Battle of the Bit Ratchets

[tez929rr]

I use a 1/4" Armstrong ratcheting combination wrench. I think it is probably significantly more compact and lighter than any of the ones posted, and I'm usually carrying a set of those wrenches anyways. Bit can go all the way through the ratcheting end, obviously, but it's not a problem if you're careful (or you can put a finger over the back of it).

I actually use that trick a lot.

But then you miss the chance to admire the multiple sets you bought after seeing them on Garage Journal.

 

[WWheeler]

I'm partial to Sunex's 9732 flex bit ratchet set. This is the second one I just recently bought. The first set me back $33 and this one was $41. Inflation's sure hit the tools but still a great value imho. The other has been in my glove box for a year or two now and gets used a lot more often that I initially thought it would. gonna toss this this one in the glove of the work truck. It's proved to be a very handy bit of kit. Only thing I might think to complain about it is the case seems like it was made to try to be too pretty and fragile with the plexi top, though it's not actually been a problem for me.

 

[m6z]

I really don't get much use out of mine. I did use one to assemble a kids toy recently.

Seems like I always reach for a 1/4 drive ratchet and a bit socket.

 

[m6z]

Dbl post

 

[gjusername]

I'd love to hear your review of the Koken; been thinking about getting one. I've got the same Carlyle, Titan, and Felo and would be interested to know how the Koken compares.

I like the Koken, it has that quality feel. I'm not a big fan of the way it retains bits, but it has advantages and disadvantages. It uses a c-ring rather than a magnet. The disadvantage is that it's not compaitible with bits that have the quick-change style shank, it only works with the 1" bits that have the small notch in the shank. I think I may tryt to find a magnetic bit holder with that type of shank to use as an adapter.... The advantage of the c-ring is that the bit is more recessed into the head of the ratchet. Compared to the felo mini bit ratchet, the koken has a slightly larger head, width and length-wise, but there is a little more vertical clearance because the bit doesn't stick out as far.

I have one application that I bought the mini felo for, specifically - a couple of the torx-head valve cover bolts on my car are so close to the firewall that you basically have to use a mini bit ratchet because there is not enough room for anything else. not enough clearance for the height of a 1/4" ratchet and bit socket. I think the Koken may be small enough work for that application as well, with a longer handle which will be preferable. I'll have to come back with an update once I get a chance to test this.

I think the Koken has the lightest backdrag of them all, but it's pretty close.

pic is the koken vs the felo

 

[Pexto]

Thanks very much, that's a great review and you may have saved me a little money.

I use my bit ratchets with 2" power bits a lot so if the Koken doesn't work well with them that's an issue. I like the additional length of 2" bits because I can palm the ratchet and hold the bit with thumb and forefinger. Can't do that with 1" bits without an extension, which are usually too long. That, and the 2" bits are easier to find when dropped under the bench.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I use my bit ratchets with 2" power bits a lot so if the Koken doesn't work well with them that's an issue. I like the additional length of 2" bits because I can palm the ratchet and hold the bit with thumb and forefinger. Can't do that with 1" bits without an extension, which are usually too long. That, and the 2" bits are easier to find when dropped under the bench.

I like the Koken, it has that quality feel. I'm not a big fan of the way it retains bits, but it has advantages and disadvantages. It uses a c-ring rather than a magnet. The disadvantage is that it's not compaitible with bits that have the quick-change style shank, it only works with the 1" bits that have the small notch in the shank.

A magnet bit holder with deep groove is quite easy to modify with an added slight groove and
removal of the short drive end. Seems like this would work with some of the above uses.

 

[ATC]

I like my little GearWrench kit...

 

[CGarage]

I'd love to hear your review of the Koken; been thinking about getting one. I've got the same Carlyle, Titan, and Felo and would be interested to know how the Koken compares.

The head of the Koken bit ratchet looks HUGE.

 

[Rickkyyr8]

Just got this double flex Mac yesterday, pretty neat. Which the clearance was a little better but the fact that it’s double flex should be able to offset that some. I also ordered the Snap on TM72 which is the magnetic bit ratchet

 

[CGarage]

Holy smokes Batman!
Icon takes on Facom/USAG!

Locking Flex Head Ratchet and Bit Set, 35-Piece

Amazing deals on this 35Pc Locking Flex Ratchet With Bits at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[JBH]

Holy smokes Batman!
Icon takes on Facom/USAG!

Locking Flex Head Ratchet and Bit Set, 35-Piece

Amazing deals on this 35Pc Locking Flex Ratchet With Bits at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

They couldn’t be bothered to swap out the bit set for a more US appropriate collection, though. There should be square, and aside from PZ2 (thanks to IKEA) PZ are very specialized here.

 

[kreisler]

I'm not sure who makes the bits that are included with the ratchet set... maybe PB Swiss?? PB Swiss does make the bits that are included with the Victorinox Bike Tool.

helo. i've called vinox switzerland HQ, and the female person on the phone looked it up in her system. she said that the system entry only says "Bezugsland: Deutscheland", explaining to me that they are buying the black bits from a company in Germany, but she wouldn't know (someone else at vinox knows, of course) which company. with this info, she said that two things are logically clear:

1. the black bits are NOT manufactured in the switzer lands. so they caht be made by PB Swiss Tools.
2. the black bits were packaged&shipped from gemani to Vinox but it doesn't mean that they are made in gemani
3. (my fair assumption): the black bits are NOT made in gemani but imported from Asia (Vietkong, Taiwan, China), most likely Taiwan.

The reason for 3. is: Afaik there are only 2, if any, geman manufacturers who actually manufacture standard bits in gemani, possibly only Hazet and Stahlwille (i didn't investigate these 2 companies any further). All other proud gemanophone companies import standard bits from Taiwan: Wera (EDIT: Wera's standard bits are made in Czech Republic), Wiha (EDIT: Wiha's standard bits are made in Vietnam!), Proxxon, KS Tools, Gedore, Bosch, Matador, Metabo, etc etc (correct me if i'm long).

Btw, what are the exact dimensions of the ICON box (without the retail packaging)? I cannot find such data on the HF product page.

 

[Dave455]

A gratuitous bit ratchet picture.

No particular reason, other than I came across the picture!

 

[CGarage]

helo. i've called vinox switzerland HQ, and the female person on the phone looked it up in her system. she said that the system entry only says "Bezugsland: Deutscheland", explaining to me that they are buying the black bits from a company in Germany, but she wouldn't know (someone else at vinox knows, of course) which company. with this info, she said that two things are logically clear:

1. the black bits are NOT manufactured in the switzer lands. so they caht be made by PB Swiss Tools.
2. the black bits were packaged&shipped from gemani to Vinox but it doesn't mean that they are made in gemani
3. (my fair assumption): the black bits are NOT made in gemani but imported from Asia (Vietkong, Taiwan, China), most likely Taiwan.

The reason for 3. is: Afaik there are only 2, if any, geman manufacturers who actually manufacture standard bits in gemani, possibly only Hazet and Stahlwille (i didn't investigate these 2 companies any further). All other proud gemanophone companies import standard bits from Taiwan: Wera, Wiha, Proxxon, Bosch, Gedore, Matador, Metabo, KS Tools, etc etc (correct me if i'm long).

Btw, what are the exact dimensions of the ICON box (without the retail packaging)? I cannot find such data on the HF product page.

1. My Victorinox set came with black bits.

2. It is spelled “Germany”.

3. The icon box looks nearly identical to the box Facom supplies with their bit ratchet set. You may want to check there for dimensions.

4. If you are in a trade where you have to write to communicate with customers, it would be good for you to find someone more capable of written communication. I had real trouble reading your post.

 

[Grokew]

helo. i've called vinox switzerland HQ, and the female person on the phone looked it up in her system. she said that the system entry only says "Bezugsland: Deutscheland", explaining to me that they are buying the black bits from a company in Germany, but she wouldn't know (someone else at vinox knows, of course) which company. with this info, she said that two things are logically clear:

1. the black bits are NOT manufactured in the switzer lands. so they caht be made by PB Swiss Tools.
2. the black bits were packaged&shipped from gemani to Vinox but it doesn't mean that they are made in gemani
3. (my fair assumption): the black bits are NOT made in gemani but imported from Asia (Vietkong, Taiwan, China), most likely Taiwan.

The reason for 3. is: Afaik there are only 2, if any, geman manufacturers who actually manufacture standard bits in gemani, possibly only Hazet and Stahlwille (i didn't investigate these 2 companies any further). All other proud gemanophone companies import standard bits from Taiwan: Wera, Wiha, Proxxon, Bosch, Gedore, Matador, Metabo, KS Tools, etc etc (correct me if i'm long).

Btw, what are the exact dimensions of the ICON box (without the retail packaging)? I cannot find such data on the HF product page.

Wurden die Wera bits nicht in Tschechien hergestellt?

 

[kreisler]

Wurden die Wera bits nicht in Tschechien hergestellt?

Czech, Taiwan, Same, Same, Ha, Ha.
But yes, Wera standard bits are made in Tschechien, as stated on the retail package.

I've corrected the post, thx!

 

[KnurledNut]

Czech, Taiwan, Same, Same, Ha, Ha.
But yes, Wera standard bits are made in Tschechien, as stated on the retail package.

I've corrected the post, thx!

Willkommen im Garagenjournal. Vielen Dank für Ihre Informationen. ignoriere die Kritiker. deine Nachricht war hilfreich. gut, noch einen echten Deutschen hier zu haben!

 

[four.cycle]

huh?

 

[SweetD]

I have a couple of nice Chapman sets. My Dad gave me the master set on the right for my 50th this past year. Honestly I'm hesitant to use them they're so nice! But I will. I also have the Wadsworth Super Deluxe mini set which I love.

 

[KnurledNut]

Just came across this Reverse Gear bit ratchet designed for Leatherman bit holders.
Im not a Leatherman guy, but this is pretty slick:

https://www.amazon.com/vdp/0dc84ca4...B09MJYRQP4&ref=cm_sw_em_r_ib_dt_Bc0dcbBsUh8wf

 

[SweetD]

^that's pretty slick!

 

[Grokew]

Just came across this Reverse Gear bit ratchet designed for Leatherman bit holders.
Im not a Leatherman guy, but this is pretty slick:

https://www.amazon.com/vdp/0dc84ca4...B09MJYRQP4&ref=cm_sw_em_r_ib_dt_Bc0dcbBsUh8wf

I bet it works great with the SOG powerpint.

 

[CGarage]

Willkommen im Garagenjournal. Vielen Dank für Ihre Informationen. ignoriere die Kritiker. deine Nachricht war hilfreich. gut, noch einen echten Deutschen hier zu haben!

Alles Kaput

 

[Grokew]

So today I learned that the handle on the prestaratchet (similar to the vim HBR4) is just pressed in. You can pull the ratchet out and it becomes a really thin, low profile ratchet that will work quite well as a companion for a multitool.

 

[kreisler]

Was USAG the first?
According to amazon's "Date available", USAG Italy came out in 2013, whereas FACOM France became available in 2016. Anyway, i got the KS TOOLS Germany bit ratchet the other day. Sealed retail cardboarding, me likey:


One big blowcase box, one small hard-plastic box (341g):


Not the most complete Made In Taiwan bit set for private end consumers in the europe, so i've returned it hehe:


Oh i got some tapes. Let's use them and punch some 5x5mm² quadratic holes, because i'm bored:


A different kind of Made In Taiwan bit set, called TORSIONpower™ bits, is included in the KS Tools locking flex head bit ratchet set. Those bits are color-coded for a rough grouping. The bits will still break at overload but the wear'n tear of the bit tips'n edges is supposed to be less:


So why did i tape the hard-plastic inlay of the box? Let's guess, i'm not insane:


And for even smaller screws, say slotted flathead "SL1" (also called "FD1" e.g. by Proxxon) lol, i should not forget that i have a 64pcs IFIXIT Driver Kit set which includes a 1\4in-to-4mm adapter, as demoed here:


hello Mac Vad! 2022-08-29

 

[tclark]

I use these little Titan's pretty regularly for all sorts of little odd-n-end stuff. Quite handy.

 

[VolvoRyan]

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.

I love this thing. I was cleaning out my screwdriver drawer in the toolbox to make room for yet more Wera screwdrivers, and I was *amazed* at how much stuff was made obsolete by the Tool-Check. The sockets are bulky, but all the bits are quite compact.

-Ryan

 

[CGarage]

Prolly USAG was the first in 2013, FACOM had followed in 2017 afaik.


One big air-plastic box, one small hard-plastic box (341g):


Prolly the most complete Made In Taiwan bit set for private end consumers in the europe:


Oh i got some tapes. Let's use them and punch some 5x5mm² quadratic holes, because i'm bored:


A different kind of Made In Taiwan bit set, called TORSIONpower™ bits, is included in the KS Tools locking flex head bit ratchet set. Those bits are color-coded for a rough grouping. The bits will still break at overload but the wear'n tear of the bit tips'n edges is supposed to be less:


So why did i tape the hard-plastic inlay of the box? Let's guess, i'm not insane:


And for even smaller screws, say slotted flathead SL1 lol, i should not forget that i have a 64pcs IFIXIT Driver Kit set which includes a 1\4in-to-4mm adapter, as demoed here:

Facom was first. USAG just stuck their logo on the boxes and started distribution after Facom.

 

[kreisler]

Not the most complete Made In Taiwan bit set for private end consumers in the europe, so i've returned it hehe:

Okay here is a more complete compilation of bits for our bit ratchets. Again, sealed cardboarding:


Same blowcase box, slim, heavy, not very big (337×200×47mm³):


Flap it open and we got some longer bits for hand or power operation:


Underneath the cheap foam, a transparent plastic hood/cover prevents all(!) "standing" inserts from falling out of their seat. It is obvious and imperative that you keep the hood, consider it part of the blowcase box and not part of the retail packaging (hard to make out in the pic, sollie):


The bit holder (206×36mm) has no moving parts, just a magnetic tip, so there's some play when you insert any of the inserts. A better bit holder would be the Wiha Centrofix i guess, so sorry for the poor pic quality:


This should be the most complete Made In Taiwan bit set out on the market at a reasonable price, i paid like 30€ shipped ouch. Anyway, with this set, i could compile my own selection for use in the bit ratchet box.

Btw this set is also available as Projahn proficraft 8606 and as Brilliant Tools BT053208.

 

[kreisler]

Does NE1 understand what this Chinese xoutuber is trying to demonstrate and why she needs the ratchet combination?

 

[Grokew]

Was USAG the first?
According to amazon's "Date available", USAG Italy came out in 2013, whereas FACOM France became available in 2016. Anyway, i got the KS TOOLS Germany bit ratchet the other day. Sealed retail cardboarding, me likey:


One big blowcase box, one small hard-plastic box (341g):


Not the most complete Made In Taiwan bit set for private end consumers in the europe, so i've returned it hehe:


Oh i got some tapes. Let's use them and punch some 5x5mm² quadratic holes, because i'm bored:


A different kind of Made In Taiwan bit set, called TORSIONpower™ bits, is included in the KS Tools locking flex head bit ratchet set. Those bits are color-coded for a rough grouping. The bits will still break at overload but the wear'n tear of the bit tips'n edges is supposed to be less:


So why did i tape the hard-plastic inlay of the box? Let's guess, i'm not insane:


And for even smaller screws, say slotted flathead "SL1" (also called "FD1" e.g. by Proxxon) lol, i should not forget that i have a 64pcs IFIXIT Driver Kit set which includes a 1\4in-to-4mm adapter, as demoed here:


hello Mac Vad! 2022-08-29

Did you print the list of screwdriver bits yourself or was it from the leaflet included with the iFixit set? Mine is just plain black but I like thebidea of having a list or a map on the lid.

 

[kreisler]

included with the iFixit set? Mine is just plain black

i remember that i made the print (on regular paper or Etiketten paper) and placed it in there. but i caht remember exactly how i did it. apparently i must have scanned the backside of the retail box and simply printed it out in 100% size. Actually i've been keeping the retail cardboard box and use it as storage container for the black plastic box, so i doht really need the list inside the black box. But just in case someone tosses the retail cardboard box, i'd still have a copy of the list.

 

[Grokew]

i remember that i made the print (on regular paper or Etiketten paper) and placed it in there. but i caht remember exactly how i did it. apparently i must have scanned the backside of the retail box and simply printed it out in 100% size. Actually i've been keeping the retail cardboard box and use it as storage container for the black plastic box, so i doht really need the list inside the black box. But just in case someone tosses the retail cardboard box, i'd still have a copy of the list.

Smart move. Vielen dank.

Haben sie die neuen Werkzeuge von Wera schon gesehen?





Sehr interessant.

A hybrid of a 3/8 square drive ratchet, with an integrated 1/4 hex magnetic bit driver and in handle bit storage.

 

[lardy1]

Smart move. Vielen dank.

Haben sie die neuen Werkzeuge von Wera schon gesehen?





Sehr interessant.

A hybrid of a 3/8 square drive ratchet, with an integrated 1/4 hex magnetic bit driver and in handle bit storage.

Where can this be found?

 

[jobo1004]

Where can this be found?

They're coming "soon". https://toolguyd.com/wera-tools-fall-winter-2022/

 

[Max]

They're coming "soon". https://toolguyd.com/wera-tools-fall-winter-2022/

More info here: https://products.wera.de/en/zyklop_...ocket__8009_zyklop_pocket_set_imperial_1.html

No price I can see though….

 

[Grokew]

Where can this be found?

Edit: wow that was fast. They are already available on kctool

Hopefully they bring them here before Christmas arrives. I just learned of them. Good for (please forgive me for this) an edc kit.

 

[Grokew]

Where can this be found?

kctool.com already has them for sale.

 

[Madjik Man]

Does anyone have this Sunex bit set or any opinion on it?

Amazon.com

Apparently this is the parts list:

1/4" x 50mm Bits
(07) Phillips - 1x2, 2x3, 3x2
(03) Pozidriv - 1, 2, 3
(11) Tamper Star - T10, T15, T20x3, T25, T27, T30x3, T40

(05) Hex - 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm
(05) Hex - 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4"
(04) Tri-Wing - 1, 2, 3, 4
(03) Torq - 6, 8, 10
(04) Spanner - 4, 6, 8, 10

1/4" x 38mm Nut Drivers
(10) Hex - 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13mm
(10) Hex - 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 7/16", 1/2"

1/4" x 25mm Bits:
(18) Phillips - 00, 0, 1x5, 2x5, 3x3, 4x3
(17) Pozidriv - 00, 0, 1x5, 2x5, 3x4, 4
(04) Spanner - 4, 6, 8, 10
(01) 1/4" x 1/4" x 25mm socket adapter
(10) 5 Tamper Star - TS10x2, TS15, TS20, TS25, TS27, TS30, TS40, TS45, TS50

(12) Slot - 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8
(13) Star - T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45

(12) Hex - 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8mm
(10) Hex - 1/16", 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4"
(03) Clutch - 1, 2, 3

(18) Tamper Star - T5, T6, T7, T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25x3, T27, T30x3, T35, T40, T45
(04) Tri-Wing - 1, 2, 3, 4
(03) Torq - 6, 8, 10

(06) Tamper Hex - 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6
(06) Tamper Hex - 5/64", 3/32", 7/64", 1/8", 9/64", 5/32"

(03) Spline - M5, M6, M8
(04) Robertson - 0, 1, 2, 3

1/4" x 65mm quick release