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. 34 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