EDC Bit Ratchets

[ReamerPunch]

Giant Ratchet Tool

(can also be found branded by Liv, the sister company of Giant Bicycles)
Weight: 32g
Kit weight: 123g
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
In-line driver bit socket: Yes
In-line driver socket bit retention: magnet
Bit material: S2 steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $22, with 9 S2 steel bits
Bits: Flat 4, Allen 2/2.5/3/4/5/6, Torx 10/25

Accessories
The Giant comes with nine S2 steel bits, a bit holder, and a plastic case with rubber friction caps on both ends. When closed there is some rattling but a foam pocket is included, to cushion the set a little. The bit holder has eight slots, and a loop which is a little large to hold a bit tightly. The ratchet cannot fit in the case with the bit in either socket. The ninth bit can be carried in the loop if it is lined with some plastic to make it fit tighter. Or it could be carried at the bottom of the foam pocket, under the rest of the bits. Note that the set does not come with any Phillips bits, so this may require some additions to function as an edc kit. Still, Phillips bits are extremely common and easy to source.



Dimensions
This is minuscule, with the same length and ratcheting head of the PK ratchet and their kin (Topeak, Katana, Sonic, Granite, etc). It is marginally heavier than the PK, at 32 grams, and its stem flairs to one end. This is insignificant size-wise, and it will occupy virtually the same space as the PK ratchet.

Teeth Count
The exact same head as the PK Tools ratchet, the Giant has 52 teeth, for a 7 degree swing arc. This is quite impressive for how tiny the head is and makes the ratchet easy to use even in confined spaces.



Bit Retention
The spring on the Giant is not as tight as the PK ratchet spring, making bits easier to remove. The spring is by no means weak, and holds the bits firmly.
The magnet on the Giant is smaller than the PK ratchet's magnet, allowing for stubby bits to be removed without hassle, while still holding them securely.

Bit compatibility
Stubby bits can be removed easily from either end.
Standard double-ended bits and Leatherman bits can be used in the ratcheting head, as long as one end is thin enough to pass through the hole.
The in-line driver socket is too shallow for double-ended bits to engage, so they turn freely and cannot be used. Leatherman bits barely engage, but can be used in a pinch, although they will have a lot of movement left and right.



Standard bits that have a more pointed back, like Wiha bits, bottom out flush with the bit retention disk. This makes the head add no length to the bit, essentially allowing the bit clearance to be the same length as the bit. This also allows those bits to be removed very easily, by pushing the back end with a thumb.

PK on the left, with a common Chrome Vanadium bit, does not sit flush; the ratchet head adds 0.5mm to the bit.
Giant on the right, with a standard Wiha bit. It sits flush with the back of the ratchet head, no length added.


Switch action
The switch is different than that of the PK ratchet. While both sit in a scalloped spot to aid use, the Giant's switch is also fluted for its entire length, which allows it to be operated a little more easily. It is low-profile, it does not protrude at all, and has no wobble.

Ease of use
Although the Giant looks like the PK with only a few cosmetic differences, this is not the whole story. The in-line driver's magnet of the Giant is smaller, so stubby bits will not require pliers to remove them. The spring is also not as overly tight as the PK ratcheting head, so again, bits are a little easier to use. The switch is also different, easier to operate with a thumb.
The Giant has a finger groove which improves ergonomics when using the in-line driver. Although no knurling exists, this groove offers a natural position for your thumb and index to lock in, and the tool will not slip.
There is also a knurled finger wheel on the ratcheting end, to make quick work of somewhat loose screws.
Of course, the 52 teeth allow for a seven degree swing, making it quick to use. There are other ratchets with higher teeth counts, but they are not as tiny as this.
The top rubber cap has ridged sides to make it easier to remove. The bottom cap can also be removed, and they are interchangeable. They are friction caps and fit the case very securely.
The branding, drawing, and list of bits are printed on the case, so they will wear off eventually.



Construction Quality
Flawless. The Giant ratchet has excellent fit and finish. Everything is chamfered beautifully. The finish is consistent. The magnet is perfectly centered. The ratcheting action switch has no play. The ratcheting socket has been fitted perfectly with even less wobble than the PK. The writing on the knurled wheel is also a bit more crisp and easier to read compared to the PK ratchet.
The bits and case are also excellent, with precision machining and tight fitment.

Portability
The Giant comes in a flat carrying case, that will fit in any pocket. There is also some room for a couple more bits. The included foam pocket will help cushion the set in the case and limit rattling.

The ratchet itself is microscopic and will fit in any edc pouch, occupying very little real estate. It will also fit in a pen sleeve. The hole in the ratcheting end also allows the ratchet to be clipped to a pack or even belt-loop with a quick release clip or carabiner.



Value
This costs a bit more than the PK ratchet, and includes nine S2 steel bits, a bit holder, foam pocket, and a plastic carrying case with rubber caps.

Conclusion
This may seem expensive at first glance, but the Giant is quite different than the PK. The magnet is smaller, the spring is not as tight, and the switch is easier to operate. The quality is even higher, the ergonomics are better, and it has nine S2 steel bits and a nice case, and it is not much more expensive. If you are only after a tiny ratchet, get the PK. If you are after an even better tiny ratchet with great bits and a case, get the Giant.



Pros
-S2 steel bits.
-Exceptional quality and finish.
-Comes with case.
-Knurled disk allows quick turning of loose fasteners with fingertips.
-Ratchet end compatible with many double-ended bits.
-Being able to refer to a micro ratchet as "Giant" is amusing.

Cons
-None.

[GearedForwards]

Looks like we have a pull away leader 

[ReamerPunch]

Very true. The most impressive thing about the Giant is that I had no cons to list. It really is that good. And it's still inexpensive. 

Granted, it is still a micro ratchet, so not exceptionally robust, but I did not hold that against the PK ratchet, so I am not holding it against the Giant either. These micro ratchets are still strong enough for what they are.

[ReamerPunch]

CyclingDeal Cigar Tool Kit ratchet

(can also be found branded by JCool, OG Evkin, RockBros, and X-Tools)
Weight: 52g
Kit weight: 151g
Length: 104mm
Head width: 17mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 30mm (adds 5mm)
Teeth count: 72
Minimum swing arc: 5°
Bit retention: magnet
In-line driver bit socket: yes
In-line driver socket bit retention: magnet
Bit material: S2 steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $36 with 6 S2 steel impact bits, bit holder cylinder, aluminium container, and mounting bracket)

Accessories
This comes with six bits, a bit holder, a waterproof aluminium case, and a bracket to mount it on a bicycle frame.
The bit holder resembles a revolver's cylinder and holds six standard bits. In the middle is a metal peg, held in by friction. This protrudes into the in-line driving socket, to allow the ratchet to hold onto it with the magnet.



Dimensions
This is the longest ratchet yet. The head is relatively narrow, and it is still short enough for an edc pouch. The stem is robust, lending to the tool's strength.



Teeth Count
The ratchet has 72 teeth, which is impressive for such a narrow head. This allows for a five degree swing arc which makes turning fasteners a quick process.

Bit Retention
The bits are held in place with magnets in both driving sockets. The magnets are strong, but both sockets are shallower than most, so stubby bits can still be removed easily.

Bit compatibility
Stubby bits are easy to remove, thanks to both bit sockets being shallower than usual. Neither standard double-ended bits nor Leatherman bits can be used with this. Both driving sockets are way too shallow for these long bits to engage and be able to turn.

The bit holder cylinder holds the bits by friction. The bits that came in the set are held firmly, but some bits from other sets were loose in the holder, and will fall out the holder and bang around in the capsule.



Switch action
The switch is oversized, making it extremely easy to operate. It has a strong detent and does not protrude from the sides of the frame, so it will not get turned accidentally. It does protrude a bit at the top, and may catch on things during use.

Ease of use
The high teeth count allows for a low swing arc, making it quick to turn fasteners, even in limited space.
There is a knurled finger wheel for quick work.
The tool is long, providing excellent torque and grip.
The switch is large, very easy to operate.
The driver sockets are shallow, so even though the magnets are strong, bits can be removed with no issues.
The ratcheting assembly is held in place with a plate and a Torx 6 screw, making it easy to disassemble for maintenance.



Construction Quality
This is a high quality tool. The finish is flawless. The ratcheting mechanism has a minuscule amount of wobble in the frame. It has a high teeth count in a narrow head, and the mechanism works beautifully. The bits are S2 steel and finished perfectly.
The aluminium case has a screw-cap on each end. All parts are machined exceptionally well, making it waterproof.
The ratchet sits on the magnetized bit holder, and the whole assembly fits in the tube perfectly and silently.

Portability
The aluminium capsule comes with a mounting bracket, and holds the ratchet and bits tightly. Still, there is a lot of unused space. The bit carrier could be longer, offering more bit positions, to make it more of an attractive option.
The ratchet itself is on the larger side as far as mini ratchets go. It is still compact, and will still fit nicely in a pen slot or an edc pouch.



Value
A high quality item, this set costs a fair amount. It comes with high quality bits and a nice aluminium capsule.
Still, for the price, it could have more bits, or at least a larger bit holder, to offer more bit storage. As it is, users will have to add bits as they see fit, since this comes with only six of them.

Conclusion
This is a very well-made tool. It has many nice features, and it comes with good quality bits and a good carrying option.
Still, this is larger than the typical compact ratchet, it is fairly expensive, it comes with only six bits, and the included aluminium capsule leaves a lot of unused space. Because the ratcheting driver has a magnet, this adds 5mm of length to an inserted bit, compromising the head clearance.

Some compact ratchets may be too compact for people with larger hands, so this may be perfect. It is longer, stronger, nicely made, and has a high teeth count, an in-line driver, a knurled finger wheel, and a nice container. It is easy to use and to disassemble. It also comes under many different brands, so it may be found for less.
 


Pros
-S2 steel impact bits.
-Exceptional quality and finish.
-Robust and long handle provides excellent torque.
-Comes with high quality container and mounting bracket.
-Very high teeth count in a narrow head.
-Easy to disassemble.
-Knurled disk allows quick turning of loose fasteners with fingertips.

Cons
-High price.
-Heavier and bulkier than other options.
-The aluminium capsule leaves a lot of wasted space.

[Aloha]

Another two nice entries.  We certainly have a leader with the Giant.  I too appreciate a bit drive at the end as well.  Makes sense to utilize the entire tool.  Double ratcheting ratchet?  The driver end like the LM ratchet bit driver  .   Might be a bulky tool but neat. 

[ReamerPunch]

CyclingDeal Cigar Tool Kit ratchet

Show content

A couple of notes regarding this.
There is a lot of unused space in the tube. I am going to get the amartisan screwdriver and see if I can modify the bitholders to fit in the ratchet tube. Of course, this increases the already high price of the CyclingDeal ratchet, but I would like to see if it can be done. And the ratcheting screwdriver is quite inexpensive.




Also the Wiha and CyclingDeal ratchets have the exact same ratcheting head. But they are almost the same price, and the Wiha has a ton more bits. But no in-line driver. I do think the Wiha is a better deal, but I already have that ratchet head, so I do not know if I will bother getting it. From what I have seen in the CyclingDeal ratchet, that particular ratchet head is fine. 72 teeth, and the switch is easy to operate. But the head adds a lot of length to a bit, and the switch is a little too big.

[ReamerPunch]

Another two nice entries.  We certainly have a leader with the Giant.  I too appreciate a bit drive at the end as well.  Makes sense to utilize the entire tool.  Double ratcheting ratchet?  The driver end like the LM ratchet bit driver  .   Might be a bulky tool but neat.

The Giant sure is sweet.

The Titan Swivel-head ratchet does that kind of. The swivel head allows 90° driving, and in-line driving, and everything in between. I've got it on the way.

[BadMechanic]

Very nice. Looking to get something similar. Great reviews 

[m47mu74nt]

Another kit to consider : FACOM RPICO  (https://www.amazon.fr/Coffret-Cliquet-compact-serrage-Facom/dp/B01DB95XC6)
I'm thinking of getting one

[ReamerPunch]

Another kit to consider : FACOM RPICO  (https://www.amazon.fr/Coffret-Cliquet-compact-serrage-Facom/dp/B01DB95XC6)
I'm thinking of getting one

That is the same head as the Prestacycle one, and it also offers T-handle configuration feature. US and Aus Amazon do not have the Facom one. I do have the Prestacycle coming soon.
I've got a total of seven ratchets on the way. A few big players in the edc scene, a couple of random ones, and a couple that I've never seen mentioned before.

[ReamerPunch]

Bosch 26-piece Ratchet Set

Weight: 48g
Length: 94mm
Head width: 15mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 31mm (adds 6mm)
Teeth count: 48
Minimum swing arc: 7.5°
Bit retention: magnet
In-line driver bit socket: no
In-line driver socket bit retention: -
Bit material: S2 steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $20 with 4 sockets, 19 impact bits, a socket adapter, a bit extension, and a case
Bits:
Torx 10/15/20/25/30
Flat 4/5/6, Phillips 1/2/2/3
Allen 3/4/5/6
Pozi 1/2/3,
1/4" square socket adapter
Sockets: 6/8/10/13

Accessories
The set consists of nineteen bits, a socket adapter, four metric sockets, a bit extension, the ratchet, and a nice little case to store it all. The case has retention on all parts. It survives the upside down test, with nothing falling out. Everything is easy to identify and remove from the case, with nothing getting in the way of anything else. The case also has a retractable hanging loop.



Dimensions
At 15mm, this has the same width head as the cycling micro ratchets, like the Topeak, Giant, PK Tools, etc. The bit clearance is not the same, though. Because the Bosch uses a magnet for bit retention, the ratchet head adds 6mm to the bit's length, as opposed to the micro ratchets with a hole, which add almost no length to the bit. The ratcheting bit socket itself protrudes from the body, so even with no bit, this makes the ratchet unable to sit flat in a pouch.



Teeth Count
There are 48 teeth, which give a 7.5 degree swing arc. This is perfectly acceptable, and makes the ratchet rather easy to work with.

Bit Retention
Bits are held in place with a magnet. This makes the ratcheting slot clearance higher than that of the other tools. The magnet is rather strong, making stubby bits a little difficult to remove.

Bit compatibility
Stubby bits sink deep in the socket, and combined with the powerful magnet, they are hard to remove.
Standard double-ended bits will not work since they are too long to engage and turn properly in the driver socket.
Leatherman bits can be used to an extent, since they can be turned, but only a short length engages with the bit socket, and they can move significantly from side to side.



Switch action
The switch has rather low detent. It has a flat base but sits on a curve, and it is also too long for the frame. This makes it protrude quite significantly from the frame, making it easy to catch on objects. Combined with the low detent, it is easy for the switch to be bumped accidentally.

Ease of use
The handle is off-set from the head and has a narrow neck but flared body. This helps ergonomics, with the narrow neck offering a natural position for the user's fingers. The flared body also fills the hand and is nicely chamfered. The narrow head and decent teeth count also aid in ease of use.
The set sits nicely in the case. All parts are easily identifiable and accessible without getting in each other's way.
The switch is rather poorly designed, seeing how much it protrudes and how weak the detent is.
There is no knurled finger wheel and no in-line bit socket.



Construction Quality
The ratchet appears well made. The ratcheting socket has little wobble in the frame. The bits fit in well with minimal play. The body is highly polished with no grind marks or imperfections. Edges are nicely chamfered. The magnet is strong and holds the bits firmly.
The ratcheting mechanism has some play in the frame, but this is minimal and does not hinder performance.
The switch has some wobble to all directions, and protrudes way too much. This may have been made for another ratchet, and simply used for his one to cut costs.
The case suits the set. Everything sits in there neatly. The set is well organized and there is little wasted space. The lid's snap holds onto the bottom securely and the set can be turned upside down with nothing falling out of its spot.

Portability
Although short and thin, the ratchet may be awkward to carry in a pouch, due to the elongated ratcheting socket. This protrudes enough already, and the handle is off-set in the opposite direction, making the ratchet take more space than it would seem.
It being a set, it makes sense to leave it in its case. Although it will fit in a cargo pocket, there will be some rattle, and it will take way too much space for what the set has. The ratchet is still on the small side, so it will fit in pouches with its bits, although a bit sleeve will be needed to carry them.



Value
This kit is inexpensive and quite thorough. There are nineteen bits, made out of S2 steel, and rated for impact drivers. There also also four metric sockets and an adapter to use them. There is also a bit extension. Everything fits nicely in the case and it closes securely.

Conclusion
A decent kit, but the attention was given to the bits. There are nineteen impact-rated S2 steel bits. These are what makes the kit a good purchase. The ratchet is a compliment to the bit set. It is decent, and works well within the kit. It is not the best ratchet for edc, considering the sub-optimal shape and lack of a knurled finger wheel and in-line driver. The switch is also not well thought-out, and the ratcheting socket protrudes a little too much for the tool to ride comfortably in an edc pouch.

Still, this is not a bad ratchet set. There are many bits, a few sockets, an extension, and a ratchet that has good ergonomics and is quite robust. For $20, this is a good purchase, and it can be found on discount on occasion.



Pros
-A nice assortment of S2 steel impact bits.
-Inexpensive.
-Good ergonomics.

Cons
-Ratcheting switch protrudes way too much.
-No in-line bit driver.
-Sub-optimal shape for edc.

[m47mu74nt]

That is the same head as the Prestacycle one, and it also offers T-handle configuration feature. US and Aus Amazon do not have the Facom one. I do have the Prestacycle coming soon.
I've got a total of seven ratchets on the way. A few big players in the edc scene, a couple of random ones, and a couple that I've never seen mentioned before.

Prestacycle's one looks cool too, and is even cheaper ! (but doesn't seem have the bendable head, depends on the intended use)

[ReamerPunch]

Prestacycle and Topeak have arrived.

[GearedForwards]

Prestacycle and Topeak have arrived.
(Image removed from quote.)

Looking forward to your thoughts on the Topeak, I'm still tempted by it 

[ReamerPunch]

More ratchets!
This package must have been the fastest from Amazon. Just a week.

Titan Swivel Head
Aeloa key-chain ratchet
GreaTalent ratchet kit.
Ovatt ratchet kit
And Engineer pliers with the cover.

[ReamerPunch]

 
Pending reviews:

[ReamerPunch]

 
Big thanks to m47mu74nt whose generosity helped get me this!

[m47mu74nt]

You're welcome, I am glad I helped
I really wanted to see the Vic kit compete against all these (very) nice ratchets 

Are these engineer pliers you got the quite famous 'Vampliers'? I'm considering buyig a pair for awhile now, but never pulled the trigger

[ReamerPunch]

I'll review the Victorinox first.

Here are the three Engineer pliers I have.
P57. The small one. Only works on small screws, pretty good, decent leverage.
P55. Simple dipped handles. Good leverage. Much larger head. Also has teeth behind pivot.
P58. Amazingly soft, comfortable rubber handles. Spring-loaded pliers. Also has wire-cutters. Got the matching cap to keep the tool closed. These were $30, dropped to $22, so I got them.

Finish is not perfect, but the tolerances are.

[m47mu74nt]

 
Now I really want to get one (one is sometimes like '2' written in binary, but read in decimal) 

(thank you for the review, but don't think I am in a hurry, or maybe I am , but I also am for any other of your ratchet reviews  )

[ReamerPunch]

I'll post the last review of ratchets I already had, before all these came in the mail. Then I'll start working on the new arrivals.

There are seven ratchets that I have, that have not been reviewed:
1. Victorinox
2. Topeak Rocket
3. Prestacycle Pro T-handle
4. Aeloa keychain ratchet
5. Ovatt ratchet set
6. GreaTalent ratchet set
7. Titan Swivel Head

I'll do the Victorinox first out of those. Does anyone have any preferences as to which should follow?

[ReamerPunch]

Trojan Mini Ratchet Set
Weight: 49g
Length: 95mm
Head width: 19mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 30mm (adds 5mm)
Teeth count: 60
Minimum swing arc: 6°
Bit retention: magnet
In-line driver bit socket: yes
In-line driver socket bit retention: magnet
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $16 with 5 sockets, 13 bits, a socket adapter, a bit extension, and a case
Bits: Flat 4/5.5/6.5, Phillips 1/2/3, Allen 3/4/5/6, Torx 10/15/20/25, socket adapter
Sockets: 4/5/6/8/10

Accessories
The Trojan comes in a case, with bits, sockets, and an extension. A solid kit, but the case was not made for this set, so it is much bulkier than it needs to be. Nothing falls out of its position when the case is flipped or shaken.
(Note: My case was modified to accommodate a longer extension, as the set's extension was taken for another kit).



Dimensions
The ratchet is of a good length and good weight. The head is narrow, allowing access to tight spots, but the ratcheting bit slot protrudes quite significantly  from the frame.



Teeth Count
The Trojan has 60 teeth, with a 6 degree arc swing. This is high enough to make the ratchet easy to work with, and able to turn fasteners even with little room to swing.

Bit Retention
The Trojan uses magnets for both slots. This makes the ratcheting slot clearance higher than that of the other tools. The magnets are rather strong, making bits with thin ends and stubby bits a little tricky to remove.

Bit compatibility
Stubby bits are not easy to remove, because there is not enough real estate to grab onto and the magnets are strong.
Standard double-ended bits will not work as both driver sockets are too shallow for them to engage and turn properly.
Leatherman proprietary bits can be used in the ratcheting bit socket but they can move significantly from side to side.



Switch action
The Trojan has a very stiff and quite low-profile switch. It does not get bumped accidentally. The switch is easy to operate, thanks to its flared end. It sits flush on a flat surface and does not catch on things easily.

Ease of use
The Trojan has an off-set handle, to allow a more comfortable grip. The ratcheting bit socket has some wobble to it, but it still feels robust. Using the in-line driver socket feels great, thanks to the flattened stem, as opposed to the cylindrical ones of other tools. There is also some texture to provide traction, and the head also helps with the general effort. Ergonomics are wonderful. The off-set body offers different grips. All edges are charmfered with no hotspots.
The head is narrow, allowing the tool to turn fasteners in tight spots. The high teeth count also helps. Due to the magnetic bit retention, the ratcheting bit socket adds 5mm to the bit length, so clearance may not be enough to access certain fasteners.
The in-line driving socket works very well, providing reach as well as speed.
It does not have a knurled finger wheel.



Construction Quality
The Trojan is well enough built but averagely finished. The ratcheting bit socket has a lot of wobble in the frame. The body is polished but there are minor casting imperfections as well as pitting on most surfaces. Still, nothing affects performance. Nothing is crooked, jagged, rough, or really bad. The handle in nicely rounded, and very comfortable at that. The ratcheting mechanism works properly with no issues. The magnets do a good job holding the bits in place. Both bit sockets are precisely machined.

Portability
The Trojan has a very long ratcheting bit socket. This makes it unsuitable for small edc pouches, as the slot will protrude too much. It may fit sideways, so not all is lost. It is still rather compact. It also comes in a case with accessories, although this has too much unused space. It would be better to remove all desired accessories and put them in a small pouch to save space.



Value
There is some undisputed value to this set. There is a nice assortment of bits and sockets, and a bit extension. The ratchet has excellent ergonomics and great features. For the price, it is a good purchase.

Conclusion
This is a decent ratchet set for the price. The ratchet is quite robust and very comfortable to use, it has a high teeth count and an in-line bit driver socket. Still, this ratchet is not the best choice for an edc pouch. It has a somewhat awkward shape that will take more space than is necessary. It would be better suited as a dedicated complimentary set in a toolbox or kitchen drawer.




Pros
-Comes with bits, sockets, extension, and case.
-Great ergonomics for both driver sockets.
-Robust build.
-High teeth count.
-Inexpensive.

Cons
-Average fit and finish.
-Ratchet head slot protrudes too much.
-Case is too big for kit.

[Aloha]

Such a excellent thread.   Thank you for doing this. 

[ezdog]

Great thread I cant believe I am only seeing it just now?!

Here are a few of mine both ot yet mentioned maybe and with others already reviewed for size comparisons.

The really Tiny one is another Titan I think and it has no teeth but instead is one of the Clutch Pack Mechanisms with infinite teeth sort of.
This one also reverses by just sliding the Socket holder back and forth through the tool to change direction

Then there is another more conventional Titan.

3rd is a Wera which is crazy smooth and well finished and with a handle big enough to get a real grip on as well.
This is part of the Tool Check Kit which is really nice that I got cheap somehow on sale a few years ago.

I also have a few more but they are in Bike Bags at another location right now.

[ReamerPunch]

Victorinox Ratchet

Weight
Ratchet: 35g
Extension bar: 21g
Bit holder with 10 bits: 58g

Length: 105mm
Head width: 14mm
Head clearance with standard bit: 25mm (adds 0mm)
Teeth count: 38
Minimum swing arc: 9.5°
Bit retention: spring detent
In-line driver bit socket: yes
In-line driver socket bit retention: spring
Bit material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Handle material: Chrome Vanadium steel
Price: $65 with 6 bits, bit holder, and extension bar
Bits: Allen 3 and 4, Phillips 0 and 3, Torx 10 and 15
This was acquired with help by m47mu74nt.

Accessories
The Victorinox comes with six standard 1/4" bits, a bit holder, and an extension bar. The ratchet snaps onto the bit holder. There are ten spots for standard bits, so any can be carried.



Dimensions
At 105mm, this is still compact while also providing excellent amounts of torque for what it is. It is also very lightweight.
The head is 14mm wide, making it the narrowest head available. This is even narrower than the Topeak, Giant, PK Tools etc, which have a 15mm wide head.



Teeth Count
At 38, the teeth count is rather low. The minimum swing arc to engage a tooth and get the fastener to turn will be 9.5 degrees. This may prove too much, and if you are working in very confined spaces, it may not be possible to turn the fastener at all.

Bit Retention
The ratchet end has a spring that holds bits firmly. This detent is very much needed, as the ratchet head is a pass-through one. Should the bits be pushed a little too much, they will simply come out the back. This matters more with bits that can cam out easily, like Phillips, but less so with bits that engage the fasteners tightly, like Allen, Robertson, and Pozidrive.
The in-line driver and extension bar have springs, and also offer excellent retention.

Bit compatibility
Bits with retention notches work the best. Thanks to the ratchet being a pass-through design, it will work with all sorts double-ended bits, as long as the ratchet spring has something to grip on to. Bits with ball bearings also fair well.
Bits with no notches are not held well in the ratchet, and will be pushed through the back. Users can limit this by pushing on the back of the bits with their thumbs. Leatherman bits cannot be used in the ratcheting head, because there is nothing to hold them in place, and the bits just fall out. Extensions will also eliminate bits falling out, and will allow the ratchet to bear down the bits and fasteners.

The in-line driver and the extension bar have an interesting design. While deep enough to accommodate double ended bits, be they standard or Leatherman, there is a shoulder that standard bits and even stubby bits sit on. This, combined with the spring detent rather than magnets, means that the extension bar and in-line driver are compatible with every bit, as long as it is 1/4" hex.

Extensions with short hex shanks work the best, as the pass through head of the ratchet will bottom out on the bit socket.
Long extensions can be fed through the ratchet head, for a T-handle arrangement and more torque for the in-line driver.



Switch action
The Victorinox ratchet does not have a switch. The ratchet is one-way, so to get the action to reverse, you have to insert the bits the other way around. This design allows for a more robust mechanism compared to conventional reversing ratchets. There is no way that the action will be reversed in the middle of driving a fastener. No switch to bump or get caught on anything.
This also means that the ratchet is not able to make quick, precise adjustments back and forth, to dial in a fastener to the desired specific torque. With other ratchets, if a fastener is overtightened, it would be easy to reverse the action with a switch, without removing the ratchet from the fastener. The Victorinox ratchet will require being removed from the bit/extension, and inserted the other way. And if the fastener gets a little too loose, then the ratchet would have to be removed again, and placed in reverse, until the fastener is tightened to the desired torque level. When these precise adjustments are required, it is much quicker and easier to use the in-line driver, possibly aided by the extension for some more torque.

Ease of use
The Victorinox ratchet is user friendly, although a few caveats exist.
As it is a pass-through ratchet, bits can be pushed through with enough force. This can be eliminated by pushing on the back of bits with a thumb, or simply using the extension. Bits with the retention notches are still quite secure.
The extension can also be used to increase torque, in the L-wrench configuration, when using the in-line driver, as the tool does not have any knurling.
Using the L-wrench configuration is desirable for precision work. Since the ratchet is one-way, the whole ratchet has to be removed and inserted the other way to reverse the action. This will get tiresome, trying to tinker with the perfect torque.
There is no knurled finger wheel, and the ratchet only has 36 teeth, so this is not as quick as other ratchets.

Still, unless you are working in extremely confined areas and confined spaces, the ratchet will be effective.
With the Victorinox logo on the outside, the ratchet is tightening. Once used to that, it is easy to insert the bit/extension the way you need.
The one-way ratchet head means that there is no way to accidentally reverse the action while in the middle of turning a fastener.
The ratchet also has an in-line bit socket, which comes in handy.
The pass-through head also eliminates any difficulties with removing bits. This will never be a problem.
The bit holder holds the bits, which makes sense. The bits are held well, and the ratchet also snaps onto the holder, and all are easy to remove.
The ratchet is not user-serviceable, but it is quite tough and also backed by an unlimited lifetime warranty.



Construction Quality
The Victorinox ratchet is unsurprisingly very well-made. No imperfections of any sort exist on it. All surfaces have a consistent finish, and are rounded off and polished beautifully. The ratchet mechanism works flawlessly.
As it has 36 teeth, these are larger and more resilient than finer teeth in ratchets with a higher teeth count. This, combined with the one-way ratcheting head, makes the Victorinox ratchet extremely robust and reliable.

One minor issue is that the retention spring of the ratcheting head is a little short, and so one end protrudes a little in the hole. This makes inserting bits just a little harder than other ratchets, but this is not always an issue, and it does not take that much force to inert the bits anyway.



Portability
Although it falls in the longer side of edc ratchets, the Victorinox ratchet is still short enough to ride comfortably in any edc pouch. Thanks to its streamlined design, it takes up very little space. The ratchet head lacks the thickness of conventional ratchets, and there is no protruding switch to get in the way. It will also fit in multi-tool cases and pen sleeves.
Thanks to the hole being as large as it can be, the ratchet head can fit larger carabiners than most compact ratchets. It may be a little too long for a key-chain.
The ratchet can snap onto the bit holder, and the extension could be inserted into the ratchet itself, but this arrangement may occupy more space than necessary. If carried in a multi-tool pouch, the extension bar will protrude a little too much and may be required to be carried in a different fashion.



Value
This set is not easy to find, at least at a decent price. The set that does not include the extension is still up there. This is understandable to some degree. The ratchet is of very high quality, well-made, comfortable, reliable. It is also manufactured in Switzerland, and backed by the legendary Victorinox lifetime warranty. This is a tool that will be bought once and last a lifetime.


Conclusion
There is no denying that the Victorinox ratchet oozes quality. When talking about compact bit ratchets as companions to multi-tools, this is the pioneer. Victorinox made this specifically to compliment their multi-tool line and it shows. It is lightweight but very rugged, versatile, streamlined, and indeed pairs up very well with other tools.

It would have been even nicer to see this come with more bits, as it only comes with six. The ratchet also has a rather low teeth count, and is a one-way, pass-through design, so users will have to get used to everything that comes with those.

However, as with all high quality tools, the Victorinox ratchet is elegant, tough, it has some nice and useful features, it is versatile, and even if it does not last a lifetime, the Victorinox warranty will make sure that it does.



Pros
-Unlimited lifetime warranty.
-Exceptional quality.
-Pass-through design adds no length to bit clearance.
-One-way ratchet head design adds to robustness.
-Extremely high bit compatibility.
-Pass-through design allows T-handle configuration with long extensions.

Cons
-Rather expensive.
-Extension is not easy to find, either in a set or separately.
-Lower teeth count than competition.
-Comes with no case and only six bits.

[m47mu74nt]

 
Thank you a lot for this review, it showed some pros/cons I had not considered, I am very happy I helped you getting one 

[ReamerPunch]

I've got the Prestacycle and Topeak reviews written. I'll find some time to take pictures and I'll post those two next.

[Adam5]

Thank you very much for the excellent qualitative reviews RP  

Excellent work!   

Now, if we could just get Todd Osgood to test them all out... 

[ReamerPunch]

Thank you very much for the excellent qualitative reviews RP  

Excellent work!   

Now, if we could just get Todd Osgood to test them all out... 

I suggested compact bit ratchets. I erally hope he gives this a go!

[ReamerPunch]

I'm seeing the same mini ratchets over and over again in Amazon. 
If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know.