EDC Bit Ratchets

[Blunt Object]

That's the one I have. Works fine!

[Mike]

Cheap from Harbor Freight at $2.99. PITTSBURGH - Ratcheting Right Angle Multi-Bit Screwdriver Set, 8 Piece. SKU #92630





I got one, works fine for my needs. Not very refined, not real heavy duty either, but gets the job done for what I need it for.
Mike
*Note: Not my pictures, linked from HF.

[ReamerPunch]

Ratchets reviewed so far

[ReamerPunch]

So much news on this topic....
The tiny 711L ratchet is much cheaper now.
I got it for $29 USD, now it's $20.
Or a set with 8 bits for $24.

And there is a 4mm bit micro ratchet!

LaBear has a folding bit ratchet, with bit set.
I hated the flat LaBear ratchet but this looks quite ok.
Four colours too.

[ReamerPunch]

Prestacycle sells the T-handle Pro for $23 with the extension and 12 bits. This (plus wallet) was $40. Ratchet and extension alone were $30.
I think it's the same one, but it may be a slightly shorter version?
Still, great value.

[ReamerPunch]

I saw this ratchet thing. Pass-through design, so not everyone will like it. No bit retention from what I read. Still, inexpensive, and holds two bits, and has a glass-breaker tip. Looks funky, too.

[ReamerPunch]

Also, I saw a Milwaukee bit ratchet that looks like the Klein one, but the Milwaukee one has a carabiner in the finger loop. Not bad. Not available in Amazon. Might be a local US deal. It even comes with the same bits as the Klein, but the bit holder is set-up for edc too.

[ReamerPunch]

The Klein ratchet comes in black now.

[ReamerPunch]

And the Ares comes in black too!
Branded Sundry, from Amazon Japan, comes with sockets and the modular bit holder that the Vessel mini ratchet came with.

[ReamerPunch]

Hazet 2021SA advent Calendar ratchet set!

[ReamerPunch]

BGS 115 Special Bit Ratchet

(Can also be found branded by Astro)

Weight: 37g
Length: 99mm
Head width: 14mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 26mm (adds 1mm)
Teeth count: 16
Minimum swing arc: 22.5°
Bit retention: none
In-line driver: no
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $17 with 4 ultra-stubby bits

Accessories
The BGS 115 comes with four ultra-stubby bits that have ring springs on them.
The packaging includes a plastic sleeve and a holder for the ratchet and bits. This could be used as a carrying case, but it is quite large and negates the slim profile of the ratchet.



Dimensions
The BGS is the flattest ratchet yet, at only 4.5mm. Like the SK11 ratchet, the BGS has a very narrow head, at only 14mm. It is 99m long, so about average. It only weighs 37g.

The bits are only 11mm long, and would have provided the lowest clearance yet, but the ratchet adds 1mm. The SK11 ultra-stubby bits are 12mm long, but the ratchet adds no length to them, so it has the same clearance as the BGS.


Bottom right: 711L, Jackly, Tone, Wera, Hazet, Wiha, Stanley, Topeak, BGS, SK11, Klein, Prestacycle

Teeth count
The BGS has only 16 teeth, which is rather low. The ratchet requires some space for it to be able to swing and engage the next tooth, to be able to turn a fastener.

Bit retention
The BGS ratchet has no retention. No spring, no ball bearing, no magnet, nothing. That’s why the bits themselves have ring springs.

Bit compatibility
The bit compatibility is extremely high, thanks to the almost pass-through head.
It is interesting that the bits it comes with are extremely difficult to insert in the ratchet. Inserting a bit required pliers. This is a first, especially considering that these proprietary bits were made to be used with this ratchet.
Even bits with ball bearing retention cannot be used easily, because the ball bearing will not engage the ratchet head, due to the latter being extremely shallow.

The bits themselves have very low compatibility with every ratchet, including the one they come with. Because of the ring spring being on the bits, they are difficult to insert in any ratchet, and they are extremely short, so in most ratchets they will just sink in and be hard to remove. And their springs will only make things harder.



Switch action
The BGS has an oversized and exposed pawl, which acts as its own switch. It has excellent detent, and does not change direction when accidentally bumped into something.

Ease of use
The BGS is an ultra-low-profile ratchet, and has the flattest and narrowest head so far. It also adds 1mm to the inserted bit's clearance. It only has 16 teeth, so this still needs some room to move around.
The ratchet is long enough for a four-finger grip. Its ratcheting gear has exposed teeth, so it can be used as a knurled finger wheel, for loose fasteners.
The ratchet has a lanyard hole, so if needed, it can be tethered and prevent misplacement or being dropped.
It is not easy to use the bits that came with it. They are very reluctant to be inserted in the ratchet due to the ring springs, and they are tiny, so not easy to manipulate.
Using standard bits, or pretty much any bits other than the four it comes with is not easy. The ratchet has no retention, so bits will just fall out.

Top left: LaBear, Vessel, Anex, Mulwark, SK11, BGS


Construction Quality
The BGS is a sandwich ratchet, with two metal plates holding the internals in place.
The ratcheting gear has no wobble in the frame. The teeth are perfectly machined and the pawl has excellent fitting with the gear. The pawl has great detent. The lanyard hole edges are rounded off and will not damage cords.
The corners are chamfered and the ratchet has no hotspots. There are no gaps between the plates and hard plastic insert.

Portability
The BGS 115 is extremely thin and flat and will sit unnoticed in a pocket. No need for multi-tool pouch side-sleeves, edc pouches, and pen sleeves. This can tuck into any thin, flat pocket, along with other gear, and take extremely little space. This of course means that it may just slide out of elastic loops where other ratchets would stay in place.
Thanks to the generous lanyard hole, it can also be clipped to a bag or pack with a quick-release clip or carabiner, or even tethered with a cord to keep it from dropping.



Value
At $17 with only 4 hard-to-use bits and no nice way to carry them, this feels like a mixed bag. The ratchet itself has some nice features, but offers no retention. It will definitely disappear in a pocket or wallet, and it can be used with standard bits, but honestly, the SK11 offers the same bit clearance and has none of the BGS downsides.

Conclusion
The BGS 115 is certainly interesting, especially compared to the SK11. They both have a lanyard hole, a knurled finger wheel, are well-made, thin and flat. The BGS is even thinner, so it will occupy even less space.
The big difference is that the SK11 ratchet is easy to use. It has a retention spring for the bits, so it can be used with pretty much any ¼” bit. And it can be found with an ultra-stubby bit kit with 10 bits in a bit holder with a carrying loop. In contrast, the BGS has no retention. Using standard bits will require a modification to keep them in place. The BGS bits do have built-in retention, but they are impossible to insert into the BGS ratchet with just fingers. Even if they were easy to use, the ratchet only comes with four. There is an additional bit kit with 12 more bits, but this will cost an additional $20 USD, and the bits come loose in a box.

The benefit of proprietary bits, if any, is that they will work well with the tool they come with. Well, not in this case. It took an extremely long time to insert a bit into the ratchet, with pliers, after getting my fingertips numb with no progress. Being the thinnest ratchet so far puts the BGS on top of at least one list already, but quite poorly so. If you are indeed looking for a thin ratchet and stubby bits, the SK11 with its bit kit is a much, much better option.

Pros
-Extremely thin frame.
-Knurled finger wheel.
-Extremely high bit compatibility.

Cons
-The ratchet itself has no retention.
-The included bits are extremely hard to insert into the ratchet.
-Comes with proprietary bits and only four at that.
-The proprietary bit kit contains only 12 additional bits and costs $20.
-No bit holder.
-Only 16 teeth.


If you liked this ratchet, help is on the way. Also check out:

[ReamerPunch]

I'm back!
I've written a few more reviews. I'll take pictures and post them soon.
Pending reviews: 711L mini, Tone mini ratchet, Hazet 2021 advent calendar exclusive, Stanley Fatmax mini ratchet


711L, Jackly, Tone, Wera, Hazet, Wiha, Stanley, Topeak, BGS, SK11, Klein, Prestacycle

[ReamerPunch]

Tone BR bit ratchet

(Toh-neh, not 'tone'; Short for Tonegawa)

Ratchet: BR
Extension: RDBH-065

Weight: 54g or 1.9oz
BRS20C weight: 214g or 7.5oz
BRS20 weight: 249g or 8.8oz

Length: 87mm
Head width: 18mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 27mm (adds 2mm)
Teeth count: 60
Minimum swing arc: 6°
Bit retention: spring
Extension bit retention: magnet
In-line driver: no
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $34 with 20 bits, extension, case
Bits:
Phillips 2x#1, 2x#2, 2x#3,
Allen 4, 5, 6 ,8
TamperProof Torx 15, 20, 25, 30, 40
Slotted 5.5, 6, 8
Square socket drive adapter

Accessories
The BRS20 set consists of the ratchet, 20 bits, extension, and plastic case with an integral belt clip.
The BRS20C set consists of the ratchet, twenty bits in two bit holders, an extension, a two-piece drill bit container and an aluminium Tone logo sticker.

Also available are:
BR10S: ratchet, 10 bits in a bit holder and no case
BRS20MBK: ratchet, metallic case with 20 bits, extension, and magnitizer.

The extension is magnetic. The magnet rides on an anvil which slides back and forth in the socket. Inserted bits rest on a step, and the magnet engages. The magnet can be disengaged by pulling it backwards. This helps remove bits, as the magnet is quite strong.
Each bit holder holds ten bits. The bits fit in tightly. The holders have no bit designations but the plastic case does. The bits themselves are marked with their size, and also branded "Tone".



Dimensions
The Tone ratchet shares the same head as the Wera Zyklop mini ratchet, and Prestacycle/Rujoi ratchets but without the T-handle capability.
It is also the same length as the Wera, at 87mm. The head is quite slim, at 18mm. It is also rather chunky for its length, at 54 grams.


Bottom right: 711L, Jackly, Tone, Wera, Hazet, Wiha, Stanley, Topeak, BGS, SK11, Klein, Prestacycle

Teeth Count
With 60 teeth, and thus a 6 degree minimum arc swing, this is well above average. Working in tight spots should not be an issue.

Bit Retention
This has the same spring seen on high-end ratchets, like the Prestacycle, Wera, Topeak, Klein etc. Bits are held in firmly, but can be removed easily, by pushing from the back of the ratchet head.

Bit compatibility
Thanks to the hole in the ratchet slot, this is compatible with many double-ended bits, as long as one end is thin enough to pass through the hole. Leatherman bits fit nicely, and engage the spring properly.
The extension is deep enough to accommodate Leatherman bits and double-ended bits. In addition to this, and unlike most extensions, this can also work with stubby bits. Even though it is deep, the tips are still exposed and will engage their respective screws, and thanks to the feature of the magnet slide, the strong magnet can be disengaged from the stubby bits, making them easy to remove. This makes the extension the best in this thread so far, as usually extensions work well with either double-ended bits, or stubby bits, but not both.



Switch action
The switch is also branded 'Tone" and can be operated very easily with a thumb. It is small and unobtrusive, and will not get bumped accidentally.

Ease of use
The Tone has a lot of things going for it, making it very easy to use.
It has a nice, thin head but high teeth count, for those tight spots with limited swing.
There is also a knurled thumb wheel, to make quick work of somewhat loose fasteners. The switch is also easy to turn despite its modest size.
The narrow neck flares out to a bulbous end, making it easy to hold onto with a proper three-finger grip. The logo also offers traction on both sides.

Of course, the nice extension matches the ratchet's high bit compatibility. The sliding magnet is a nice feature and one we have not seen yet. This extension is arguably the best in this thread. It works perfectly with regular bits, Leatherman and standard double-ended bits, regular stubby bits, and the Steinwhale stubby double-ended bits. Truly amazing.
A little detail that was noticed and appreciated straight away is that due to the magnet slide pin, the extension does not roll freely.



Construction Quality
The Tone is very well made. Pretty much everything about it exhibits quality, from the ratcheting head, to the Tone logo on the body. The finish is crisp and consistent throughout, the ratcheting mechanism works perfectly and has a negligible amount of wobble in the frame. The bits are branded "Tone" as well and fit perfectly in their respective screws. The extension has a so far unique feature that has been executed perfectly and the machining and feel of it are excellent.

Portability
Portability was a priority in the design of this ratchet and the sets it comes in. The ratchet is short and will fit nicely in multi-tool pouch side-sleeves, edc pouches, mint tins, and even other ratchet cases. Thanks to the hole in the head, the ratchet can be clipped to other gear with a carabiner or quick-release clip.
The drill bit container the BRS20C set comes in is wonderfully compact. Everything fits in nicely and can be removed very easily. This will fit comfortably in a pocket, pouch, or bag.
The BRS20 case is quite larger than the drill bit container, but still relatively small, and about the same size as other ratchets that come in boxes, like the GreaTalent, Bosch, etc. This case has an integral belt clip so it doesn't have to go in a pocket. The clip has some flex, and it feels sturdy. The lid closes securely so it will not open accidentally.



Value
At $34, either set will be great value for money. The Tone ratchet has many great features and comes in nice, comprehensive, compact sets. The extension is really nice. The bits include Tamperproof Torx and Metric Allen bits.
Even on its own with no case, the ratchet is still a good investment. The Tone RDBH-065 extension goes for about $6 USD and is also an excellent stand-alone purchase.

Conclusion
The Tone BR ratchet is one of the best ratchets we have seen, and this is three-fold.
The ratchet by itself is excellent. 60 teeth, well-made, compact, the hole in the head allows for double-ended bits as well as clipping, knurled wheel, good ergonomics; a wonderful assortment of features.
The sets it comes in are also excellent. Compact, comprehensive bit selection, the best extension we have seen so far, and even a variety of cases.
Lastly, the price makes it an excellent bargain. The Tone ratchet is essentially the same as the Wera Mini Zyklop, apart from the Kraftform handle. But the Wera will cost around $32 and only comes with a square socket adapter, whereas the Tone will cost about the same and come in a set with 20 bits, a great extension, and a case. The Tone ratchet is truly one of the best so far. This is highly recommended, in whichever set you happen to find.
Even if this ratchet does not meet your criteria, the extension is available as a stand-alone piece and is definitely worth it, no matter which bits you have.


Pros
-High quality.
-Comprehensive sets at amazing prices.
-Extremely high bit compatibility.
-BRS20C set comes in an extremely compact case.
-Bit extension has unmatched bit compatibility and is available on its own.

Cons
-An inline driver would have made it just about perfect.
-Possibly a little too short for people with large hands.


If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[powernoodle]

Killer thread, RP.

[IMR4198]

 

[ReamerPunch]

Thanks!
The humble Mulwark. What a classic!

[ReamerPunch]

711L Micro Ratchet

(Can also be found branded by Signet.
Same design as CROM and LaBear, but those have 60 teeth and are t-handle capable)

Weight: 19g
Length: 50mm
Head width: 15mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 25.5mm (adds 0.5 mm)
Teeth count: 52
Minimum swing arc: 7°
Bit retention: spring
In-line driver retention: magnet
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $20 alone, $24 with 8 bits

Accessories
The 711L ratchet can be found alone in a tin, or with a bit set for a few dollars more.



Dimensions
The 711L is truly microscopic, at only 50mm long and weighing a measly 19 grams. It has a narrow head, and adds 0.5 mm or less to a bit, depending on the bit.


Bottom right: 711L, Jackly, Tone, Wera, Hazet, Wiha, Stanley, Topeak, BGS, SK11, Klein, Prestacycle

Teeth count
Much like the Topeak, Giant, PK Tools, etc, the 711L ratchet has 52 teeth, for 7 degrees minimum swing arc. Just excellent.

Bit retention
Bits are held in the ratchet with a spring. The inline driving slot has a magnet. Retention is excellent.

Bit compatibility
Stubby bits are not easy to remove from the in-line driving socket.
Standard double-sided bits and Leatherman bits can be used with the ratcheting head, as long as one end is thin enough to clear the hole in the back. Leatherman bits have to be inserted properly, with the spring engaging their retention notches.
Double-sided bits cannot be used in the in-line driver. They do not engage the sides, and thus cannot be turned.
Leatherman bits can be used, but they barely engage the sides and have a lot of play left and right.
Impact bits with the grooved neck do not engage the ratchet spring, so they will have a lot of play back and forth, but they do not fall out.
The double-ended stubby Steinwhale bits are a wonderful companion to this. They can be used in both ends and take very little space.

Bits with a more rounded back sit flush with the ratchet head, allowing the clearance to be whatever the bit length is.



Switch action
The 711L has a small -arguably too small- and low-profile switch with good detent, so the action will not get reversed accidentally. The switch tail rests in a scalloped area, which guides the thumb left or right, to make operating the switch easy.

Ease of use
Though small, the 711L ratchet retains the features of its kin. Knurled finger wheel, inline bit driver, 52 teeth. The length makes this a two-finger grip. The thin middle makes for a nice place to pinch with a thumb and finger.

An extension or bit in the inline driver can be used to increase the length for more comfort and more torque. With a 50mm (2") extension, the 711L will be the same length as the Topeak, Giant, etc. It will perform essentially the same, with the added benefit of having an extension in virtually the same space that the Topeak would occupy on its own. And having an extension as an L configuration makes the 711L even easier to use.
The Steinwhale bits also fit the ratchet and regular extensions. Truly a match made in Heaven.



Construction Quality
Same excellent build quality of its taller siblings. Everything is polished, chamfered, smooth. Tolerances are tight, there is very little wobble in the ratchet head.

Portability
Its main feature, the 711L ratchet is the tiniest yet. This is perfect for a keychain, thanks to the hole in the head. It will disappear in any pocket or purse, and can probably be added in any edc kit without the need to remove anything.
This is much slimmer and lighter than the other keychain ratchet already reviewed, the Jackly keychain ratchet, and of higher quality, and of course more expensive.
The tin it comes in can be used as a tiny bit kit. It fits the ratchet and a few bits, although it may rattle a little in a pocket.



Value
When first launched, this was $30 for just the ratchet and tin. It is now $20. It can be found for a few more dollars with bits. Definitely somewhat expensive, but arguably justified for such quality in such a tiny package.

Conclusion
This should be familiar to some. It is essentially the Topeak head on the inline driver. It is the tiniest ratchet yet, and just about perfect for a keychain. This is the best option for lightweight edc where every gram counts. Despite its size, it is still a functioning ratchet, and a very good ratchet at that.
Its only drawback would be the limitations that come with a tool this small. This may be too small to manipulate effectively for people with larger hands, but this can be easily solved with a long bit or an extension in the inline driver.
Of course, this may seem somewhat expensive to some, especially when compared to ratchets with the same head and construction, like the PK Tools, Topeak, etc. If size limits allow for it, maybe a Topeak/Granite/Giant ratchet set would make more sense. Still, for what it is, the 711L ratchet is still an attractive option. It has gotten more affordable since launch, it will occupy the least amount of space from the ratchets we have seen so far, and it works just as well as larger ratchets.



Pros
-Perfect keychain ratchet; lightweight, short, hole in the head for attaching clip.
-Retains features of similar ratchets (inline driver, 52 teeth, knurled wheel, hole in head, great quality).
-Can be found from different brands, with bit kits and cases.
-Has an inline driver:
 -Can drive inline.
 -Can store a bit while on a keychain.
 -Can store an extension or long bit and be the same length as the Topeak.

Cons
-None.


If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[MadPlumbarian]

I guess this could fit under this subject, pretty interesting, the “T” shape handles pull off and can be used as extensions either way, the same with the drive, so if you want a long ratchet, or if you want something small and will fit you can just use the main ratchet,, I still haven’t used it but I thought it was pretty cool..
JR

[ReamerPunch]

Zoyo Sports ratchet just in.
Comes with a drawstring bag and a holder.
Quite interesting. It's the length of the Topeak, but thicker, ever thicker than the Prestacycle ratchet.

[ReamerPunch]

LaBear folding ratchet
Engineer PZ-54
Blackburn Big Switch ratchet

[ReamerPunch]

Topeak, Blackburn, Zoyo, Prestacycle

The first three are the same length.
The Blackburn is the same thickness as the Prestacycle and has the same head as the Topeak.
The Zoyo is the thickest and has the same head thickness and teeth count as the Prestacycle (no T-handle capability)

[m47mu74nt]

This thread never disappoints 

[ReamerPunch]

 

[ReamerPunch]

Brand new from 711L.
Imagine this with an inline driver. Mini flexhead t-handle.



Why is this t-handle? It doesn't have an inline driver. Why be T-handle?

[ReamerPunch]

Leatherman ratchet is in!

[Antti Lammi]

Leatherman ratchet is in!

Nice, i will eagerly wait your review on it. I havent pulled trigger to buy it yet since its bit pricey here and cant find justification to buy one cause i have Vic ratchet what can do most of my jobs.

[ReamerPunch]

Nice, i will eagerly wait your review on it. I havent pulled trigger to buy it yet since its bit pricey here and cant find justification to buy one cause i have Vic ratchet what can do most of my jobs.

I have written most of the review on it, and I can tell you now that your post sums the Leatherman ratchet adapter nicely. It is expensive, offers little justification to buy, and other regular right-angle bit ratchets cover most needs. I''ll take photos and post the review soon.

[ReamerPunch]

Wiha has many GoBox sets. Standard for $30.

[ReamerPunch]

There is a swivel-head with a fixed inline driver. So this is better than the Titan swivel-head. Branded AP (Astro Products).

[ReamerPunch]

Topeak has a different ratchet, but it comes with less and costs more than the regular one.