Beta Tools has recently come out with a new mini bit ratchet set, model 860/C27, which comes with a 1/4″ hex bit ratchet, 25 screwdriver bits, a 1/4″ square drive adapter, and handy hard-shell storage case.
The mini bit ratchet is also available separately as Beta model number 860/55.
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As you can see, this is a very small ratchet, which makes it perfect for working in tight quarters where a ratcheting screwdriver, traditional bit driver, or ratchet with bit socket might be too large or bulky to fit.
The bit ratchet, and the complete set as well, are perfectly sized for carrying around as part of an EDC or portable tool kit.
Comfort-wise, the Beta Tools bit ratchet couldn’t be any better. The finger grooves are easy to find, the direction selection switch is small but easily toggled, and the ratcheting mechanism is smooth and quiet.
The bit ratchet has a magnetic 1/4″ hex bit holder, and the magnet is fixed inside with an E-clip. If Beta wanted to cut corners, they would have simply glued it in place.
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This is almost as low-profile as you can get.
Need to use a socket? No problem – the bit set comes with a 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square adapter. Or, if you buy just the bit ratchet and use it with any standard-sized adapter.
The bit set comes with 25 color-coded and well-labeled screwdriver bits with a mix of Torx, Phillips, slotted, Pozidriv, and hex tip styles.
In this image, the bit ratchet was placed in the bit case in the wrong direction. Oops. But you can still visualize how it’s supposed to be positioned for storage.
That leads to my single complaint about this bit set – how noisy it is when being carried around.
Every component sits in the case nice and tight except for the ratchet. Even with the bit ratchet stored in the correct orientation, it wiggles around. A strong jostle will dislodge it, after which every little motion results in a rattle as the ratchet hits the lid of the case.
Even with the ratchet dislodged, nothing is going to get damaged from a little bit of rattling around, but I might install a little foam inside the lid to quiet things down.
The bits are quick and effortless to retrieve from their spots inside the case, but retained enough such that they don’t slide back and forth. When turned upside down, only 3 of the 26 bits fell into my hand. In other words, the bits are not locked in place, but there’s little worry of them spilling out if you tilt the case a little while it’s open.
The case is compact and well-built. For how much this set retails for, you should expect a strong and high quality case, and that’s what you get. A flat belt clip is possibly the only thing missing.
Conclusion and Comparison
The Beta Tools bit ratchet is comfortable to use, and works well in tight quarters. I have owned a Wera bit ratchet set for a while now – here’s an early size comparison – and it has proved itself to be an indispensable addition to my tool kit.
In regard to length and overall size, the Beta is a little larger than the Wera, but I have yet to determine which style I prefer more. One is not exactly better than the other. I can say that the Beta ratchet is slightly more ergonomic in certain uses, thanks to its finger-guiding grooves which provide for a more intuitive and better controlled grip. But for when choking up and holding the ratchet deeper in my hand, the Wera has a more comfortable thumb placement for putting pressure right over the bit.
The ratchet, bits, and case are all very high quality premium tools, and they’re priced as such. The complete set is priced at $85, and the ratchet is also available separately for $25.50.
I feel that the bit set is a little high priced, but it does offer the convenience of being an all-in-one kit.
Buy Now(Ratchet and Bit Set via Unique Tool & Equipment)
Buy Now(Ratchet and Bit Set via Tool King’s Beta Store)
Buy Now(Just the Ratchet via Tool King)
Alternatively, the Wera bit ratchet is priced at ~$29 via Amazon, and the Wera bit set is ~$57 via Amazon. If you’re not sure which you might like more, go with the Beta bit ratchet, as it’s a little less dainty. If you don’t want to to invest in the 27-piece set, you can pair the standalone bit ratchet with any 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits of your choosing.
Video
Thank you to Peerless Hardware and Beta Tools for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for benchmark and comparison purposes.
mike
Sweet!, this will replace the crappy craftsman one I have for sure. Thanks for the post Stu.
Stuart
I wouldn’t say Craftsman’s are crappy, but there’s definitely a huge difference in terms of design and engineering. I still use my offset Craftsman bit ratchet from time to time, and have no desire to retire it just yet.
Allen
I use the Wera 1/4 ratchet you reviewed some time ago. I really like the rotating head and quick release. Need to use the adapter for the bits, just the opposite of this.
Yadda
I bought the Craftsman 1/4 in ratchet sets at Christmas in SAE and Metric years ago. Nothing beats the ability to use a ratchet on some of the really long bolts with small heads that you often find on all sorts of things these days.
Yadda
Also, comparing the Craftsman 1/4 in ratchet sets to the Wera and Beta isn’t really fair to either tool set. The differences in size and functional applicability is different.
Stuart
Yea, this is absolutely not designed for high torque applications. In those cases, such as when driving long screws manually, I like to use a Wera Zyklop ratchet or Gearwrench Roto Ratchet.
LORDDiESEL
85 bucks is just too damn much for this product. I’m not a cheap ass, but they’re out to lunch with that price.
truckdriver
I wonder how it would compare to the SO low profile set. The handle might be longer but looks like the overall thickness might be better,especially with the stubby bits. Maybe use the SO stubby bits with this ratchet.
george
yea, as a lifetime mechanic i’m a bit set off by the price. I have them all, snap on, mac, craftsman and other cheap stuff. my favorite though has been the sk ratchets. very fine teeth but they are tough. the one I love the most is the sk one that I got at a second hand store for $1.98 . but yea, you need different lengths for different jobs but again, just not seeing it here. unless you really love that case !
SteveR
I like this set, although it’s price seems a bit high. If you don’t have the range of bits included already, though, it’s a good place to start. The ratchet alone is a good purchase, regardless. Your issue about the ratchet coming loose interested me. In both the stills and the video, I noticed a small plastic clip (it looks like an inverted binder clip) which should hold the ratchet firmly in place. When put back in the case in the correct orientation, it should hold it enough to keep it from rattling. I suspect it’s there to grip it without being so tight it makes removal difficult. It’s placement and the number of bits is pretty tight overall, so it was likely designed this way so as not to frustrate the user when removing it. Something you might try is to get a thin piece (1/16″ thick) of magnetized rubber, then cut and glue it to fit on the bottom of the case. That would hold the ratchet more tightly, as well as the bits. Overall, it appears to be a nice set with a strong, well-made ratchet.
If I had a say in the matter, I would exchange the Pozidrive bits for JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) screwdriver bits. Like Torx screws, they are used extensively in electronics now. As a bonus, their design also grips standard Phillips screws more securely, reducing cam-out. JIS screws are identified by the single dot stamped into each screw head. I just got a set of JIS screwdrivers, made by Vessel (the Megapro models), and am very impressed with their build quality and performance.
Stuart
The ratchet is held with a U-clip which mostly prevents side-to-side motion but does nothing to prevent vertical motion. There *might* be room for a small magnet strip at the bottom, but some foam inside the lid with extra thickness over the ratchet area would be a lot quicker and easier to implement. The downside to that is how it would ruin the lid’s ability to hold fasteners and other small parts while open. As it is now, it makes for a nice temporary parts tray.
LORDDiESEL
I found my alternative micro ratchets. 2 micro rats for 20 bucks. I’m sure it’s not as good as the beta, but will do me just fine.
http://www.princessauto.com/pal/en//8384893.p?utm_medium=flyertown&utm_source=eflyer&utm_campaign=hosted
Les Garten
You should work on your reviews. This one as usual, is pretty poor.
1) You didn’t do a size comparison with this ratchet. To show the size of the ratchet and how deep it sets the bit. The depth of the bit set effects how small a clearance you can work in. B- for showing the other ratchets in another review
2) You didn’t count the teeth, would that have taken so long?
3) You didn’t mention the thumb wheel and why that’s important on this particular type of wrench
4) You didn’t run down all the bits in the set, I guess we can read a sales flyer for that. Or go somewhere else to get that info. You didn’t even give a good shot of the bits.
5) A common problem with these small ratchets is that the direction shifter slips, especially on that craftsman. I would have addressed that and demonstrated on the video that it does not slip direction that is particularly frustrating in close quarters.
6) No mention on what the ratchet is made of or what the warranty is.
Stuart
1) There’s a good reason for this – I’m waiting on my set of custom-made diamond-anvil 0-12″ micrometers to arrive from Switzerland. Until then, the fourth photo shows the total height of the ratchet with a bit compared to a 1-inch bit by itself.
2) I started counting the teeth, but stopped after reaching 10,000. It’s like it keeps going and going! I should have probably just stopped at 60, huh.
3) Aside for being a flat point where downwards pressure can be exerted, the thumbwheel can be used to manually turn the bit without swinging the ratchet, but most people won’t use it in this way. Those who want to could figure it out easily. Do you also want me to explain the purpose of the direction selection switch? Or how to install a bit in the 1/4″ hex holder? Plus, this isn’t a wrench, it’s a ratchet.
4) Look at the 2nd to last photo. The bits are all very well labeled in their storage box, and so it would have been redundant to list all the bits the set comes with. If someone asked nicely, I would have added it into the review as I did with the video, where the bit labels are not visible.
5) This ratchet also doesn’t work with 5/16″ hex bits, nor is it ESD safe, nor does it provide protection against high voltage, nor does it have a built-in swivel head, nor does it have a cushion grip. I don’t cover every possible aspect of what a tool doesn’t do or isn’t bad at unless someone asks.
6) It’s made of steel. Beta Tools are normally covered under a lifetime warranty against defects. I don’t think the new USA distributor or its dealers have determined how they’re going to handle warranties, but I imagine defective tools will have to be shipped back for warranty replacement consideration.
LORDDiESEL
Bust balls much?
John S
Everything okay man? Sounds like something is eating at you… Criticism can be really helpful (and even necessary) but is this the best way to go about it?
John S
(that is to Les, not Stuart)
Stuart
If he doesn’t respond quickly, it’s because I gave him a 1-week timeout to help him better avoid all the terrible reviews.
I don’t mind criticism, and often welcome it, but there’s a right way and wrong way to go about it.
Miekia
Where is this ratchet made?
Stuart
It didn’t say. So either Italy or Asia, but I believe Italy to be more likely.
rangerfi
beta bits are low quality (soft)
Brian14
A similar product that I like using is my Chapman “Midget Ratchet” – it’s even smaller than the one in this review – the only downside to it is that it only really works with that company’s own bits, as each bit has the little retaining ball on it that ratchets use to hold sockets so a normal hex bit will slip out.
Heath
Here is a link to the manufacturers site of the above mentioned product:
http://www.chapmanmfg.com/MasterKit.html
Seen this used in many of the factories i’ve visited in the states. It would be great to see this one reviewed as well.
Stuart
I have avoided the Chapman Midget ratchet for a while now, mainly because it doesn’t work with standard 1/4″ hex bits. I might eventually give it a try, as I have heard good things about it over the years.
Les Garten
Looks like I was permanently blocked here or I would have answered earlier. Basis for my critique was that you reviewed a Dewalt 18v Cordless Impact well and it was the most useless thing I have ever purchased toolwise. Also, I obviously watched the video and felt I was missing out on the things I would like to see. For instance I have that Craftsman Close quarters set. It is terrible in my opinion, but it has helped me at times when I needed it. That’s why I would have loved to see the size difference next to all the others and a view to show the differences in how far the bit is set in. A close quarter set is not the same as a 1/4″ ratchet, they are 2 separate applications. Your review did help though. It pointed me to the Wera you reviewed which looks a lot better for me. Maybe I’ll get 2 and bend one with a torch to get a Flat/Angled set like the craftsman.
IMO your video review was long enough timewise to get in some good info, but short on technical info and comparisons with the competition’s pieces that you also have.
As mentioned, tooth count, the fact that it is flat only, not flat and angled as a set like the craftsman, the size compared to the competition, how much clearance is needed to get the bit in the fastener versus the competion. On a close quarters set, these are of interest to me.
I’ve read your site for a long time, sorry you didn’t like the feedback.
Stuart
(Your access has been fully restored.) The temporary block was to give you a reprieve from my “typical poor reviews.” In 5 years of running ToolGuyd, this was the first time I felt the need to do this to a reader/commenter.
I am receptive to feedback, but starting with “hey all your reviews suck, this one’s poor too, here’s what you left out,” is not at all constructive. I take pride in what I do, and your tone struck a nerve.
Regarding comparison, I also typically prefer for reviews and competitive comparisons of certain tools to be separate. Otherwise an all-in-one discussion can become too long and windy.
If there’s something you are curious about that I didn’t cover in a particular review, I am always glad to do what I can to fill in blanks or provide a follow-up comparison.
Les Garten
In closing I would just say look at the info I mentioned that you left out and then re-screen your video and pay attention to what you gave as “solid” information. Maybe I was a little hard in my critique. But look at what you left out and examine the real meat you provided, I thought the meat was sliced a little thin. I was very interested in detail because I would like to replace my Craftsman junk with something better for close quarters work.
Stuart
I understand your point. You wanted more detail and a broader comparison and were unhappy that certain things were left out of the review.
As I mentioned, I am always happy to follow up with added details, comparisons, information, tests, or deeper opinions. The beauty of a digital publication is that I can update or add to any post at any time, or via comments. But you didn’t ask for more details, you stated the review was poor, all TG reviews are poor, and this missing information was one reason why.
I appreciate candor, I really do, but you could be candid without being insulting or rude. Instead of starting off “this and all reviews here are poor,” “I’ve got a couple of questions about things you didn’t cover” would have come across much better.
Ken
New to this site, not sure how I didn’t find it sooner.
I regularly use a husky 1/4 bit ratchet for close clearance work. Couldn’t find it on their website but definitely worth checking if your into this kinda stuff. It also includes a 5/16 ratchet wrench (offset dogbone), a 1/4 socket adapter. Coincidentally, it’s also my lowest clearance 1/4″ ratchet.
It’s very close to the ratchet included in this kit, but possibly even tighter clearance…
http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85035-35-MicroDriver-Set/dp/B0062FSAVI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1384756069&sr=8-1&keywords=gearwrench+1%2F4+bit+ratchet
If I get bored I’ll compare them, I have several of both but always find myself using the husky.
For tight quarters, the husky and gearwrench don’t have the fat thumbwheel on the back. And I prefer the offset to the straight ratchet that was reviewed above, they help in applying torque but it’s harder to maintain pressure on the fastener with the 90 degree design. Especially that small.
Also, if you really want to squeeze into a tight spot, you can cut/grind most of the hex end of a 1/4″ bit off to shorten it. I’ve even ground down the tool end for a little better clearance on a few bits.
Ken
Les, try to find the Home Depot product, I can’t remember if it was $11 or $22 but you’ll be happy to pay 2x that after using it. They also have a way better 1/4″ socket adapter, leaves the socket flush with the driver instead of displaced 1/2″ like the one reviewed here.
Ken
hey… I found it!
http://www.homedepot.ca/product/1-4-ratchet-and-bit-set-8-piece/901320