four.cycle
Well-known member
The "Titan" models certainly do. Can't speak to any others.
Battle of the Bit Ratchets
- Thread starter CGarage
- Start date
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Thats a pretty substantial point you make there BrandonV.
I dont know of a single mini bit ratchet that positively locks the bit in. As in has to be unlocked. I'm excluding the Felo Ergonic because its just a full size bit handle that flexes, not a small profile dedicated bit ratchet.
Most of these bit ratchets have pretty good retention, but a locking option could be beneficial in certain situations.
Food for thought for manufacturers.
Good post.
fishwatcher
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2023
- Messages
- 751
I finally caught a small weekend sale at Harbor Freight, 15% off a single item, and bought their Icon flex head bit ratchet set. Like everybody has already said, it’s a great, compact set in a nicely built case. My only minor gripe is how snug the ratchet sits in the rubber hex shaped holder nub.
A drop of lube might make it easier to retrieve.
Here are my other bit ratchet sets. I’ve posted about these previously.
A PrestaCycle set in pouch along with a chain-breaker accessory, as well as Craftsman and Titan 1/4” standard socket ratchets with a Craftsman thumb wheel that will accept both 1/4” sockets or bits.
The bit set in orange holders is a cheap S2 pack from Amazon.
Here’s the chain breaker accessory that works with the Presta Cycle bit ratchet and extension rod. Looks handy. I haven’t used it to break a chain yet.
A drop of lube might make it easier to retrieve.
Here are my other bit ratchet sets. I’ve posted about these previously.
A PrestaCycle set in pouch along with a chain-breaker accessory, as well as Craftsman and Titan 1/4” standard socket ratchets with a Craftsman thumb wheel that will accept both 1/4” sockets or bits.
The bit set in orange holders is a cheap S2 pack from Amazon.
Here’s the chain breaker accessory that works with the Presta Cycle bit ratchet and extension rod. Looks handy. I haven’t used it to break a chain yet.
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@BlakeTheCarGuy , you need to buy the Icon bit ratchet set at HF! Highly recommended.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Already have it
. It’s been great I’ve had it for probably a year and half or two years now. Don’t use it a lot but when you need it you need it.tez929rr
Well-known member
I bought one of these a while back just for tight space work. I used to have a similar set that included some metric sockets but it think it was on board a bike that I sold. Not exactly a hig( end ratchet but it works and packs very small.
Do yourself a favor and buy one of these
Finally a ratchet I can put in a drillWera released a smaller Tool Check with/for their “Advent calendar” late in ‘24. While I do live in a world with an abundance of bit ratchets, including the original Wera (shown here for size reference) I couldn’t resist the set and opened a door each day through December.
Kind regards,
Olli
mike93lx
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I have that and despise it. Always switches directions too easily when using it. That doesn't happen with yours?I bought one of these a while back just for tight space work. I used to have a similar set that included some metric sockets but it think it was on board a bike that I sold. Not exactly a hig( end ratchet but it works and packs very small.
tez929rr
Well-known member
I’ve only used it a couple of times and don’t remember that problem.
cbracer
Well-known member
Just bought one of these and it's very light so perfect for my traveling toolbox. Does both hex bit and sockets
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Ohio Andy
Well-known member
Mine is nice, but I have not abused it. The price is good
Skyman
Well-known member
I have a 3-piece set that was made for Craftsman long ago, guessing by Lisle. One straight, one angled down, one angled up. While I've gotten plenty of use out of them, the back-drag is pretty horrible. I'd be keen to know which of the numerous offerings that have been posted in this thread stack up with regard to back-drag.
Ohio Andy
Well-known member
That is nice. Well worth it. Low back drag.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
back in the day the set was made by Kastar which later changed its name to Lang Tools.
Does your set look like this set but with black handles?
SKU : 5278 - 7-PC. Ratcheting Screwdriver Bit Wrench Set
Manufacturing professional tools since 1932
www.langtools.com
Skyman
Well-known member
Yes, it does, and the grips are indeed black. I had a senior moment (happens too often anymore) when I typed "Lisle." Meant to say "Lang," which is who I've presumed the set was made by. Thanks for the correction. They're decent and useful, but I wish they had about 1/10 the back-drag that they do have.back in the day the set was made by Kastar which later changed its name to Lang Tools.
Does your set look like this set but with black handles?
SKU : 5278 - 7-PC. Ratcheting Screwdriver Bit Wrench Set
Manufacturing professional tools since 1932
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
Even the newer fine tooth models? Looks like Blue Point sources theirs from Lang.
Lang Tools 7-Piece Fine Tooth Bit Wrench Set (5220)
Get reliable access in tight spots using Lang Tools 7-Piece Fine Tooth Bit Wrench Set. This set combines unique wrench designs with common bit sizes, offering fingertip control and ratcheting action.
www.jbtools.com
senlow
Well-known member
There is a huge difference between the Lang bit ratchets. The fine-tooth ratchets are quite good. The laminated ratchets ****. In fact, all laminated ratchets and ratcheting wrenches ****.Even the newer fine tooth models? Looks like Blue Point sources theirs from Lang.
Lang Tools 7-Piece Fine Tooth Bit Wrench Set (5220)
Get reliable access in tight spots using Lang Tools 7-Piece Fine Tooth Bit Wrench Set. This set combines unique wrench designs with common bit sizes, offering fingertip control and ratcheting action.
nicks78camaro
Well-known member
Yes I believe the prior post must have been referencing the older laminated models.
I have the newer high-tooth models. I think they're technically still laminated, just not exposed? Some kind of edge-banding going on, anyway. Maybe not as sturdy as a solid ratchet, but does it need to be?
I like the thumbwheel more than I thought I would. Really think the magnet should be stronger.
Pretty serviceable overall. Selling a three-pack instead of making it a flex-head was kind of a funny choice.
I like the thumbwheel more than I thought I would. Really think the magnet should be stronger.
Pretty serviceable overall. Selling a three-pack instead of making it a flex-head was kind of a funny choice.
Skyman
Well-known member
How’s the back-drag on those new fine-toothed Lang/Blue Point ratchets?
Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
Over the past 2 month I've been testing multiple bit ratchets. Gotta say most aren't up to the task. Rough gear sets, switch levers that get stuck, floppy flex heads.
The favorite's so far are the AP(astro products) 90T 1/4 ratchet, SK11 90T bit ratchet, and some generic 1/4/bit combo ratchet from Amazon. Personally I don't like those small bit ratchet everyone rebrands(icon/vim/facom and so on). Too small, very little strength, no enough surface area to push or pull. I prefer having 2 ratchet or a combo, over a bit ratchet. Specially when using sockets.
The favorite's so far are the AP(astro products) 90T 1/4 ratchet, SK11 90T bit ratchet, and some generic 1/4/bit combo ratchet from Amazon. Personally I don't like those small bit ratchet everyone rebrands(icon/vim/facom and so on). Too small, very little strength, no enough surface area to push or pull. I prefer having 2 ratchet or a combo, over a bit ratchet. Specially when using sockets.
Attachments
senlow
Well-known member
My bad. The good Lang bit ratchets are laminated. However, it's not just three flat pieces of sheet metal riveted together with a coarse tooth sorry excuse for a ratcheting mechanism. The ratchet works pretty well and has reasonably low back drag. It has less back drag than the Snap-on dual 80 but more than my Victorinox bit ratchet.I have the newer high-tooth models. I think they're technically still laminated, just not exposed? Some kind of edge-banding going on, anyway. Maybe not as sturdy as a solid ratchet, but does it need to be?
I like the thumbwheel more than I thought I would. Really think the magnet should be stronger.
Pretty serviceable overall. Selling a three-pack instead of making it a flex-head was kind of a funny choice.
Attachments
Skyman
Well-known member
That Victorinox ratchet looks very attractive because of its size, and being Swiss-made, I would expect its back-drag to be very low. I looked around a bit (no pun intended) and didn’t find a source for it as a standalone item. I only saw it included in a package deal with an expensive multi-tool similar to the Leatherman.
senlow
Well-known member
I bought mine by itself without a multi-tool or bits. It's been a few years since i got it, so I don't recall the source.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
VIC 3.0306 is a small kit with the ratchet and 6 bits only.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/VN...-9B8YAqN6wKbE1KhUyMWO1JOiOUqm73WJVOITVsulvNSP
tez929rr
Well-known member
Not exactly a bit set - well, sort of. I forgot I bought a couple of these years ago. A very compact bit/tool set. The only non-mechanic tool in there is a bottle opener.
This is technically a bit ratchet but I doubt it would be the preferred type for an auto tech. I ordered on because I thought it would be a handy package to keep in the house tool box. The listed price was attractive to me.
hausoftools.com
Witte 9T 251032000 RATCHDRIVE Stainless 6 Piece Torx Set
Buy Witte 9T 251032000 RATCHDRIVE Stainless 6 Piece Torx Set with fast shipping and top-rated customer service Haus of Tools is your home for Tools
hausoftools.com
VIC 3.0306 is a small kit with the ratchet and 6 bits only.
https://www.knifecenter.com/item/VN...-9B8YAqN6wKbE1KhUyMWO1JOiOUqm73WJVOITVsulvNSP
Posted on page 1, twice:
Victorinox Part Numbers
Model numbers are as follows:
Victorinox
Bit ratchet: 30342
Extension Bar: 30344
Pouch with bits and angle wrench: 33340
I have that old three-piece Craftsman laminated set and it's pretty bad as said; I think that my in-laws gave it to me for a Christmas present one year. Also agree that the bit ratchets with the mechanism that Vim uses don't inspire much confidence in their strength. Mine has held up ok, but it's such a small mechanism. I've been waiting for someone to come out with a "middle" size design like Tekton just did; hopefully they'll come out with a flex head version soon.
I actually got the VIM version of the flex bit ratchet since the reach is a useful thing on Mini's, old BMW's and other PITA cars I seem to work on, and was surprised that the 1/4" adapter is slightly shorter and has a very-slightly shallower shoulder that adds up to about 1.3mm shallower profile with the same socket.
I tend to throw it in my travel kit with the PowerTorque sockets for a really-shallow option. Saved our butts when a buddy of mine had the alternator belt let go over 100 miles from home and the Icon/PowerTorque setup was the only thing we had that could get to the tensioner.
I tend to throw it in my travel kit with the PowerTorque sockets for a really-shallow option. Saved our butts when a buddy of mine had the alternator belt let go over 100 miles from home and the Icon/PowerTorque setup was the only thing we had that could get to the tensioner.
Skyman
Well-known member
Thanks for the leads on the Victorinox items, guys. After browsing 267 posts on this thread, I'd lost track of the info in the opening post. I look forward to seeing for myself how well this tool performs. Grateful for the kind replies.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
First off, I haven't read page one in 4 years, back when it was posted in 2020.
Secondly, the part number I posted was never mentioned by you. I'm not sure what you are referring to?
My post was a direct reply to Skyman's difficultly in locating this item.
My suggested link is for the exact item, in stock and available for purchase at an affordable price.
You are welcome to add the above part number to your list of part numbers since you missed it and is currently a viable option.
Don't forget the jacket.Wow!
I suppose that if you own this pocket knife…
And this flashlight…
… you need to go out and buy that bit ratchet!
I actually got the VIM version of the flex bit ratchet since the reach is a useful thing on Mini's, old BMW's and other PITA cars I seem to work on, and was surprised that the 1/4" adapter is slightly shorter and has a very-slightly shallower shoulder that adds up to about 1.3mm shallower profile with the same socket.
I tend to throw it in my travel kit with the PowerTorque sockets for a really-shallow option. Saved our butts when a buddy of mine had the alternator belt let go over 100 miles from home and the Icon/PowerTorque setup was the only thing we had that could get to the tensioner.
You are a good friend to your friend and good show for having the right tool for the job, so far from home. Hats off to you, Sir.