These are my Chapman Mfg. tools still made in the USA along with some of my favorite bit drivers. I just want to share a review along with some things that I have learned while owning this tool kit and other tools from Chapman Mfg.
Pro's:
Made in the US and high quality of course so I won't spend much time on all the marketing points.
Good customer service - The CM-13 ratchet in my set had some slight binding and they quickly they sent a replacement which works well.
A la carte bit options so buy as you need with fair shipping prices.
A few different sets tailored for different tasks and price points.
Nice case
Con's:
Price of course
*Interchangeability (mainly bits are longer featuring a knurled end which can be good on it's own for tight spaces).
As far as interchangeability, the extensions are designed to be used with Chapman screwdriver bits & are not guaranteed to work as a universal tool.
There are options available to mitigate this but I think Chapman could improve upon this and spread some knowledge as far as some common and compatible options to complement their tools. For example it would be nice to use their extensions/bits with common 1/4 bit holder tools and torque drivers, after all they do provide torque values for their bits.
One simple thing that was a game changer for me was taking their extensions and grinding off the knurled end which lets me use their extensions along with their special bits in any of my favorite bit holder tools, ratcheting screwdrivers, and torque drivers. Such a simple mod has opened a bunch of new tool combinations for me.
The extensions do not use magnets instead relying on a spring loaded ball retainer in each bit. With the locking set screw extension you won't have to worry about a bit coming out. I actually did put a small magnet to one of my extensions and found that it does hold standard bits while still fitting the Chapman style bits reasonably well.
I also found that their bits work well in common multi-bit screwdrivers (like the 10+ in 1 type screwdrivers from Klein, Milwaukee, etc.) and vice versa. Their bits even pair well with everyone's favorite Icon mini flex head ratchet, although my overall philosophy of their bits is that they are more meant for precision work. Overall a ton of different tool combinations within the Chapman ecosystem as well as potential combinations with the rest of the worlds standard 1/4 bit systems.
As far as my experiences with the ratchets tools I of course have the old-school classic CM-13 mini ratchet which comes with many of the sets. It's a tried and true design with no frills. It can get into tight spaces but is limited by the longer bit profile. In this regard it is outclassed by some of the tools on the market today. Although you cannot reverse it on the fly, you just flip it over to the other side. I think where this tool shines is for applications needing a good deal of torque since this ratchet does not have a high tooth count (20T) which means it should have a good deal of durability. Of course a great use case for this is pairing it with the 1/4 screwdriver shank / extension for added leverage.
I also splurged and got the PR-13 palm ratchet which is a newer tool in their lineup. I love the feel of this one for some reason. It ratchets very smoothly and is good for getting into some of those inconvenient places.
Pro's:
Made in the US and high quality of course so I won't spend much time on all the marketing points.
Good customer service - The CM-13 ratchet in my set had some slight binding and they quickly they sent a replacement which works well.
A la carte bit options so buy as you need with fair shipping prices.
A few different sets tailored for different tasks and price points.
Nice case
Con's:
Price of course
*Interchangeability (mainly bits are longer featuring a knurled end which can be good on it's own for tight spaces).
As far as interchangeability, the extensions are designed to be used with Chapman screwdriver bits & are not guaranteed to work as a universal tool.
There are options available to mitigate this but I think Chapman could improve upon this and spread some knowledge as far as some common and compatible options to complement their tools. For example it would be nice to use their extensions/bits with common 1/4 bit holder tools and torque drivers, after all they do provide torque values for their bits.
One simple thing that was a game changer for me was taking their extensions and grinding off the knurled end which lets me use their extensions along with their special bits in any of my favorite bit holder tools, ratcheting screwdrivers, and torque drivers. Such a simple mod has opened a bunch of new tool combinations for me.
The extensions do not use magnets instead relying on a spring loaded ball retainer in each bit. With the locking set screw extension you won't have to worry about a bit coming out. I actually did put a small magnet to one of my extensions and found that it does hold standard bits while still fitting the Chapman style bits reasonably well.
I also found that their bits work well in common multi-bit screwdrivers (like the 10+ in 1 type screwdrivers from Klein, Milwaukee, etc.) and vice versa. Their bits even pair well with everyone's favorite Icon mini flex head ratchet, although my overall philosophy of their bits is that they are more meant for precision work. Overall a ton of different tool combinations within the Chapman ecosystem as well as potential combinations with the rest of the worlds standard 1/4 bit systems.
As far as my experiences with the ratchets tools I of course have the old-school classic CM-13 mini ratchet which comes with many of the sets. It's a tried and true design with no frills. It can get into tight spaces but is limited by the longer bit profile. In this regard it is outclassed by some of the tools on the market today. Although you cannot reverse it on the fly, you just flip it over to the other side. I think where this tool shines is for applications needing a good deal of torque since this ratchet does not have a high tooth count (20T) which means it should have a good deal of durability. Of course a great use case for this is pairing it with the 1/4 screwdriver shank / extension for added leverage.
I also splurged and got the PR-13 palm ratchet which is a newer tool in their lineup. I love the feel of this one for some reason. It ratchets very smoothly and is good for getting into some of those inconvenient places.
