I'm not sure where I read about this recently but I was inspired to buy one and it is astoundingly small. If this wrench won't fit, nothing will...
Really Tiny Ratchet
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Old Man Roger
Well-known member
Cool
alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
I like that a bit can go in the end to use as a screwdriver.
I just noticed there is a magnet in the handle to retain the but when you use it as a screwdriver.
Somehow when it was described as a 2" wrench, I was thinking a 2" handle plus the head. It measures ~ 2 - 1/16" overall.
Somehow when it was described as a 2" wrench, I was thinking a 2" handle plus the head. It measures ~ 2 - 1/16" overall.
Last edited:
kbeefy
Well-known member
Thats cool. Is it gears or a sprag mechanism?
I'm buying one either way....
some other tiny 1/4 drives I like to use...
I'm buying one either way....
some other tiny 1/4 drives I like to use...
I don't know how to tell the difference between the two mechanisms. I have gravitated to 1/4" drive as my preferred wrenches over the last few years unless I'm working on fasteners that really need the torque of a 3/8" or 1/2" drive.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Gears have teeth so you can feel them, a sprag is gearless so it doesn't click. It's basically a one way clutch.
Steve W.
Well-known member
From the text in the Amazon link:
- PRECISE AND ROBUST - the precision-made reversible 60-tooth gear enables a small return angle that you can achieve with every solid sweep.
Steel_Rain
Well-known member
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- Apr 23, 2024
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- 1,378
I have the "SIGNET" version I purchased on AJP for about $15 bucks:
www.garagejournal.com
I used it a few days ago in a really tight space with an extension and it worked great.
Battle of the Bit Ratchets
This is the one I grab the most: See post above. Please, pretty please, with a cherry on top, post brand of tool with model number so we can figure out where to buy it and what to order.
www.garagejournal.com
I used it a few days ago in a really tight space with an extension and it worked great.
SwissMetric
Well-known member
@kbeefy:
Thanks for the pic.
Here stores only offer a very lmited selection, also there are only a few major chains with a poor choice (Jumbo, Obi (a lot of Lux ****), Hornbach and Bauhaus). Also many stores for professionnals purchase from large distributors like e.g. E+H so the overall choice is severely limited, if it's not listed you most likely won't get it, or at least with realistic delays and prices, and also prices are anyway typically massively higher than for example in Germany. Also shipping to Switzerland tends to be expensive when ordered abroad.
Some size comparisons. The Ironside is the smallest I use, surprisingly good.
Some sprag-based systems only allow reduced torques, I've a cheap no-name ratchet wrench which limits torque (justs starts slipping) way below a good true ("toothed") ratchet wrench like the non-reversible ones from Kraftwerk (I don't really like the Stahlwille 17 made in Taiwan).
The 1/4" bit holder with external 10 mm hex head inserted in a 10 mm Kraftwerk articulated 12-point ratchet wrench is a Stahlwille 412-1 and can be used with any 10 mm wrench or socket.
The red bit holder grip is a good basic non-ratchet PB, the one above is a Stahlwille 4008/2 but it isn't manufactured by Stahlwille (4008/1 is the long version, not shown), those ones are not that great and way too expensive, don't remember the original manufacturer.
The classic Stahwille ratchets are those I prefer, the modern QR N (QR N 80, from 1/4" to 1/2" all with 80 teeth) I like less due to their plastic cover but hadn't isues yet though the mechanism is more sensitive to dirt ingress and hardening grease due to the very small teeth, even overgreasing or too pasty grease can lead to functional failures.
Ratchet lubrication can be tricky, Stahlwille had to recall ratchets series due to a factory lubrication issue (lubricant ended too sticky after some time).
As I mentioned it in another post, the rotating part for 1/4" bit and the one with the usual 1/4" male square are swappable, both for the 22-tooth classic (non-QR or QR) and, respectively, the 1/4" QR N (80-tooth).
Referring to the last pic, the rotating parts (pinions) are interchangeable as follows, can be swapped any time, numbering from top to bottom, levers may look different as there are several versions, the handle type itself does not matter:
a) 1, 4, 6
b) 2, 5, 7.
Thanks for the pic.
Here stores only offer a very lmited selection, also there are only a few major chains with a poor choice (Jumbo, Obi (a lot of Lux ****), Hornbach and Bauhaus). Also many stores for professionnals purchase from large distributors like e.g. E+H so the overall choice is severely limited, if it's not listed you most likely won't get it, or at least with realistic delays and prices, and also prices are anyway typically massively higher than for example in Germany. Also shipping to Switzerland tends to be expensive when ordered abroad.
Some size comparisons. The Ironside is the smallest I use, surprisingly good.
Some sprag-based systems only allow reduced torques, I've a cheap no-name ratchet wrench which limits torque (justs starts slipping) way below a good true ("toothed") ratchet wrench like the non-reversible ones from Kraftwerk (I don't really like the Stahlwille 17 made in Taiwan).
The 1/4" bit holder with external 10 mm hex head inserted in a 10 mm Kraftwerk articulated 12-point ratchet wrench is a Stahlwille 412-1 and can be used with any 10 mm wrench or socket.
The red bit holder grip is a good basic non-ratchet PB, the one above is a Stahlwille 4008/2 but it isn't manufactured by Stahlwille (4008/1 is the long version, not shown), those ones are not that great and way too expensive, don't remember the original manufacturer.
The classic Stahwille ratchets are those I prefer, the modern QR N (QR N 80, from 1/4" to 1/2" all with 80 teeth) I like less due to their plastic cover but hadn't isues yet though the mechanism is more sensitive to dirt ingress and hardening grease due to the very small teeth, even overgreasing or too pasty grease can lead to functional failures.
Ratchet lubrication can be tricky, Stahlwille had to recall ratchets series due to a factory lubrication issue (lubricant ended too sticky after some time).
As I mentioned it in another post, the rotating part for 1/4" bit and the one with the usual 1/4" male square are swappable, both for the 22-tooth classic (non-QR or QR) and, respectively, the 1/4" QR N (80-tooth).
Referring to the last pic, the rotating parts (pinions) are interchangeable as follows, can be swapped any time, numbering from top to bottom, levers may look different as there are several versions, the handle type itself does not matter:
a) 1, 4, 6
b) 2, 5, 7.
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garfieldzzz
Well-known member
I find these really tiny bit ratchets quite useful but sometimes it would be nice to have an half length bit set to make them even more compact. Did anyone yet come across a reasonable priced set? I only know the Snap-on one and that price is simply robbery.
I have one of those double bit ratchets like the second one from the right. I believe it has "Reverse Gear" stamped on the ratchet heads. Saw it in a pawn shop, and cost me $7 used. What a life saver!
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
I picked this up at Autozone several years ago and I love it! The ratcheting action is very fine. They still sell these and I often thought I’d pick up a spare in case the original one got lost.
kbeefy
Well-known member
I cut the bits in half with a die grinder with a cutoff wheel. Sometimes I grind the tip down for a hair more clearance.
It's almost the same driver that comes in this little gearwrench set. I used to get the whole set for about $15, make great stocking stuffers and I have several around the house/shop/garage. This set also includes a 1/4 drive adapter for the larger end.
Had one of those, great little kit.I cut the bits in half with a die grinder with a cutoff wheel. Sometimes I grind the tip down for a hair more clearance.
It's almost the same driver that comes in this little gearwrench set. I used to get the whole set for about $15, make great stocking stuffers and I have several around the house/shop/garage. This set also includes a 1/4 drive adapter for the larger end.
kbeefy
Well-known member
Guess I forgot about the first pic in this thread when I ordered this thing. Man it's tiny!
Nice! First looks perfect for honda carb in-situ work.Thats cool. Is it gears or a sprag mechanism?
I'm buying one either way....
some other tiny 1/4 drives I like to use...
SwissMetric
Well-known member
The articulated tool must be great but here you can't even find the Ironside easily. Very highly recommended, as I got it I thought I'd give it a try expecting some poor build quality as it was inexpensive at a local chain store. As I wanted to get a second one it was of course no longer in the salesprogram though still manufactured (it is still made). Chain stores are a PITA, they ruin local family businesses and you only get the same poor standard choice in each and every store of the respective chain. It's also woth to mention that Swiss stores are small to tinyy compared to the ones in U.S. and with much fewer articles, in all domains, but massively higher price (compared excl. the 8.1 % Swiss VAT).
Overall there seem to be endlessly more uncommon tools available in the U.S. Until joining this forum I didn't consider myself as totally tool-ignorant but here there so many tools being shown which I've never seen in my life.
Overall there seem to be endlessly more uncommon tools available in the U.S. Until joining this forum I didn't consider myself as totally tool-ignorant but here there so many tools being shown which I've never seen in my life.
CGarage
Well-known member
A post about really tiny ratchets and no one shows the Swiss made, Victorinox Bit Ratchet ???
That one's little, but the Wurth mini bit ratchet remains my favorite.
Head size is just like the OP's 711L. It adds no height to a bit - the top of the bit is flush with the ratchet ring. The ratcheting ring is slightly concave, so you remove a bit by pushing it out from the top. 72t with little backdrag - and it's held up to me applying as much uncheated effort as I can muster.
It's larger than the OP's only because the handle is longer. Otherwise they look extremely similar.
Wera
Where do I find this?
rust in the eye
Well-known member
I'm curious to know who actually uses a ratchet this small and what for.
Andres26tnt
Well-known member
- Joined
- May 11, 2018
- Messages
- 994
Amazon, they have multiple 1/4 hex bit ratchets. I own the astro products version. Real nice, but haven't really found a good use for it.
Here it is next to another tiny ratchet SK11
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GirchyGirchy
Well-known member
Replacing HVAC actuators under the dash on a GMT400.
Replacing the drive motor without having to completely disassemble the lock housing thus unsecuring the door…..it’s a jail thing 🫤
KnurledNut
Well-known member
It was part of the 2024 Advent Calendar kit:
711L makes a mini ratchet with a 1/4 hex end that is similar:
This has always been my favorite 1/4" drive mini ratchet.
swsman
Well-known member
VIM has what you are looking for, last I looked around $130.
VIM part number is VHC77
It includes their HBR5 ratchet IIRC.
I own the HBR5 and quite like it.
SwissMetric
Well-known member
If the small reversible Ironside was easier to find I'd cut it with a Dremel in order to only keep a short handle.
Other small 1/4" bit ratchets are close to impossible to find here. Maybe the Wera is available didn't check it.
Other small 1/4" bit ratchets are close to impossible to find here. Maybe the Wera is available didn't check it.
SwissMetric
Well-known member
I don't really care about hand tool warranties. Excepted inner TORX tools as well as cheap 1/4" bits I rather rarely ruin tools. I don't pamper them but try to use either very good tools... or awfully bad ones if used destructively.
Also warranties for inexpensive items are sometimes not worth wasting the time with warranty claims and as there is way less competition that abroad many suppliers don't really care much about how warranty claims are handled.
Also warranties can depend a lot on countries. I don't know how the Stahlwille warranty is handled nowadays in Switzerland but some time ago there was only the minimal legal warranty, nothing formally mentioned any extended warranty.
Ratchets are often damaged due to overload, like locally damaged rotating parts (pinions), broken locking parts or sheared off male squares. Also some parts "naturally" wear out. Some failures are also simply due to degraded or incorrect lubricant (and sometimes also due to dirt ingress) without any part being mechanically degraded. Stahlwille even had to recall ratchets due to lubricant which ended degraded while still in storage.
If I ruin bits or screwdrivers it probably won't be covered by any warranty anyway. Also for some tools I can access there are also spares, for important not too expensive tools there should be some form of backup even if with a different tool.
Also imagine an electrician without backup multimeter. You won't be able to justify a backup Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzer or an Omicron protection relay test unit but for some basic stuff there should some plan B.
Ya I’m with ya Swiss. Warranties don’t play into my purchasing equation most of the time and never with hand tools.
I don't really care about hand tool warranties. Excepted inner TORX tools as well as cheap 1/4" bits I rather rarely ruin tools. I don't pamper them but try to use either very good tools... or awfully bad ones if used destructively.
Also warranties for inexpensive items are sometimes not worth wasting the time with warranty claims and as there is way less competition that abroad many suppliers don't really care much about how warranty claims are handled.
Also warranties can depend a lot on countries. I don't know how the Stahlwille warranty is handled nowadays in Switzerland but some time ago there was only the minimal legal warranty, nothing formally mentioned any extended warranty.
Ratchets are often damaged due to overload, like locally damaged rotating parts (pinions), broken locking parts or sheared off male squares. Also some parts "naturally" wear out. Some failures are also simply due to degraded or incorrect lubricant (and sometimes also due to dirt ingress) without any part being mechanically degraded. Stahlwille even had to recall ratchets due to lubricant which ended degraded while still in storage.
If I ruin bits or screwdrivers it probably won't be covered by any warranty anyway. Also for some tools I can access there are also spares, for important not too expensive tools there should be some form of backup even if with a different tool.
Also imagine an electrician without backup multimeter. You won't be able to justify a backup Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzer or an Omicron protection relay test unit but for some basic stuff there should some plan B.
I only made fun because this place is loaded with guys that make it their primary focus
SwissMetric
Well-known member
I don't remember if there are places where lifetime warranties are illegal.
Even funnier are solar warranties but that becomes too OT.
IMO as soon as there is a motor and/or electronics the warranty becomes much more important, here it is mostly 2 years but it must be checked carefully. For example Fust used to reduce some warranties due to a legal loophole but I'm not sure if it's still the case.
One exception are cheap tools which you must ruin within two years in order to get them replaced, just don't mention if they've been used professionnally as that is excluded in some warranty terms.
Even funnier are solar warranties but that becomes too OT.
IMO as soon as there is a motor and/or electronics the warranty becomes much more important, here it is mostly 2 years but it must be checked carefully. For example Fust used to reduce some warranties due to a legal loophole but I'm not sure if it's still the case.
One exception are cheap tools which you must ruin within two years in order to get them replaced, just don't mention if they've been used professionnally as that is excluded in some warranty terms.
Upstater57
ALLIANCE MEMBER
This has always been my favorite 1/4" drive mini ratchet.
I own lots of MAC tools but never got that little guy. Wish I did.
One that becoming a fast favorite is this little swivel head job from Harbor Freight. The design based on the old SK swivel head design and works nice. Especially like push button release.
