Best bit ratchet 1/4

[shockwave]

I was looking for best bit ratchet out there I am really liking the vim hbr3 due box end and other is ratcheting but super short


And other option I want is more a thru bit ratchet rather than sits out due to clearance issues

And lastly I like box end for stubborn ball joints that like to spin too much

Other options in 1/4 are welcomed and a hazet fine tooth is a bigger option I like

 

[CGarage]

Facom / USAG and Victorinox.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’ve got a Kobalt one it works great for me I rarely use it as a mechanic but when I do it never fails.


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[ssdave]

discontinued, but MAC MR5BD in my opinion is the best bit ratchet.

 

[JBH]

Koken for feel, Facom/USAG locking flex head for versatility. If Koken were smaller it would be unbeatable, but it isn’t.

VIM’s stubby with a 1/4” breaker bar is versatile too, and same working bits as Facom/USAG/Wera/etc.

 

[Ralf11]

discontinued, but MAC MR5BD in my opinion is the best bit ratchet.

https://www.mactools.com/en-us/Ratchets-and-Accessories/1-4-Drive/MR5BD/1-4-Mini-Hex-Bit-Ratchet

??

 

[gjusername]

I'm not necessarily partial to the German brands but for a miniature one, I love the felo shown here -

another one that I love from felo is more of a ratcheting screwdriver with a handle that can also be flexed to 90 degrees to be used like a standard ratchet - https://www.kctoolco.com/felo-64539-ergonic-k-handle-ratcheting-screwdriver/

I don't use bi ratchets enough to justify another purchase but I'd really like to have one of the roto head styles like the ones available from carlyle or snap-on. I've never actually used one of those so I can't say if I'd recommend them or not, but roto heads are definitely my favorite style of ratchet to use so I'm sure they would be great.

the most clearance would probably come from a 1/4" ratcheting wrench, but then it wouldn't retain the bit for you.

edit - also want to mention, for the ultimate in low clearance I don't think you can beat this set - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVBGAU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Ralf11]

I am workin' hard to find a rational reason to buy one, but I can't do it.

The amount of torque involved in such small fasteners means one of my 8 ratcheting bit holding screwdrivers or a cordless drill will work fine, or a 1/4 or 3/8" regular ratchet handle - either as long as there is clearance.

Then I have that tiny splined driver set in the red plastic box - fegit the brand but it's discussed in one of the other 5 bit driver ratchet threads on here.

Can anybody help me out with an excuse to buy the Ko-ken flex head bit ratchet?

 

[lardy1]

Because you can.

 

[JP Chestnut]

I am workin' hard to find a rational reason to buy one, but I can't do it.

The amount of torque involved in such small fasteners means one of my 8 ratcheting bit holding screwdrivers or a cordless drill will work fine, or a 1/4 or 3/8" regular ratchet handle - either as long as there is clearance.

Then I have that tiny splined driver set in the red plastic box - fegit the brand but it's discussed in one of the other 5 bit driver ratchet threads on here.

Can anybody help me out with an excuse to buy the Ko-ken flex head bit ratchet?

I’ve needed to remove dash parts up near the bottom edge of the windshield where you have almost zero space to access the fastener. These bit wrenches are perfect for that.

 

[jshillin]

This question comes up pretty often. This Wera is the one I use most often.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004ISLNRE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I also have this little Sunex set that I keep in my desk drawer that sees a lot of use.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N4MA7MM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[CGarage]

Do a search. This has been discussed extensively.
The small size and ease of access in tight areas makes these bit ratchets a must have.
The Sunex is great for the money.
The Victorinox is the smallest.
The Facom/USAG to me is the most refined.
Don’t know what I would do without one.

 

[spyerx]

I like the VIM with the 2 sides (1/4 bit and 1/4 ratchet adapter), it's unbelievably handy for tight spots on german cars, using PB Swiss bits.

https://cloud1.shopsite.com/donofish/product44.html

 

[KnurledNut]

Dont see it mentioned here much, but i prefer ratcheting wrenches with bit adaptors instead of dedicated bit ratchets. I find it more versatile. One adaptor can work with fixed short, regular, long, flex, locking flex.

 

[shockwave]

I ended up buying a vim hbr3 and hazet 863hcp which is fine tooth I will see how they hold up in a couple of weeks

 

[lardy1]

Dont see it mentioned here much, but i prefer ratcheting wrenches with bit adaptors instead of dedicated bit ratchets. I find it more versatile. One adaptor can work with fixed short, regular, long, flex, locking flex.

Can you show a picture or a link to this tool?

 

[M6erfan]

Can you show a picture or a link to this tool?

Here's one...

https://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/ratcheting/gearwrench-9535d-2-pc-1-2-ratcheting-wrench-to-bit-driver-adapter-set.html

 

[wafrederick]

I have a Sunex,a locking flex head VIM and the Mac which are rebranded Lang/Kastar whom also makes the Blue Point,Craftsman and Matco versions.Also a Matco version

 

[m6z]

Several no name options on ebay for $5-10 shipped if you're not in a hurry.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/154045959091


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[KnurledNut]

Can you show a picture or a link to this tool?

IICR, ill try to snap a pic at work for ya.

 

[lardy1]

I found them online. Thank you. I have a 3/8" drive anvil that works the same way. I didn't know it was available as a bit holder. Thank you for that.

 

[shockwave]

https://www.kctoolco.com/hazet-863hpb-fine-tooth-1-4-reversible-bit-ratchet/

Going for this from jens

 

[gjusername]

Here's one...

https://www.gearwrench.com/wrenches/ratcheting/gearwrench-9535d-2-pc-1-2-ratcheting-wrench-to-bit-driver-adapter-set.html

wow I didn't know those existed, I agree those are awesome. This might be a noob question but, would those work well in a 13mm? It says it's for a 1/2" wrench but I only have metric ratcheting wrenches, I know 13mm is close but not exact

 

[lardy1]

The one I have for 3/8" socket drive fits my Gearwrench 1/2" 12 point ratcheting wrench but is so tight in my Tekton 6 point that I don't force it. I think it would eventually ruin the o-ring.

The old style Gearwrench 12 points are really cheap on eBay these days. Smaller individual wrenches for under five bucks.

 

[mc4life27]

I also just got a wiha driver
Bit kit from Lowe’s. Nice bits but not to happy with the way the ratchet feels in the hands. Not horrible and time will tell but still like my felo the best.

 

[Bighead38]

I have this set, the super small size has saved me many times

I would like to add these but haven’t seen them in person.

 

[Nachito13]

This snap-on cause I hate money.

 

[Flared Base]

I would like to add these but haven’t seen them in person.

I have this blue bit ratchet. I don't have any complaints about it. I prefer roto head versus flex head ratchets for 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 drives so I went with this style for a bit ratchet.

 

[mrjaw14]

I have 3 VIM hbr3 bit ratchets for the fixed hex end. It’s got a stamped area that keeps a bit from coming through so it’s like a wrench for hex bits. Only thing like it I’ve found. I have other bit ratchets but I can get the hbr3 places I can’t get others in and if a fastener is stuck I can break it free with the fixed end and not risk ruining the ratchet teeth.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Bighead38

The backdrag is more than expected when new, but not terrible.

Here is one i modified. Bits store in the handle.

 

[dnschmidt]

I like the VIM. In fact I like all of VIM's stuff.

 

[macgee]

I'm also a big proponent of the VIM HBR5, ended up buying several of them for different locations, I use them all the time and have zero regrets and no fails after several years. I did buy the HBR3 to test out and not nearly as much joy compared to the HBR5 and quickly returned it. Works great with PB Swiss, Vessel and Felo bits.

I also have the mini Wiha 1/4" hex bit ratchet and it's collecting dust, the Vim always gets used first.

 

[Flared Base]

@Bighead38

The backdrag is more than expected when new, but not terrible.

Here is one i modified. Bits store in the handle.

That's a really neat modification. I like to speed things in at first with the handle's axis in line like a conventional screwdriver and then rotate the handle 90 degrees to the fastener's axis when there is some resistance like a conventional ratchet. This would give a my hands a more comfortable grip.

Also, mine did feel a little tight in terms of back drag at first as well. However, I used it right out of the packaging to put together some flat stack furniture and the back drag was not an issue. I did keep it at my desk for a few days and used it as a fidget toy and it seemed better.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Flared Base
Thanks.
I found the original handle a little small for my personal use. Its much better this way.
I have other bit ratchets if i need the small size.
Yeah mine has loosened up with use.
Just FYI, the design is a little different in that the head is fitted with TWO pivot set screws, unlike most ratchets.
(I took it off to press the handle on.)

 

[will335i]

I have the snap on RAT72 with bit adaptor and I made a THNFDM72. Both are awesome for getting into tight places and I got them for specifically working on my BMW.

 

[ptgarcia]

@Bighead38

The backdrag is more than expected when new, but not terrible.

Here is one i modified. Bits store in the handle.

Super cool. But doesn't the large handle kind of defeat the purpose a these small bit ratchets?

 

[KnurledNut]

@ptgarcia
If i need smaller, i have em.

 

[Dave455]

Ahhh, bit ratchet’s!

You’ve got to love ‘em. Well, I do anyway…

The best? That’s a question.

The Snap On are probably the best made. Beautifully made and finished, superb selection of models, and work well. The downsides are that they are not quite as ergonomic as some, and the prices are currently horrendous. Everything here was acquired on a deal, and there are some jobs I just wouldn’t use them on given the current value.

Stahlwille? Very nice. I generally prefer all steel handles and the newer fine tooth ratchets are lovely. The Hazet’s are even nicer in some respects, and the short one with the angled handle is exceptionally useful.

I have to admit that the Taiwanese made, be it Wera or Facom, probably see the most use. The big Facom R.PE is probably my most used, closely followed by the tiny Wera. Both are really well thought out, with a dished head to put your finger behind, and in the case of the Wera, no metal where you don’t want it.

The Facom Rotator is a truly unique tool. I don’t need it often, but when I do nothing else will work.

I use these bit ratchets a lot. Not just in automotive work, but general engineering, carpentry, and even about the house. Everybody puts in screws you can’t access these days.

 

[JBH]

I have to admit that the Taiwanese made, be it Wera or Facom, probably see the most use. The big Facom R.PE is probably my most used, closely followed by the tiny Wera. Both are really well thought out, with a dished head to put your finger behind, and in the case of the Wera, no metal where you don’t want it.

You should try the Taiwanese locking flex head. Facom/USAG, KS Tools, Toptul, Würth, Deen, and probably a half dozen others sell a version. (Wera, short sightedly, does not.) It’s IMO in the pliers wrench category in terms of versatility.

I “like” Koken better but USAG gets 10x the use.

 

[DHCrocks]

let me start by saying what the worse is Wiha. It just plain *****. its looks nice and is made well and feel great in the hand but the reversing selector lever is terrible. While using it, it keeps reversing direction. The placement is the problem, it slightly protrudes past the body so while ratcheting it if you are holding it by the head it constantly keeps flipping direction. I hate it.

The gearwrench is also terrible, there is a design flaw and the gear portion keeps popping out of the handle. At first I thought it was great but then it started to fall apart on me. I have to keep putting it back together and while using it I need to apply pressure to the gear so it wont pop off.

The best that I have used so far is the Wera. it just plain works.