711L describes this as being a pocket EDC screwdriver with retractable handle for extra torque.
I have seen 711L’s Lollipop bit drivers before, and I think I’m finally going to have to give it a try.
This is what the 711L Lollipop screwdriver looks like with the handle retracted.
Advertisement
If you need to deliver more torque, you can pull the end cap out and fold it over to form a T-handle type shape.
And yes, that’s a mini bit ratchet attached to the 1/4″ hex screwdriver bit holder. 711L makes a bunch of bit ratchets that have also been on my radar, with this one featuring a 1/4″ hex shank.
At this time there’s a discounted bundle set that includes the Lollipop screwdriver and hex-compatible bit ratchet – that’d be my pick.
The pocket screwdriver is available in stainless steel, or with an aluminum handle at a lower price.
I don’t know how pocketable this pivoting handle screwdriver really is, but I’ll probably find out sometime soon.
I know I’d use this form factor all of the time.
Advertisement
I typically use my Wera Zyklop Speed flex head ratchets for this sort of task, flipping between inline and high torque modes, but the 711L looks more compact, maybe more easily manageable compared to a ratchet and bit socket, and yes, more pocketable.
There are a bunch of 711L tools on my shopping list – I’m only waiting until I clear some more hand tool reviews off my todo list.
Shown here is a hex-handle mini bit ratchet coupled with another bit ratchet that has a 1/4″ hex bit socket, creating a double-ended ratcheting bit wrench. I’m not sure how practical it is, but it sure does look neat!
A couple of readers have recommended the brand so far. If you’ve got any experience with 711L, please chime in!
fred
For last Christmas gift-giving I bought 5 items from 711 (Chinda Precision Co.) via Amazon- for a great nephew who’s a bicycle enthusiast. They looked like quality items – made in Taiwan. Other than “thanks” – I’ve gotten no feedback one way or the other. The way the pieces can be combined together intrigued me. I think that the 71150 driver was the most expensive of the pieces. I bought their aluminum one and it was about $7 less than Amazon’s price today. Looking at my Amazon order history – there was a 10% off coupon.
William Adams
I’ve been tempted by the 711L stuff, but haven’t been able to justify it since I already have a Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit, which is one of my most favourite tools (and which spared me from needing to buy a 1/4″ Snap-On ratchet) — the other tools which are used for similar tasks are the Metmo Driver and Pocket Driver and a short PB Swiss ratcheting screwdriver w/ in-handle storage.
fred
This one from Prestacycle is another choice:
https://www.amazon.com/Prestacycle-T-Handle-Ratchet-Extension-Only/dp/B07F42ZF9B
also comes in a kit for only a few bucks more
Greg
like a beefier version of fix-it sticks, though I don’t recall fix-it offering a ratcheting minibit holder
William Adams
The Silca T-Ratchet + Ti-Torque Kit mentioned elsethread is pretty much “Ratcheting Fix-It Sticks” (I’ve got a couple of them, one attached to a bicycle, the other in tool bag for when extra torque is needed)
JoelLikestools
I got one of the ratchets for my brother in law after I saw it on Doresoom. It looked pretty neat. I have had no hands on experience.
William Adams
Interesting bit of engineering — I kind of want to see this sort of thing as the handle on a vise.
Wayne R.
Your recent post about the Wuben light and its complex design & assembly for $20 and this far simpler device (what is it, three parts?) for $75 is a pretty stark contrast.
Stuart
Fabrication methods can vastly drive up the cost of a price. Sometimes you can machine dozens of flashlights worth of the same parts at a time, but just one cylindrical tool.
Harry
I picked up the black with red knob lollipop bit holder a while back. I came in a tapered plastic tub with a screw cap. The knurling on the black portion is well done and excellent for thumb & index finger spinning. The pull out red knob with shaft gives you the needed leverage for breaking loose or final tightening. I also picked up the 71187 tiny bit ratchet. It came in a small metal tin with a sliding top and foam insert. This ratchet is similar to the Wera model only a little longer. It does well mated to those small bit holder handles that are common these days. Another brand to look at for uber small bit ratchets is CROM. Their 60 tooth 5005 set is one of the smallest bit ratchets I’ve used, you can make a mini tee handle out of it with the included short extension.
MKY
Stuart –
“ 711L describes this as being a pocket EDC screwdriver with retractable ***level*** for extra torque.”
Stuart
Thanks!! Not sure what happened there. *fixed*
Sam S.
And now I’m thinking……A level would be a neat feature for this tool 🙂
Blocky
I have the stubby 711L bit ratchet with male 1/4” hex on the handle end. I’ve got it slotted into the bit holder space on a wera bit check 30 in one of my main bags. I’ve only put it to use a couple times, but one of those I needed breaking torque and extended it with a 6” locking bit holder. It worked and with no perceivable flex. Didn’t feel like I was abusing the tool at all. Good tolerances.
I did buy it w a ‘clippable coupon’ for $10. Wish I could buy five more at that price.
CMF
I think these look super cool and would love to have some. But the reality is how would I use them? My pockets are only so big, carrying an EDC knife (or sometimes Skeletool) and a mini flashlight + wallets, change and other stuff already.
They look like great quality, but also priced as such. Maybe as a glove compartment tool, or in that way of thinking. Many of the posts above mention what they have, be it 711L or other similar brands; but rayher than what you have, where & how do you use these EDC(?) tools?
Stuart
Compact tools take up less space in a pants pocket, but also tool box, portable tool kit, and elsewhere. I have a couple of well-used pocket tools that have never left my workshop. A tool like this can make the difference between grabbing one tool for a task and having to grab two or three. Or at least that’s how I see it and why I want one.
fred
People putting together road-bike kits probably also appreciate tools that do multiple things well enough – while conserving space and weight.
Doresoom
I EDC their mini bit ratchet with the 1/4″ hex bit socket on the handle. A standard hex bit extension stored in the end gives the ratchet extra leverage, or I can take it out and insert it in the ratchet for longer reach if I need it.
That along with a dozen 1″ insert bits covers almost any fastener I might run across. Plus the bit holder can be removed and used in a drill or impact driver.
Doresoom
I made also made a short review video for the 711L bit ratchet and my other EDC items a while back: https://youtu.be/39qzPQwGxv4