Stubby 1/4 bit sets.

[AceofSpad3s]

I had to repair a Honda ignition lock a few weeks ago and it was one of the most frustrating things I've ever done. Ground a Philips #2 bit down to nothing and still barely managed to remove one of the screws with my bit ratchet.
It reminded me I should get some stubby 1/4 bits, but oddly it seems there isn't many options out there, just saw out of stock singles from MAC $5 each and a VIM set for $110, is there anyone else selling them? Doesn't seem like it would be a particularly niche product, the VIM is overkill for me since it wouldn't be a common use item and I probably just need Philips 1-3 and some torx.

 

[kbeefy]

I just cut normal ones down.
What bit ratchet are you using?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I have the Gearwrench, it's okay, didn't care for the first one spontaneously disassembling itself though.
If I could spend $20 and have 10 of them made of okay steel it's worth saving the hassle for me. Didn't have any propane left to anneal it, don't have a metal band saw, all the sanding belts were worn and had to dig out the bench grinder and spend 5 minutes grinding it down. Not the end of the world but annoying enough that its worth throwing some small money at if it's an option.

 

[tesla's ennui]

cut it off with a small dremel cutoff wheel

 

[tamaraw]

I had to repair a Honda ignition lock a few weeks ago and it was one of the most frustrating things I've ever done. Ground a Philips #2 bit down to nothing and still barely managed to remove one of the screws with my bit ratchet.
It reminded me I should get some stubby 1/4 bits, but oddly it seems there isn't many options out there, just saw out of stock singles from MAC $5 each and a VIM set for $110, is there anyone else selling them? Doesn't seem like it would be a particularly niche product, the VIM is overkill for me since it wouldn't be a common use item and I probably just need Philips 1-3 and some torx.

What sort of ignition lock were you looking at? Normally these would be retained by security shear bolts. The ignition switch (electronic portion) might be retained by JIS +2 fasteners.

Hard to know what tool you are looking for if I don't know what you are using it on. If vertical clearance is a challenge, bit ratchets are always going to be a limitation. Maybe something like these could help?

“PETADORA” L-shaped Offset Screwdriver No.TD-61(Ph No.2) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vessel.co.jp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016VAIBI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[AceofSpad3s]

cut it off with a small dremel cutoff wheel

Of course I would forget that, probably too busy seeing red to think of it. Especially dumb considering I had to slot out the sheer bolts for the reinstall with it.

What sort of ignition lock were you looking at? Normally these would be retained by security shear bolts. The ignition switch (electronic portion) might be retained by JIS +2 fasteners.

Hard to know what tool you are looking for if I don't know what you are using it on. If vertical clearance is a challenge, bit ratchets are always going to be a limitation. Maybe something like these could help?

“PETADORA” L-shaped Offset Screwdriver No.TD-61(Ph No.2) | PRODUCTS INFORMATION | VESSEL CO., INC

full range of information on product groups ranging from tightening tools such as drivers, bit sockets and air tools to anti-static products in the factory

vessel.co.jp

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0016VAIBI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am just looking for stubby 1/4 bits, not specifically for that job but because it seems like a useful thing to have. I had to remove the rear screw from the immobilizer but it was jammed against a piece of metal with maybe an inch of space.
In the end it didn't really matter since I had to hammer and chisel the bolts out and completely remove the steering lock as there was a hidden anti theft feature in the steering lock that forced a pin up preventing any rotation of the ignition once engaged by removing the lock cylinder and had to strip it down to figure that out, reset it and reassemble the car. There was literally no information on repairing post 2012 Honda ignitions online and it took me longer than I would like to disclose to figure that out.

 

[M635_Guy]

I bought this set from O'Reilly's for my Icon set

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-metric-socket-set/ptt0/gm4234?

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I bought this set from O'Reilly's for my Icon set

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-metric-socket-set/ptt0/gm4234?

Not what I had in mind but the price is low enough and the tool fairy says it might be useful so buy it. Is the hex 5/16?

 

[M635_Guy]

Not what I had in mind but the price is low enough and the tool fairy says it might be useful so buy it. Is the hex 5/16?

11mm I think...

 

[jsaw]

I have seen short bits on one of the tool trucks, they called them half cut bits. I have a cheap set of bits I was planning to chuck up in a drill and cut them off with a Dremel Tool.

 

[Shop-hound]

The Vim 77 piece set has served me well:

 

[s3zau]

Have a look at Amazone.co.jp and look for

SK11 SBT1210H Short Ultra Short 0.5 inch (12 mm) Bit Set, 10 Pieces​

set of 12mm short bits
sorry no direct links to add

 

[reclaimer]

Anex has them in multiple stubby sizes. Also I got the the Linus Tech Tool driver bit set (not the driver), they are stubby and even have a unique magnet bit.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The Vim 77 piece set has served me well:

Looks interesting but I don’t get the 5/16 extension adapter. If these are stubby, then don’t you by definition need as short as possible, so no extension?

I can’t tell if the but ratchet does 1/4 and 5/16 on opposite ends or if you can only do 5/16 with the extension

 

[ching0n]

I had to repair a Honda ignition lock a few weeks ago and it was one of the most frustrating things I've ever done. Ground a Philips #2 bit down to nothing and still barely managed to remove one of the screws with my bit ratchet.
It reminded me I should get some stubby 1/4 bits, but oddly it seems there isn't many options out there, just saw out of stock singles from MAC $5 each and a VIM set for $110, is there anyone else selling them? Doesn't seem like it would be a particularly niche product, the VIM is overkill for me since it wouldn't be a common use item and I probably just need Philips 1-3 and some torx.

Amazon.com : bahco pass through socket set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0062FSAVI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I personally have been hesitating on this one:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005HVWRU8/?tag=atomicindus08-20