Battle of the Bit Ratchets

[Etchase]

I think I’ve had that set for several years, but I don’t remember if It was from Sunex. I use other bits for everyday use and keep this in reserve for backup when I wear out all my PH or something, and use this for my primary when I come across something oddball. It’s worked well for that. The case did break at the hinges. Again I’m not sure it’s Sunex but the layout and contents seem the same.

 

[JBH]

Edit: wow that was fast. They sre slready 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.

Interesting - at half the price. $130 for a novelty is a bit much

 

[Grokew]

Interesting - at half the price. $130 for a novelty is a bit much

Agree, the price is quite high, but I bet that if Snap-On was the company behind it, it would cost at least triple that...

Unrelated:

I got one of these LaBear sets from Amazon, and it has become my Generator Repair toolkit. The ratchet is a flex head with magnetic retention and a bit holder at the end of the handle. The blue thing is a sleeve for fast rotation. The image is a render taken From the Amazon page.

 

[kreisler]

@

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

Looks like the identical factory as distributed by
KS TOOLS (trading comp.),
BRILLIANT TOOLS (just a brand),
PROJAHN TOOLS (trading comp.), and possibly also
TOPTUL (real manufac.), and maybe a few more.

So basically i can say that yes i have that SUNEX (trading comp.) bit set lol. If you divide 50$ by 208bits, then the avg price is 0.25$\bit, and the Taiwanese factory and the US trading comp. still make profit off of it! If used with the correct torque, they'll hold up well (haven't used them much tbh) but doht expect WERA bit quality and longevity.
There's no completer set on the market and for 30-50$ it's worth the monies imho. They'll rust eventually, np.
I had to complement the set with 75-100mm thin-shanked bits (PH, SL) because with this SUNEX set alone you cannot disassemble mass consumer electronics (plastic cases, deep narrow screw holes).

summary: best value for the money. my recommendation.

 

[Grokew]

@
Looks like the identical factory as distributed by
KS TOOLS (tradind comp.),
BRILLIANT TOOLS (just a brand),
PROJAHN TOOLS (trading comp.), and possibly also
TOPTUL (real manufac.), and maybe a few more.

So basically i can say that yes i have that SUNEX (trading comp.) bit set lol. If you divide 50$ by 208bits, then the avg price is 0.25$\bit, and the Taiwanese factory and the US trading comp. still make profit off of it! If used with the correct torque, they'll hold up well (haven't used them much tbh) but doht expect WERA bit quality and longevity.
There's no completer set on the market and for 30-50$ it's worth the monies imho. They'll rust eventually, np.
I had to complement the set with 75-100mm thin-shanked bits (PH, SL) because with this set alone you cannot disassemble mass consumer electronics (plastic cases).

summary: best value for the money. my recommendation.

To prevent rust try putting a small camphor tablet inside the case. It will be minty af, but so far it has worked for me. We have 80% humidity here.

 

[lardy1]

Yes, Grokew. KCTools now has it. I got an email and looked at their listing. Thank you.

 

[Dave455]

A quick “heads up” for any readers on my side of the “pond”! Prime Tools in the U.K. are currently selling the Facom R.PE bit ratchet (with extension) for just over £14 (before tax) via U.K. Amazon.

That’s about $17!

Rude not to have another at that price!

 

[kreisler]

Facom R.PE bit ratchet (with extension)

Just do know that you cannot combine these 2 parts to make a T-ratchet

 

[Dave455]

Just do know that you cannot combine these 2 parts to make a T-ratchet

Correct!

You can use the R.PE ratchet like this


Or like this


You can use the R.180 ratchet like this


Or like this


Or like this


Or like this


The R.180 is probably the more versatile tool. Both the ratchet mechanism and the extension are different, to allow the extension to pass through, or not, depending on the orientation. A lot of effort has gone into the design.

Personally, I have never used it as a T handle, as I generally have other tools that would work better for this, but it’s perhaps a useful function for a tool kept in a road box?

I use the R.PE a lot more, as it’s a nicer sized handle for general use. I seldom use the extension, as I’m usually short of space if I’m reaching for a bit ratchet, but it’s a nice thing to have.

 

[BigLeagueSmoes]

I’m a big big fan of my Fix It Sticks T way ratcheting wrench. T shape offers great leverage to break fasteners free then you can use the ratcheting mechanism or the black spin knob on top or the knurling to quickly remove the fastener. If you’re in tighter clearance spaces you can remove the long extension and have a much smaller T shape. Possibly the best feature is that the tool can hold three bits (one on each end) so if you’re working on something that, say, has a #2 Phillips, T20 torx, and a 6mm Allen key, you don’t have to keep switching bits every time you need a new bit, you can simply use a different end of the tool. However, only one end is connected to the ratcheting mechanism so take that for what it’s worth. I purchased mine at a bike shop and it came with a “full” bit set covering everything I’ve ever encountered.

 

[kyrbz]

A Wera bit ratchet and 1/4" ratchet based on their bit ratchet. Also a Felo bit ratchet with offset handle

 

[KnurledNut]

Added another setup to the arsenal recently, locking flex/reversible.
Really liking the extra leverage:

 

[Monte]

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I like my little GearWrench kit...

I have this in a black case, seemed like the best bang for my buck with an offer just under $20 on eBay. The hinges on the lid are **** though, new one already cracked right where the previous one did.

I have to admit drooling over the Wera a bit.

 

[fishwatcher]

A few days ago I didn’t even know that a bit ratchet was a thing. Then.. I found on Amazon and YouTube.. the Wera, Icon, PrestaCycle, Craftsman, Wim, Titan (I already have their mini 1/4” drive) and so many others.

Alas.. looking this up on GJ and there are tons more! I’m a bike rider, so I got the PrestaCycle.

Pretty nice and very flexible in terms of configurations. Extension, T, and L for example. You can also buy bike related accessories, like a chain breaker and a few other bits for fun or for real function. Like.. a bit for a bottle opener, a pry bar, and long bits to reach recessed derailleur hanger bolts.

The Titan 1/4” drive with a Craftsman finger wheel with 1/4” drive and 1/4” hex bit is another useful way to do things. I’ll probably still get a 1/4” bit Titan swivel ratchet some day. It’s such a useful form factor.

 

[KnurledNut]

The bit ratchet head will swap into the new long handle 1/4 dr. ratchet.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I just bought a snap on roto head 1/4” but ratchet. Because I hate money.

Id like to buy the vim tools 2 piece bit ratchet thing, but I don’t have a tool truck and vim sells their stuff at a steep markup on their website so I’m waiting for a black Friday sale at vim.

 

[Pexto]

Not that I would ever encourage anyone to buy another bit ratchet, however it appears that REI has the Silca on sale half-price: https://www.rei.com/product/169797/silca-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit.

I've had one of these for about ten years. The bit ratchet is quite nice - solid Taiwan quality. I really like the way the ratchet can be reconfigured as a T, or with a short extension. The torque tube is a bit fragile and hard to read, although maybe they've improved that in the latest iteration, But if you want a small, light, torque-capable setup for a travel kit, this is a good way to go.

 

[M635_Guy]

Not that I would ever encourage anyone to buy another bit ratchet, however it appears that REI has the Silca on sale half-price: https://www.rei.com/product/169797/silca-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit.

I've had one of these for about ten years. The bit ratchet is quite nice - solid Taiwan quality. I really like the way the ratchet can be reconfigured as a T, or with a short extension. The torque tube is a bit fragile and hard to read, although maybe they've improved that in the latest iteration, But if you want a small, light, torque-capable setup for a travel kit, this is a good way to go.

That's a really interesting tool. Seems like a no-brainer for biking folks and especially those with CF components.

For more general use, the Icon locking flex bit kit is still a go-to tool for me. Has already gotten a lot of use and saved my **** a couple times. The combination of the locking flex, pass-thru extension and T-handle has redefined how I think about bits and how often I use them.

 

[fishwatcher]

Not that I would ever encourage anyone to buy another bit ratchet, however it appears that REI has the Silca on sale half-price: https://www.rei.com/product/169797/silca-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit.

I've had one of these for about ten years. The bit ratchet is quite nice - solid Taiwan quality. I really like the way the ratchet can be reconfigured as a T, or with a short extension. The torque tube is a bit fragile and hard to read, although maybe they've improved that in the latest iteration, But if you want a small, light, torque-capable setup for a travel kit, this is a good way to go.

This is what got me started looking at bit ratchets. I have a Lezyne torque wrench 1/4” drive, but thought a non-torque version would be good.

Silca has that too, but I thought the PrestaCycle looked like a more versatile option and the reviews were better. If I needed a torque version.. this REI deal on the Silca would be what I’d buy now.

 

[Samuel D]

The bit ratchet head will swap into the new long handle 1/4 dr. ratchet.

What’s the detective story in the background?

 

[terrific]

Tangentially related, what do you think of an elastic bit holder? This is from Atlas46, a tool bag designer. Can it be trusted to hold the bits securely?

 

[tez929rr]

Tangentially related, what do you think of an elastic bit holder? This design is from Atlas46, a tool bag designer. Can it be trusted to hold the bits securely

That Atlas 46 stuff is nice, but spendy. My experience is that stuff will always work its way out of elastic holders. My Cruz tools tool rolls have elastic socket holders and inevitably they work their way out. Just like any blow molded case will eventually get loose and drop tools out. If you carry it anyplace like in a vehicle you will have to accept some stuff falling out from time to time.

 

[terrific]

I had a feeling that might be the case.

 

[carbon]

Might have been mentioned already, but these puppies hold bits tight. Unsure about below freezing performance.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015YNNGI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CGarage]

I just bought the Icon RXFT-35.
If I was a betting man, I’d wager it comes from the exact same factory that FACOM / USAG contracts to.

I am happy I own all three versions as the latest Icon set allows the extension to fit inside the locking flex head ratchet, turning it into a “T” handle. The extension appears longer than the Facom/USAG version, and similar to the Tone Japan length. I will upload pictures soon.

For ~ $24 US at the parking lot sale, what is not to like ?!?!

 

[Etchase]

I think the Stanley brand bit sets are made in a Stanley facility, but I’m not positive.

 

[CGarage]

I think the Stanley brand bit sets are made in a Stanley facility, but I’m not positive.

I don’t think so.

Context and Background for those who were lost: Stanley is the corporate parent of FACOM.

 

[Grokew]

Tangentially related, what do you think of an elastic bit holder? This is from Atlas46, a tool bag designer. Can it be trusted to hold the bits securely?

I like it, but they are as expensive as a luxury wallet (thankfully not as expensive as a luxury purse ). So, I will possibly end up making my own, with some broken jeans, pieces from a broken leather belt, and some silicone elastic.

 

[four.cycle]

^ I wouldn't trust it myself, no.
I paid about $20 bucks for a "Mechanics Time Savers" magnetic bit holder (below), which is fine for short bits, but the long ones fall out.
Somebody posted one here earlier - post #185 above - looks like a winner. I should order a couple.

 

[Hakeem]

I just bought the Icon RXFT-35.
If I was a betting man, I’d wager it comes from the exact same factory that FACOM / USAG contracts to.

I am happy I own all three versions as the latest Icon set allows the extension to fit inside the locking flex head ratchet, turning it into a “T” handle. The extension appears longer than the Facom/USAG version, and similar to the Tone Japan length. I will upload pictures soon.

For ~ $24 US at the parking lot sale, what is not to like ?!?!

Nice pickup! It is a really handy set to have, especially with all the security torx and hex keys that get included. I paid full price for mine and think it’s worth it but for $25 it’s a no brainer. Locking flex head bit ratchet can really come in handy.

They extended the parking lot sale to this weekend for anyone that missed out …

 

[Ton ton]

Added another setup to the arsenal recently, locking flex/reversible.
Really liking the extra leverage:

What is the overall length of this ratchet?

 

[KnurledNut]

What is the overall length of this ratchet?

9-1/4”

 

[CGarage]

Anyone who has not already bought the Icon bit ratchet set available at Harbor Freight is missing out and very foolish!

They sold me mine for something like $26 US.

Quality is just as nice as the Facom / USAG / Tone sets and I am willing to bet made in the same factory in Taiwan.

Not sure how to live a life without it!!!

 

[CGarage]

What is the overall length of this ratchet?

Ladies and gents and all those in between,

We love pictures. They are great.

In 5 years, most of the pictures are gone.

Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top, post brand of tool with model number so we can figure out where to buy it and what to order.

 

[Ton ton]

9-1/4”

I appreciate it very much!

 

[LigouriRd]

...i should not forget that i have a 64pcs IFIXIT Driver Kit set which includes a 1\4in-to-4mm adapter, as demoed here:

For that Ifixit set, I have found individual 4mm hex replacement bits from Wiha. Has anyone seen individual 3.5mm hex replacement bits?

 

[Beerhippie]

Here are my first impressions of the little Sunex 9726 kit: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...x-9726-mini-ratchet-and-bit-selection.536831/

 

[Draftpick1]

Wanted to add my new bit ratchet that I have not seen before maybe some on this board have, USA made SK 800701 bit ratchet that I bought from zoro last month that just came in. I have a titan and Icon bit ratchets for size comparison, does have a taller bit holder that you can see in the picture. It does have a magnet and very little play! Seems like a really HD bit ratchet, dual pawls and 60 tooth 120 position.

 

[KnurledNut]

This is the one I grab the most: