Another bit ratchet recommendation thread

[bart1]

I know there are several of these, but I just wanted to get the latest consensus (or lack thereof).

Desires:
- Not too expensive
- Small (including shallow depth)
- Abitility to use as a 1/4" micro ratchet (would like to have adaptor included)
- A set would be a plus, if not too crazy priced, but I can piece something together if needed.

I currently have one of the old small Husky ones that came with bits, 1/4" adaptor and has a 1/4" and 5/16" ratcheting end. The new Husky is gigantic and awkward compared to mine and I don't like it.

Other ones I know about:
- VIM has a few options, including one that looks like mine, I think. I have also seen it under other name brands including Williams. Are they the small size like mine?
- Gearwrench - same style as mine and a nice inexpensive set, but too big.
- Wera, Wiha, Beta, Facom, Felo, Titan - All of these seem similar to me, as the are fatter but still small.
- Craftsman or the upgraded Blue Point version (the BP looks nice, but maybe not as good as some of the options above?)
- Chapman - not impressive and does not use standard bits
- WFMC - Looks impressive, but too expensive and does not use standard bits

What I have:



Any thoughts, reccommendations, from you guys? At the moment I think I am tending to lean to the Felo or Wiha set. Seems like the best value.

This Wera set seems perfect, but just a tad expensive: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKWORRI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[neophyte]

SpecTools manfactures a nice ratcheting screwdriver that is sold private label by other brands as well as their own.

http://www.spectools.com/spec.htm

http://www.spectools.com/faqs.htm

 

[bart1]

I want a small bit ratchet (like the chrome husky above), not a screwdriver.

 

[Dubbydoo]

titan has some nice ones
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WIWK90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and the offset
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WIWKTK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Nortonscustom]

I have the a Wiha bit ratchet and a Gearwrench style like your husky set. The Wiha is pretty nice. The Wiha is shorter than the Gearwrench but fatter and harder to get into tight places. Guess it depends on what you want to use it for.

The Wiha

The Gearwrench set (sorry about the huge picture, its from Amazon)

 

[bart1]

That Gearwrench is a good bit bigger than the Husky, but a great deal.

 

[DanCo]

We sell these @ AAP $13.

I use these to make this.


Dan

 

[Veto]

I have the Wera and Facom bit ratchets, and Facom is by far my favourite. I recommend both of these. The Facom looks awesome too! Both of them are VERY low profile, the thickness is pretty much determined by the length of the bit itself + a few millimeters.

 

[bart1]

Ah, screw it. I found a good deal on the Wera set using the 20% discount at Chad's and ordered it. I got the full set with sockets and everything - I always absolutely loved the look of the Wera sockets.

 

[bart1]

I have the Wera and Facom bit ratchets, and Facom is by far my favourite. I recommend both of these. The Facom looks awesome too! Both of them are VERY low profile, the thickness is pretty much determined by the length of the bit itself + a few millimeters.

Just out of curiosity, what do you like better about the Facom? The angle? My husky has that, so maybe that will serve me well if needed.

 

[pacsguy]

20% discount at chads?

 

[parnass]

This Youtube video discusses the Victorinox (Swiss Army knife maker) and Topeak bit ratchet sets:

 

[92integra]

Check out ez red they have a new set out that has 2 different ones and they flex it also has a bunch of bits and sockets I think the set was 80 bucks but looks awsome

 

[Thephranc]

The smallest I ever found was at HF. Its black and reversible. I bought it for $1 and its been very handy.

 

[bart1]

20% discount at chads?

Testthebest for first time wera orders.

The emailed that they have already shipped it so I will report back.

 

[Chuck122]

I have a blue point and it is nice

 

[dede2897234]

titan has some nice ones
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WIWK90/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and the offset
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WIWKTK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If anyone is interested in buying the Titan offset bit driver and 1/4" drive ratchet 2-pack, instead of paying $27.40 through Midway Auto via the second link, AutoZone sells it at their stores for $19.99 + tax.


Dave

 

[Nortonscustom]

If someone is looking for the smallest ratchet possible it would be pretty hard to beat the Chapman. They're not flashy or fancy but they are well made and really small.

 

[Rico.]

I have the Wera and Facom bit ratchets, and Facom is by far my favourite. I recommend both of these. The Facom looks awesome too! Both of them are VERY low profile, the thickness is pretty much determined by the length of the bit itself + a few millimeters.

I also have the FACOM and I concur with Veto.... It is both tiny and awesome


Bart, I Gotta say though, that Wera set looks absolutely splendid.

 

[superautobacs]

Here's a good bit ratchet:

Anex's newly released new bit ratchet:

These were advertised as Made in Japan, but I was really surprised to see "Reverse Gear" on the ratcheting mechanism.
So, Anex essentially buys the mechanism from Hi-Five and then assembles it into their own handle, in their factory, in Japan.
Instead of a forged body, they made this the old school way: laminate body. By doing that it makes the product very affordable at $10 each.

52-tooth mechanism.
Unfortunately the mechanism has more resistance than it should (my older, SEK branded, Reverse Gear bit ratchet is smoother).

15* angle provides finger clearance and better control of pressure against the fastener.
This handle shape on a small bit ratchet is the most comfortable I've felt, and that was the key selling point for me.
It's not too short, skiny or overly compact like the common ones out there.
Each ratchet came with Anex's own stubby PH2 bit.

I should not that after some usage, the ratcheting feel has gotten smoother.




Some comparison shots:

A comparison with the commonly available bit ratchet available around the world:

From left to right: SEK / Anex / KTC 10mm ratcheting wrench with TONE 1/4" drive adaptor / 1/4" drive Zeal ratchet

The Anex bit ratchet has been recently added to Frankstools website at an awesome price (very close to street price that I paid from direct online shopping):
http://search.store.yahoo.net/yhst-128669497614690/cgi-bin/nsearch?query=anex&searchsubmit=Go&vwcatalog=yhst-128669497614690&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.frankstools.com%2F

 

[rhuff86]

I have this one and love it. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XW4C8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20 bought it at S&W. I like the looks of the Wera you picked up, I may have to try that one out too.

 

[natas2000]

me like the Anex
cant find in USA?

 

[nicksnothereman]

I know there are several of these, but I just wanted to get the latest consensus (or lack thereof).

Desires:
- Not too expensive
- Small (including shallow depth)
- Abitility to use as a 1/4" micro ratchet (would like to have adaptor included)
- A set would be a plus, if not too crazy priced, but I can piece something together if needed.

I currently have one of the old small Husky ones that came with bits, 1/4" adaptor and has a 1/4" and 5/16" ratcheting end. The new Husky is gigantic and awkward compared to mine and I don't like it.

Other ones I know about:
- VIM has a few options, including one that looks like mine, I think. I have also seen it under other name brands including Williams. Are they the small size like mine?
- Gearwrench - same style as mine and a nice inexpensive set, but too big.
- Wera, Wiha, Beta, Facom, Felo, Titan - All of these seem similar to me, as the are fatter but still small.
- Craftsman or the upgraded Blue Point version (the BP looks nice, but maybe not as good as some of the options above?)
- Chapman - not impressive and does not use standard bits
- WFMC - Looks impressive, but too expensive and does not use standard bits

What I have:



Any thoughts, reccommendations, from you guys? At the moment I think I am tending to lean to the Felo or Wiha set. Seems like the best value.

This Wera set seems perfect, but just a tad expensive: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKWORRI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I don't use a bit driver (besides a husky ratcheting bit driver for woodworking that I bought super cheap). If you can't find any of these in store to get your hands on usually wera or wiha would be the way to go because the quality is usually consistent across their lines. If I had to get a (good) bit driver I'd probably go wera.

But...you should check out the craftsman, husky, and kobalt options before you spend the money because you can check them out in store and they're cheap enough that there isn't much of a risk in buying it and busting it (don't know how you bust a bit driver but okay).

 

[Veto]

Just out of curiosity, what do you like better about the Facom? The angle? My husky has that, so maybe that will serve me well if needed.

Yes the angle is one of the reasons I like it. But the nmain reason is that the Wera is just a VERY stubby ratchet, way smaller than you would think. The Facom has a bit of length in it, and I also like the looks better.

Both of them have 60 teeth, so they're pretty fine toothed.

 

[bart1]

If someone is looking for the smallest ratchet possible it would be pretty hard to beat the Chapman. They're not flashy or fancy but they are well made and really small.

•••

I have one of the chapmans. As noted in my first post, not impressive build and doesn't use standard bits.

Here's a good bit ratchet:




I should not that after some usage, the ratcheting feel has gotten smoother.




Some comparison shots:








The Anex bit ratchet has been recently added to Frankstools website at an awesome price (very close to street price that I paid from direct online shopping):
http://search.store.yahoo.net/yhst-128669497614690/cgi-bin/nsearch?query=anex&searchsubmit=Go&vwcatalog=yhst-128669497614690&.autodone=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.frankstools.com%2F

That looks pretty big compared to the SEK, but it is cheap and available in a nice set. I think I'd rather key get that zeal, though.

Yes the angle is one of the reasons I like it. But the nmain reason is that the Wera is just a VERY stubby ratchet, way smaller than you would think. The Facom has a bit of length in it, and I also like the looks better.

Both of them have 60 teeth, so they're pretty fine toothed.

I am a little concerned about the super stubby length of the wera. In some applications it will be useful, but I can definitely see times where I'll be wanting another tool instead.

Thanks for all the feedback and commentary.

 

[sloppy]

Guy I work with has the Williams and its tiny.. seems like a nice one to me..

 

[Harrison2]

I like the kobalt model, very similar to gearwrench

 

[Knuckle Buster]

I want a small bit ratchet (like the chrome husky above), not a screwdriver.

I bought the two piece Titan micro set from Northern Tool a couple years ago for 20 bucks and they have held up very well. I USE them too, they aren't for show in my box. They are my go to ratchets for every heater core that comes in. Both, the 1/4'' bit driver ( micro ratchet except you put any 1/4'' bit in it rather than a socket ) and the 1/4'' ratchet are 60 tooth and you can operate them super fast with your fingers under the dash being they are so small and light.

BTW, when I say small, I mean they are super tiny. Almost a joke to look at but don't be fooled.

 

[tradesmanschoice]

These might also be of interest to someone, super slim PETA-RACHE bit ratchets from Vessel.

http://www.onlyqualitytools.com/catalog/Vessel/Flat_Plate_Bit_Ratchets.html

Cheers,
Mark.

 

[diggerrick]

The smallest I ever found was at HF. Its black and reversible. I bought it for $1 and its been very handy.

I bought that set on sale for $2-3. My only beef is I'm constantly hitting the reversing lever with my thumb.

 

[Hopalong604]

$8

 

[Monte]

here are mine
I like the Bahco because it has the smallest head. A real handle would be nice though like the "Wurth Zebra" ratchet. So the ideal bit ratchet for me would be this one i guess:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AI2AKI2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dede2897234]

We sell these @ AAP $13.

I use these to make this.


Dan

I purchased today the Toolworks offset handle bit ratchet from Advance Auto for $11.99 + tax. It comes with 9 sizes of Phillips, slotted, and Torx 1/4", 25mm bits. The ratcheting mechanism is manufactured by "Reverse Gear". It is a 52 tooth, ratcheting mechanism. I believe it is the same one that is used in the Anex bit ratchets that "Superautobacs" showed pictures above. It is a nice bit ratchet for the price.

The Toolworks bit ratchet looks identical to the Vim close quarters bit ratchet (except for the blue plastic pieces on the handle) that "Monte" posted above as an Amazon link.


Dave

 

[cheechi]

I got the titan set from Advance. Tiny. Both good & bad kind of tiny. I think i'm going to keep using my regular 1/4 ratchet with adapter most of the time.

 

[dede2897234]

$8

Hopalong604,

Where did you buy the Stanley Fatmax bit ratchet set for $8?

On Amazon and eBay, I've seen the set go for $19.99 + shipping.

Do you remember the tooth count of the bit ratchet as mentioned on the packaging?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[Danglerb]

Hopalong604,

Where did you buy the Stanley Fatmax bit ratchet set for $8?

On Amazon and eBay, I've seen the set go for $19.99 + shipping.

Do you remember the tooth count of the bit ratchet as mentioned on the packaging?


Thanks,

Dave

Looks discontinued to me with just a couple vendors offering it via several marketing sites. I doubt its much different from any of the other sets that look just like it.

 

[bart1]

here are mine
I like the Bahco because it has the smallest head. A real handle would be nice though like the "Wurth Zebra" ratchet. So the ideal bit ratchet for me would be this one i guess:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AI2AKI2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Something else that would be really nice if that Bahco (same as VIM) would have a 6 point box end with some bit retention feature built in. Particularly if you could insert it either way. The would allow an ultra strong fixed bit holder with positive and negative angles available.

 

[Monte]

Something else that would be really nice if that Bahco (same as VIM) would have a 6 point box end with some bit retention feature built in. Particularly if you could insert it either way. The would allow an ultra strong fixed bit holder with positive and negative angles available.

maybe this "Pro Auto" ratchet is what you are looking for ?

A comparison with the commonly available bit ratchet available around the world:

 

[Hopalong604]

Bought it on sale at canadiantire up here in Canada. Reg price was $39.99. Don't remember the tooth count.

Hopalong604,

Where did you buy the Stanley Fatmax bit ratchet set for $8?

On Amazon and eBay, I've seen the set go for $19.99 + shipping.

Do you remember the tooth count of the bit ratchet as mentioned on the packaging?


Thanks,

Dave

 

[JD291]

I've had these for a few months and like them. You can also get rebranded bluepoints from the Snap-on man.

http://www.tooltopia.com/kastar-hand-tools-5220.aspx