EDC Bit Ratchets

[ReamerPunch]

Ratchets reviewed so far

[ReamerPunch]

I'm seeing many new mini ratchets.
Real Avid has a new T-Handle ratchet, in a couple different sets. Not too pricey.
That T-handle one from many brands now comes in a smaller, more compact set.
Railer seems to be releasing the mini ratchet with one of their bit holders.

[ReamerPunch]

Geinxurn has a set of three ratchets, extension, and box, but for less money you can get the Disen set, which is three ratchets, bit extension, socket extension, bits in holder, and a pouch that looks like those Maxpedition Platy pouches. Other companies seem to be jumping on the "multiple mini ratchets" train.

[ReamerPunch]

Geinxurn has been releasing many new ratchets and sets lately. I reviewed a small set by them, and I can tell you I'll get more.
I think that long ratchet is T-handle but completely pass-through, so not exactly like the PrestaCycle. It might be in the future...

[ReamerPunch]

Anvanna T-handle ratchet set

(Can also be found branded by Amir, Ankilo, Asnish, Bomivoi, Criacr, Doaho, Faireach, Fuduoa, JXTZ, Keekit, Kelin, Loficoper, MrTono, Olipiter, Oria, Saker, SakerPlus, Spedpai, Usuauu, Veysmou)

Weight: 51g with no extensions
Weight: 99g with all three extensions
Set weight: 455g
Length: 62mm with no extensions
Head width: 29mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 30 mm (adds 5mm)
Teeth count: 40
Minimum swing arc: 9°
Bit retention: magnet
Extension retention: magnet
In-line driver retention: magnet
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Aluminium alloy
Price: $30 with 32 regular bits, 8 long bits, 3 extensions, case

Bits:
Allen 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6.35, 8
Pozi 1, 2, 3
Slotted 3, 4, 5, 6,
Torx 5, 6
TamperProof Torx 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 40
Phillips 0, 1, 2, 3,
Spanner 4, 6

Long bits: Phillips 1, 2, Slotted 5, 6, Tamperproof Torx 15, 30, Allen 4, 5


Accessories
The Anvanna t-handle ratchet comes with 40 bits, three extensions, and a case.
32 bits are regular, with Phillips, Metric Allen, Torx, Tamperproof Torx, Slotted, Pozidriv.
8 bits are long bits, with sizes repeating in the regular bits.
The two extensions for the sides are identical. The longer extension can be used in any socket, but has to be in the ratcheting socket for the case to close properly.
The case is hard plastic, with a metal inlay on the top. The lid holds with long bits with yolks. These have held up with use.
The regular bits are held in by friction upright in the base. The two halves of the case are attached with proper hinges. The ratchet simply sits in its position and will not survive the upside-down test.
The case closes magnetically, with strong magnets. There is also a magnetizer gap inside.



Dimensions
The main ratchet part is 62 mm long, and can be tucked in tins and pouches, but it is quite wide at 29mm, and weighs 51 grams. The ratchet with all three extensions attached weighs 99 grams, so this will be heavier than most.
The ratchet adds 5mm to a bits clearance.


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

Teeth Count
This has 40 teeth, so a 9 degree minimum swing. This would be considered low for a regular right-angle ratchet, but for this, it is less important.

Bit Retention
All bit drivers on this have magnets that are perfectly strong for bits and the extensions it comes with.

Bit compatibility
No bit driver on this is deep enough for double-ended bits. Regular, stubby, long, impact, these are ok.



Switch action
The switch is just a touch longer than usual, and quite flat, and a perfect stadium shape.
It sits in a perfectly flat surface, with no scallops or anything, so it is very easy to operate.

Ease of use
This is a t-handle ratchet, and the idea behind its design seems to be more torque and better reach, hence the three extensions and long bits.
Having 40 teeth or adding 5mm to a bit's clearance is less of an issue for this design.
The three extensions offer multiple configurations and grips, depending on the required torque, reach, and comfort.
The switch is easy to use and won't get reversed accidentaly.
The bits are very easy to identify and easy to insert and remove. The bit selection is extensive with many sizes of Metric Allen, Tamperproof Torx, slotted, even long bits.
This is made out of an aluminium alloy, so it is lighter than the size would suggest.
The case has a magnetizer should one be needed.

Being a t-handle design, the ratchet needs more clearance to spin, so this ratchet may have issues with bits too close to obstructions. Still, for these applications, an inline driver can be used.



Construction Quality
Construction quality appears quite good, more than a set like this would suggest.
The case is nicely made, closes properly with strong magnets, and has proper hinges. Everything sits perfectly in their spot.
The bits are well-made, nice and crisp. The extensions fit perfectly on the main body with very little wobble.
The ratchet mechanism works properly, smoothly, with no grittiness, grinding, and jamming.

Portability
Portability seems to have been a bit lower on the list of priorities for this set.
Being an aluminium alloy, the ratchet is definitely more lightweight than if it were steel. However, it is still quite heavier than most.
The entire set weighs 455 grams, certainly not conducive to edc in any way.
The ratchet can still be kept in an edc pouch, or pen sleeve. Disassembled, it can also fit in an Altoids tin.



Value
With 32 regular bits, 8 long bits, three extensions, and a nice case, this is a good purchase for $30.
There are similar sets to this, without the long bits, and only 24 regular bits, for $25.
There is also a set with only the ratchet parts and 8 bits, in a compact case, for $20.

Conclusion
This set seems to be ubiquitous, coming under many, many brands. It is certainly an interesting design, though maybe not perfect for edc.
The entire case is very heavy and quite bulky. The ratchet itself is also quite heavy, with all three extensions attached.
And as this is a t-handle design, it comes with its own set of quirks.

This is not a bad option by any means. The ratchet disassembles into small parts that fit in Altoids tins and edc pouches etc.
It is well-made, comfortable, and offers nice reach and torque. Lastly, and arguably most importantly, it costs $30 and can be found on discount from time to time.  That is an excellent price for such a versatile tool, especially considering that it comes with an extensive bit set, and a good, proper case.





Pros
-Good value for money.
-Extensive set with ratchet, extensions, 40 bits, nice case.
-Many different configurations possible.

Cons
-T-handle head is more prone to obstructions.
-Not a low-clearance tool.
-Entire set is too heavy for edc.

If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[Farmer X]

Sometimes a T-handle is just the tool I need. I like the ability to use this one as a more conventional driver, too. As I don't carry such things, this could fit really well in my tool kit. Thanks for putting it on my radar!

[ReamerPunch]

It is also available with just 8 bits, in a much more compact case. Brand is Bomivoi.

[ReamerPunch]

Heads up for fans of Klein Tools. Klein will be releasing a smaller version of the 32787 Mod Box bit and driver set that has the bit ratchet. The smaller set will have  part number 32787S. It has the smaller compact Mod Box and ratchet bit driver. The set will now have a hex to 1/4” drive adapter which the larger set was missing. I will be picking up this set once it releases. I hope this will help someone out.

RP, I didn’t know where else to put this. This seemed like the most logical place since it contains a bit ratchet.

JonesE

Almost four months later, and I am still waiting for the Klein 32787-S set to appear in Amazon.
It looks like a nice set, and the ratchet seems different than the rest I have. It would be nice to review another Klein mini ratchet.
I would have liked to see a few more bits in the empty space in the case, though. Maybe even the flip socket extension, instead of a generic extension.
I guess I'll wait some more.

[ReamerPunch]

New version of the Klein mini ratchet.

[ReamerPunch]

Now this is interesting...

[ReamerPunch]

This is branded Beroza, and it looks really nice. Knurling on the body, inline driver, compact case. 
But Amazon Japan does not ship it to Australia.

[ReamerPunch]

Vessel mini ratchet set. 36 4mm bits, extension, and ratchet. Same price as the 711L, but the 711L comes with 2 bits and a tiny tin.
I was thinking about getting the 711L, and I am glad I waited.

[ReamerPunch]

711L has released the 4mm bit ratchet with knurling on the body. This would be useful on standard bit ratchets too.
LaBear has their own version of the CROM now, 60 teeth and t-handle, and five bits. And it's cheaper than the CROM, which does not come with bits. So, LaBear has the worst and best edc ratchet now.
Vim has a mini ratchet, similar to the 711L and CROM. It comes with the t-handle extension, but the ratchet is not t-handle capable. Weird. And expensive.
711L mini ratchet for double-ended bits, and also t-handle capable. But the t-handle extension is sold separately.
711L has also released a mini ratchet with a deeper in-line driver, for double-ended bits. Not t-handle. I like the red accents, but why not have knurling on there?

[ReamerPunch]

Even though the Crom mini ratchet looks identical to the 711L, it has more teeth and is t-handle capable, and it costs essentially the same.
Until another mini ratchet with the same dimensions but more features appears, the Crom is the undisputed champion of keychain ratchets.

Well, here we are. LaBear has released their own set of mini ratchet and extension. Identical to the CROM set, plus 5 bits in a tiny bit holder, and it costs less. I do not think I will get it, so I cannot 100% say that the LaBear is the same high quality of the CROM set, but it would appear that LaBear is the key-chain t-handle ratchet to beat.

Prices are USD

[ReamerPunch]

Wera Tool-Check Plus 1

Warranty: Lifetime
Ratchet weight: 55g
Set weight: 437g
Length: 87mm
Head width: 18mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 27mm (adds 2mm)
Teeth count: 60
Minimum swing arc: 6°
Bit retention: spring
In-line driver: no
Bit material: Chrome-Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome-Vanadium steel
Price: $100 with 29 bits, 7 sockets, bit extender, small bit driver handle, bit ratchet, and holder

Bits:

PH1 x2, PH2 x3, PH3 x1
PZ1, PZ2 x3, PZ3 x1
Allen 3, 4, 5, 6, 8
Torx 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40
TamperProof Torx 10, 15, 20, 25, 30
Slotted 5.5
Square socket drive adapter

Sockets: 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13


Versions
The Tool-Check Plus 1 and Plus 2 are evolutions of the original Tool-Check Plus. They feature a few changes in bit selection and in the holder set-up. The original holder had a button on the front to release the bit holders. The Plus 1 and Plus 2 have a big green slider on the side. The original had very little room in the socket rail, whereas the Plus 1 and 2 have about 3cm of free space, so if you can source a clip or two, you can add a couple of sockets. Apart from the holder saying Tool-Check PLUS 1 (or 2) on it, an easy way to distinguish between them and the original is to check the colours: on the Plus 1 and 2, the ring that secures the bit driver, the slider that secures the ratchet, and the slider that unlocks the bit holders are all Wera green. On the original Tool-Check Plus, these are black and transparent, colour-less plastic, and there is no side slider at all.

Accessories
The Wera Tool-Check Plus 1 comprises of 29 bits, 7 sockets, an extension, a bit ratchet, a small bit driver handle, and a holder for everything.
No component is impact-rated, which is a shame considering the price.

The bits are held in by friction in two rows. To access them, a latch on the side of the holder allows them to pivot out 90 degrees. The two rows are separate pieces and one can pivot away from the other about 10 degrees, to make them easier to remove. The set is comprehensive, if a little redundant. The TamperProof Torx are repeated in the regular Torx bits. The Phillips bits contain many repeats, as do the Pozidriv bits.
There is no information on bit material anywhere on the bits, box, website, or listing of this in any website that I could find.
The Pozidriv bits are coated with Titanium-Nitrite. Bits are Chrome-Vanadium, and not impact-rated.

There are seven sockets. These are mostly small. With all sockets pushed to one side, there are 3cm of space in the holder. The space could have been used to have a couple extra sockets on there, or have two or three larger sizes instead of the small ones.

The extension is the standard short Wera Rapidaptor. Bits can be pushed in and will lock. To remove a bit, the collar has to be pushed forward.

The handle is the smallest Kraftform handle available, other than the ratchet. It is like a very thin stubby. It is quite comfortable for light use, but does not fill the hand as it is quite thinner than a regular stubby.

The bit ratchet is the Wera Mini Zyklop 1, reviewed in this thread a while ago. Hefty, short, lots of back-drag, 60 teeth, knurled finger wheel.



Dimensions
The ratchet is rather heavy at 55g for its size, but it is only 87mm long, so definitely on the shorter side of the spectrum.

The entire kit is smaller that it looks. It is the size of an average phone when in a bi-fold wallet. Certainly longer than most cases we have seen, but slim enough for a pouch or bag pocket.


Bottom right: CROM, Vessel 4mm, Sundry, Ares, Wera, Tone, Railer, Blue-Point, WorkPro, Victorinox

Teeth Count
The ratchet has 60 teeth, which is above average, and gives a return angle of only 6 degrees. This is the same head as the Tone BR ratchet.

Bit Retention
Bits are held quite firmly, with the same rectangular spring found on similar ratchets, like the Tone, PrestaCycle, Topeak, etc. To aid removing bits, push from the back of the head.

The bit driver handle has a magnet that is quite strong. Stubby bits with pointy tips may require pliers to remove.

Retention in the Rapidaptor is as good as it gets, as bits lock. It also has a magnet to hold onto the bits when it is in the unlocked position.

Bit compatibility
The ratchet has a hole in the head, which allows double-ended bits to be used. It is of course fine to use with standard and stubby bits.

The bit driver handle is too shallow for double-ended bits, but fine with stubby bits.
The Rapidaptor is too deep for stubby bits, but works just fine with double ended bits, although they will not lock.



Switch action
The ratchet switch is tiny and tucked behind the head. Good retention, no chance of accidentally bumping it.

Ease of use
The holder does a great job of holding everything while keeping things quick to access. The bits are released with a latch and the two bit rows pivot away from each other a little, to make it easier to identify and remove a bit.
The ratchet, extension, and bit driver offer excellent versatility and options depending on what is needed. The Rapidaptor is locking so no bits will fall-out. Even at the unlocked position, there is a magnet to prevent bits from falling out.
The Pozidriv bits are coated with Titanium-Nitrite and are easy to distinguish from Phillips bits.
The Tool-Check Plus is a comprehensive set, and performance level is high thanks to the quality of each component.

Note that no components are impact-rated.

Also, this set is on a caddy, and not a box or wallet. Sets in wallets or boxes are easy to expand by adding a few more bits, drill bits, Allen keys, an extension, etc. Sure, these would be loose in a box, but once closed, they would be secure. Having the Tool-Check be a caddy limits things. There is no easy way to add additional accessories, other than replacing the bit repeats, or adding a couple of sockets to the rail, if you can find compatible socket clips. Bits can be stored in the bit holder, Rapidaptor, and ratchet, but these will stick out so this is an inelegant solution.

The Tool-Check Plus caddy seems easy to compromise. If your ratchet kit is in a box, and you crack the box, it will probably still hold up even if it is not easy to patch with some glue or tape. If the Tool-Check caddy cracks, it will most likely be a much serious issue.

An additional point is replacing components. If you lose something from a set that comes in a box, it is easy enough to replace with something of similar size. Of course, the bits and sockets on the Tool-Check Plus are standard, but if you happen to lose the small bit driver handle or ratchet, no others will fit on the holder.

There is a generic Tool-Check Plus nylon case, but it will add to the already high price, and if you are getting both the Tool-Check Plus and the case, why not go for a similar set that comes in a box or tin anyway?



Construction Quality
As expected with a Wera tool set, everything exhibits a high level of quality. Everything is well-made, with excellent fit and finish. All components are properly made and finished, with no imperfections. They fit their holder and drivers perfectly. Nothing is crude, unfinished, inconsistent.

Portability
The ratchet by itself is rather short, and will fit nicely in al Altoids tin or a pouch. It has a hole in the head so it can be attached to other gear with a clip.

The caddy as a whole is rather large compared to the usual ratchet kit cases, but it is still small and slim enough for a -large- tool pouch or a bag. It will be rather heavy, though.



Value
The Wera Mini Zyklop 1 ratchet was reviewed in this thread a while ago, and it was recommended. Kind of, anyway. It is a high quality mini ratchet that is better than many. It did come with only a square socket adapter, so it is a little expensive. Compared to the entire Tool-Check Plus 1, the ratchet will not win. The Tool-Check Plus 1 can be found for as little as $65, maybe less if you get really lucky. The ratchet with only the socket adapter is $33. For double the price, you can get the ratchet, 29 bits, 7 sockets, Rapidaptor, bit driver, and caddy. This is a much better deal and makes much more sense. Or does it?


Conclusion
Compared to buying just the ratchet with socket adapter, the Tool-Check Plus 1 seems like an incredible deal. Double the price of the ratchet and adapter, for fifty times the versatility. It would seem like a no brainer. Well, if Wera tools were the only tools around, then yes, it would be. However, that is not the case. There are still many things to consider with the Tool-Check Plus 1.

Sure, it is a better deal than just the ratchet with adapter, but this is only when the Tool-Check Plus 1 is on discount. For its full price of around $100, you can find a ton of alternatives. It is interesting to see that many companies in recent years are releasing their own versions of ratchet set caddies, as if to copy Wera's success. The Tool-Check line has been very successful, and it seems that the holder is a big part of this. This is curious, to say the least. Having a box or even a proper metal case is a much more durable and versatile option. And ratchet sets of this kind have existed for far longer than the Tool-Check line.

Even at discount, there are a few things to be taken into account. For such an expensive set, it is a little disappointing that no components are impact-rated. The bits are made of Chromium-Vanadium, which is the standard choice of even the cheapest sets. Granted, Wera Chromium-Vanadium is better than no-name Chromium-Vanadium, but we have seen some very inexpensive sets have S2 bits. It is a little surprising that material information on the Tool-Check Plus line is nigh non-existent. There is no information on the bits themselves, or on the box, or the item listing, not even on Wera's official website.

The Tool-Check Plus 1 being better value for money than just getting the Mini Zyklop ratchet is also relative. This thread's objective is to investigate mini ratchets as edc options. If you are looking for a mini ratchet to add to your mini tool kit or edc pouch etc, then it makes little sense to get this entire kit. Few people will edc this, and it makes even less sense to get this kit and just carry the ratchet.

This is recommended, as long as you consider the caveats. It is a comprehensive set of high quality components. The holder is quite compact, and the ratchet is definitely among the best in this thread. Now, if you are looking for an inexpensive set, or a box, or a lightweight set, or even a standalone ratchet to add to your tiny edc pouch or even your keys, then maybe go back a few pages.






Pros
-Lifetime warranty.
-High quality.
-Comprehensive set.
-Can be regularly found on discount.
-Many variations, as well as both Imperial and Metric.
-Better value than buying just the ratchet.

Cons
-Expensive.
-Material information is not readily available.
-Bits are only Chrome-Vanadium.
-No component is impact-rated.
-Holder does not allow easy storage of additional items.
-A lot of redundancy in bits.

If you liked this ratchet, also check out:

[ReamerPunch]

Rockbros new mini ratchet. 8 bits and case.

[ReamerPunch]

New Topeak ratchet. 60NM, looks like the Prestacycle, with a different head. Knurled long bits. I can't see how many teeth though. And expensive.