What bit ratchet has the smallest head?

[BWWgarage]

I've just been looking at those. They're claiming ~0.6-0.7" head width on most of the Amazon listings. The head of the Wera Zyklop bit ratchet I'm using is 17.5mm (0.69") in diameter. After some shopping today, I'm coming to the conclusion that guy had a freakishly small ratchet.

OP, any decision / purchases?

 

[DAWrench]

Saw these for the first time @ Princess Auto this week.

https://www.princessauto.com/en/2-pc-1-4-in-dr-nano-ratchet-and-ratcheting-bit-driver-set/product/PA0009413626

Shorter than the Titan ones. Slightly thicker than the Titan ones.
Will prob. pull the trigger when they go on sale.

Thought the Nano was Titan just shorter length

 

[KnurledNut]

EDIT TO ADD: My little bit ratchet has a 17.5mm (0.69") diameter head. I need something that's probably below 15mm (0.6")

So what bit ratchet has a tiny thin head? This is a really low torque application (single digit inch pounds probably) so the ratchet doesn't have to be strong. The access for ratchet swing is also really open so it doesn't need to be a high tooth count or anything. It just needs to have a darned small head to fit where it needs to go.

Any suggestions?

I re-read your post and think I understand what your dealing with. It sounds like the screw is right in a corner. I have been in this situation several times and I bent a long bit into a L-key. After that incident I bought the version Vessel makes and it has been very handy on a few other occasions since.
It sounds like swing room isn’t a concern in your scenario so I would try this tool first. On the job, I keep this and a few bit ratchets, the smallest being branded Bostitch. I believe its the same one that Lowes sells under the Craftsman name. It has an offset handle which may be beneficial in this setting. I would switch to that once I loosened it and use a reduced diameter bit (PH2R or P2R commonly used in drywall screwguns) which tends to grab better off center. The ones I use also have anti-camout serrations often abbreviated as ACR.

 

[134k]

has to be the most elusive mfg ever. web presence is next to nil. info on the sets and mfg is nearly non existent. availability is next to none. their site doesn't even show sets in stock.

whoever makes them must be some sort of elusive hermit living in a basement. they may be a quality product but it seems like they purposely don't want to sell or promote their product.

They're made at Roger's Manufacturing Co (72 Main St Rockfall, CT). A company that specializes in plastic injection molding. The WFMC ratchet is a "side hustle." I wrote the owner recently about their bits. There isn't much demand for them to do full time production, especially since their main manufacturing is their bread and butter.

 

[134k]

Titan model 11333 definitely looks interesting. Not in the database at O'Reilly's Auto Parts. (prices vary - shop around)

Monte's Wadsworth Falls unit (post #25) is definitely an option, but the Wadsworth driver uses only Wadsworth bits - it's a proprietary system like Chapman's. It does, however, offer arguably one of the smallest diameter drive heads available.


Wadsworth / Wadsworth Falls, 72 Main St., Rockfall, CT 06481 / https://wfmc.shop/collections/all / est. 1978 / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...tchet-set-worlds-strongest-bit-driver.508591/ /

Never broke, or rounded any of their bits in my many years of using their sets. Proprietary doesn't mean much, at least to me. It's just another specialized tool that holds up well. I've tried many other bit ratchet sets, none compare.

 

[Davefr]

One more at .587” wide And, made in USA. Bits may be proprietary …

Please note: Chapman ratchets are designed to be used with Chapman bits. While they may fit other 1/4" Hex drive bits or extensions, they are not guaranteed to work as a universal tool. Replacement colored ratchets of the same color cannot be guaranteed.

#CM-13 Famous Mini 1/4" Drive Ratchet | Chapman MFG

Our famous CM-13 stainless steel mini ratchet provides about 200 in lbs of torque with a 20 tooth gear and an 18 degree working arc. Customers tell us that this "is the ratchet used to feed lube through a Lyman lube and sizer" Made, hand assembled & inspected in Durham, CT from USA materials.

chapmanmfg.com

Those Chapmans are pretty primitive but they've saved my **** a few times when nothing else would work.

 

[rust in the eye]

Sunex, uses standard 1/4" bits
sorry **** photos, .329" high, .690" wide, ~3 3/4" long

 

[snowblindb]

Sorry if I hijack this thread but who makes these very shallow sockets and can I buy them somewhere? They came from bit set by Würth but are probably made in Asia.
They have 1/4 six point ”bit” shank and normal metric socket head.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Product# for that kit was 0965014230 in case you don’t already know that.

Interestingly enough, it actually seems available in the US, even though that was a limited edition about 4 years ago. https://wurthtool.com/products/zebr...ment-inch-23-piece-set?variant=40508839526551

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Ohio Andy]

Sorry if I hijack this thread but who makes these very shallow sockets and can I buy them somewhere? They came from bit set by Würth but are probably made in Asia.
They have 1/4 six point ”bit” shank and normal metric socket head.

Almost related, you just need stubby bits, them tools has the vhc77, which is a 77-piece halfcut stubby bed set for about $120. My understanding is that it is their best sole kit and the bits are really short and the people who do a lot of interior work apparently really like it. I think it's a nice set. If you just need to get into tight places. How this comes with the shorter bits and then it also has a little ratcheting ranch or the tiny head. So if you just need something small to get in there and get some things. But it's not a replacement really for the set you're looking at above

 

[tool_scrounge]

BWT brand. I ship them with installation kits at work. I believe they are from McMastr Carr

 

[snowblindb]

Product# for that kit was 0965014230 in case you don’t already know that.

Interestingly enough, it actually seems available in the US, even though that was a limited edition about 4 years ago. https://wurthtool.com/products/zebr...ment-inch-23-piece-set?variant=40508839526551

Kind regards,
Olli

Thanks for the reply. I actually have that set, but I was just looking if there is a way to buy just the short sockets to use in different tool set.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Thanks for the reply. I actually have that set, but I was just looking if there is a way to buy just the short sockets to use in different tool set.

I did quite a bit of research today, both online and in paperbacks, couldn’t find anything like them. Tomorrow morning I’ll reach out to two reps, who might at least have seen these before. Can’t promise anything, but maybe I’ll be able to share a lead after that.

They are definitely interesting sockets!

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[KnurledNut]

BWT brand. I ship them with installation kits at work. I believe they are from McMastr Carr

Best Way Tool. Owned by Mayhew. Another Reverse Gear Taiwan mechanism.

 

[snowblindb]

I did quite a bit of research today, both online and in paperbacks, couldn’t find anything like them. Tomorrow morning I’ll reach out to two reps, who might at least have seen these before. Can’t promise anything, but maybe I’ll be able to share a lead after that.

They are definitely interesting sockets!

Kind regards,
Olli

I did too and found these Vessel sockets. There’s more bits and ratchets on their site:


Vessel.co.jp


edit: Just found out these LaBear bit sets with ratchet but these are pass thru style sockets:
Youtube

 

[s3zau]

I did too and found these Vessel sockets. There’s more bits and ratchets on their site:


Vessel.co.jp


edit: Just found out these LaBear bit sets with ratchet but these are pass thru style sockets:
Youtube

These sockets work only if you have a spring retention in your adapter , to short For magnetic retention only
and they really not working that much shorter.
small 1/4” ratchet with ko-ken zeal socket
the shortest option is a “Pass true” socket set like the USAG or Facom sets

 

[Andres26tnt]

Best Way Tool. Owned by Mayhew. Another Reverse Gear Taiwan mechanism.

That originally comes from Pro-auto (Suekage Tools) a japanese brand. They commission those handles/bit ratchet from forget the taiwanese manufacturer. Now vim has rebranded and McMastr Carr.

 

[Dave455]

BWT brand. I ship them with installation kits at work. I believe they are from McMastr Carr

That originally comes from Pro-auto (Suekage Tools) a japanese brand. They commission those handles/bit ratchet from forget the taiwanese manufacturer. Now vim has rebranded and McMastr Carr.

Those bit ratchets (the complete tool, not just the mechanism) are made by Hi-Five (Reverse Gear) in Taiwan, and rebranded by a lot of other companies. Sometimes not even re branded - just re sold!

Here’s a page from their website.


They are actually pretty decent bit ratchets.

I notice they also offer them in 5/16, but I seldom see those.

 

[KnurledNut]

That originally comes from Pro-auto (Suekage Tools) a japanese brand. They commission those handles/bit ratchet from forget the taiwanese manufacturer. Now vim has rebranded and McMastr Carr.

McMaster isn’t rebranding them. They are just the supplier. Well aware of PA.
These bit ratchets have been rebranded by many. I’m not sure who was first, which really doesn’t matter much anyway.
The VIM has been around for a long time.
As with many tools, even these rebrands have subtle differences like various selector switches.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Those bit ratchets (the complete tool, not just the mechanism) are made by Hi-Five (Reverse Gear) in Taiwan, and rebranded by a lot of other companies. Sometimes not even re branded - just re sold!

Here’s a page from their website.


They are actually pretty decent bit ratchets.

I notice they also offer them in 5/16, but I seldom see those.

5/16 is weirdly popular here(Japan), Many rebrand that one from hi five. Good quality for sure. Sorry meant the handles only were design for suekage. That company used to make tools, now they just rebrands exclusively from hi five.

 

[Andres26tnt]

I did too and found these Vessel sockets. There’s more bits and ratchets on their site:


Vessel.co.jp


edit: Just found out these LaBear bit sets with ratchet but these are pass thru style sockets:
Youtube

I been trying to find a full set of this bit sockets. I think only one company sell them from my research. Signet 11733 4mm to 13mm.

SIGNET 1/4dr 33pcsビットツイスターラチェットセット 11733 | WORLD IMPORT TOOLS

SIGNET 1/4dr 33pcsビットツイスターラチェットセット 11733 ビットラチェット WORLD IMPORT TOOLS

www.worldimporttools.co.jp

 

[Dave455]

5/16 is weirdly popular here(Japan), Many rebrand that one from hi five. Good quality for sure. Sorry meant the handles only were design for suekage. That company used to make tools, now they just rebrands exclusively from hi five.

Perhaps because it is effectively 8mm?

I like it because I use bit ratchet’s a lot, and sometimes the slightly bigger bits have the advantage.

There are certainly cultural differences between east and west.

I know, for example, that impact drivers became really popular in Japan before they become widespread in the west, perhaps due to the number of wooden buildings?

Perhaps there is a similar reason why the 5/16 bits are popular?

 

[KnurledNut]

We never heard back from the OP, so I consider this thread open game for the tool vultures to pick apart.

Perhaps because it is effectively 8mm?

I like it because I use bit ratchet’s a lot, and sometimes the slightly bigger bits have the advantage.

There are certainly cultural differences between east and west.

I know, for example, that impact drivers became really popular in Japan before they become widespread in the west, perhaps due to the number of wooden buildings?

Perhaps there is a similar reason why the 5/16 bits are popular?

5/16 bits and accessories do seem to fly under the radar. I keep a small set in my field kit along with 3/8 and 1/2 drive adaptors. This arrangement takes up minimal space without having multiple bit sockets and the adaptors can also be used with a hand impact driver. Some of my long bits are also 5/16 and they all work the same way, along with a bit ratchet and even a 5/16 bit T-handle which is somewhat unusual to see.

 

[snowblindb]

These sockets work only if you have a spring retention in your adapter , to short For magnetic retention only
and they really not working that much shorter.
small 1/4” ratchet with ko-ken zeal socket
the shortest option is a “Pass true” socket set like the USAG or Facom sets

Good to know. I have some Zeal sockets but I was looking short bit sockets for my small tool box that I can use with different bit drivers (screwdriver, bit ratchet or a drill) without an adapter.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Perhaps because it is effectively 8mm?

I like it because I use bit ratchet’s a lot, and sometimes the slightly bigger bits have the advantage.

There are certainly cultural differences between east and west.

I know, for example, that impact drivers became really popular in Japan before they become widespread in the west, perhaps due to the number of wooden buildings?

Perhaps there is a similar reason why the 5/16 bits are popular?

Makes sense in a way. I second that the impact driver sure is popular. Its what I see most people buy and resale. Ton of them from makita, hikoki all colors.

 

[Andres26tnt]

Good to know. I have some Zeal sockets but I was looking short bit sockets for my small tool box that I can use with different bit drivers (screwdriver, bit ratchet or a drill) without an adapter.

I want the same, don't like the length you get with the usual adapter+ sockets.

 

[BombShelter]

Thanks for all the great ideas! I was going to ask the same question but have been getting by with a cheap Masterforce Set from Menards. I did have to grind down the bit shaft so it would fit but I'd love to get a better solution, it's nice seeing some shorter bits available, I didn't think of that, I have hundreds but they all seem to be 3/4" mininum height.

 

[whateg01]

I want the same, don't like the length you get with the usual adapter+ sockets.

How can y'all not have a 3500# tool room lathe in your living room to deal with that? Geez!

 

[Dave455]

Makes sense in a way. I second that the impact driver sure is popular. Its what I see most people buy and resale. Ton of them from makita, hikoki all colors.

I am actually slightly jealous of the choices available in Japan. Not only the impact drivers, but the huge selection of bits too, and the fact that they often seem to be available in local shops.

I will most likely acquire a “JDM” impact driver at some point, just sonI can use the bits. Although being able to colour code your tools would be awesome too!

 

[JradM]

Wurth/Zebra


It doesn't add any height. The top is dished and the head of your bit sticks out so you can push it out to extract it. See below - keeping in mind that your 1" insert bits are 25mm.



It also seems plenty strong to me. I've had mine about a decade now and it handles all the force I can apply by hand without cheating.

 

[makitron]

BGS #115
I dont remember if the bits are 6.0 or 6.5mm long, but they look like a box of tic-tacs. Seriously tiny, they have a groove with a spring collar to keep them in the ratchet, and the socket/anvil for them goes right through the ratchet and is peened on one side to keep the bit in. The ratchet is made from 2 stamped very thin plates with the ratchet wheel, spring and switch sandwiched in between. Kinda pricey. Ze Germans

SK11 SRD-210
A slightly thicker version of the BGS, I dont have one but I'd assume it's reasonably high quality. Good selection of 12mm long bits but it looks like there are only flat and Phillips tiny tiny ones purpose built for that ratchet, way cheaper than BGS but that could just be a regional (NA) thing

SK11 SRD-220
Regular looking, cast body ratchet but 3 inches long and comes with 12mm bits, they have a good selection of other 12mm bits too. Has a thick rubber grip probably to make up for the tiny grabbable area. The action is extremely light and it has a big, very useable thumbwheel. Everything on it looks and works beautifully. The reversing switch is absolutely miniscule and has cast details that would make a Gundam jealous, really nice tool, not too pricey.

Or if you cant get a bit that short in, you could just put a ¼ box wrench on a regular bit and back it up with a prybar on the end if it wants to slip

 

[BlindViper]

When I need a super small bit driver I just use a 1/4" ratcheting wrench.

 

[whateg01]

When I need a super small bit driver I just use a 1/4" ratcheting wrench.

I sometimes do the same but it's nice to not have to hold the bit in the wrench. It does make me wonder, though, if they can make a wrench that size, why can the do the same but with a magnetic cap on the back side of the wrench to hold the bit in place

 

[KnurledNut]

When I need a super small bit driver I just use a 1/4" ratcheting wrench.

I used a 6mm ratcheting wrench and 6mm hex key to make a dedicated driver for draining a hard to access water separator.