Battle of the Bit Ratchets

[CGarage]

The VIM VHC77 stubby bit ratchet set is really nice.

In addition to a number of half-cut “short bits” that are 5/8” / 16mm in everything from Torx to Torx Plus to Tamper Proof Torx, it has your traditional assortment of metric and inch Hex, Philips, Flat and XZN, etc.

The bit ratchet that VIM makes apparently comes in different lengths. This set comes with the short VIM bit ratchet. I want to try the longer length versions.

I have not used the bit ratchet yet so no comments on how it performs but for the ~$86 US I paid for this kit, I am quite happy.

 

[Snapped-off]

That vim set looks really nice.

I've got a combination of drivers that I find I use more often than I'd think.

I have these Langs in the Blue Point flavor. First bit ratchets I bought.


This locking flex EZ Red is nice for tight-access areas.


Chapman makes a good quality set. Discovered mine at a pawn shop.


Most recently, i just ordered a TF72 and the bit adapter to convert this ratchet for bits. They've got one in the standard 1/4" handle, but not the flex head.

 

[CGarage]

What is the part number for your locking flex?

 

[ste6168]

I've got Vessel, Craftsman, and Klein bit ratchets, all do their job, also have the $2 Harbor Freight version. I carry the Klein in my tool bag, along with a set of 1/4" Makita impact socket set (in the rubber holders) in my tool bag, they get used almost every day!

 

[ForrestT]

Just ordered this Klein on Amazon. I saw it here on GJ.

 

[Woody1320]

This Gearwrench set is on sale at Home Depot. Any feedback on it? I'm seriously considering it. Especially because Amazon has it at 70 bucks. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRE...SNBLWBKJu0iDLEqx4-kaAmcFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Tachead]

That vim set looks really nice.

I've got a combination of drivers that I find I use more often than I'd think.

I have these Langs in the Blue Point flavor. First bit ratchets I bought.


This locking flex EZ Red is nice for tight-access areas.


Chapman makes a good quality set. Discovered mine at a pawn shop.


Most recently, i just ordered a TF72 and the bit adapter to convert this ratchet for bits. They've got one in the standard 1/4" handle, but not the flex head.

Just so you know, Snap-on does make the 72 in a bit drive flex model but only the locking flex. The part number is TXM72. They are nice but aren't the best option for tight areas as they are long from bit tip to ratchet back compared to other options. Their low profile ratchet with bit adapter and short length bits may be a better option...

 

[Snapped-off]

Just so you know, Snap-on does make the 72 in a bit drive flex model but only the locking flex. The part number is TXM72. They are nice but aren't the best option for tight areas as they are long from bit tip to ratchet back compared to other options. Their low profile ratchet with bit adapter and short length bits may be a better option...

Weird they offer that but not a normal flex. I don't like their locking flex ratchets at all. This was more of a want than a need purchase.

 

[Tachead]

Weird they offer that but not a normal flex. I don't like their locking flex ratchets at all. This was more of a want than a need purchase.

Yes, it is weird. You would think they would offer all options as it's just a simple part swap.

Aside from the non-locking button problem(it is easy to bump into locked position) you may be the only one I have ever heard doesn't like their locking flex. Especially since they upgraded the button to metal. To each their own I guess...

Yes, I own more then one ratchet I "wanted" as well.

 

[Iridium rand]

This Gearwrench set is on sale at Home Depot. Any feedback on it? I'm seriously considering it. Especially because Amazon has it at 70 bucks. https://www.homedepot.com/p/GEARWRE...SNBLWBKJu0iDLEqx4-kaAmcFEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

I actually just picked that exact set up from home depot a few weeks ago, very smooth mechanism on the ratchets, exceptionally slim profile and the thumbwheels are much grippier than any other I’ve used (most spinner handles I find useless for that reason) locking flex is great to have on these as well and comfortable handle shape.

Sockets are fine nothing exceptional, only thing I don’t like is all the wasted space in the bit holding case bulking it out so it’s harder to keep it in your pocket than the wera i use for example.
Also whenever you change sockets the 1/4 hex to square drive adapter comes out with the socket, so you always have to take both off, pull it out of the socket, put it back in and put the next socket on. Minor gripes I’d definitely recommend picking it up at the HD price, 70$ Would be a little steep for what it is

 

[Dave455]

Weird they offer that but not a normal flex. I don't like their locking flex ratchets at all. This was more of a want than a need purchase.

The Snap On bit ratchets are superb tools.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you often use them differently to a conventional ratchet, in that you usually need to apply some “downforce” to keep the bit in the screw. Maybe this is why they don’t offer the non - locking version.

It’s certainly why I find tools like the Facom and Wera are so useable - the finger recess behind the head is a great feature. The Facom R.180 shown is locking too.

 

[Tachead]

The Snap On bit ratchets are superb tools.

The only thing to bear in mind is that you often use them differently to a conventional ratchet, in that you usually need to apply some “downforce” to keep the bit in the screw. Maybe this is why they don’t offer the non - locking version.

It’s certainly why I find tools like the Facom and Wera are so useable - the finger recess behind the head is a great feature. The Facom R.180 shown is locking too.

Hey Dave, any chance you could take a measurement of the standard TM72 with PH2 in it(preferably Snap-on ACR PH2 if you have it so we have a consistent length) from bit end tip to back of ratchet? Just wondering how much worse the clearance is compared to some of the more bit specific designs. Thanks.

 

[carmantl]

I have the VIM set above and it's my go-to with the half height bits. Love the ratchet too.

 

[Dave455]

Hey Dave, any chance you could take a measurement of the standard TM72 with PH2 in it(preferably Snap-on ACR PH2 if you have it so we have a consistent length) from bit end tip to back of ratchet? Just wondering how much worse the clearance is compared to some of the more bit specific designs. Thanks.

I can do that - to a degree.. I don’t actually have a PH2 that fits directly on a ratchet though.

I do have a bit adaptor, and that measures 2.220” compared to the bit ratchet at 1.280. A significant difference.

Nearest I have to a PH2 that fits a regular ratchet is this Stahlwille bit. A lot less than the bit adaptor, but still 1.550”.

To be honest, one of the attractions of a bit ratchet is that while you need to spend on an extra ratchet, you can then use regular hex bits, and don’t need to buy the (relatively costly) screwdriver / hex / torx bits that fit a square drive.

The advantage of those bits, of course, is that you don’t lose them as easily as you can the bits from a magnetic bit holder, so better for some applications.

Most bit ratchets seem to have decent retention, and the bits don’t fall out as easily as they do from a magnetic holder

 

[Dave455]

This little Hazet is less than all the above at 1.135”, and the Wera less still at 1.090”

 

[Tachead]

I can do that - to a degree.. I don’t actually have a PH2 that fits directly on a ratchet though.

I do have a bit adaptor, and that measures 2.220” compared to the bit ratchet at 1.280. A significant difference.

Nearest I have to a PH2 that fits a regular ratchet is this Stahlwille bit. A lot less than the bit adaptor, but still 1.550”.

To be honest, one of the attractions of a bit ratchet is that while you need to spend on an extra ratchet, you can then use regular hex bits, and don’t need to buy the (relatively costly) screwdriver / hex / torx bits that fit a square drive.

The advantage of those bits, of course, is that you don’t lose them as easily as you can the bits from a magnetic bit holder, so better for some applications.

Most bit ratchets seem to have decent retention, and the bits don’t fall out as easily as they do from a magnetic holder

No, no I just meant with a standard ACR 1/4 bit(SDM222IRB) but, nevermind as your answer is even better and super helpful. I was just wondering how much clearance the Snap-on bit ratchet looses compared to a standard pass through bit ratchet design. As I can see from your detailed pics(thank you sir) you loose a bit but, not a ton. Thanks again Dave, I think I have a similar setup here so I can get an idea...

 

[Tachead]

This little Hazet is less than all the above at 1.135”, and the Wera less still at 1.090”

Yeah, designs like those and the 863HPB I ordered still appear to offer an even more compact design then the Snap-on's. I wish Snap-on would have took the time to design I pass through bit driver out of a T72 more like them. All they had to do really was drill a hole in the forging and make the bit holder in the anvil shorter and use a standard clip like Hazet. If they let the bit sit so that it was absolutely flush with the flat top of the head of the Ratchet it would be awesome. Oh well, one can dream lol...

 

[Fedwrench]

VIM has a new three piece set similar to the locking Facom flex head unit above. Shop around for the best price.

RFB400K - VIM Tools

3 piece 1/4" mini flex bit/socket ratchet and t-handle

vimtools.com

I really like this Titan roto head bit driver. You can get it in different colors too.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/titan/titan-1-4-inch-drive-micro-driver/ttn0/11318?q=titan+bit+driver&pos=3

 

[tez929rr]

I like the little Wera ones.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ISLNRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Based on a recommendation here I bought this Wera set on Amazon. I think it was on sale for around $50. Very tidy, jewel like set.

 

[CallumRD1]

This little Hazet is less than all the above at 1.135”, and the Wera less still at 1.090”

A nice trick with the Wera: you can reverse smaller size bits so the drive end comes out the back. This makes the overall length a neat 1". This saved my bacon reinstalling some way covers after an enclosure was put on a mill. In the normal configuration I couldn't quite get the bit engaged in the fastener, the extra little length saved by reversing the bit was just enough clearance.

 

[JradM]

I've got more than a few bit ratchets and the Wurth/Zebra mini is the best of the bunch:




Bits sit flush with the top, meaning it doesn't add any height. The dished surface at the top lets the bit protrude slightly so you can push them out with your thumb. I've found it plenty strong too.

This bit ratchet is smaller than most - but that's what I like most about it.

 

[Tachead]

A nice trick with the Wera: you can reverse smaller size bits so the drive end comes out the back. This makes the overall length a neat 1". This saved my bacon reinstalling some way covers after an enclosure was put on a mill. In the normal configuration I couldn't quite get the bit engaged in the fastener, the extra little length saved by reversing the bit was just enough clearance.

Good to know, thank you.

 

[Tachead]

I've got more than a few bit ratchets and the Wurth/Zebra mini is the best of the bunch:




Bits sit flush with the top, meaning it doesn't add any height. The dished surface at the top lets the bit protrude slightly so you can push them out with your thumb. I've found it plenty strong too.

This bit ratchet is smaller than most - but that's what I like most about it.

Looks like a nice little ratchet. Any idea where it's made?

 

[Grokew]

Just ordered this Klein on Amazon. I saw it here on GJ.

Great mini ratchet, the head is a bit tall, but they compensate wih the included low profile bits.

The selector switch is small, but if you grab too close to it when using the ratchet, it can reverse (like most ratchets).

The finger loop makes it really easy to grab, and it wont slip from your hands.

 

[LHSA]

+1 on the Tone set. Love the extension bar expanding the versatility by acting as a T handle wrench. Just received the set from Amazon.co.jp and it cost ~$45 USD. Of course shipping was crazy high, so I had to buy a whole box of tools to make it worthwhile

 

[CGarage]

+1 on the Tone set. Love the extension bar expanding the versatility by acting as a T handle wrench. Just received the set from Amazon.co.jp and it cost ~$45 USD. Of course shipping was crazy high, so I had to buy a whole box of tools to make it worthwhile

I love my Tone as well

 

[autobon7]

This little Hazet is less than all the above at 1.135”, and the Wera less still at 1.090”

I have the Wera (couple years now) and its outstanding.

 

[Tachead]

Well, this finally just showed up in the mail from Germany. Man, what a nice bit ratchet, super impressed...

 

[lardy1]

I have a few. Of the ones I own I like my Felo the best. Stout yet smooth. Fairly compact. I use it more on cabinet hardware and that sort of thing than auto tech. I do like the Vim but it just doesn't line up/engage between my fingers and the fastener the way the little Felo does.

On a side note....I like that Vim that Fedwrench linked to. I don't need it but it looks like a very sweet setup.

 

[JradM]

Looks like a nice little ratchet. Any idea where it's made?

No, sorry. Wurth re-brands items from a number of different companies.

Lots of the pliers are Knipex or Felo. Felo seems to make all the screwdrivers. I'm not sure who does the socketry or ratchets though - they're not recognizable as clones of anything I've seen. Wait - I do know the locking T-handle roto ratchet is a dead ringer for Laser. I think that's a one-off though.

Wurth doesn't seem to rebrand any junk if that helps - and I think they're based in Germany. Some of the sockets look a lot like Facom, but that's not true for all of them (and could easily be a coincidence).

 

[Tachead]

No, sorry. Wurth re-brands items from a number of different companies.

Lots of the pliers are Knipex or Felo. Felo seems to make all the screwdrivers. I'm not sure who does the socketry or ratchets though - they're not recognizable as clones of anything I've seen. Wait - I do know the locking T-handle roto ratchet is a dead ringer for Laser. I think that's a one-off though.

Wurth doesn't seem to rebrand any junk if that helps - and I think they're based in Germany. Some of the sockets look a lot like Facom, but that's not true for all of them (and could easily be a coincidence).

Ok, thanks anyway. I try my best to avoid any tools(or anything for that matter) not made in the USA, Canada, Europe, or Japan so anyone who hides their place of manufacture is automatically ruled out for me.

 

[Grokew]

Ok, thanks anyway. I try my best to avoid any tools(or anything for that matter) not made in the USA, Canada, Europe, or Japan so anyone who hides their place of manufacture is automatically ruled out for me.

That wurth looks like a vim, facom, prestacycle, topeak, etc. Curiously the ring doesn't have reverse gear stamped on it. It may be made by Hi-five/newtools http://www.newtools.com/

 

[Vwpower]

here is what I have. It definitely saved my *** many times. I think it was like $10 on clearance or something. It is very low profile.
I just bought the gearwrench set from Home Depot soon as I seen it but haven’t used it yet. It is not as low pro as the kobalt but the longer handles look like they should help with access.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Great mini ratchet, the head is a bit tall, but they compensate wih the included low profile bits.

The selector switch is small, but if you grab too close to it when using the ratchet, it can reverse (like most ratchets).

The finger loop makes it really easy to grab, and it wont slip from your hands.

The little Klein ratchet is pretty nice. I haven't had a chance to use it much, but it has come in handy. You can also drive 1/4 or 5/16 hex screw with it.

The Titan swivel-head bit ratchet is handy. I have the 1/4" socket driver version, and the swivel head is really handy, and you can go perpendicular, and use it like a screwdriver.

 

[Dave455]

Yeah, designs like those and the 863HPB I ordered still appear to offer an even more compact design then the Snap-on's. I wish Snap-on would have took the time to design I pass through bit driver out of a T72 more like them. All they had to do really was drill a hole in the forging and make the bit holder in the anvil shorter and use a standard clip like Hazet. If they let the bit sit so that it was absolutely flush with the flat top of the head of the Ratchet it would be awesome. Oh well, one can dream lol...

Agree totally. I love the overall quality of the Snap On, but the way the bit project’s isn’t ideal.

For some applications, it doesn’t matter at all (I’m thinking a lot of aerospace stuff, where access to fasteners is usually thought through), but for some applications (seemingly a lot of the **** I ssem to have to deal with) it does!

 

[Dave455]

Looks like a nice little ratchet. Any idea where it's made?

I’ve seen stickers on the back of some Wurth sets (and tools) with C.O.O. but to be honest it seems to be variable.

I saw one (quite nice) 1/4” drive set where the ratchet appeared to be a USAG “Palm Control” ratchet. Sure enough, the set was marked “Made in Italy”. I’ve also seen “Made in Taiwan” and “Made in Germany”.

Screwdrivers and bits certainly look like Felo, so that’s plausible. I suspect that many of the sets have components with different origins, but suspect the bulk is Taiwanese.

That need not be a bad thing. I know Wurth are not well known everywhere (for those who don’t know them, they are basically a fastener / consumables supplier) but they seem to be trying to build their reputation. Most of their stuff seems to be of reasonable standard.

 

[lardy1]

As a side note.....the Wera is on sale today only at KC Tools for twenty five bucks.

Tool of the Day®

KC Tool's Tool of the Day™! A new tool every day at unbeatable prices. Check out what we've got for you today. America's #1 German Tool Distributor. Free Shipping to 48 states over $75.

www.kctool.com

 

[Renegade1LI]

Don’t remember where i got this set, but it’s made in the usa and very versatile. Comes with a screwdriver handle as well and it’s in a nice small case.

 

[CGarage]

Don’t remember where i got this set, but it’s made in the usa and very versatile. Comes with a screwdriver handle as well and it’s in a nice small case.

Is it a Wadsworth???

 

[carmantl]

Yes it's Wadsworth, I found the same set in a pawnshop for $10. The ratchet by itself from them is $68 and it only works with their proprietary bits. Great little tool but I think they have priced themselves out of the market. My set is missing the 2 little plastic finger turners and they want $5 apiece and will only sell in sets of 10. WTF?