1/4" Hex Bit Ratchet Head to Head

[@ThisTall]

From what I’ve seen in other tool reviews, the Wiha impact rated bits are by far the strongest bits on the market right now.

[@billj5645]

I had the gearwrench set and I didn't think it was too long, but they don't make that set anymore. For trying to put a lot of torque into something like that we would wrap a rag around the handle to give more area to push on.

[@ofifgamerz2272]

I was taking off a storm door and needed a very low profile right angle driver to get screws out at the top... He Mulwark was the only driver with a profile low enough for the gap. This vid helped me select it. Thanks

[@DoresoomReviews]

Glad I could help!

[@timtimtimmay4654]

I love my Wera set, but now there is an Icon locking flex head set for $40 that is pretty nifty that converts to T handle using the end of the ratchet as a bit holder and has a handle extender for more torque and lifetime warranty. Both sets led to the demise of my Kobalt sets, which look very similar to the Gearwrench set.

[@nachoisme]

The icon set is great

[@precisionbay6899]

@@nachoisme it doesn't have any sockets

[@onfarm6521]

@@nachoisme I’ve been looking for the icon set for 5 months and haven’t found it at the 12 nearest harbor freights it’s so frustrating lol

[@foxwood67]

Great overview. I have the Wiha set for about 3 years and although I really like it the directional lever is easily reversed inadvertently. Bits are great quality.

[@DoresoomReviews]

I've been using the Wiha set a lot lately. I agree with you, I'll occasionally find out it got flipped inadvertently when I'm working in a particularly tight space. Funny coincidence, I broke my first of those Wiha bits yesterday too!

[@RaggedsEdge]

The Wera lives in my motorcycle tool kit. It’s have the gear wrench and it’s a nice little set.

[@MrDkgio]

Great review, covered all the bases that people need to know 👍

[@ccadama]

@Doresoom Tool Reviews. Thanks for another thorough review on those 1/4" hex bit ratchet sets. Covered everything anyone should ask except long term usage ( what stood up over time). Makes it easier on what I would want to buy. Hope you and your family stay safe and well.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks! I've had the Gearwrench for about two years, and the Wera for around six months. No problems with either of them so far. The rest I've had for about a month, so I can't really comment on longevity for those.

[@ccadama]

@@DoresoomReviews Thanks for the added info. Useful. Have a good rest of your weekend.

[@janetravis1639]

@@ccadama .

[@philjohnson796]

I've found that the thinnest, strongest ratchet is the most useful for super tight applications. That Mulwark might be the most useful for a lot of automotive applications. The Titan is on the other end of the spectrum-probably not a bad tool, but won't work in the tight spaces these other units are made for.

[@DoresoomReviews]

The Mulwark is almost worth buying for the stubby bits alone, even if they aren't the best quality. I've looked for other sets of short bits, but usually just end up finding the Vim half cut bit set, which is really pricey: amzn.to/3b7kliI

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

@@DoresoomReviews I purchased the Mulwark and it's a POS for my application. I looked into SK-11 (Made in Japan, low profile 52 teeth), klein, wera, and eastwood. What's your recommendation for an ultra low profile, high tooth count ratchet with harden steel gears?

[@daviddegraff5137]

That Titan handle is great when needed. Other than that, I use the Klein driver with the mongrel bits I have collected over the years

[@jayryan7473]

Check out the UltraSteel 1/4 Inch Drive Mini Ratchet! it's similar to the Mulwark but it has 36 teeth so it's pretty smooth and it has a 1/4" socket adapter on one side. I took a grinder and cut off that 1/4" adapter off so I could really get in tight areas.

[@ChewiestBacca]

Bahco 2058/s26 is a very nifty little kit that comes in handy every day

[@-Mark_F]

Great vid. Clear concise and to the point. TYFP!

[@jpasby779]

I had bought the Titan 1 about 9 months ago. i think I payed closer to $10 and the bits that come with it are stubby and I didn't want all of the other bits as I have them already. I picked it up at O'Reilly's

[@jettschenker]

You could cut that gear wrench in half and have two tiny wrenches

[@DoresoomReviews]

😄

[@footlongburrito]

@doresroomtoolreviews if you want the titan to switch to the left, rotate the head to the other side lol

[@DoresoomReviews]

LOL, you're right! 😂

[@johnk3606]

The gear wrench ratchet has an offset that can sometimes negate the head thickness so the comparison may not be fair there. If I could find one of the flat ones with a 72 tooth head….

[@haystephen]

Check out the Icon bit set from harbor freight. That’s a great little tool

[@johanea]

Some remarks being an Wera owner and use it frequently. The metric set does not come with those square driver bits. And also, after some time using this set the bits will start to lose the tight fit in the case and will fall out if the user isn’t careful. Beside that, it is a great set and I would not trade it for any other set.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks for the heads up on the Wera - I've had mine about six months so far with no problems. I don't have the metric version, but I think they replaced the square drive with posidriv instead as you pointed out.

[@kumakaroshi117]

Dang it , you get people hooked.

[@DoresoomReviews]

🤣

[@Bshwag]

I love the Wera set, mine goes everywhere with me(hunting and fishing). I did hear somewhere that the ratchet can handle 80 ftlbs before breaking not sure if thats true though.

[@DoresoomReviews]

It's rated to 65Nm by Wera, which comes out to 48 ft-lbs. Way more than you can possibly apply without a cheater bar!

[@Bshwag]

@@DoresoomReviews thanks, thats still a ton for such a small ratchet.

[@hobbes3]

Which one has the lowest back drag?

[@axeami1354]

bahco is my go to for these set's, shorter than everything here more compact too. built well enough for its size and most of all is cheap.

[@yusuihang]

I've seen a video of the wera ratchet being used with an insane amount of torque by putting a pipe on the handle--it may have been used to remove lug nut from car, but I don't remember exactly. I don't need that ratchet but I would like to buy it.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yeah, that Wera is crazy sturdy. It's rated to 65Nm, which comes out to 48 ft-lbs. Way more than you can possibly apply without a cheater bar!

[@albertpaoloawesome]

@@DoresoomReviews Toptul (Taiwan) is the OEM which makes the same bit ratchets for: > Wera 8001 A & 8008 A, Würth Zebra 0965014230, and KS Tools 918.1560 (Germany) > Facom R.180 and R.PEPB (France) > Tone BRS20 & BRFS27, and Deen DNR2F-05HSET (Japan) > Mac Tools SBDR3S, Matco AMBH & AMR, and Prestacycle 77129 (USA). > Toptul GABW3103 and GADW3401 (Taiwan) • Facom, Würth, KS Tools, Deen, Tone and Mac Tools have a flex head version. • All of the models above have the same ratchet head with only the handle and lever designs being different. • Both the Deen 20th Anniversary Edition and the Würth come available in a Black-out/coated version. Also, here is Wera UK's vid removing a lug nut from a car: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJfJnXiQdrSKptU

[@DoresoomReviews]

Good info, and thanks for finding the video link!

[@Woodenduckk]

@@albertpaoloawesome Very helpful comment, thanks so much

[@aarondavies8486]

Now try the new icon one thats the same as the facom set but at 40 dollars

[@conmanumber1]

Felo of Germany is my Favorite then Gearwrench next. Wera is nice with the full fastener options but I prefer a case, at my stage of life I'm just not going to contaminate my current tool lineup

[@xXCigarXx]

Try the VIM hbr5

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

You’re channel is costing me some money, my friend. The Sunex, Wiha and Wera all look great. Love how compact the Wiha is. But that Wera kit is great. I’d be super happy with either….but yeah you just cost me $80. Haha.

[@DoresoomReviews]

LOL, sorry. You're gonna love that Wera kit though!

[@WandomZhiEt]

There’s a new contender that you should check out. It’s not the cheapest but harbor freight released a mini flex-head ratchet and bits set. It’s like $40 without coupons

[@DoresoomReviews]

I saw that! Looks like it might be a good option. I like the T handle functionality as well.

[@todd.parker]

Awesome review and comparisons

[@litpapi9046]

You need to do this again but with the new icon 1/4 hex flex ratchet but set, I think that one will take the cake for a 39$ price point.

[@lrodd247]

Yes sir , he def should. Although it's gone up just a bit to $45 . But ya, I've been trying to scoop one up and no luck... :/

[@litpapi9046]

@@lrodd247 has it actually been hard to get? And damn already went up huh.

[@lrodd247]

@@litpapi9046 Its been very hard .... I finally found some in stock, 25 miles from my house after calling and visiting many HF's ! They were cool enough to put 2 on hold for me , left work early and scooped them bad boys up! I'm giving one to my nephew 😎👍

[@bobleader9006]

Wera ratchet direction change lever gets changed accidentally during use. Wiha magnet came out attached to end of bit. I use Wiha box set with Wera ratchet regularly. I also customized the bits to suit my medical engineering use.

[@stevebean1234]

Seriously?? Seems really bad for the Wiha and suboptimal for the price Wera charges. I might still buy one or both, just crazy that at the price point you’d think it wouldn’t be an issue. I’m a mechanical design engineer too. Mostly ocean systems which use similar materials to biomedical Engr

[@bobleader9006]

@@stevebean1234 I was able to put Wiha magnet back in ratchet head with some epoxy. Really the best thing about my setup is the Wiha compact metal case and the Wera ratchet. The instruments I work on are so crowded with tight access.

[@stevebean1234]

@@bobleader9006 thanks, i really appreciate this. right now im working a soul crushing consulting-type job, though i have some money to buy/upgrade tools to keep the rest of my life. hence, not much opportunity for me to put these things through the crucible just now. this Wiha/Wera discussion is similar to a Klein vs Wera retractable bit driver purchase I had been researching where the best path forward is probably to just buy both... just wanted to make sure i'm not going overboard. hoping to be prepared so once i'm back in grey collar work my life is smooth. thanks for sharing your experience

[@TylerSnyder305]

The titan probably just needs to be cleaned. Btw the Taiwanese factory making the gear wrench makes loads of different versions for many different brands/ companies using the same exact internals, I would not be surprised if they also make the Wera. GM power torque, Topeak ( these 2 are identical) Craftsman, gearwrench, Facom ...you nane it.

[@daviddegraff5137]

I have the Topeak kit too. Great bits, nice handle.

[@TonaldJDrump-dl2bu]

any of you recommend the Matco low profile bit wrench?

[@themackforcefive]

The gearwrench crapped out on me after about 4-5 months of working on oil burners

[@DoresoomReviews]

Dang, that's too bad. Did you try to contact GearWrench about a warranty claim?

[@brandonm6052]

Just watched an aviation channel recommend the gearwrench for certain reasons, I start in an aviation job in less than a month. That gearwrench is discontinued and a used or nos ($120 on ebay) version is like finding hen's teeth in 2024

[@LukeA_55]

VIM has a nearly identical ratchet that comes with a full set of stubby bits for tight spots. I haven't pulled the trigger on it yet but it looks nice

[@LukeA_55]

I just started working in CNC maintenance and the TONE BRFS27 bit set is perfect for the job. Highly recommend it

[@KevinNguyen-zn4vv]

Can you add the SK-11 low profile ratchet kit to the list? At my work we use SK11 (Made in Japan) tools. The low profile ratchet kit has 52 teeth and my co-workers swear on them. They'd buy like 5 sets of each tool to offset the $100 shipping cost. LOL.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Those look like great ratchets! I'll have to keep it in mind if I ever do a Part 2 for this type of video.

[@tractyzadorozny2972]

Found the snap on tm72 to be a good bit ratchet, had to snipe it to remove a 8mm hex fill plug in jaguar transmission, yes i have a 1/4hex 8mm bit from a mac master set

[@COH2000]

Is the ratchet in the Wiha set the same ratchet that is sold in the ‘3 Piece Mini Bit Ratchet and SlimFix Bit Holder Set which is set (sku# 38060)?. They look the same to me but the latter is more expensive.

[@DoresoomReviews]

I believe it's the same one, but don't have that set to verify.

[@elizabeththompson4424]

GREAT review Wiha is always a good choice but can be a bit pricey I have their 4mm micro bit set & regualar screw driver set after my Mulwark style bit ratchets died I've been looking for QUALITY replacements I have a really tiny ratchet I got but... doesn't look like it can take much torque it's Bostich brand

[@DoresoomReviews]

If you're looking for something fairly low budget but still good quality, I think the GearWrench is your best bet. If you want the best of the best, I'd go with the Wera or Wiha. The Wera is by far my favorite bit ratchet, but the Wiha set is the most versatile since the bits are rated for use in an impact driver too.

[@kristofferholst6053]

If you put the bits in upside down, you will have the smallest profile of them all I think

[@mlez7197]

Try the AK6961 and the AK6960 1/4 by Sealy...they're awesome

[@aarondavies8486]

Don't get sealey in the usa mate

[@thebackwoodsmechanic5029]

Head to head is always interesting but real world results may vary

[@harindergill7221]

An Excellent review. Thanks

[@sarge27271]

Great video. Thanks for the comparo. Makes chosing a set a lot easier. BTW, Wera and Wiha are German. Both are pronounced with a V, not a W. Cheers

[@DoresoomReviews]

Thanks! I think you're right about Wiha, but Wera pronounces their brand with a "w" at least in their North American markets. Here's a video from their official KZbin channel kzbin.info/www/bejne/eqKYcmVjeMucoqc

[@sarge27271]

@@DoresoomReviews LOL...I know. It's America!! But Europeans do say Vera. I don't know why they write it with a W but pronounce it with a V?? LMAO Cheers

[@jamesrahn8339]

Thw icon with the locking flex head and extra handle and bits for $40. Oh and yes everythingnelse i own is snap on and mac so dont think that im just cheap

[@adampetten1009]

First time I heard someone say seu nex, I've always said the obvious sun ex. Wera is also my favorite

[@DoresoomReviews]

You're probably right. I think I heard it pronounced soo-nex somewhere a while back but I can't remember where. Edit: You're absolutely right, I went and watched some of their videos on their website. Now I can pronounce Ree-oh-bee, Kuh-nip-ex, and Sun-ex correctly! 😆

[@adampetten1009]

@@DoresoomReviews saying kuh nip ex is like saying ku nife haha... but thats how they pronounce it, many people say nip ex. Porsche is another one, its Porsche-a

[@Pro1er]

@@DoresoomReviews Also, I believe Wera is pronounced "Vera".

[@DoresoomReviews]

I thought it would be pronounced "Vera" too, but their official KZbin account pronounces it "Wera" in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rqLboZiVgaicqrM

[@Pro1er]

@@DoresoomReviews I think that's for the English speaking crowd Nate, here's a German video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y4OYqnajiMacrdU

[@firesurfer]

Victorinox makes a really nice ratchet. Too bad it's a tad pricey. I tried one that a friend had. I like that it doesn't have a reverse lever. Just something to go wrong. I was really impressed with the quality.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Interesting - is this the one you're talking about: amzn.to/3LuKAz6 Looks really compact, but indeed very pricey!

[@firesurfer]

@@DoresoomReviews I just noticed it's $42 free ship on walmart.

[@lrodd247]

@@firesurfer You're right, except you only get the bare tool and not the bits, extension bar and the plastic holder that holds all the items together... :/

[@firesurfer]

@@lrodd247 I think that's a fair deal to not get the rest of the pieces for $58. LOL

[@lrodd247]

@@firesurfer At least we can all spend our $ how we like 👍 Just scooped up 2 Icon 1/4 " locking ratchet set from HF and they're badass, the YT reviews don't do it justice, even the case feels premium! And all for $44 , can't beat that!

[@davesnothere8859]

chapman are the best.

[@daviddegraff5137]

For pure versatility and usefulness get a Wadsworth Micro-ratchet. It is an amazing tool.

[@tomwinslow5086]

You have to look at the Icon.

[@paymya6130]

The old school Masterctaft is the lowest and the best

[@lazybo]

Missing one of the best rachet money can buy. Vim hbr5 which is smaller and lower profile than gear wrench and with more teeth.

[@ebloulou4203]

Thank you so much for this video very much appreciated, well informed.

[@paulbeach7129]

The GW case sucks. The ratchet has more than proven itself in a number of situations for me both at work and at home though. I bought specific bit sets to use in different situations for it as well as different length bit holders. I’ve learned not to use it too fast or it will self reverse, especially on the 1/4 side. It’s a really versatile tool.

[@AutobahnDan]

Awesome job👏👏 it would probably take me an hour and a half to show all the ones l got!😂

[@DoresoomReviews]

LOL, better get to it! 🤣

[@thejeepinrealtor5742]

I always laugh when you get to talking @autobahndan I just started a channel for various tools etc used for working in new and old Jeeps, and to document my journey learning how to weld (besides just burning something and dumping filler with a stick unit lol) and man, y’all are good. I suck. 😜

[@mm0063]

MulWark.. ball detent .. really? They advertise "magnetic like clip". I want magnet, so if this is only "like", it is unpleasant finding. :-(

[@DoresoomReviews]

LOL, I never noticed that in their product description. Talk about dishonesty - "magnetic like" 😂

[@hamid-b3m]

WERA JOKER is Like You 😂😆

[@branned]

Or you could buy a Hazet 863HPB 1/4d Ratchet 90T 120 Nm (89 foot-pounds), $47.70 that is quality made in Germany.

[@DoresoomReviews]

Hazet makes some nice tools, but where did you find that ratchet for under $50 at a reputable retailer? KC Tool has it listed on sale for almost $90: www.kctool.com/hazet-863hpb-fine-tooth-1-4-reversible-bit-ratchet/

[@PARDS2]

excellent. !!

[@1FaSS01]

Plot twist.... all are made in taiwan :)

[@DoresoomReviews]

Yep, seems like the vast majority of ratchets are made there.

[@1FaSS01]

@@DoresoomReviews that's the good variation, the shit one is ... 🇨🇳

[@angrydragonslayer]

​@@1FaSS01 a lot of things are made in china and repacked in taiwan Maybe with some QC

[@hamid-b3m]

Stahlwille Gedore 😀😀

[@sween187]

Slap a cheater bar on them and see how much torque they can take, be nice to know for reasons...

[@DoresoomReviews]

If you have to use a cheater bar with these, you're doing something wrong! 😂 That being said: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJfJnXiQdrSKptU

[@David-yf5fo]

I have a Wiha set. The ratchet may look cute, but is essentially worthless. The Wiha ratchet is designed poorly. More specifically, is far too easy to reverse while using it. It is very aggravating. I bought a VIM Tools HBR3 and the problem was solved.

[@DoresoomReviews]

I've occasionally run into the same problem with the Wiha reversing depending on how I'm holding it. I like the bit assortment that comes with it enough to overlook the problem. I think the Wera is still my favorite bit ratchet - maybe I'll have to try the VIM!

[@doncaruso1949]

Klein electrician mini ratchet.

[@daviddegraff5137]

Word. The loop in the handle is a lifesaver on a ladder or in awkward places

[@Ole325]

TCP best

[@DoresoomReviews]

I've never heard of them. Do you have a link or product number?

[@konamanstudio2447]

😆🍻🍺😊

[@bobdavis3357]

Expensive

[@DoresoomReviews]

For the Wera set? Yes, but I'd buy it again in a heartbeat.