Lowest backdrag hex bit ratchet?

[MechanicMindset]

Hello, I’m looking for some input on which you guys think are the lowest backdrag hex bit ratchets available on the market and that maybe you’ve tried out.

I’ve grown sick of my Wiha hex ratchet, while it seems very strong it has very very bad backdrag and it also has a tendency to change directions by itself. Oiling hasn’t helped like it has many other ratchets.


I’m aware of companies like koken that make very low backdrag tools and the hex option I see from them is the 2749-P which seems kinda bulky in pictures. A gearless model would be great in hex.

For context I mostly use my ratchet with a tiny shortened ph2 bit for tight spaces and screws at work so a tool that’s 7 inches or has a huge thick head isn’t gonna be particularly useful. I’ve read tons of threads here on this but it seems backdrag isn’t always the main topic of concern

 

[KnurledNut]

Somewhat unorthodox, but my lowest backdrag setup is a Gearwrench 3/8 ratcheting wrench with a bit adaptor.

 

[64C10]

I’ve been very happy with my $14 Craftsman bit ratchet. Very minimal backdrag for a fine toothed ratchet.

 

[MechanicMindset]

Somewhat unorthodox, but my lowest backdrag setup is a Gearwrench 3/8 ratcheting wrench with a bit adaptor.

I’ve seen things like that, I saw a snap on ratcheting wrench setup like that. Which bit adapter do you use so it doesn’t fall through the wrench?

 

[Kuma601]

You'll want to stay away from the Vim HBR5, the back drag almost tightens it back up. I thought it would be good for getting to the fasteners in the dash but while thin, the backdrag is a thumb down.

 

[KnurledNut]

I’ve seen things like that, I saw a snap on ratcheting wrench setup like that. Which bit adapter do you use so it doesn’t fall through the wrench?

I have several 3/8 hex drive adaptors that I can switch between short, long, flex, reversible, etc wrenches.
I dont remember the brand right off, as ive had it for quite some time. It has a ball detent on the wrench side, and its solid black.*
I also have a Carolus that fits in an 8mm, but i like the strength to size of the 3/8 version.

*Edit 10/27: This adaptor can be found in a 10mm flavor branded Hazet, Wurth, etc.

 

[RTM]

I have one of these, but won’t fit your ordinary hex bits. But if you are focused on Ph #2 bits, might meet your needs.

Lisle Right Angle Screwdriver LIS64250 - The Home Depot

This is a Ratcheting Right Angle Screwdriver. Use where a regular screwdriver won't fit. Makes it easy to remove and install molding around fender wells and other tight places.eaturesScrewdriver ratcheting

www.homedepot.com

 

[merkyworks]

what about the VIM RFB400K or Icon flex hex ratchet (RXFT-35)

 

[four.cycle]

Titan 11318 1/4" drive swivel-head micro bit driver
O'Reilly's Auto Parts - less than $20 bucks out the door (including sales tax.)

 

[Madjik Man]

I have the VIM RFB400K set and all things considered the back drag is pretty minimal. Very little arc swing. The head is tiny also.

 

[Komet]

Chuck a hex bit backwards in a drill and attach it to the bit driver. Pull trigger and switch directions in bursts until the driver heats up a little. Backdrag eliminated .

 

[JBH]

Koken has the best backdrag, but I agree - it feels a little big. Felo is IMO the nicest small fixed head in terms of backdrag, with Stahlwille 80T and Titan roto behind. (N.B. Titan roto looks super slick with the smallest Hazet handle pressed on. The handles were for a time at least a couple EUR on Amazon.de.)

Of all of those, I usually reach for a variant of the Reverse Gear locking flex head, shown above as VIM and HF, or a Würth branded fixed head variant with an even smaller head. Backdrag is inferior but the size is perfect and a little pressure on the back solves the backdrag.

 

[Sumboodie]

I have a set of low pro ratchets that take bits I got I think from Harbor Freight.

Sort of look like this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D4DZB1T/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'd imagine there's a model that is built a bit better with a fine tooth ratchet?

 

[Grokew]

Maybe the Omegatec gearless bit ratchet.

RR40S-BH1/4 Reversible Bit Holder Short Handle Roller Ratchet

RR40S-BH1/4 Reversible Bit Holder Short Handle Roller Ratchet. Max Torque: 150 in. / lbs. Output: RR40S-BH-1/4 Bit Holder Height: 0.91'' Width: 0.65'' Overall Length: 5.5''

omegatec.com

Edit:
I would also do the drill method mentioned above. But be careful and let the ratchet cool down between runs.

 

[Grokew]

Koken has the best backdrag, but I agree - it feels a little big. Felo is IMO the nicest small fixed head in terms of backdrag, with Stahlwille 80T and Titan roto behind. (N.B. Titan roto looks super slick with the smallest Hazet handle pressed on. The handles were for a time at least a couple EUR on Amazon.de.)

Of all of those, I usually reach for a variant of the Reverse Gear locking flex head, shown above as VIM and HF, or a Würth branded fixed head variant with an even smaller head. Backdrag is inferior but the size is perfect and a little pressure on the back solves the backdrag.

Oof, the Felo went from $30 dollars, all the way up to $118... Snap-on is starting to look affordable.

 

[carmantl]

My VIM HBR5 has the lowest backdrag of the several bit ratchets I have, I got the VIM VHC77 half height bit set at a pawn shop for $30. Best little bit of kit that I have. Kuma, you may have got a dud or factory second?

 

[JBH]

Oof, the Felo went from $30 dollars, all the way up to $118... Snap-on is starting to look affordable.

Wow - one would think USD-EUR parity (compared to the ~$1.15 = 1 EUR rate typical of the past half decade) would cut against inflation.

For $118 I would instead buy Koken and one of the Reverse Gear locking flex heads, such as the VIM @merkyworks posted above (the OG USAG/Facom is more expensive). And maybe the Titan roto-head on top of that.

 

[Kuma601]

Chuck a hex bit backwards in a drill and attach it to the bit driver. Pull trigger and switch directions in bursts until the driver heats up a little. Backdrag eliminated .

I did that too...may need to spin it up some more.

 

[Outahere]

....Titan 11318 1/4" drive swivel-head micro bit driver

I own the ratchet version (i.e. socket wrench) of this Titan tool. IMO it has medium back drag. Definitely some room for improvement.

 

[Outahere]

Does the Wera Zyklop Mini-1 have low back drag?

8001 A Zyklop Mini 1 Bit Ratchet ¼" SB with ¼" drive, 2 pieces - Wera Product finder

The Wera Mini ratchet. Simple operation, even with just one hand, in confined working spaces. Drop-forged, full-steel design and fine-pitched mechanism with 60 teeth that allows a small return angle of 6° for precise working. The thumbwheel allows rapid fastening in confined situations when...

products.wera.de

 

[lardy1]

I have both Felo and Titan and in all honesty, the Titan has less drag than the Felo but the Felo feels so much more substantial. Both do what they're supposed to do. I have the Titan swivel ratchet but it has 1/4" anvil rather than the bit driver configuration. I'm buying one of those also. Installing interior cabinet hardware sometimes needs a lot of creativity.

 

[bonneyman]

I don't really like the bit ratchets, as they are mostly too small for arthritic hands to hold. I usually end up putting a piece of fuel hose on the handle just to be able to grip them, and that negates some of the utility of being able to get into tight areas. So I usually reach for this Husky double ratcheting box end bit wrench. Small enough but not too small, holds the bits securely, and the retention springs are external so can be replaced. And the backdrag is pretty low.
Here it is next to the old Dunlap ratcheting box end I was using.

 

[rlitman]

I have one of these, but won’t fit your ordinary hex bits. But if you are focused on Ph #2 bits, might meet your needs.

Lisle Right Angle Screwdriver LIS64250 - The Home Depot

This is a Ratcheting Right Angle Screwdriver. Use where a regular screwdriver won't fit. Makes it easy to remove and install molding around fender wells and other tight places.eaturesScrewdriver ratcheting

www.homedepot.com

+1 to this. While it won't fit hex bits, the handle does turn anything with a 1/4" shank, so it also works as an assist handle on most PH2 screwdrivers, including my Vessel drivers. This is a sprag clutch roller driver that will NEVER reverse on you, and the overall height is comparable to many bit ratchets (though it can't compete with the shortened hex bits). You could probably shorten a screwdriver shank and add something to act as a stop for super tight spaces, but it'll take some real effort and creativity.

Snap On also sells this as a YA480B, and Matco sells it as the RSD5A.

 

[Dave455]

With all these bit ratchets you have basically two choices, those derived from 1/4” drive ratchets, and those designed from the outset as bit ratchets.

The former will give you comparable back drag to the equivalent ratchet with a square drive. The downside of this design is a relatively bulky head.

My favourite general purpose bit ratchets are probably the Hazet’s. Quality is nice, and back drag is about as minimal as you get. Surprisingly, these are the coarse tooth ratchets, not the newer design fine tooth.


I tend to keep these for cleaner tasks, and the full size lives in a custom made box with a set of bits, ready to roll!


For automotive use I tend to use the Stahlwille. Mainly because of the all steel handles, which are more practical in greasy environments. I particularly like the shape of these. One of these is coarse tooth, one of them fine. The coarse tooth has the lower backdrag.


Of the tools designed as bit ratchets it’s hard to beat the various tools manufactured by Hi Five in Taiwan. The advantages these offer is a much smaller head, although the effort put in to designing most of these tools has been considerable.

I tend to reach first for the Facom R.PE shown below. The overall height is minimal, and I like the finger recess behind the head so you can apply downforce without slipping off.

In confined spaces the Wera excels. Note the overall small dimensions of the tool, and also the way that the handle has been relieved below the head. Many times, when working on internal trim, this has allowed me extra turning angle. (Outahere - backdrag is comparable to the other “Hi Five” bit ratchets, bit more than the Hazet etc, comparable to the rest.)


It’s generally accepted that the Snap On Dual 80 is about the best ratchet out there. I would go along with this, but while the difference is marked in 3/8“ drive, I don’t think it’s as noticeable in 1/4” drive, or bit ratchets, but they are nice.

Notice that I went for the locking flex head. The non locking don’t really work in bit ratchets because of the downforce needed. The roto head are interesting, as the downforce doesn’t cause the head to flex, and I think the round head may have a frac less backdrag, but not by much.


Overall, I don’t think there is a huge difference in backdrag between the different tools. The differences I note are just as likely to be caused by one tool being more “worn in” than another, or by differences in lubrication. This may explain my most used tools having the lowest backdrag.

It’s suggested that the KoKen may be the best in this regard, Trying the backdrag of my KoKen 1/4” drive ratchet, I can believe this, but I don’t have a KoKen bit ratchet to compare. I realise this is a shocking omission…!

The most important thing, however, is to have at least one bit ratchet. 1/4” hex bits are far cheaper than bits to fit a 1/4” square drive (not to mention shorter) so you can build a set for relatively little money. Once you have one (or more) you use them everywhere. I recently added one to my road box, as I need one so often.

 

[LogiLuddite]

I have both the VIM RFB400K (copy of the ICON) and the Koken 2749P-1/4, and it's really not even close; the Koken's just that smooth. I would live with the larger head to be honest. Even after soaking the VIM in ATF and using a drill to cycle it a few thousand revs, it's still not as smooth as the Koken out of the box.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought this SK ratchet screwdriver. It has an adjustable handle. The ratchet is replaced with a sprag clutch. There is no resistance to back rotation. Stay seated. It was $146.00

 

[NoahG]

Not nearly as fancy, but these two have saved my **** many times. HF 1/4” composite with a Craftsman bit holder, and the Klein 65200

 

[bluedog225]

Or get one that is easily taken apart and reassembled. Then polish and grease the mating surfaces that are creating the drag.

 

[bonneyman]

That Hazet looks sweet! Small enough with a nice big grippy handle.

 

[ThePostman]

The vim dd2

 

[milkovich]

I love this thing: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BUJXQJ6/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The hex opening in the "hilt" seals the deal for me. Made in Taiwan. Backdrag is there but not inconvenient, at least I haven't noticed it.

 

[banditbigdog]

Not a hex bit but I use this quite a bit.
The flat back is a nice feature, you can push your thumb or finger against it while turning to keep it pressed in place.

 

[teagueo]

I'm interested in this too...in a tight spot, bit ratchets are the best.

But they all have ****** mechanisms where you need to hold the fastener to keep it from rotating from back drag.

 

[rlitman]

I bought this SK ratchet screwdriver. It has an adjustable handle. The ratchet is replaced with a sprag clutch. There is no resistance to back rotation. Stay seated. It was $146.00

Well this is a bit of a thread derail, but I had to look it up. The SK 73681 was clearly a Schroeder rebrand with their distinctive Comforce handle, and I found it. Schroder RS11544 has their Protorq stepless ratchet:

I have two of the Craftsman screwdrivers with that handle. Great handle (Schroeder even uses it in a saw kit), but TERRIBLE ratcheting mechanism. I really wish I could find a gearless one now.

I wonder if I can get this shipped to the US:

Schröder Multisæt Schröder Comforce Protorq (11584-200)

Schröder Multisæt Schröder Comforce Protorq (11584-200)

www.dmtv.dk

 

[bonneyman]

Well this is a bit of a thread derail, but I had to look it up. The SK 73681 was clearly a Schroeder rebrand with their distinctive Comforce handle, and I found it. Schroder RS11544 has their Protorq stepless ratchet:

I have two of the Craftsman screwdrivers with that handle. Great handle (Schroeder even uses it in a saw kit), but TERRIBLE ratcheting mechanism. I really wish I could find a gearless one now.

I wonder if I can get this shipped to the US:

Schröder Multisæt Schröder Comforce Protorq (11584-200)

Schröder Multisæt Schröder Comforce Protorq (11584-200)

www.dmtv.dk

I found this gearless ratchet handle about two tears ago, got it cheap because it was missing the end cap. I made one, and it is a smooth operator. But I don't know the OEM - I suspect the name on the handle is a supplied company.

 

[rlitman]

I found this gearless ratchet handle about two tears ago, got it cheap because it was missing the end cap. I made one, and it is a smooth operator. But I don't know the OEM - I suspect the name on the handle is a supplied company.

I owned one of those in the mid '90's that I got for $10 at an AutoBarn (with a red handle and absolutely nothing printed on it, but I recall the countertop display had several color choices). It was smooth as glass and I loved it until the day I dropped it on it's nose. The impact shattered the plastic cage that held the sprag together, and that was its end. Torque wise, it was plenty strong, but yeah, don't drop it shaft down.

 

[KnurledNut]

@bonneyman @rlitman

If I may derail further, Sunex 9829 looks like the same driver with a different shaft.


Also labeled Britool at some point:

 

[bonneyman]

Looks like a match, Knurled. Thanks for the info.

 

[bonneyman]

I owned one of those in the mid '90's that I got for $10 at an AutoBarn (with a red handle and absolutely nothing printed on it, but I recall the countertop display had several color choices). It was smooth as glass and I loved it until the day I dropped it on it's nose. The impact shattered the plastic cage that held the sprag together, and that was its end. Torque wise, it was plenty strong, but yeah, don't drop it shaft down.

Thanks for the tip.

I've re-examined mine and found a crack in the handle near the gear end. Makes it a prime candidate for cutting off the gearless drive and installing it in a spare Proto Bet-r-grip handle!

 

[Komet]

I got the Gearwrench micro driver and socket set, it had mediumish backdrag. Did my chuck a bit backwards in the drill and spin it til it heats up trick, not as massive of an improvement in backdrag as the icon ratchet but did smooth it up some.

Barely nudged the selector switch and that sucker flipped over with the drill on full kill, hoo boy that almost became a finger remover.