Best Ratcheting Bit Driver - Review of Wera, Wiha, Icon, Klein and More!

[@nighthawk6468]

Another point to make about ratchet form factor is when you need something to be smaller. I am an industrial 3d printer repair tech and I work on some components where the only thing that will fit is the Wiha due to it's pretty small size, so for me that is by far the one I would recommend. Additionally Wiha's bit steel is pretty much the best you can buy, maybe beat out by PB Swiss at times but they are also far more expensive than Wiha. My personal kit includes the Wiha set, along with a larger Vim tools ratchet similar to the icon one, and a set of Wera metric and SAE sockets, that combined with a bit driver handle and some good hex/torx keys covers 95% of what I need to do.

[@gaelpiconcely]

The ICON is a copy of the famous french R1 PICO by FACOM (Stanley Black Decker)

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for the info!

[@drengskap]

​@@TinkerWithTools I have the Facom R1 Pico set, and that does come with five 1/4" sockets as well as the locking flex head ratchet and extension combo, so it is more comparable to the larger Wera set, though as you noted in the video, you can get the same capability with the Icon set and an extra socket rail or two. In the US, I think you can get the Facom set branded as Mac Tools (Mac and Facom are sister companies under the Stanley BD umbrella), but I'm sure it'll be pricier than the Icon set. By UK standards, the Icon set looks like great value.

[@batmanacw]

I've used the Facom set every day at work for at least 5 years. I switched out most of the bits for metric hex bits with a few sae hex bits. The sockets are great but I'm running Koken zeal stubby sockets. The case and ratchet have been really awesome

[@brianhall9019]

I have the Icon and it’s been very convenient in my main bag. I already had the Makita sockets (Christmas 2019 @ Home Depot). It took the HF stores in my area over a year to get it back in stock but the wait was worth it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I agree. It was hard for me to finally get but it’s a nice set.

[@PokkutoolsMalaysia]

For icon there are another company have same design tool like Toptul brand model number Toptul GADW3401 for 34 pcs set and Toptul GADW4501 for 45 pcs set... In my country Malaysia this is the great choice ...love your video

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. I have seen the toptul stuff before but the cost and the availability in the US at the moment doesn't seem to be great.

[@thereloadingcraft]

Both Wiha and Wera are some of my absolute favorites

[@TinkerWithTools]

I like them both. There is a reason I have so many.

[@thereloadingcraft]

@@TinkerWithTools 100% agreed 👌🏻 The only thing I don’t like on Wiha (at least on their blue impact bit sets) is that they don’t label the bit sizes. At a glance I don’t know if I picked a T25 or a T27 and have to trial and error it. That’s minimal of course, and the excellent quality of the bits is enough for me to live with it 😅

[@TinkerWithTools]

On the set I have it’s labeled on the but end of the bit. Doesn’t help when looking at them in the case but it is there at least. Is yours missing that or are you just talking about when looking at them in the case?

[@thereloadingcraft]

@@TinkerWithTools well now I’m gonna have to look! 😅 I’m use to Milwaukee and bosch that label the side of the hex shank where it gets inserted. Let me check

[@thereloadingcraft]

@@TinkerWithTools well I’ll be…they are labeled there! Thanks haha, never would’ve thought to look there for a size marking.

[@ameliabuns4058]

Wish there was a project farm style video on these, comparing the turns it takes to do a full 360 turn and also the ratcheting force.

[@kaisermojica4216]

So far I am very impressed with the Icon in terms of the ratchet’s versatility and the overall included package. I have come to the same conclusion as your recommendation and will be adding the Makita Sockets. Thanks for sharing such a detailed comparison and review.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Glad it was helpful!

[@darin586]

I have the Icon and with the lifetime warranty it is just about perfect no complaints

[@TinkerWithTools]

That is a big selling point in my opinion. Harbor Freight used to be viewed as disposable almost. but with their higher quality tools and lifetime or prolonged warranties, coupled with their expansive store network they have become more and more appealing even at a higher price point.

[@darin586]

@@TinkerWithTools yeah I agree I think their higher end tools actually compete now, Im an electrician and have a lot of Klein and fluke tools I have been slowly building up some tools from Doyle and Icon. I find myself reaching for the Doyle over Klein 9 times out of 10

[@davidmcgee2126]

Waited a year for the icon to be in stock locally Thought it was overpriced after getting. Have a little set by masterforce (Menards house brand) that has some sockets and bits but no security ones and a crappy case and not nearly as nice of a ratchet that was much cheaper. I really do like that icon ratchet But having spent more on socket rails recently than some socket sets I see more value in the case than I gave it initially after hearing your comments Enjoying your content and perspective. You made me reconsider the icon value The bits even have a warranty. It’s usually the sq2 I use and it doesn’t come with those. I was thinking of getting those Makita sockets to go with it but if I can get a socket on it I probably can get a full size 1/4 ratchet in Ironically was so excited to get it and after using the other frequently and the week prior to getting had a knuckle buster job it would have been much better for haven’t had to use yet(had 3 weeks now). Maybe now I have, I won’t need and that will be the best money spent

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah, if I am comparing it to the Gearwrench here for example, it feels a little overpriced. I guess I was coming at it from the lens of it going against the Wera and that makes it seems like a bargain.

[@Castleknight]

I've got the Wera Tool Check Plus, the Klein ratchet and the Icon ratchet kit.

[@TinkerWithTools]

All good choices!

[@kb9oak749]

I tried once before to make an EDC kit, but failed to find a case I liked. Now I'm getting a case 1st and if things don't fit, I don't need them. Thanks for the good options.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Glad it was helpful. Yeah, packaging everything up can be the hardest part sometimes.

[@ElectroAtletico]

Concur. I went with the ICON & Makita 6-point (metric). Right into the car's tool bag.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Great choice!

[@jemarksanchez4000]

This is a great video. Thanks for this. There is also a husky drive flex version set from Home Depot. A little of everything in it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I thought about getting that but went gear wrench instead.

[@ronfox5519]

The yoke swivel style ratchets are unbeatable in these sizes.

[@sandy_knight]

I splashed out on a Hazet 863HPB last year and it gets used all the time for working on the bike. I combine it with some PB-Swiss 50mm impact style shank hex/torx bits and I also add a couple of adapters with a 1/4" inch socket spinner to spin out loose bolts. In theory it's rated to 120Nm but good luck getting that with such a short lever! At least I know I can rag on it without worrying about breaking it.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Looks like a nice one for sure. I haven’t tried out anything from Hazet yet but their kits incredibly nice.

[@sloanNYC]

I like the Wera because so much in one package, but the ratchet really should match Icon with the angled head and ability to use the bit extension in the various ways. But if you don't need sockets, the Wiha with those bits are really great. I have one of the Makita rails and put a carabiner through the end to make it easy to attach to a tool bag for impact rated sockets. Great stuff to choose from! So many options.

[@TinkerWithTools]

you really nailed my internal though process. If I could take the flex-head ratchet with its extension, put it in the wear case or form factor, that's where I might really end up. So far it's the one that I carry in my small Veto bag. The icon strangely enough has found its way to my desk and stayed there but I need to put it in one of the bags cause I really do love using it.

[@MotorCityMetalArt]

Icon set is great love the case. They did a great job with that. The wiha set although I appreciate the metal case and small form factor the ratchet does not perform well it's very easy for that ratchet to switch directions while working. Great video !

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. The small ratchets all seem to suffer from that to some degree. I want a slightly bigger wiha ratchet with how good that one feels.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

ima pick up the icon set... I've recently picked up a set from wallmart with 1/4" locking flex head rachet and some bits but the locking part of the rachet isn't right...

[@TinkerWithTools]

What brand is the Walmart one? Just curious.

[@patrickbledsoe2176]

​@@TinkerWithToolsHart* ive had some Hart product I've used more than the average DYI'er and part time farm laborer and they have held extremely well just disappointed in this rachet at $29 when the icon you can get on sale at $33ish

[@MarzNet256]

Cool. The ICON wins on versatility and price IMO. Also, you could pair some 1/4" hex drive nut setters with the bit only sets. The are super compact and affordable. I use impact rated ones on my m12 impact driver.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Good point. I hadn’t thought of that.

[@brendangriffin1791]

I have most of what you have there & the icon wins hands down

[@MrBillyparadise]

Have both Wera and Wiha sets but just purchased 2nd Icon set to keep in small kit

[@TinkerWithTools]

I love all three of those. The Wera is currently in the go bag. Icon is at my desk where it gets some use and the wiha goes in the glovebox at the moment.

[@CaptainSeamus]

Caught the Klein on clearance for $11 at Home Depot today. Really nice ratchet to pair up with my bit sets. Been looking very hard at the Icon (and almost bought it when I could get it 30% off) but with having several sets of bits already for various drivers etc, it was hard to justify for basically the ratchet and extension.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Yeah that Klein ratchet at that price is hard to pass up. I almost bought a duplicate a few tools that I have from them. Those clearance deals are nice.

[@phillipmoody710]

I have the husky version of the gearwrench and liked it so much I baught a second for the house, the 5/16 side is compatible with bits that are for mechanics that use them with a hammer driven impact. I haven't used the icon enough since I got it to judge. The Wera tool check plus is nice because you get the mini bit driver handle with it and it comes in either imperial or metric, the price point however is way up there.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks for providing that insight. Obviously Im not a mechanic.

[@rcud1]

I have the Gearwrench set, good quality at a good price.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The price on that is really compelling.

[@Techprep23]

That wiha set is fantastic. The only complaint I have is the ratchet. Great ratchet works well it does have some back drag and the selector for on and off while ratcheting does like to switch. You could be tightening and then the next thing you know you're loosening you could be loosening next thing you know you're tightening. That makes you have to hold the ratchet in a weird way to avoid the selector switch. It is also nice though at the top of the ratchet it does have a little dial that you can twist to kind of get it started and then really crank on it. Just be careful of the selector switch Missing sockets is not that big of a deal especially the eight through 13 mm because you're not going to have enough leverage on that tiny ratchet to get loose those size bolts.

[@scotthartley5386]

After a ton of research, I found the TopTul GADW4501 - 45pc mini ratchet bit and socket set to be the best set available

[@TinkerWithTools]

I'll have to check that one out.

[@scotthartley5386]

@@TinkerWithTools It's made by the same manufacturer that makes the ICON set in Taiwan. A little pricey but comes with all the bit and socket sizes I need in one case.

[@ranakirti]

​@@TinkerWithToolsso it's identical?

[@richmondstar4354]

Got already the Tool check plus…so I just added a similar flex head ratchet by KS tools.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Nice find!

[@aarondavies8486]

Hi mate thanks for the review wish i could get the icon set here in England here its 120 quid as only one we get is the facom one even though they are made in the same factories

[@TinkerWithTools]

Ouch.... thats a steep price to pay.

[@chrishoward4017]

I plan on picking up the icon and throwing some Klein flip sockets into the kit

[@TinkerWithTools]

I am excited for when they release the kit they showed at SEMA that has some sockets included. Mostly to compare and see if the size increase makes it worth to have the sockets.

[@ranakirti]

​@@TinkerWithToolsis it released?

[@codustv1465]

the makita sockets are so nice and i love the form factor the wera ones are impact rated too though correct?

[@TinkerWithTools]

I believe the Wera is yes, but most of the others featured in the video are not.

[@codustv1465]

@@TinkerWithTools yeah the makita and the weras thats what i thought

[@codustv1465]

and atleast the wiha bits are thats dope

[@harlanborders943]

Wiha has been great for me.

[@ThePainkiller3666]

If they only made the Icon just a little bit bigger to fit some sockets that would have been a game ender. The Wera is great but it need an enclosed case.

[@TinkerWithTools]

I like this idea but I can also love with what I have right now. Harbor freight has a few things that are really great right now!

[@GarenP]

The little chrome bit is a 1/4" socket adapter which you can use to put 1/4" sockets on it. (Only downside being that you better not lose it 😁)

[@WandomZhiEt]

Icon is my favorite only because the Wera is out of my price range, the wiha is really cool as well, almost as good as the icon but less versatile.

[@TinkerWithTools]

The icon is nice and if you pair it with a rail of sockets it will everything the wera does.

[@vicpetrishak7705]

Vessel a Japanese manufacturer produces a 1/4” metric socket set with only a T handle for $25.00 460NT - 95

[@TinkerWithTools]

I’ll have to check it out.

[@brendangriffin1791]

Icon

[@Castleknight]

Your Duratech link goes to the Wera.

[@TinkerWithTools]

Thanks. I’ll take a look at it. It’s just the universe telling you not to buy the Duratech. 😂

[@riba2233]

finally, a 5.5mm (for m3 nuts) socket instead of 5mm which is totally useless

[@donwendling7800]

Icon is ok but Over-priced!

[@TinkerWithTools]

I've tried a few of their items. I think you can find some things that are priced better that still offer decent quality, but this item is one that i still feel is a good value because of how nice and compact the case is. It's more expensive than the cheaper options that i mentioned here but it is better quality as well, in my opinion. The Wera is still more money and it's fabulous so I like the Icon as the value high-end option if that is the route someone wants to go.