EDC Bit Ratchets

[Old Boy]

I don't tend to use my ratchets as fidget toys (stored too far from my desk)... But Zippos and Axis-lock knives are used in instead

Those are cool too. Yeah, I sometimes think that today’s world puts too much stress on us.

[m47mu74nt]

I'm pretty sure it wasn't better "before", but it was certainly different 

[Aloha]

We had time to realize as the world slow just enough the stresses we're under. 

Kinda cool you've used the ratchet that way.  Whatever seems to work keep doing it.  There are far worse things you could be fidgeting. 

[m47mu74nt]

There are far worse things you could be fidgeting.

Two things came to mind >_<
one is 'OTF' the other was much dirtier.

[m47mu74nt]

Little side by side between Victorinox ratchet and the "180" team (here the USAG variant)

[ReamerPunch]

I am settling in a new place, but most things are done. I will resume reviews shortly.
In the meantime:
Not a bad video, he covers many ratchets. He did not like the Ares/Sabrecut, which is sad. It's been my edc for over two years I think. He did not like the Klein either. Adam uses the Klein, I liked it as well. Well, you can't make everyone happy, I guess.

[ReamerPunch]

Wow, I have just found the worst mini ratchet ever. Do not buy this.
I've written the review for this and one more. Will take photos and post soon.

[Don Pablo]

You can't tell me what not to buy!

Looking forwards to the scathing review.

[ReamerPunch]

You can't tell me what not to buy!

Looking forwards to the scathing review.

Don't buy this either.
I have four reviews written, two favourable, two not so much. I'll start taking pictures  and posting soon.

[Poncho65]

Knowing what not to buy is as helpful with what to buy

[Poncho65]

Also, glad to hear you are settling in to your new place, RP

[ReamerPunch]

Inwell Mini Ratchet

(can also be found branded by BDMetals, ElumPlus, Tommars, Torena, and unbranded)

Weight: 77g
Kit weight: 649g
Length: 94mm
Head width: 26mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 32mm (adds 7mm)
Teeth count: 46
Minimum swing arc: 7.8°
Bit retention: magnet
Extension bit retention: magnet and locking
In-line driver: no
Bit material: S2 steel
Socket material: Chrome-Vanadium
Handle material: Zinc Alloy
Price: $26 with 50 bits, 6 imperial sockets, locking extension, case.

Sockets: 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 5/16", 11/32", 7/16"

Bits:
Phillips: #1 x2, #2 x4, #3 x2
Robertson: #1, #2 x2, #3
Allen: 1/8 x2, 9/64 x2, 5/32 x2, 3/16 x2
Slotted: 3 x2, 4 x2, 5 x2, 6 x2
Torx: 10 x2, 15 x2, 20 x2, 25 x2, 27 x2, 30 x2, 40 x2
Tamperproof Torx: 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40
Square socket adapter



Accessories
The Inwell ratchet comes in a two-story plastic case, with 50 S2 bits, six Imperial sockets, and a locking bit extension. The top half of the case slides back. Everything clicks into place and survives the up-side-down test, but the bits are not held as tightly as everything else. The case leaves quite a lot of unused space, but at least everything can be identified and removed without getting in the way of each other.
There is a lot of redundancy in the bit selection. Out of 50 bits, 21 are duplicates of others, without counting the Torx and Tamperproof Torx.
There are stress signs in the plastic tabs that hold the ratchet in place. The case came like that, so these may not hold up.
Inserting a bit in the extension locks it. Pulling back the orange collar slightly ejects the bit.



Dimensions
At 94mm long, this is about average. It is the second heaviest, at 77g, only a gram lighter than the Titan swivel head ratchet. This is definitely heavy for its length and lack of features. The ratcheting socket protrudes from the body, and it also adds 7mm to a bit's clearance. It also has the widest head so far, at 27mm.

Teeth Count
With 46 teeth, this is about average. Certainly not bad compared to others, although for how wide the head is, it seems a little low.

Bit Retention
The Inwell has a rather weak magnet to hold onto the bits. The extension is as good as it can get, since the bits lock into place.



Bit compatibility
The ratchet can be used with stubby bits, thanks to the shallow socket and weak magnet. Double-ended bits cannot be used.
The extension can be used with stubby bits, although only the very tip will protrude. Double ended bits cannot be used.

Switch action
The switch is very stiff, not the easiest to use. It sits in a groove, but it seems as if the groove was cast for another switch. The switch seems just a hair too long for it.



Ease of use
The Inwell ratchet is rather short but quite heavy. The center of gravity is just behind the head. It is so head-heavy, that it wants to fall out of my hand. The head is wide, and the whole body tapers from the head down. When pinching the neck, my fingers want to naturally slide down the body, following the taper. This changes my grip from three fingers to two. There is very little length to hold onto, especially compared to pretty much every other ratchet so far.
The ratcheting action gets sticky at times. It feels like a few teeth are ground crudely. The mechanism is held in by two PH1 screws, so in theory this can be disassembled.
Due to the rather weak magnet, bits with tight fit, like Allen, tend to stay in the fasteners instead of the ratchet.
The ratchet has no features to speak of. We have seen in-line bit drivers, knurled thumb wheels, lanyard holes, on-board bit storage, exposed magnets, swivel heads, flex heads, extreme bit compatibility. The Inwell has nothing extra.



Construction Quality
Construction quality was apparently focused on the accessories. The bits are S2 steel, and very well made. The sockets, the extension, even the case, these are just fine.
The ratchet seems out of place, with an unpolished finish, cast marks, a few unchamfered spots, a sticky ratcheting action, pitting. The switch has some play in the head, and can be pushed in and out about a millimeter.



Portability
The case is massive. Not an edc one by any stretch. Heavy, blocky, lots of unused space.
The ratchet is pretty much the same. Too heavy, too wide, the ratcheting socket protrudes from the head. There are no additional features to provide any sort of multi-functionality and versatility. Even ratchets with no fancy features, like the Mulwark or Bosch, still offer portability, bit compatibility, ergonomics.
Putting the Inwell in a multi-tool pouch may be an issue. The ratchet is very head-heavy, short, and tapers dramatically. It seems like it would be the first ratchet to fall out of a side sleeve.



Value
With 50 S2 bits, six sockets, a locking bit extension, and a half decent case, it is hard to say that this has no value. As with many ratchets that come in sets, the accessories are far better than the ratchet. Still, as far as edc is concerned, the Inwell fails at pretty much all aspects. The ratchet by itself offers nothing interesting. Every other ratchet, even the ones that were not recommended for edc (Bosch, Trojan), or at all (Titan swivel head, LaBear, Ovatt) would be better for edc.

Conclusion
The Inwell was deceiving. It looked really high-end, with its nice box, fancy extension, proper bits. Well, mistakes were made. The Inwell ratchet is featureless. Every other ratchet so far has a few extra features to add to versatility, ergonomics, portability, or at least cost much less than the Inwell set. The Inwell has nothing whatsoever. Every single ratchet we have seen so far has more to offer. Even as a set, this falls short. If this was open to sets, there are far better sets out there. Not recommended.



Pros
-50 S2 steel bits, six sockets, locking bit extension.

Cons
-Featureless.
-Very wide head.
-Heavy and head-heavy.
-Ratchet action is sticky.
-Subpar ergonomics.
-Head adds 7mm to bit clearance.
-A lot of redundancy in bits.
-Case leaves a lot of unused space.


If you liked this ratchet, what's wrong with you? Also check out:

[m47mu74nt]

well, there must be "less than good" things so "better than most" can exist 

[ReamerPunch]

True. Let's be honest here. Some ratchets are just trash, and others, you already know they're good, like the Prestacycle, Topeak, etc.

Still, there is a little more to this. Take the Mulwark ratchet, for example. It started out as the worst in this thread, the bottom of the barrel. And I still recommended it then, because it was worth it, which is saying something. And I still recommend it now, having found some absolutely terrible ratchets.

The first mini ratchet I had was the same as the Mulwark, but branded by Neiko. I took apart and put together lots and lots of furniture with it. It was always just fine. No complaints. Sure, it has no in-line driver, no knurled finger wheel, only 16 teeth, not a solid, one-piece body. But is works just fine. It also comes with 6 regular bits and 13 stubby bits. Even when I replaced it with the Ares ratchet, I still carried the Mulwark bits. That design is fine. Sure, others have more features. Heck, the Vessel ratchet is the same basic design but has so many features. But the Mulwark/Neiko design works. It was the least fancy one. The least good one. But not worse, as in terrible. It is far from terrible.

Mulwark mini ratchet review

[ReamerPunch]

Edited Mulwark Review. Removed

[Antti Lammi]

Do you have FACOM R180J31 1/4″ mini set, tho its bit expensive set but im just curious is it really worth money, i have seen before Facom bigger tools and those has been worth of money but not sure is this mini set worth it.


Only Tools Matters

[ReamerPunch]

I do not have the Facom, but I have a Rujoi ratchet that is the same pretty much. All these ratchets are made by the same company in Taiwan and various brands just put their names on them. My Rujoi ratchet was quite nice, definitely one of the best I have reviewed so far.
Rujoi

m47mu74nt has a couple Facom ratchets and a couple more from other brands that look almost identical. Check these posts:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2360736.html#msg2360736
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2361554.html#msg2361554
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2361559.html#msg2361559

[Antti Lammi]

I do not have the Facom, but I have a Rujoi ratchet that is the same pretty much. All these ratchets are made by the same company in Taiwan and various brands just put their names on them. My Rujoi ratchet was quite nice, definitely one of the best I have reviewed so far.
Rujoi

m47mu74nt has a couple Facom ratchets and a couple more from other brands that look almost identical. Check these posts:
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2360736.html#msg2360736
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2361554.html#msg2361554
https://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,88713.msg2361559.html#msg2361559

So it seems that Facom isnt price wise choice, i should then other options instead, thanks for all reviews. I learned many things on those reviews


Only Tools Matters

[ReamerPunch]

KAIFNT K451 Ultra Low Profile Mini Ratchet
(can also be found branded by Mulwark, Neiko, Laoa, Laser, or even unbranded)
Weight: 47g
Kit weight: 179g
Length: 10cm or 4"
Head width: 17mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 26mm (adds 1mm)
Teeth count: 16
Minimum swing arc: 22.5°
Bit retention: spring detent
In-line driver: no
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $18 with 22 15mm long bits
Bits:
Allen 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6
Allen 3/32, 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4
Slotted 3/16
Phillips 1, 2
Torx 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30



Accessories
The 451 set comes in a plastic molded case, with 22 15mm-long bits.
The ratchet, of course, is the same one as the Mulwark, Neiko, and many others.
This is the most extensive stubby bit set yet, and offers unmatched low-profile access. The only mini ratchet that comes close is the Mulwark, which came with 13 20mm-long bits.
The case has markings for the bits, but the bits themselves are not marked. This may cause some annoyance in trying to find the right one, especially the Imperial and Metric Allen bits, if you store them loose in a tin or if you put them in the wrong spot in the case.
The case is a simple molded plastic case, with a lot of unused space. The ratchet fits between the two rows of bits, and since the lid is hollow, the case is essentially four times larger than it needs to be. The ratchet and the bits are held in by friction. Some bits are harder to remove than others. The ratchet is not held as tightly as the bits.
Kaifnt offers the same ratchet with other sets (Comprehensive Torx, General Purpose, TamperProof), but the 451 is the only one with stubby bits.



Dimensions
At 10cm or 4", the Kaifnt is not the shortest mini ratchet, but it is thin and narrow. It also has a low-profile ratchet head, with the bit socket barely protruding from the frame.

Teeth Count
The Kaifnt has only 16 teeth which provide a 22.5 degree minimum swing arc. This is the second lowest teeth count available, behind the atrocious LaBear ratchet. With lots of space, this will not be noticeable and performance will be fine. If there is very limited space, the Kaifnt may not even have enough room to swing and engage the next tooth.

Bit Retention
The Kaifnt has a spring-loaded pin, that acts like a very weak ball detent. Bits with a tight fit, like Robertson or Allen bits especially, may get stuck in screws when removing the tool. The good news is that stubby bits can be removed easily, which is very much needed with the tiny bits this comes with.



Bit compatibility
Leatherman bits and standard double-ended bits will work, as long as one end is thin enough to pass through the hole in the back of the ratchet head.
There are no issues with standard bits, stubby bits, and grooved neck bits, apart from the rather weak detent.

Switch action
The Kaifnt has an oversized and exposed spring-loaded pawl, which is its own switch. The detent is rather weak, and it can be bumped accidentally, reversing the action.


Top left: Mulwark with standard bit, standard bit, Kaifnt with super stubby bit.

Ease of use
The set of stubby bits offers the second lowest clearance yet. It is only surpassed by the SK11 ratchet, but that only has three 12mm bits, whereas the Kaifnt has twenty-two 15mm-long bits.
The bit retention is rather weak, which makes these tiny bits easy to remove.
The ratcheting slot has only 16 teeth, so it takes much more movement to get the next tooth to engage. The handle is not one solid piece of steel, but two pieces riveted together, holding in the internals. While this is not the strongest ratchet out there, it is still capable of turning stubborn screws and bolts, and the length provides decent torque and reach.
Ergonomics are decent. It has good length, the edges are chamfered, there are no hotspots, and the length provides a comfortable four-finger grip.
The hole in the head allows the use of double-ended bits.
The Kaifnt does not have an in-line bit driver socket or a knurled finger wheel. This would have been very helpful, considering the low teeth count.

This is the same ratchet as the Mulwark and Neiko, but some differences between brands do exist. The Neiko adds just a hair to a bit's clearance. The Mulwark and Kaifnt add a mm. Also, the Neiko has a very crudely finished gear and pawl, compared to the nicely finished ones on the others. Also the Neiko's gear has a lot of play in the frame (1mm gap), but the others have almost no play.

Construction Quality
The Kaifnt is painted and the coating has held up very well. The two pins that hold the two plates of the body together are perfectly chamfered, and will not grab and fray fabric pockets, like the Neiko and Mulwark do. The pawl and wheel are machined very well, have good tolerances, and operate properly, with no looseness, no skipping teeth, no grinding, no grittiness.
The Neiko ratchet's wheel is not as well finished, and the ratcheting socket hole is a hair shorter in diameter, so there are more than cosmetic differences between different brands of this tool.



Portability
The Kaifnt is small enough for an edc pouch, a multi-tool pouch side-sleeve, or even a pen slot. It is also flat, so it will not interfere with other gear.
It has a hole through the head, so it could be tethered with a carabiner or quick-release clip, and be carried on a bag or belt-loop.

The bits will fit nicely in other containers, like mint tins, although they are not marked, so it would take some trial and error to find the one you are looking for. The case is larger than it needs to be, although it is still definitely small enough for a pocket or bag.



Value
The Kaifnt ratchet will not fare well against other sandwich bit ratchets. The SK has a knurled thumb wheel, the narrowest and flattest head, a lanyard hole, and is compatible with just about every 1/4" bit out there. The Vessel ratchet has on-board bit storage, a knurled thumb wheel, a lanyard hole, and a modular bit holder. The Anex ratchet has excellent fit and finish, an excellent switch, and an exposed magnet which adds versatility.

However, the Kaifnt's saving grace is the phenomenal stubby bit set. The only one that I have seen that is more extensive than this, costs $112. So, for $18, the Kaifnt stubby bit set is definitely worth it. Not only does it come with 22 stubby bits, but they are only 15mm long. There are also both Imperial and Metric Allen bits. This is the best stubby bit set so far. Plus, the ratchet works perfectly fine for these tiny bits, and regular bits, long bits, double-sided bits, and Leatherman bits.

Conclusion
The Kaifnt stubby bit set is the best one reviewed here so far. If you are looking for super low clearance, and want many different bits, look no further. As far as the ratchet goes, it works with these, and may be just what you need. It also works with many other types of bits, and it is wonderfully average. The bits alone are worth the asking price, and the ratchet can be relegated to a spare.

As far as edc, the ratchet is just about perfect for a multi-tool pouch or a Maxpedition pouch. Also, unlike other ratchets that come in boxes as sets, the Kaifnt bits are tiny and will fit in any mint tin, or other tiny container, and take up much less space than regular bits. Of course, it's all relevant. If you are looking for a feature-rich mini ratchet, then this is not the ratchet set you're looking for. Also, take into consideration that these super stubby bits may not be ideal for edc. They do not work with many ratchets and they will not fit in any extensions or reach any recessed screws. If you need reach, go with something else that has regular bits, or regular stubbies, or even long bits.


Pros
-Inexpensive.
-Extensive super-stubby bit selection.
-Includes six Metric and six Imperial Allen super-stubby bits.
-Compatible with many double-ended bits.

Cons
-Case is much larger than it needs to be.
-Bits have no markings on them.
-Very low teeth count/very high swing arc.


If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[ReamerPunch]

I finally found the Neiko ratchet on discount!
https://www.amazon.com/Neiko-03044A-Ratcheting-Screwdriver-Close-Quarters/dp/B0BHF4T2XZ/ref=sr_1_197?crid=9V0S9ZQ71K3L&keywords=bit+ratchet&qid=1681762515&sprefix=bit+ratche%2Caps%2C594&sr=8-197

[m47mu74nt]

I know that Australian dollar isn't "strong", but I didn't think it was that weak 

[ReamerPunch]

Does anyone here have the Wera Tool Check Plus?
I've been going back and forth, thinking of getting it, and then deciding not to, and then warming up to it again, for months now.

I've seen it dip down to $66.5 USD, which is quite amazing.
I know it will be good, and to be honest, it is a better deal than the $32 I paid for just the ratchet and the socket adapter. And I know it will be a good quality set.

But then, I already have the ratchet. I've already reviewed it. Plus, I don't know if I like the set-up. I'd rather have a good old case with everything in it. There are some good ratchets with sets that are very similar to the Tool Check Plus, but for much less money.

Decisions, decisions...

[Antti Lammi]

By looking fast this thread i didnt find any review on those rotating handle ratchets or is there any minisize gor edc purpose


Only Tools Matters

[m47mu74nt]

Does anyone here have the Wera Tool Check Plus?
I've been going back and forth, thinking of getting it, and then deciding not to, and then warming up to it again, for months now.

I've seen it dip down to $66.5 USD, which is quite amazing.
I know it will be good, and to be honest, it is a better deal than the $32 I paid for just the ratchet and the socket adapter. And I know it will be a good quality set.

But then, I already have the ratchet. I've already reviewed it. Plus, I don't know if I like the set-up. I'd rather have a good old case with everything in it. There are some good ratchets with sets that are very similar to the Tool Check Plus, but for much less money.

Decisions, decisions...

I am actually considering it : it is more compact than FACOM/USAG case so it could take lass space inside my toolbox... for now I'll think of using SOG bit kit that are very slim + FACOM ratchet and adapter instead

[m47mu74nt]

5.11 TKO Ratchet kit (https://www.511tactical.com/eu-en/tko-ratchet-kit.html)
~25€

As much as I like 5.11 gear, I'm a little disappointed by this (keeping in mind it has a very specific target that I am not part of) : it doesn't look that solid, even a little flimsy 

I'll try to make review later

[ReamerPunch]

By looking fast this thread i didnt find any review on those rotating handle ratchets or is there any minisize gor edc purpose


Only Tools Matters

Which ratchets are you talking about? 

[Antti Lammi]

Which ratchets are you talking about? 

Like Facom Rotator Handle Ratchet 1/4'' but that doesnt have ability to put 1/4” bit straight without adapter. I would like to see one with ability to accept 1/4” bit without adapter


Only Tools Matters

[Antti Lammi]

Founded one but not sure about it ”FACOM R.PE360 - RATCHET FOR 1/4" BITS WITH ROTATOR HANDLE” is it good or bad choice. What ratchet you recommend for edc purpose? I need one with low swing arc and ideally bit adater on both end. I have Vic ratchet but it feels too high swing arc for tight places.


Only Tools Matters

[m47mu74nt]

looks cool !
how didn't I think about this 

[m47mu74nt]

[...] for now I'll think of using SOG bit kit that are very slim + FACOM ratchet and adapter instead

So I am now storing the USAG bits inside SOG bit kit holders, and ratchet + extention + socket adapter : this way it fits in the small mesh pockets of the 5.11 9x9 utility gear set (the USAG/FACOM standard box wouldn't)