I've got two more reviews written. I'll find some time to take pictures and post them soon.
Quote from: ReamerPunch on January 26, 2022, 12:49:37 PM(Image removed from quote.)CyclingDeal Cigar Tool Kit ratchetShow content(can also be found branded by JCool, OG Evkin, RockBros, and X-Tools)Weight: 52gKit weight: 151gLength: 104mmHead width: 17mmHead clearance with standard bit: 30mm (adds 5mm)Teeth count: 72Minimum swing arc: 5°Bit retention: magnetIn-line driver bit socket: yesIn-line driver socket bit retention: magnetBit material: S2 steelHandle material: Chrome Vanadium steel Price: $36 with 6 S2 steel impact bits, bit holder cylinder, aluminium container, and mounting bracket)AccessoriesThis 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.DimensionsThis 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 CountThe 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 RetentionThe 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 compatibilityStubby 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 actionThe 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 useThe 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 QualityThis 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.PortabilityThe 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.ValueA 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.ConclusionThis 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.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.(Image removed from quote.)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.(Image removed from quote.)
(Image removed from quote.)CyclingDeal Cigar Tool Kit ratchetShow content(can also be found branded by JCool, OG Evkin, RockBros, and X-Tools)Weight: 52gKit weight: 151gLength: 104mmHead width: 17mmHead clearance with standard bit: 30mm (adds 5mm)Teeth count: 72Minimum swing arc: 5°Bit retention: magnetIn-line driver bit socket: yesIn-line driver socket bit retention: magnetBit material: S2 steelHandle material: Chrome Vanadium steel Price: $36 with 6 S2 steel impact bits, bit holder cylinder, aluminium container, and mounting bracket)AccessoriesThis 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.DimensionsThis 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 CountThe 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 RetentionThe 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 compatibilityStubby 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 actionThe 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 useThe 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 QualityThis 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.PortabilityThe 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.ValueA 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.ConclusionThis 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.
Prestacycle Review EditedShow contentPrestacycle Pro T-Handle RatchetWeightRatchet: 55gExtension: 33gSet: 190gLength: 114mmExtension length: 100mmHead width: 18mmHead clearance with standard bit: 28mm (adds 3mm)Teeth count: 60Minimum swing arc: 6°Bit retention: spring detentExtension bit retention: magnetIn-line driver bit socket: yesIn-line driver socket bit retention: magnetBit material: Chrome Vanadium steelHandle material: Chrome Vanadium steel Price: $40 with 12 bits and extensionBits: Torx 10/20/25/30, Phillips 1, Allen 2/2.5/3/4/5/6/8AccessoriesThe Prestacycle Pro T-Handle Ratchet comes with twelve Chrome-Vanadium standard 1/4" bits, a long extension, and a nylon wallet to carry everything.There are elasticated loops for everything. The wallet is single-stitched, with a double-stitched belt-loop. There is also a 65mm x 100mm flat pocket for additional items. The wallet has velcro closure. The wallet is a simple folding one, and bits may slip out of their loops and fall out of the wallet is shaken hard enough.DimensionsThis is the longest edc ratchet so far. At 55g, it is still lightweight enough for an edc pouch, although to utilize the T-handle special feature, the extension will also be necessary, and this is another 33g. Not the best option for lightweight back-packing, but quite capable. At 18mm, the head is still among the narrowest available, and helps keep the ratchet quite compact.Teeth CountThe Prestacycle has 60 teeth. Quite high for such a narrow head, this allows a minimum arc swing of six degrees. This is almost as good as it gets with these small ratchets.Bit RetentionThe ratcheting end has a spring, which provides a firm detent on bits even for bits without retention notches. The in-line driver socket and the extension have magnets. These are way too strong for short bits to be removed with fingers.Bit compatibilityThe ratchet head can be used with double ended bits, be they Leatherman or standard. Thanks to the ratcheting head being almost a pass-though one, pretty much every sort of double ended bit will work. Leatherman bits can be inserted so that the spring engages the side-notches, but can be pushed through if pressing hard enough. They can be inserted so that the small tooth marked with the red dot can prevent them from being pushed through, but the retention spring will not be engaging, so they will fall out from the front.Stubby bits are easy enough to remove, thanks to the hole in the head. Push from the back to get the bit started.Bits and extensions with a grooved neck will have a lot of play, although they will not fall out and can still be used.The in-line driver and extension have strong magnets and are somewhat deep, so stubby bits cannot be removed with just fingers.Leatherman bits can be kind of used, but they barely engage and will have too much play left and right.Standard double-ended bits cannot be used for in-line driving or the extension. They do not engage and cannot be turned with the tool.Switch actionThe switch is quite small and has a strong detent. It cannot be operated with a fingertip, and will require a fingernail. The switch sits flat against the body, and does not protrude in any way.Ease of useThe Prestacycle can exert a great amount of torque thanks to its length. It is easy to grip for people with large hands, as some edc ratchets can be a little too compact. There is a knurled finger wheel, to quickly turn loose fasteners that do not have enough drag for the ratchet.The in-line driver is also quite handy.Thanks to the almost pass-through head, any double-ended bit can be used with the tool.Examining the ratchet head hole and the extension a little closer reveals the namesake of this ratchet. The hole is a 1/4" hex, that has a single tooth in one corner, which is marked with a red dot on either side of the ratchet head. This corresponds with the seven-sided extension rod. The edge that matches the dotted corner is marked with a step and a dotted line. Assembling the T configuration employs the same principle as the shape sorter toy. The extension only fits through the ratchet in one orientation. Any other position, and the extension will just sit in the ratchet like any other extension in any other ratchet.This does mean that only one corner of the ratcheting head pushes against a bit, so this should be taken into account when bearing down on a fastener.The T-Handle configuration provides far more torque than the ratchet head could, and safely so. If that much torque were to be applied on the ratchet head itself, the teeth might get damaged.As this ratchet's head is wider than the typical compact bit ratchet, with a stem to match, this ratchet is among the strongest of this design, able to withstand greater abuse. Do not be a hero, though. It is still a small ratchet, designed for the bicycle community.Construction QualityThe Prestacycle is a high quality tool. The fit and finish is immaculate. The magnets are perfectly centered. The polished finish is crisp and consistent. Everything is nicely chamfered. The ratchet mechanism works flawlessly. The T-handle feature works beautifully and is very easy to configure. All bit sockets are funneled to aid bit insertion. The extension has retention notches at the tip, and in the middle, for the T-handle configuration. PortabilityThe Prestacycle is still a thin and narrow design, but a little long. It will fit nicely in an edc pouch along with the extension. It could be persuaded to fit in the side-sleeve of a multi-tool pouch with the extension, but this will not be perfect. The larger than average opening in the back of the head allows for larger carabiners than other compact ratchets. It will still fit into a pen sleeve.ValueThe Prestacycle ratchet with the extension and nothing else is $30. This is a little steep, but it is still a decent deal, considering everything the ratchet has to offer. The soft case set, which consists of the above wallet and twelve bits is $40, which is quite good, and the hard case set is $50. There are enough options to choose from, should you decide to get this. ConclusionThe Prestacycle is a contender for the best compact bit ratchet. It is nicely made, with a high teeth count, the ability to convert it into a fixed T-handle driver, a good assortment of bits, and a carry case if you need one.The most impressive thing of this ratchet is the lack of negative qualities, especially compared to other ratchets we have seen. The issue of the soft case not holding the bits perfectly securely can be solved by getting just the ratchet and extension, or using another case, or getting the hard case. Chrome Vanadium is not a premium bit material, but they do the job. If it is not up to your standards, you could get just the ratchet and extension, and then supplement those with a premium bit set.The only reason not to get this ratchet would be something very specific, like space limitations, since it is the longest yet. Or if 60 teeth are simply not enough for a very particular application. As it is, this is a phenomenal tool that is simply better than the rest.Pros-High quality.-High number of teeth.-T-handle configuration allows for additional torque.-Nigh pass-though head works with all double-ended bits.-Better grip for people with large hands.-Many purchase options to choose from.Cons-The soft case does not hold bits securely enough.-Bits are only Chrome Vanadium.
Given the choice between this and the Topeak, all things considered, which do you choose?
I received the Wiha mini ratchet. So the pending reviews are of the Wiha, Rujoi flex-head, Klein, and Ovatt.
I have decided not to get the Wiha one.
Just received three more! Wera ZyklopAnex low profile ratchetJadeshay ratchetSo excited for these!