came with occasionally super-useful half height bits).
Small addendum, not all of them have the hollow handle which allows the extension to be used as a cheater.
I dont think you cared for the practicality of it if I remember but personally I keep the set as an emergency kit in my glove box so having the optional leverage is preferred.
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The KS tools is advertised as 72 tooth and the Facom is advertised as 60 tooth. Do you know if they have different ratchet mechanisms or is this a mistake? If they do, can you feel any significant difference between them? Facom could be an older design as they seamed to have it available for a few years before anyone else.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
No, i liked the way the bit extension was indexed so you could slide it through the ratchet head making a tee handle.
Excellent point though, as the popular MAC versions have solid handles that are a little on the heavy side.
ARFLY
Well-known member
Looks to be the same which use to be sold as Craftsman.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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I have the Craftsman version and they definitely helped when I was pulling the dash out of my 335i.
dubdoc
Well-known member
measuredtwice
Well-known member
I have a bit ratchet from Victorinox. Pretty sure it has the smallest head of all bit ratchets.
I wonder if some of the ones posted above were copying Victorinox's extension. The extension (or a bit) fits on the end of the handle as well as the head of the ratchet. Also, the handle even has rings on it like the ones posted above. Don't recall when I bought it but it was many years ago.
There's a 3 piece set for $16.14 at Fleet Farm --> https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/kastar-7-pc-ratcheting-screwdriver-bit-wrench-set/0000000030743
The photo on the website is out dated. I've seen it in store and it's marked Lang. But I think it is an older model than the one linked on Amazon.
I wonder if some of the ones posted above were copying Victorinox's extension. The extension (or a bit) fits on the end of the handle as well as the head of the ratchet. Also, the handle even has rings on it like the ones posted above. Don't recall when I bought it but it was many years ago.
There's a 3 piece set for $16.14 at Fleet Farm --> https://www.fleetfarm.com/detail/kastar-7-pc-ratcheting-screwdriver-bit-wrench-set/0000000030743
The photo on the website is out dated. I've seen it in store and it's marked Lang. But I think it is an older model than the one linked on Amazon.
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why? are they smooth, fit the hand well, or...?
garfunkle24
Well-known member
todd_fuller
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jul 9, 2013
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A couple more from my bike tool collection:
1. Prestacycle with extension. Extension can slide thru the ratchet to use as a t-handle driver. Has a pretty nice quality feel to it. Magnet in the end to hold bits.
2. no-name Chinese mini bike tool from Amazon, RUJIO branded. selector switch is low-profile. powerful magnet to hold bit in the end. Bits can't extend through the head.
3. Syncros branded mini bike tool. Similar to above. Selector is tall and easier to flip. Knurling is OK.
1. Prestacycle with extension. Extension can slide thru the ratchet to use as a t-handle driver. Has a pretty nice quality feel to it. Magnet in the end to hold bits.
2. no-name Chinese mini bike tool from Amazon, RUJIO branded. selector switch is low-profile. powerful magnet to hold bit in the end. Bits can't extend through the head.
3. Syncros branded mini bike tool. Similar to above. Selector is tall and easier to flip. Knurling is OK.
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measuredtwice
Well-known member
Looks like Victorinox may have set the trend.
Avenging Bankroll
Banned
nothing
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toolaholic
Well-known member
This is what I use: Felo 61561 XS 18pc Box Sockets,... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008RU5H8U/?tag=atomicindus08-20
ovilla
Well-known member
???
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_100_232&products_id=8061
If you want the ratchet with bits:
https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...+set+1-4+drive.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search
If you want the best of both worlds:
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_100_232&products_id=9618
Parrothead
Well-known member
Lang Tools 5220 7-Piece Fine Tooth Bit Wrench Set https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007TX0HS6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
It’s really a 3 piece set, and it’s the same one sold on Snap On’s website. USA made
It’s really a 3 piece set, and it’s the same one sold on Snap On’s website. USA made
PiperCub49
Well-known member
I get these ratchets as Titan-brandes bit kits at O'Reilly's. Love 'em.
This is my favorite bit holder. I last used it with a torx bit to swap out the oil pump in my 08’ Audi A4, since I only had like an inch of clearance between the pump and the engine firewall. Just an awesome little 48 tooth ratchet!
I used it for the same job on the same car. It was the only tool that would get the job done.
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Yes, if you care about whats stamped into the handle. Otherwise the $75 USAG kit is identical to the Facom in every way. Facom bought Italian tool maker USAG nearly 30 years ago and had them making many of their forged hand tools. In 2010 Stanley bought the Facom group and since then USAG has become much more prominent as a global brand as opposed to really only known in Italy and neighboring countries.
Price wise its like Proto vs MAC or Williams vs Snap-on with a lot of cross branding on the same tools with significant price differences.
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