The mini ratchet got the t-handle treatment. The description says it has 60 teeth, so this may be the Prestacycle head. Or it may be a typo and it is the Topeak head which has 52 teeth. EditThe description says the head is 0.6" wide, which is the Topeak head width. So it has 52 teeth, not 60. A shame. This would have been nice if it had the Prestacycle head. Still cool. (Image removed from quote.)
Does anyone have any experience with the Tekton 1/4” bit ratchet?https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-x-3-inch-bit-ratchet-srh71003It’s made in Taiwan, so probably similar quality to many of the other popular ratchets. Its spring clip to retain bits seems unique and I wonder how well it works?Tekton is based in Michigan, US, and is known for having a phenomenal warranty, though I’m not sure how well it works outside the US.
My Crom ratchet came in today. This thing is tiny. Pictured next to the Vic driver. Comes with the extension that can also be used as a T handle, very cool.
Not been on the forum for over a year, back to see what's new, goodness this thread is a wealth of information! Thank you so much for the time spent reviewing all of these bit ratchets.Not affiliated in any way, and I'm not looking for you to give it a review, but I spotted the Blackburn Mini Switch Multi Tool which is a little different to the To peak style ratchets.
On the basis of this review I've just bought one of these ZoyoSports sets on AliExpress for US11.53 Delivered, which seemed like reasonable value for money.
I am in the market for a small ratchet so thank you ReamerPunch for all the great reviews here - super helpful!Just a supplementary info - Topeak now offers their updated ratchet as a standalone tool. It is made from aluminium and per spec it weights only 15,5g. The max torq is limited to 18Nm
(Image removed from quote.)LaBear Mini Folding Ratchet(Can also be found branded by ASA, Astro, B Baosity, Calandis, Chain, Laser, Leefasy, Mycense, Startist)Weight: 48gSet weight: 78gLength folded: 47mmLength unfolded: 78mmHead width: 18mmHead clearance with standard bit: 28mm (adds 3mm)Teeth count: 72Minimum swing arc: 5°Bit retention: magnetIn-line driver: NoBit material: Chrome Vanadium steelHandle material: Chrome Vanadium steel Price: $16 with 5 bits, bit holder, split ring with tiny chain.Bits: Allen 4, 5, 6, Torx 25, 30AccessoriesThe LaBear Mini Folding Ratchet comes with five standard 1/4" bits, a bit holder with 5 bit positions, and a split ring with a tiny chain attached to the end.The bit holder attaches magnetically to the back of the ratchet handle. It also seems to be a friction fit and it feels secure. The bits are held in by friction, with protruding rings of plastic engaging the bit retention notches. The bits have some wobble in the holder, but require some force to be removed, so retention feels adequate.The bits are Chrome-Vanadium, and the coating has held up to some use. There are three common size Allen bits, and two Torx bits, so this will require some replacements to function as an edc ratchet.(Image removed from quote.)DimensionsAt 78 grams for the ratchet, and five bits in the piggy-back holder, this seems quite good. The bit holder can be removed, should the entire kit feel heavy for a keychain. The ratchet alone is 48 grams, which is much more tolerable on a keychain. It is 47mm when folded, so it really tucks into a small package. The head is 18 mm wide and for 72 teeth, that is just excellent.(Image removed from quote.)Bottom right: LaBear Folding, 711L, Jackly, Leatherman, Ares, Wera, Tone, Wiha, Sharden, Bosch, Topeak, Blackburn, Zoyo, Victorinox, CyclingDeal, PrestaCycleTeeth CountAt 72 teeth, this has a minimum arc of only 5 degrees. This is almost as good as it gets, and certainly the highest so far for a ratchet this small.Bit RetentionBits are held in place with a magnet. Retention is firm, so in theory, you could keep an additional bit in the ratchet, since the holder only holds five.Bit compatibilityStubby bits can be removed easily thanks to the socket being shallower than more ratchets. Of course, being this shallow, double-ended bits and Leatherman bits cannot be used.(Image removed from quote.)Switch actionThis ratchet has the same head as the Wiha and CyclingDeal ratchets, with one notable difference: The switch has been switched to a regular, small switch, similar to those of the PrestaCycle, Topeak, Wera, etc ratchets. This is a nice change. The Wiha and CyclingDeal ratchet switches were quite oversized. This switch is still easy to use, but is tucked away nicely behind the knurled wheel, and does not protrude at all. The detent is great, so it will not change directions accidentally.(Image removed from quote.)LaBear, Wiha, CyclingDealEase of useThe first so far, this is a folding ratchet. As this is a button lock, the ratchet head is locked both in the opened and closed positions. Opening and closing the ratchet is very easy, but it is a little too tight, so this cannot be flicked open like a button-lock knife.The ratchet head has some play in both positions. It locks firmly when opened. When folded, the magnet that holds the bit holder also keeps the ratchet head against the handle, in addition to it being locked closed as well.The ratchet can be used folded for a quick fix. When unfolded, it is a three-finger grip, although the pinky also holds onto it thanks to the chain. There is a knurled wheel for somewhat loose screws. The switch is easy to operate. The head has 72 teeth, so this only requires a clearance of 5 degrees to be able to swing and turn a fastener.The bit holder attached with a 1/4" peg into the handle's 1/4" hex hole, so bits fit in the back of the handle perfectly, but this is not to be treated as a bit driver. The sidewalls are plastic, and it will not handle much torque. Also should the plastic become warped, the bit holder will lose the friction fit and only be held in by the magnet.The split ring allows this to be attached to keys or other gear, although a clip or carabiner will have to be used for easy removal. Adding a clip or carabiner will increase the length of this, so maybe replace the split ring with a carabiner altogether.Of course, this is a folding ratchet, so it should be used lightly. It will not handle the abuse other ratchet will, because of the nature of the folding construction.(Image removed from quote.)Construction QualityThe LaBear folding ratchet is a far cry from the LaBear flat ratchet, in a good way. This is a good quality ratchet. The finish is consistent. There are no gaps between scales and spacer. The screws look new and crisp. The ratchet head mirror finish is flawless. The bits are finished nicely and fit their respective fasteners perfectly, and the coating holds up to use. The bit holder holds the bits securely and itself attaches firmly onto the frame.One small issue was that the first chain link that attaches to the ratchet end was not perfectly circular. It had been jammed in place instead of being properly threaded through the hole and being able to rotate freely. It would be recommended to replace this for a split ring, that will hold up to more force than a simple crimped chain link.PortabilityArguably its selling point, portability seemed to be the idea behind this. The ratchet folds in two, making it shorter and easier to have on a keychain. It comes with its own keychain set-up and the bit holder also attaches on it, so users can have a few bits quick on hand. It would make little sense to have this unfolded to fit in an edc pouch. It certainly can be done, but at the same time, why go that route instead of having a longer, sturdier ratchet in the pouch to begin with? This was designed for attaching to keys or other gear, so stuffing it into a pouch may be inelegant and inefficient.(Image removed from quote.)ValueAt $16, this is a fine value for money. The head alone would be worth it, as it has 72 teeth and a knurled wheel, features we do not commonly see on ratchets this inexpensive. ConclusionThe LaBear folding ratchet was a breath of fresh air, considering the atrocious LaBear flat ratchet. The folding ratchet is well-made, has features of much more expensive ratchets, comes with a nifty bit holder and five bits, and it also folds in two. Definitely an interesting design, and well-suited for edc, which this thread is investigating. The ratchet also comes in a variety of colours, like most edc gadgets. And it is inexpensive and readily available, at least at the time of this review.A few kinks still have to be ironed out, but this is indeed a good option for edc. It works as intended, it is well-made, it is a nice little conversation piece, and it will also make a neat stocking stuffer even for people who are not all that into edc. Recommended.(Image removed from quote.)Pros-72 teeth.-True edc set-up-Available in multiple colours.-Inexpensive.Cons-Lighter use than fixed-handle ratchets.-Split-ring should be clip.-Chain link should be eyelet screw/split ring.If you liked this ratchet, also check out:
(Image removed from quote.)Rujoi Flex-head bit ratchetWeights Ratchet: 69gExtension: 33gSet: 265gLength: 128mm (The Amazon listing says it is 100mm long. It is not. The seller reassured me it will be corrected).Head width: 18mmHead clearance with standard bit: 27mm (adds 2mm)Teeth count: 60Minimum swing arc: 6°Bit retention: spring detentIn-line driver retention: magnetExtension bit retention: magnetBit material: S2 steelHandle material: Chrome Vanadium steel Price: 40$ with 12 bits, 1/4" square adapter, 3 sockets, extension, and caseBits: Phillips 2, Torx 10/20/25/30, Allen 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8, 1/4" square adapterSockets: 8mm, 9mm, 10mmFlex-head positions: 15° incrementsAccessoriesThe Rujoi Flex-head ratchet comes with twelve S2 steel bits, a square adapter for sockets, three sockets, a long extension, and a hard nylon case. The case is clam-shell with a zipper. One side has a foam insert, which has cut-outs for the ratchet, bits, sockets, and socket adapter. The other side has a mesh pocket that houses the extension. The pocket runs about half the length of the case. (Image removed from quote.)DimensionsAt 128mm, this is the longest ratchet yet. It may not fit a small edc pouch. This exact head can be found on shorter ratchets. The head is 18mm, which is narrow enough. The head adds 2mm to an inserted bit's clearance. Quite good.(Image removed from quote.)Teeth CountThe ratchet has 60 teeth. This is on the higher side, and it means the ratchet has a minimum swing arc of only six degrees to engage the next tooth.Bit RetentionThe ratchet head has a retention spring, which is the same spring found on other high quality ratchets, like the Topeak, Prestacycle, Wera, etc.The in-line driver has a magnet of above average strength.Bit compatibilityThe ratchet is a nigh-pass-through design, so it works with most double-ended bits. For Leatherman bits, the spring has to engage their retention notches, so the bits do not fall out. Stubby bits are easy to remove, thanks to the hole in the back of the ratchet head. Bits can be pushed out enough for them to disengage the spring.The in-line driver and extension driver are too shallow for double-ended bits. Leatherman bits engage but barely, and have too much flop from side to side to be used effectively. Stubby bits do not sink in but they are not particularly easy to remove.(Image removed from quote.)Switch actionThe switch is short and flat. It rests on a completely flat surface and has excellent detent. It does not get in the way of the flex-head pivot or the knurled wheel.As it is a locking flex-head ratchet, there is also a button. It protrudes 2mm from the frame and is spring-loaded. It is in the shape of a flat mushroom and sinks completely into the frame,with no grinding or jamming.Ease of useAs a flex-head ratchet, the Rujoi offers a clear advantage compared to fixed head ratchets. The flex-head is locking and moves in 15° increments. Thank to the various positions of the head, this ratchet can access fasteners in confined spaces that fixed head ratchets could not.This ratchet happens to share its head with the Prestacycle T-handle ratchet. As such, the Rujoi can also accept the extension as a T-handle, and provide additional torque to the in-line driver.As this is 128mm, users with large hands may find it easier to hold and use, compared to other much shorter ratchets, like the Ares, Topeak, or Wiha.With 60 teeth, and a locking flex-head that is only 18mm wide, the Rujoi is very versatile and efficient.(Image removed from quote.)Construction QualityThe Rujoi is a high quality tool. It is machined flawlessly. All surfaces and edges are crisp. The ratchet mechanism, the flex-head mechanism, the switch, the button, everything moves smoothly and precisely, with excellent tolerances. There are no imperfections, no pitting, no burrs, no unfinished spots. Construction quality is as high as it gets with these.PortabilityCompared to other ratchets we have seen so far, this is the longest, and it has the longest extension as well. This may interfere with edc pouches. The Rujoi will not fit in pouches and tins other ratchets will. If length is an issue, this may not be the best option.(Image removed from quote.)It does come with a nice case, that is not extremely bulky. Of course, the foam insert that holds everything in place leaves a lot of unused space. This can be mitigated by simply making more holes in the insert to accommodate more bits, or just removing the insert completely. (Image removed from quote.)ValueThis set costs $40. Certainly a lot, but also worth it.One of the best ratchet we have seen so far was the Prestacycle T-handle ratchet. It is interesting to compare that to the Rujoi, since they both offer the T-handle configuration, and cost the exact same amount. The Rujoi is first and foremost a locking flex-head ratchet, so this is already a massive advantage.The Rujoi comes with a more versatile case, that can hold much more, and can also be used for anything else. The Prestacycle wallet is much more restrictive. The Prestacycle can be bought with the exact same case as the Rujoi, but then it will cost $10 more.The Rujoi comes with S2 steel bits. The selection is the same as the Prestacycle, but its bits are Chrome-Vanadium.The Rujoi also comes with three sockets and a socket adapter. Not a big advantage, but the Prestacycle did not come with any.And the main feature of the Prestacycle is not sacrificed. The Rujoi can also accept the long extension as a T-handle.The Prestacycle is still one of the best value ratchets we have seen, so the Rujoi is also one by default.ConclusionComparing the Rujoi to the Prestacycle was unavoidable. They share the same ratchet head, and they both accept long extensions for a T-handle configuration. And the Rujoi has the edge in pretty much all categories compared to the Prestacycle, except length. Even when looking at the Rujoi by itself, it still comes out on top. It is very well-made, with a great bit selection. The bits are made out of S2 steel. It also has a socket adapter and three sockets. It also comes with a long extension and a handy case. It is also a locking flex-head ratchet. This comes in handy for fasteners in awkward places. The Rujoi can also be used with pretty much any double-ended bit. Bits can be removed easily thanks to the hole in the back of the head. This is not a small deal, since we have seen many ratchets struggle with bit removal. The Rujoi adds only 2mm to a bit's clearance, and has a narrow head as well. The Rujoi seems to cover all the bases as far as edc ratchets go. The features go on and on, and the only compromise is the increased length, and a seemingly high -but fair- price compared to others. This is nothing short of impressive. The Rujoi has no real disadvantages to speak of. It is one of the best deals around, putting other ratchets to shame. Highly recommended. Pros-Flex-head feature provides versatility.-High quality.-High number of teeth.-T-handle configuration allows for additional torque.-Nigh pass-though head works with all double-ended bits.-Better grip for people with large hands.-Excellent assortment of S2 steel bits.Cons-Possibly a little too long for edc.If you liked this ratchet, also check out:
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