EDC Bit Ratchets

[ReamerPunch]

Ratchets reviewed so far

[Farmer X]

Oh boy...

That looks like a pretty nice set, though the ratchet seems a little bulky for my liking.

[ReamerPunch]

That looks like a pretty nice set, though the ratchet seems a little bulky for my liking.

I wouldn't say it's bulky. It's short, fits perfectly in an Altoids tin. A bit heavy for its size, sure, at 55 grams. Not as slim as a Topeak for sure, but not too bad.

[Old Boy]

Silly question. But would threading your keychain through the ratchet head eventually wear it out? I've had a few things wear eventually.

[ReamerPunch]

Silly question. But would threading your keychain through the ratchet head eventually wear it out? I've had a few things wear eventually.

Theoretically it might I suppose. I have a 711L mini ratchet on my keys, with a copper circle carabiner, so it is softer than the ratchet head, so it will wear before the ratchet does. So, if you are going to attach a mini ratchet to something with a carabiner, get a soft metal carabiner, like aluminium, copper, or brass, and you should be ok.

[Farmer X]

I wouldn't say it's bulky.

I took a look at the doorknobs in my apartment. Much to my surprise, they appeared to be press-fit. None of them have any visible screws. So it'll probably be a while before I have any great need for a bit ratchet. I'll continue to follow this thread with interest, though.

[Old Boy]

Theoretically it might I suppose. I have a 711L mini ratchet on my keys, with a copper circle carabiner, so it is softer than the ratchet head, so it will wear before the ratchet does. So, if you are going to attach a mini ratchet to something with a carabiner, get a soft metal carabiner, like aluminium, copper, or brass, and you should be ok.

Thanks!!!

[ComboTool]

So, if you are going to attach a mini ratchet to something with a carabiner, get a soft metal carabiner, like aluminium, copper, or brass, and you should be ok.

Copper or brass will probably be chrome plated and that's hard. If you're worried about wear from your attachment method, only a plastic carabiner or cord seem safe. But my hunch is that wear from the carabiner is probably not the main source of failure in a ratchet.

[Old Boy]

I'm totally obsessed with this thread. Thank you for doing all the work.
Regarding tooth count, I get it that the higher the number the better in small spaces, but I believe that also limits the level of torque you can exert. Eg High teeth count = low torque, low teeth count = high torque.

Anyone know what's the sweet spot for tooth count for these mini-ratchets? Like I totally can see why low teeth count is better for the larger ratchets.

I work in an office and occasionally use my tools so would love to hear from the super users out there.

[ReamerPunch]

I'm totally obsessed with this thread. Thank you for doing all the work.
Regarding tooth count, I get it that the higher the number the better in small spaces, but I believe that also limits the level of torque you can exert. Eg High teeth count = low torque, low teeth count = high torque.

Anyone know what's the sweet spot for tooth count for these mini-ratchets? Like I totally can see why low teeth count is better for the larger ratchets.

I work in an office and occasionally use my tools so would love to hear from the super users out there.

First of all, thank you so much for the enthusiasm.

I do not know the answer but I would also like to know.
Many ratchets come with a max torque rating, but I have not included it here because most ratchets do not list it and for many it is impossible to find.

There are 40 bit ratchets reviewed in this thread so far (plus the Leatherman ratcheting adapter).


The teeth count varies from the abysmal 12 all the way to 90.

12 teeth: only one ratchet, so this is maybe considered too low.
16 teeth: 6 ratchets
36 teeth: two ratchets
38: only the Victorinox
46: only the Inwell
48: three ratchets
52 teeth: six ratchets
60 teeth: nine ratchets
72 teeth: seven ratchets
90 teeth: three ratchets

16 teeth seems to be the norm with sandwich ratchets. And they work just fine. They all do. Teeth count has never been an issue for me. I do not use these to disassemble the Sydney Harbour Bridge, so they're ok. Sure, 72 or 90 teeth give a nice low angle of return if there is very limited space to swing the ratchet, but I have not encountered such a tricky fastener placement yet. Teeth count seems to be independent from price and quality. The Hazet is the most expensive and has 90 teeth, but so does the Titan. The Wera is expensive and has 60, but the Geinxurn is among the least expensive and has 72. The Mulwark has 16 and is kind of crude and cheap. The Anex also has 16 but is excellently finished and of very high quality.

Sure, the Wera is tougher than the Topeak, but it is more heavily built, so teeth count is secondary for this. The Hazet is probably the most robust, and has 90 teeth. The Stanley is also heavy built but has only 48 teeth.
The sandwich ratchets are not as resilient as one-piece ratchets, so maybe that's why 16 teeth is so common with them? Although that new Vessel sandwich ratchet is a sandwich design and has 60 teeth.
Until an expert comes along and enlightens us, all this seems to be dealer's choice.
I suggested Project Farm review mini bit ratchets, so I'm hoping we see a cool video in the future.

[ReamerPunch]

WorkPro ratchet is in.

[Farmer X]

I eagerly await the review!

[Old Boy]

I suggested Project Farm review mini bit ratchets, so I'm hoping we see a cool video in the future.

Thank you for the detailed answer. I think Project Farm is one of the best channels out there.
In my opinion I think the more teeth the better since as you said mini ratchets are more for less robust task. I say this because I had to install a battery bracket for my car one time and the Klein ratchet was the exact length of free space in the wheel well of the trunk and my back was complaining the whole time as I could only swing the ratchet a little at a time. All I could think of was how I should bought something better from your list.

[ReamerPunch]

Blackburn down to $27 from $38
Topeak up to $45 from $31
Yeah, Blackburn has lifetime warranty, Topeak only 2 years with original receipt. If you were thinking of getting one or the other, I'd jump on the Blackburn now. Check the reviews by clicking on the buttons at the top of the page.

Wera up to $35 from $32
For less than double that, you can find the Tool-Check Plus (I found the Tool-Check plus 1 for $67.5). Ratchet, extension, 30 bits, 7 sockets, mini bit driver, and a holder for everything.
Or get the Tone set for $32. Same head, weight, length, 20 bits, arguably the best extension so far in this thread, and a case with belt clip.

And a new PrestaCycle t-handle ratchet.

[ReamerPunch]

Pro Bike ratchet set

(Ratchet can also be found branded by Feedback, LaBear, Machoman)

Weight: 61g with no extensions
Weight: 99g with both extensions
Set weight: 195g
Length: 75mm with no extension
Head width: 17mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 33mm (adds 8mm)
Teeth count: 90
Minimum swing arc: 4°
Bit retention: magnet
Extension retention: magnet
In-line driver retention: magnet
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $32 with 10 bits, bit holder, 2 extensions, wallet
Bits:
Phillips 1, Torx 25, 30, Flat 4, Allen 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8


Accessories
The Pro Bike t-handle mini ratchet comes with two small extensions, a bit holder with 10 bits, and a tiny case.
The bits are very well made and fit their respective screws properly.
The bit holder is hard plastic. A rubber one would have been a little thinner.
The case is a clamshell, crush-resistant pouch, with a zipper and a belt-loop on the back. Inside it has a mesh pocket on each side.
With everything in one side, the other side is limited to thin items like a couple of credit cards, etc.



Dimensions
The main unit is 75 mm long with no extension installed, so extremely short, and weighs 61 grams, so definitely hefty.
The entire kit in the case weighs 99 grams, which is not all that much.


Bottom right: LaBear Folding, CROM, Anvanna, Pro Bike, Railer, Engineer, Granite, Geinxurn, Klein, Milwaukee, PrestaCycle, Rujoi Flex-head


Teeth Count
The ratchet has 90 teeth, which is the highest we have seen so far, tying with the Titan swivel-head and Hazet mini ratchets.
This is more important with this ratchet, because of the two inline drivers.
Even with no extension in the top inline driver, the driver extends a little from the ratchet head, compared to regular ratchets. This makes this ratchet even more prone to obstructions.

Bit Retention
All bit drivers on this set have magnets. All are of above average strength, and will work just fine.

Bit compatibility
No bit driver is deep enough for double-ended bits.
Regular, stubby, long, and impact bits are fine.



Switch action
The switch feels just a little weaker than average, but it still has decent detent, and does not get reversed accidentally.

Ease of use
This design is set up as a t-handle ratchet, with the short extension in either end. This provides excellent torque, considerably more than regular mini ratchets we have seen.
Of course, all connections are 1/4" hex, so many configurations are possible.
This has two inline drivers, which are handy.
The ratchet has 90 teeth, and even a knurled finger wheel.
Ergonomics are perfect, and the different configurations provide a variety of grips.


Top left: Anvanna and Pro Bike

Construction Quality
Construction feels fine. There are no visible imperfections with this set. Everything is chamfered, finished properly, nice and smooth.
Everything connects firmly with negligible wobble.

Portability
The set is very compact, tucking in its case nicely. The whole set with case weighs only 99 grams, and the case even has a belt loop, so this will go unnoticed on a belt or even pocket.
The ratchet main unit is only 75mm long, so it can fit in Altoids tins, edc pouches, multi-tool sheath side-sleeves, etc.



Value
At $33 this is on the higher end of mini ratchet sets, though not by much.

Conclusion
There are certainly ratchet sets that cost less and come with more, but they are not of this design. This is the first t-handle design ratchet so far.
It has been executed properly, with nice quality, 90 teeth, knurled wheel, and an extremely compact package. This offers many different configurations and grips, depending on required torque, reach, or comfort. Of course, it can be used as a right-angle ratchet. The inline driver that protrudes from the ratchet head may cause some issues with obstructions, compared to regular ratchets that do not have one, but even then, an inline driver can be used for those applications.

For what it is and what it offers, this is an excellent option for edc. It has many useful features and the entire set comes in an extremely unobtrusive wallet that can be on a belt.
The main ratchet unit is nice and short, so this can be assembled or disassembled accordingly, to fit in specific pouches, tins, wallets, etc.
And the bits come in a bit holder, so even if you opt to ditch the wallet, the bits can still go in a pouch in their dedicated holder, instead of having them be loose.
Naturally, this design comes with its own pros and cons, and it will be up to you as to which outweigh which. If you want a regular right-angle ratchet, this is not one of those. If you need a t-handle ratchet, this will do nicely.
Recommended.




Pros
-T-handle design provides additional torque.
-Extremely compact kit.
-Many useful features for edc (knurled wheel, 90 teeth, inline drivers, belt loop, etc).
-Many different configurations possible.

Cons
-Second inline driver protrudes from ratchet head, more prone to obstructions.

If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[ReamerPunch]

This guy gets it!
Awesome video, he shows lots of mini ratchets with their features.

[gravelmonkey]

Portability
The set is very compact, tucking in its case nicely. The whole set with case weighs only 99 grams, and the case even has a belt loop, so this will go unnoticed on a belt or even pocket.
The ratchet main unit is only 75mm long, so it can fit in Altoids tins, edc pouches, multi-tool sheath side-sleeves, etc.

(Image removed from quote.)

What's the maxpedition (style) edc tool pouch and which of the knipex cobolts do you have in there- I'm looking for a similar arrangement, thanks!

To follow the keychain attachement discussion, I had a look on AliExpress and Google but it doesn't appear anyone makes a 1/4 in bit with a keychain hole to allow you to easily detach the driver from your keychain.

[ReamerPunch]

That's the Maxpedition EDC pocket organiser. Kinda big for a pocket though.
That's the CoBolt 160. The other Knipex tools are 150mm.

I'm happy with the 711L mini ratchet on my keys. It's on a circular carabiner with a double ended bit in the inline driver. If it's a quick tightening of a screw I don't even take the ratchet off my keys. A quick release ratchet would be interesting to see though.

[ReamerPunch]

Granite Rocknroll Ratchet set

(The ratchet can also be found branded by Blue Point, KS Tools, PowerTorque, Topeak)

Warranty: Lifetime
Weight: 29g
Set weight: 132g
Length: 93mm
Head width: 15mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 25.5mm (adds 0.5mm)
Teeth count: 52
Minimum swing arc: 7°
Bit retention: spring
Extension retention: magnet
In-line driver retention: magnet
Bit material: S2 steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $33 with 9 bits, extension, wallet
Bits:
Allen 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, Torx 25, Phillips 2


Accessories
The Granite Rocknroll Ratchet set comes with the ratchet, an extension, 9 bits, and a wallet to carry everything.
The extension is branded "Granite". The bits are color-coded, and made of S2 steel.

The wallet is single-stitched and has velcro closure. It is a trifold design, with elasticated webbing pockets for everything. There are also two tiny pockets for Quick Links, but the set does not contain any.
The dimensions and design could use some improvements.
There is a flap to prevent the ratchet and extension from simply coming out of their sleeves.
The issue is that the width is quite longer than the ratchet, and more so than the extension, so these can move significantly until they touch the flap, and the sleeves that hold the ratchet and extension do not run the entire length of the wallet. The extension has to almost completely come out of its sleeve until it meets the flap.
This could have been eliminated if the wallet width was shorter, and have the flap sit closer to the ratchet and extension.
Also, this is a trifold but every fold is quite narrow. The first fold holds the bits, the second holds the ratchet and extension, and the third fold is the lid.
There is no pocket or any room for anything else to be added to the kit, apart from two tiny pockets for bike chain links.
The set is available with black or camo wallet.



Dimensions
The Granite is the same exact ratchet as the Topeak Ratchet Rocket. 15mm wide head, 52 teeth, 93mm long, 29 grams heavy. Quite unobtrusive.


Bottom right: LaBear Folding, CROM, Anvanna, Pro Bike, Railer, Engineer, Granite, Geinxurn, Klein, Milwaukee, PrestaCycle, Rujoi Flex-head


Teeth Count
52 teeth for a 7 degree minimum swing. Quite good for a 15mm wide head.

Bit Retention
The same spring as the Topeak, Wera, Klein, etc. Retention is excellent.
The inline driver and extension have strong magnets, so stubby bits with thin tips may require pliers to be removed.

Bit compatibility
Thanks to the hole in the head, the Rocknroll ratchet can use double-ended and Leatherman bits. Regular and stubby bits have no issues.
The inline driver and extension cannot use double ended bits as they are too long to engage and be used.




Switch action
The action switch is ribbed, small, and with excellent detent. It does not wobble at all, it does not protrude enough to get caught on anything, and it will not be bumped accidentally, reversing the action.
The switch can be operated by just a fingertip, but a fingernail may be necessary, as the detent is quite strong and the switch itself quite small for it to be operated just by skin.

Ease of use
The switch can be operated quite easily with a fingernail; maybe not so easily with just a fingertip.
Stubby bits cannot be removed from the in-line driver easily.
Standard bits can be removed extremely easily, despite the ratchet having a strong spring.
The tool is small, with an extremely narrow head, and excellent head clearance with a bit inserted. The tool is still long enough and strong enough to perform well within the bicycle community.
The in-line driver is a much appreciated feature and works well. It would have been even better if the stem of the driver had some knurling, to provide traction.
The high teeth count and knurled finger wheel make things quick.
Both bit driver sockets are funnelled to make bit insertion easier.
The spring keeps the bits in place, and also holds the ratchet mechanism in the head, so this can be disassembled if needed.



Construction Quality
Like the Topeak, this is a high quality tool, with excellent fit and finish. Machining, assembly, finish, tolerances, centering, everything is flawless on this. There are no issues with this ratchet. It is very well-made, and it shows.
The wallet is quite good but not impressive. The edges of the outer layer of fabric have not been rolled, sealed, serged, or covered, so there are threads that will come apart. There is no noticeable fraying, but the outer threads are visibly loose. With normal use, this should last.
It would have been much better if this was addressed instead of being left unfinished.

Portability
At 29 grams and 93mm long, the Granite Rocknroll is on the small side of mini ratchets. It can sit comfortably in all sorts of pouches, pockets, pen sleeves, even tethered on gear with a clip through the hole in the head.
At 132 grams, the set is still quite lightweight.
It would have been nice if the wallet had space for other gear and edc items, like we have seen with other similar ratchet kits. The PrestaCycle and Blackburn ratchets had excellent wallets with pockets for more items. Even the Topeak had a small pocket and elastic webbing so it could also be expanded somewhat.
The Granite Rocknroll wallet is quite limited in this capacity.



Value
At $33 the Granite Rocknroll Ratchet set is certainly not on the cheap side. Still, it is an excellent purchase, considering the quality, capability, and probably most importantly, the lifetime warranty.

Conclusion
This review can be summed up in one sentence: Same ratchet as the Topeak, better warranty, worse wallet. The Granite is the exact same tool as the Topeak, except for the branding.
Topeak offers a two-year warranty with original purchase receipt. Granite offers a lifetime warranty. The only negative is the wallet. Topeak offers a better wallet, though not by much. The PrestaCycle and Blackburn wallets are the best options. They are nicely designed, hold items securely, and can hold more gear, not limited to tiny items.
Topeak is the undisputed king of edc and bike ratchets, always being among the first results in any such search. And to manage this with just two years of warranty is impressive, and good news for the Granite Rocknroll. The Granite is the exact same tool so the same features, quality, and capabilities, but also a lifetime warranty.
If the wallet seems unimpressive, then maybe the Blackburn or PrestaCycle will be better options.





Pros
-Lifetime warranty.
-Same dimensions, features, quality, portability as Topeak ratchet.

Cons
-Wallet has no extra space for more gear.
-Wallet is about an inch longer than it could be.
-Wallet outer edges are not finished and will start fraying.
-No set variations available other than wallet color.


If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[Farmer X]

(The ratchet can also be found branded by Topeak and Blue Point)

I'm pretty sure Blue Point is Snap-On's "budget line." However, I didn't see that particular ratchet (or the expected extortionate price) when I browsed the Snap-On catalog. Still, looks like it could be a pretty good set, even if the wallet leaves some to be desired.

[ReamerPunch]

Here's the BluePoint set. I see it in Amazon Japan occasionally. It does look nice. But I cannot justify the price. It's the Topeak/Granite ratchet set essentially. But for quite a lot more money. I'll get it if I find it for a reasonable price.

[Farmer X]

I do believe that is a Snap-On product...and I'm unsurprised you can't justify the price. Thanks for posting that photo!

[Sos24]

It sure does!
I've seen that before. And it's not that expensive. I would prefer an in-line driving socket instead of a bottle opener, but it does have several functions. Do you find the bottle-opener notch annoying at all?

It seems so many companies want to put bottle openers on everything.  I just don’t understand.  Why would you want a glass bottle around where you are working?

[Farmer X]

  That's why I will never use the can/bottle openers on either of my ST300s. They were exposed to oil, ATF, hydraulic fluid, and other such nasty chemicals...not exactly things I want mixing with my Jarritos.

[Ledernox]

A good combo with the new 711l mini ratchet is one part of the dewalt dw2336.
Can handle double sided bits, gives you extension and one extra place for bit to store.

[ReamerPunch]

A good combo with the new 711l mini ratchet is one part of the dewalt dw2336.
Can handle double sided bits, gives you extension and one extra place for bit to store.

Nice idea!

[ReamerPunch]

Blue Point BLPKSB004 mini ratchet is in!

[fullbreakfast]

A good combo with the new 711l mini ratchet is one part of the dewalt dw2336.
Can handle double sided bits, gives you extension and one extra place for bit to store.

I like your thinking. The DW2336 looks a useful thing to have.

[Farmer X]

Blue Point BLPKSB004 mini ratchet is in!

Just wish it would have included T6 and T8 bits...

[ReamerPunch]

Just wish it would have included T6 and T8 bits...

The picture of it and the one I got are different, and to be honest, I'd rather have the one in the picture, instead of the one I received, because of the Torx bits. But at least they are standard bits, so I can swap as I please.