1/4” Bit Ratchet
- Thread starter Rickkyyr8
- Start date
I have a Vim HBR5 that also has the 1/4" socket adapter. I find it useful but the backdrag is pretty high.
The one I see on Amazon now is the HBR3
The one I see on Amazon now is the HBR3
Recommendations? That you get one (or three)!
I have a Wera and two cheapies. I’ve also bought them as gifts. The Wera is nicer and I love it, but even the inexpensive ones can be good, and it is such a useful tool I would call it one of my ‘basics.’ The first one I bought was $10, and is probably the best $10 I ever spent on tools.
I’ve seen a Wiha set that came in a nice steel box and looked good too.
I have a Wera and two cheapies. I’ve also bought them as gifts. The Wera is nicer and I love it, but even the inexpensive ones can be good, and it is such a useful tool I would call it one of my ‘basics.’ The first one I bought was $10, and is probably the best $10 I ever spent on tools.
I’ve seen a Wiha set that came in a nice steel box and looked good too.
Zeus36
Well-known member
I have these:
I have several. Gotta say that my Felo is my favorite but others have handle configurations (flex, swivel) that work for their intended purpose. My first was one of those Powerbuilt pictured above. I found the square anvil to be an encumbrance so went more toward dedicated bit ratchets.
There are a ton of options out there. A lot of them are pretty damned nice little ratchets. I think if I had to go back to one I would keep the Titan swivel bit ratchet. Simply for its' versatility.
There are a ton of options out there. A lot of them are pretty damned nice little ratchets. I think if I had to go back to one I would keep the Titan swivel bit ratchet. Simply for its' versatility.
alinc100
Well-known member
I'm happy with the Titan when I use it, haven't found a reason to look elsewhere. But Wera and Felo do make nice stuff.
There are tons of hex bit ratchets. (Wiha, Wera, PB Swiss). Most of them are fairly bulky. Sometime you need something really compact and this little guy has saved my **** a few times in really tight spots. The Xcelite is also really compact.
I rate the Facom R.180 highly.
https://www.facom.eu/uk-en/generaltooling/productdetails/hierarchy/7180/group/R.180PB/
It’s tiny, versatile (flex-head), strong, and has low back-drag. The complete package. One came in my Facom R1PICO set.
https://www.facom.eu/uk-en/generaltooling/productdetails/hierarchy/7180/group/R.180PB/
It’s tiny, versatile (flex-head), strong, and has low back-drag. The complete package. One came in my Facom R1PICO set.
NoahG
Well-known member
WWheeler
Well-known member
The Sunex kit I keep in our glove boxes get used all the time. Before it I had a little Gearwrench set before it that I hated but this has been a really handy bit of kit.
Tbh I might go that route. It looks like a great set for a really fair price
WWheeler
Well-known member
I almost bought it BUT it wasn't also a 1/4" dr socket ratchet and come with a set of sockets like the Sunex kit did, and the Sunex kit cost a little less.
Jawn
Well-known member
Also a fan of the Vim HBR5.
Been meaning to buy more to keep lying around... that HBR3 would probably do me just as good for the most part.
If that bothers you, you can get a very decent one from Home Depot for $20. However, in the long run, I think getting a purposely designed bit driver is the way to go. Sooner or later, you will hate the extra stuff on the other side
I've got a bunch of bit ratchets, and interestingly two of my favorites are the same ones you mention. The Felo just has a really nice solid feel to it, and is definitely a quality tool. And the Titan swivel ratchet is just remarkably handy and versatile. Fortunately we don't have to pick just one!
bwringer
Well-known member
The Titans are easily found and fumbled in any O'Reilly Auto Parts.
And I'll agree that Icon set is the cat's ***. If you have a pulse and an email address (pulse optional), you probably have a 20% off coupon that should knock it down to $36 today. Or wait a week or two and there will be another.
And I'll agree that Icon set is the cat's ***. If you have a pulse and an email address (pulse optional), you probably have a 20% off coupon that should knock it down to $36 today. Or wait a week or two and there will be another.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
The Icon clone of the FACOM/USAG set is outstanding especially with a 20% coupon.
If you just want a bit ratchet and not a whole kit, look at Prestacycle on Amazon.
You can't go wrong with any of the Vim bit ratchets in a wide range of lengths.
If you just want a bit ratchet and not a whole kit, look at Prestacycle on Amazon.
You can't go wrong with any of the Vim bit ratchets in a wide range of lengths.
ThePostman
Well-known member
I have 3 bit ratchets. My first was an old school Pittsburgh that was sold as a ratcheting screwdriver that I'm not sure they still make, it resembles the original design of ratcheting wrenches and could get into some very tight spaces. I have the Vim DD2, which is very nice and has a 1/4" square drive built into its handle, it features a high tooth count and served well when needed, it also came with a bit to accept 1/4" drive sockets. The square drive in the handle lets you put a ratchet on it to get past potential obstacles. I also have the Icon Facom clone, which also comes with a bit to accept your own 1/4" sockets. That is the one I reach for first if a bit driver ratchet is called for, it comes with an extension, that doubles as a handle lengthener, tooth count is high, lifetime warranty, a bit for sockets, locking flex head, and I already own high quality 1/4" drive sockets, I don't need anymore (until I see how shallow the Ko-ken zeals are). And it fits in a nice compact case that's included, combine with a coupon and you can't go wrong with something that has held up in a pro automotive environment. It used to be hard to find, not so much now.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,520
I have the VIM RFB400K
And I have the Koken 2749P-1/4HF
And I have the Koken 2749P-1/4HF
619DioFan
Well-known member
I have a number of ratchets in general from Titan. The swivel head bit ratchet is very nice in my opinion. 90 tooth.
I just saw this today...
Made in Japan
https://www.adafruit.com/product/5730 $17.50
https://www.adafruit.com/product/5729 $17.95
Made in Japan
https://www.adafruit.com/product/5730 $17.50
https://www.adafruit.com/product/5729 $17.95
NoahG
Well-known member
Gearwrench 85035 35 piece Microdriver Set
Buy GearWrench 85035 35 piece Microdriver Set with an everyday low price and free shipping!
www.jbtools.com
This is my favorite.
I look for them at $15 to give for gifts.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
The original. Still made in the USA. Chapman tools.
chapmanmfg.com
Products
Chapman MFG - Made in the USA for over 80 years, Chapman provides a variety of screwdriver sets for industrial assembly, maintenance, home repairs, and more. From our famous mini ratchet to our Master set, you will surely find the right fit for your precision job!
chapmanmfg.com
Jawn
Well-known member
Those won't retain standard 1/4" bits though, if that matters.The original. Still made in the USA. Chapman tools.
Products
Chapman MFG - Made in the USA for over 80 years, Chapman provides a variety of screwdriver sets for industrial assembly, maintenance, home repairs, and more. From our famous mini ratchet to our Master set, you will surely find the right fit for your precision job!
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Excellent point
KnurledNut
Well-known member
On the flipside, Chapman bits do work okay in some other bit ratchets.
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That looks like a great one to have for real tight spots.
I have had a fair bit of bit-ratchet stuff, but never been super-happy with it. I loved my Icon 1/4" roto-head ratchet, and thought roto might be a plus in this application, so I got a Carlyle roto bit ratchet and it's... OK.
Saw the hype on Reddit about the Icon bit ratchet kit, and had just done a couple things where it would have come in handy, so I got one.
It has been awesome. The combination of a flex head and the pass-through extension has made this thing absolutely invaluable. I've used it far more than I expected.
For example: I was struggling to get to the back torx bolts on the PCV of the family Volvo. (the big plastic thing that says "febi" - this is actually the replacement part)
The roto was too bulky and fouled on the top of the engine bay (which also prevented the use of my straight bit-driver) or in one spot a fastener coming off the firewall.
Then I remembered I had the Icon kit. The slim head made getting under the top of the engine bay no issue. The pass-through let me avoid the fastener on the firewall and 'get down' a bit on a couple of the more-stubborn bolts. As soon as I broke it out, a PITA job became an easy job.
Very happy now with my setup:
I didn't think to take a pic of the roto there, but the head was too tall and too wide to be much help, plus the pass-through was a big help.
The T-handle also comes in extremely handy.
I got a set of very-shallow 1/4" sockets from O'Reilley's to go with the kit: (shown here lined up roughly at the same 8mm-14mm of my Tekton set - my Icon and SK sets are roughly as tall):
So with this as my current kit, I'm feeling pretty good...
Saw the hype on Reddit about the Icon bit ratchet kit, and had just done a couple things where it would have come in handy, so I got one.
It has been awesome. The combination of a flex head and the pass-through extension has made this thing absolutely invaluable. I've used it far more than I expected.
For example: I was struggling to get to the back torx bolts on the PCV of the family Volvo. (the big plastic thing that says "febi" - this is actually the replacement part)
The roto was too bulky and fouled on the top of the engine bay (which also prevented the use of my straight bit-driver) or in one spot a fastener coming off the firewall.
Then I remembered I had the Icon kit. The slim head made getting under the top of the engine bay no issue. The pass-through let me avoid the fastener on the firewall and 'get down' a bit on a couple of the more-stubborn bolts. As soon as I broke it out, a PITA job became an easy job.
Very happy now with my setup:
I didn't think to take a pic of the roto there, but the head was too tall and too wide to be much help, plus the pass-through was a big help.
The T-handle also comes in extremely handy.
I got a set of very-shallow 1/4" sockets from O'Reilley's to go with the kit: (shown here lined up roughly at the same 8mm-14mm of my Tekton set - my Icon and SK sets are roughly as tall):
So with this as my current kit, I'm feeling pretty good...
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Very happy now with my setup:
That long handled bit ratchet will pay dividends when it's time for the water pump on that engine.
-Ryan
The Zebra bit ratchet from Wurth is the best. It's tiny and tough.
Extremely low profile, 72 teeth (which doesn't seem that special until you see how small it is) and has withstood a scary amount of torque from me. The top is dished so the bit protrudes slightly (roughly level with the outer rim), so you can push it out with your thumb. The black wheel is knurled so you can spin the bit with your fingers.
Honorable mention: the Titan Micro Swivel Head ratchet that someone mentioned earlier. I'm showing the titanium-finish steel version for fun, but it's also available with an anodized aluminum handle or chromed steel.
Extremely low profile, 72 teeth (which doesn't seem that special until you see how small it is) and has withstood a scary amount of torque from me. The top is dished so the bit protrudes slightly (roughly level with the outer rim), so you can push it out with your thumb. The black wheel is knurled so you can spin the bit with your fingers.
Honorable mention: the Titan Micro Swivel Head ratchet that someone mentioned earlier. I'm showing the titanium-finish steel version for fun, but it's also available with an anodized aluminum handle or chromed steel.
Houdini5150
Well-known member
The icon kit. Love my set. I give them out as gifts...
roofdweller49
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 22, 2023
- Messages
- 180
Is there an extension for these ratchets that one can get separately?
The Facom EF.R180 is widely available in Europe; not sure elsewhere but probably worth a web search from your location. It’s 100 mm long (4 inches).