Trying to complete a small edc tool kit
Looking for quality 1/4’ drive ratchet
This one works pretty good for the money
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BSGTRTNW/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1
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Check out the relatively new manufacturer , 711L.
They make several varieties of 1/4" drive ratchets. I’ve been impressed with the strength and rust resistance of their drives.
711L
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Not sure how small you are looking. Quarter inch square drive? Or Hex drive? Here’s what use for hex drive: Amazon.com. Works great for my small moto kit.
I can’t see one edc’ing an actual 1/4" square drive watchet.
I carry the ratchet from this set in my EDC bag:
It’s a little longer to better reach screws in deep holes and the magnet is very strong.
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Do you mean EDC as in you will carry it with you or keep it in the car? I keep a full ratchet set in the car.
Why would you carry a ratchet with you? Do you also plan to carry sockets, just curious.
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I use the Snap-On T72 regularly, 72-tooth drive is quite handy in tight spot and the chrome finish does last(been abusing it for ~10 years). It’s on the expensive side though.
I’d go for one of these, a bitt oot in titanium, but they do aluminium as well. Come in 2 ends, hex or 1/4 drive.
I do not see the point in using a ratchet as a EDC, as once you add sockets and bits to actually make it usable, it is no longer EDC sized. Anyway, the tiny ratchet from the Wera Toolcheck Plus is pretty nice and they seem to sell individual parts too: Tool-Check PLUS, 39 pieces - Wera Product finder
Chapman Manufacturing may have what you are looking for https://chapmanmfg.com/
I bought a “KS Tools 911.2010 1/4 inch bit set, 24 pieces” from Amazon a couple of years ago for about $20, the case has a little too much empty space for my liking so I’ve removed the plastic insert and stuffed it full of sockets and driver bits. It’s too heavy for pocket EDC but for a vehicle or compact tool box, it’s very handy.
If I had not chosen the KS Tools set, the Topeak ratchet set @SammysHP linked would have been my choice.
I agree with @ebastler that once you have added sockets, ratchet sets are rather bulky for “EDC”. I gifted my brother the Wera tool-check plus that’s linked, it felt like a very nice kit, but impossible to pocket carry.
Edit to add: was organising tool boxes etc so decided to take a pic:
Note that I use this as a car/mini toolkit if I think I’ll need to fix something, it’s not a “daily EDC”.
With the plastic organiser insert removed and a willingness to tolerate a “pick-n-mix” style of organisation, I’ve managed to fit:
Sockets:
3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14
Bits:
Flat 3, 4, 5.5mm
PZ1, PZ2, PZ3
PH1, PH2, PH3
Hex H1.5, H2, H2.5, H3, H4, H5, H5.5, H6, H7
Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
Adaptors:
1/4in drive to 1/4in hex bit driver
Magnetic extender
1/4in swivel/knuckle
3/8 to 1/4 drive (pretty redundant in this set as it doesn’t have a 3/8 ratchet)
I’ll maybe refine the kit over time, some drivers are probably redundant for the car.
To save space, screwdriver bits can be stored inside sockets 8mm and larger.
Yeah, vehicle EDC is a different story (I actually have a full-sized wrench set and full sized side cutters and pliers in there).
Backpack EDC is another topic where I’m struggling babie to decide. My current one is a Leatherman Charge TTi with one of the Leatherman bitsets - enough for pretty much everything I might need on the go, but not enough for any serious repairs. But if I have to repair anything on the go it’s pretty much either my motorbike or car, and both come with their own toolkits anyway.
I have one of these: Kraftform Kompakt Zyklop Speed, 26 pieces - Wera Product finder
I suppose it depends on your definition of EDC, it lives in my backpack that I take to work every day, but I don’t actually carry it with me when I leave the office unless I think I’m going to need it. It’s pretty compact and covers most things I’ve needed tools for but it’s not really pocketable.
For me it’s a screwdriver replacement in my EDC bag. Doesn’t take much space.
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You need two hands with a ratchet. One to push and one to turn. A screw driver on requires one hand. Am I missing something. Please explain .
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Why would you need two hands?
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It is absolutely possible to use a ratchet with one hand.
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If you’re using a ratchet on flatheads or phillips screws, 2 hands are often better.
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If I’m using a ratchet on screws I tend to hold the head with the screwdriver attachment between my index and middle fingers, that way it’s no different to a T-handle screwdriver.
Flathead screws are an abomination, Pozidriv is where it’s at.
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I think the Topeak and KS tools ratchet are very similar, if not made in the same factory.
My more “EDC-able” kit comprises the ratchet and some bits:
I’ve wrapped electrical tape around the handle as I felt the narrow waist was usable space, and electrical tape comes in handy.
Is the orange bit case in your photo yours? Is it 3D printed? It looks like a fairly efficient use of space, I’m trying to make my kit more compact or carry more bits in the same amount of space.