Bit Ratchet Showdown 

I would add WERA and Wiha points for the ability to turn the wheel by hand, sometimes it is very useful to secure a self-tapping screw or threaded bolt in a confined space on a wood surface or a threaded hole initially.

One thing you didn't mention that I find very important, especially in very confined work spaces, is the ability to spin the ratchet from the back of the wrench to pre-tighten the bolts or screws to get them tight enough to overcome the back friction of the ratchet mechanism. Or loosening threaded bolts to have enough length to grab it with bare hands rather than trying to twist a bit that is not attached to a wrench.

I work at a BMW dealership and we are doing a lot recalls on PCV heater pipes which can be a bit of a pain to replace. One of the screws that holds the pipe to the block is positioned out of the way and must be tightened and loosened blind, and in a very confined area. This seems like the perfect test for a bit ratchet. I've used both the Wera and the Hazet ratchet to complete tons of these jobs and both of them are perfectly fine. I will say that in my experience, you get what you pay for when it comes to tools. The Hazet really is a much higher quality professional grade tool - as it should be for the extra cost. It's a lot tougher and doesn't flex at all when you really crank on it. One thing that I noticed immediately was how little back drag it has, and how smooth and quiet the ratcheting mechanism is. With bit ratchets that is really important because in my case I was feeding these little torx screws in by hand just enough to hold them in place so I could come back with the ratchet. I found that I'm much less likely to knock the screw loose with the Hazet than with the Wera by unwinding the ratchet before the screws have really sunk in. It seems that ratchet design and ergonomics are more important than strictly tooth count when judging a ratchets capabilities in tight spots. Both are good tools for what they are designed for, and your task requirements will dictate which one is the better VALUE.

JEEZ, I WISH YOU WERE STILL DOING REVIEWS

I have the Wera version and it was literally the only tool that could do this job that needed to be done. A Volvo XC90's fuel map sensor is in a really tight place and the only way to get it is to put the phillips bit in reverse. It was just enough clearance to get the screw out and remove the tool. I think having an option like that would be a huge factor for the score. Something else to consider when purchasing one of these.

Thanks for the review love watching your channel. I have all of these except the hazet but my stahlwille one looks the same. My preference out of them all is the wera due to the knurled head makes it better to remove component in tight spaces. Keep doing your show i would love to see what spanners you recommend as the best to buy.

I got the Wera 8001 (w/ the bit check) and I'm surprised how much I use it. Everyday carry/electrical work.

I always go with Wera.

I think most important for such product is the ratchet gear and teeth life. Only after many years of use you will be able to tell by inspecting the gear and teeth. Taiwan made products are very well finished nowadays but have a bit risk in regards to the durability. You can try to over torque them to check the wearings on the gear and teeth.

I have the wiha one. It came with wihas micro bit kit. It does work well for small bits and low torque applications, but because of the small tooth I don't feel comfortable to use it for applications requiring a bit higher force.

You should measure the slop in between the current tooth and when the pawl engages the next tooth. Often you see low return angles, like 5°, even on cheap ratchets. The biggest difference is durability when those tooth counts get high, and the tolerances. A good 5° ratchet has a 5° return angle, a cheap on has like 8° angle of return because of slop.

The hole in the top of the Wera bit ratchet is actually large enough to insert and use some bits upside down, which makes for an extremely low profile tool. Having said that, I'm more in love with the Facom Pico flex-head bit ratchet these days.

Very helpful video, mate. I’m going with the Felo mini ratchet! 🔧😎👍🏽

Great informative video. I am always looking for new tools for my underseat motorcycle tool kit. This has been very helpful.

Hey GTR, Just a suggestion: placing a URL in the description to the Showdowns Playlist would ease any resistance to those wanting to see more. :)

Excellent, thorough and enlightening. All my thumbs are up right now. Would you consider it safe to use a 3/8 adapter with these, specifically the Felo?

I also believe the Felo is the highest rated load capacity at 48 ft/lbs. In knowing that load capability and feeling the quality of it, I think this is a tool you own for a life time. BTW, I called it in the video you posted mentioning the upcoming showdown ;)

At my job we have the Wera tool check plus set which is a pretty decent set my only gripe with these types of sets are the ratchets are so tiny which for some things might be preferred but in an industrial environment where everyone likes to hulk smash tighten everything its hard getting enough leverage to loosen nuts and bolts.

Awesome review. I have both Felo and Wera. The Felo feels more sturdy and high quality than Wera. And the price on Hazet, OMG!

I use the Wera all the time and it works very well. The smaller teeth leave the Hazet in the dust. I just switched to Facom fixed head and I ordered the flex head version in the R1 Pico set for my travel tool kit. The Facom would be a top contender in a new test as long as the clip head doesn't artificially handicap them.

HAZET strikes back with it's 90tooth HiPer bit ratchet 😎

Fantastic review. I really appreciate the effort you put into evaluating all categories of function - tools that can travel in my carry on are important for me, and your reviews have always given me a clear idea of what works best for my particular use case. Thanks!

How sad is it, that I as a German need to go outside of Germany to get our own tools reviewed? :-D One question: You did not mention the force needed for the "back stroke", which of these has the lowest? Makes it easier to hold the bit in place before a fastener starts to grip! Thanks so much, that was EXACTLY what I needed!

I don't quite think it's fair to give the Hazet a 10 for serviceability and a 5 to the others, when you can get 2 or 3 complete drivers from the other brands for the price of a single Hazet (and that's not even including the price of the service parts).

Nice comparison but you could also try the french Facom ratchet

I've been waiting for this video ever since you mentioned the possibility a few months back. I use them all the time in my line of work.

Have you used the topeak mini ratchet? That's my ideal mini ratchet. It has a hex drive in the handle end too

I decided to buy a Felo based on this review. I have a Wera, and I really like it - it's easy to get it into places I can't get anything else in - so I'll be interested to see if the Felo is noticeably different. I figured that it would be worth having even if I can't tell the difference otherwise, because of the angle on the handle.

Now found my ~15y old Gedore 471 1/4 Bit Ratchet. Messurements: 89,4 x 14,3 x 9,7 in mm, weight 23,8 grams, about 50 tooth at the other end a fix 1/4 bit holder for loosening tight screws. Satin finish still perfect, no rust, ratcheting mecanism smooth and the switch still feel like it should. I used it for these hard to reach screws in the Motor compartment (european cars) and it never failed. COO maybe taiwan because there were other, exactly same looking rebrands available (about 15 years ago) like Bahco. Still some NOS 471's in the german bay available also in a set with 4 and 6 mm bits and adapter for the 4mm bits.

Great review. Can you also compare the bahco, the victorinox (which is really small) and the Topeak mini ratchets to thees tested ratchets?

I love the process you use to score the tools, keep it up!

My experience is that the Wiha is terrible. It was dry and would jam up. After lubing, quite ok. The other problem is that one screw backs out, even with Loctite. I ended up finally losing it and Wiha won't tell me what the measurements are so I can buy a replacement. So I stick with my Wera at this point.

Overall I would like to.point out that using these units with one hand is one of the most important qualities, also anything that comes with a thumb spinner is extremely important foe 1 hand operation

You might consider the Stahlwille 415SGB and the Gedore 471 Ratchets for a follow-up test.

I’d like to see the Hazet vs Snap-On TM72SET

I really enjoy your video's and the detail in them :)

Great, thorough and thoughtful review. Thanks.

Stahlwille has also one with Metal handle, but somehow I prefer the Wera one.

My problem is the length, someone needs to patent an extra long one with a small head. What I currently work with is the Swiss army one that is sold as an accessory to their multi tool. It’s the smallest head available and you can add a hex bit extension to the handle to make it as long as you want

thank you for this, i used your link to the felo on amazon and made the order, hopefully that help a little.

even I love Germany tools specially knipex Pliers & I love your explanation of tools very very good 👌👍👍👍

can you make a video about the Wiha ratchet disassemble/reassemble?

How soon the vice moves largely depends on the downward force applied.

Agree on the FELO , should be stamped & with "germany" IF made there :)

Since the Wera is already from Taiwan you could have included the Toptul CHEV0811 which apparently has the Wera ratcheting mechanism and features a swivel head. That makes it a twin of the more prestigious and expensive Facom R.180PB.

damm I really wanted to get the tool check plus - but wrench not being made in Germany and the bit play are swayin me from it. thanks for the vid

wish you checked the ratchet force. how much force it takes to trigger.

All promoted as German designed. Three made in Taiwan. Seems fishy for the prices they charge. The first thing I do to new ratchets. Clean them out and put Teflon grease in them.. Smooth as butter..

Awesome video. I own the Wera model and love it; just wish they made a flex-head version. I've seen that exact same mechanism in the Wera used by Mac, Facom, USAG, and Deen in their respective bit ratchets. All made in Taiwan, 60 tooth, large through hole, and using a single c-shaped clip to retain the bit drive and the bit itself. I wonder if they are all made in the same facility and just get stamped with different branding on the top?

I'm buying the Felo because of this review. Thanks for the level of detail in the review. I just would wish that the tool would come in a case. I saw that they sell one with bits and extensions, but I already have plenty of those.

Great review. You didn't think that the knurled thumb-wheel of the Wera & Wiha ratchets was worth mentioning & scoring on the extra design functionality?

Can you add on sunex and titan ratchets?

howcome the Hazet costs $106? Here in Europe costs around €35 or around $40. I have been to that KC tools website to check some stuff and the prices are way more expensive than here. I have a few 2% torque wrenches from Hazet and they are listed at more than 3 times as much over there compared to here... Dont understand that

I changed the internals of my Hazet 863 BGL ( bit ratchet with flexible head ) over to an standard one and vice versa so I can confirm that it is possible and the price is a lot lower - here in Germany - when bought in a complete set with box , inserts , extensions, bits ... The Wera " movement " is same on Facom, KS-Tools and many more - brandet tools, all came from Taiwan. Own all of them, use frequently ( Service Engineer tobacco machinery ) , never failed.

For the price of the wera I got the whole tool check bit set. And I’ve never had to service a ratchet.

Can you do 1/2 rachet comperesion

Working in tight spaces, wouldn't one want a longer ratchet, so that one's hand has less chance of getting in the way? I may have heard you wrong, though.

That wobble on on the WERA has saved my ass getting Automotive vent controls out..As some of them screws are offset., And you can't get a straight angle at them...

Anyone make a longer bit ratchet?

What about Back Drag?

I find myself accidentally flipping the switch on the Wiha on a regular basis...

Would Chapman bit drivers be in this category of tools , they are very flexible . Probably not as strong as these though

A very meticulous scoring methodoligy!

As Maijahtheoneandonly said you missed the new Stahlwille 415SGB N (11 13 20 20) 80 Tooth Bit Ratchet.

Here in Germany Hazet is considered the highest quality brand of the four. I must admit that Felo is not widely known here in my opinion. I only have a badly designed bit driver from them. Gedore and Hazet are the top manufacturers for those tools.

You have crazy prices for these ratchets in the US

the wera bit ratchet is nearly identical to the facom bit ratchet, the shape of the handle being the only difference.prob made in same factory.

Cool.... Thanks ...👍

Servicable tools are nice but... how long are the rebuild kits in stock at the manufacturer? Most DIY'ers won't destroy their ratchet anytime soon and maybe in 20 years they might order a rebuild kit, but I don't know any manufacturer that still makes and sells spare parts themselves. No tool manufacturer or any general manufacturer of any product to be honest.

theres obviously a bias towards the hazet, mainly due to the price point so I see why someone would try and justify it, but really all the other ones are better

Good job, sir! 👏👏👏

At 7:56, notice that the Wera has a very large pawl to spread the torque more evenly which negated the need for such thick material in the cog of the ratchet, engineering that cut cost and should be effective. Personally, I own a Snap-On unit purchased years ago with an Angelle creeper as a set. Paying with cash for both, it was really inexpensive for the quality. Not jumping inside the unit, I bet it is more akin to the Hazet. All in all, I would have preferred a straight through design, although the magnet holds well. It holds so well, that with greasy or oily hands and fingers, it can be a chore at removal of bits. Super light but a big head, serviceable and should be able to be configured for other styles--3/8" drive, 1/4" fine or course. What I don't like so much is the stiffness of the ratcheting motion. OMG! It hasn't broken in yet. Again, it receives limited use, just for the tough hard to reach screws and such. The set TMM830set or TMM830 can be found in used quantities over the net and especially eBay. It is usually easier to buy the kit than the individual ratchet; go figure. Anyway nice review. Thanks

idk why companies moved away from the snap ring design that the Felo uses. i own gear wrench ratchets that use snap rings and i think it's superior in reliability and serviceability. the only ratchets that have ever failed me have all been the plate & screw design. the screws loosen over time and there's always a chance of stripping the threads. why voluntarily put up with that??? sure, snap rings require "specialized" tools, but they're cheap and easy to find everywhere. i'll always buy ratchets with snap rings, so this is an easy choice for me. Felo.

How do you know that the Felo ratchet is actually made in Germany? Especially the low price makes me doubt that it is a German produced item.

Germany tools are the best. Wera ,wiha, knipex,belzer, gedore,Bosch, metabo etc...

Not sure why anyone would ever put comfort grip handles on something as small as a bit ratchet. I hate when they do it to 1/4 inch ratch too.

GTR, what model torque wrench is that? It looks interesting!

Great vid

Well done! Another great comparison video. I have the Wera and Wiha units. I may add the Felo based on this, but I'll be keeping my C note, Hazet.

i asked this felo bit ratchet.felo customer s. told me that this product was produced in taiwan

I prefer my German tools to be made in Germany. I own the Hazet.

I have the Wiha ratchet and agree that the switch is a problem. My concern with the Hazet ratchet is the butterfly pawl in the mechanism which is similar to older teardrop Craftsmen ratchets that were offered in other drive sizes. I don't remember the mechanisms in those as working particularly well. Their shortcomings were often remedied by various people I knew by packing them full of grease which produced other strange issues. Maybe the Hazet is made to better specifications and tightness is not a problem in this particular product. I am curious to know more about the VIM ratchets.

Price drop on the Stahlwille: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C139CVM?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B00C139CVM&linkCode=shr&tag=pricedrop09c-20&linkId=FNTUSXEEUMSR2JEJ&psc=1

Naturally I just must be the first to watch this 🛠 Considering the size of the tool, a normal old fashioned tool will do as well or better. Those are gimmicks.

Pro Wera!

It’s really too bad the Hazet ratchet didn’t have at least 60 teeth. I can’t justify the price for a course tooth ratchet.

Nice showdown! I was surprised about the winner.

and this German tool is made in... Taiwan, and this one too. lol. Cool ratchets!

Mine lasted two days unfortunately

Too expensive for a darn wimpy ratchet . I am sure I can make a 1/4" adapter which has a hex holder. ones with a wheel

Interesting. Hazet M. i. Germany. Only „Germany“ is not Made in Germany but in Taiwan?

I completely disagree with the scoring method but having all the tests was amazing.

GTR, what brand is that vise?

Good job bud

What about Topeak Ratchet ?

You left the stahlwille, they also have a bit ratchet.

The best is the one that doesn't break after 100 ft pounds 😂 break some we want the strongest

if you need a with small head take ks-tool gearplus bit ratchet, if you want more felxile take kingsdale bit ratchet same like facom pico. this wera, wiha etc... are only heavy , the frame/grip can be made in germany but do the ratchet parts/mechanics made in germany too? if you dont disassamble a worn our and burned aircraft engine , you dont need snap-on that same with german tool, in most time quality of toptul taiwan enough.

Jon

Consider ratchets from Nepros, made by and in Germany's former (!) ally Japan.