Over at Amazon, this Bostitch BTMT72275 screwdriver bit ratchet set looks to be on sale, for just under $20. It’s also eligible for Amazon’s $10 off $50+ Stanley promo (ends 12/22/16).
You get a mini bit ratchet, and what I find interesting is that there are 2 drive options. There’s a reversible 72-tooth gear system, and also a low profile non-ratcheting box end.
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That box end looks interesting, as it should work in the tightest of spaces. Both the box and ratcheting end look to have an offset angle, for easier use around fastener heads or small obstructions.
This 32-piece set includes the mini bit ratchet, 30 popular sizes of screwdriver bits, including a 1/4″ square drive adapter, and it looks like there’s a bit extension hiding under the ratchet. It’s all packaged in a compact case for storage.
As an alternative, consider this Gearwrench MicroDriver set. I own a Gearwrench set, and it’s proven to be a decent little low profile tool set. I do wish that Gearwrench would create another set that does away with the sockets and 5/16″ screwdriver bits, and adds to the 1/4″ hex bits and accessories.
This set is priced at $17.06, which is probably around what I paid a few years ago. I remember these being on sale for $17.50, from $35, or something like that.
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I’d also consider these sets:
- Wiha 35pc Set
- Sunex 38pc set
- Bahco 26pc Set – this set also has a double-ended tool with ratcheting and box ends
- Wera Bit-Check Set – I own one of these, love it!
- Wera Tool-Check Set – with ratchet, screwdriver handle, bits, and also imperial or metric sockets
James C
I think it would be cool if instead the non-ratcheting end were an inline bit holder so you could use it like a traditional screwdriver.
Ball_bearing
Replying to an old post.
The LaBear bit ratchet has an inline bit holder at the base of the handle, with a free spin sleeve. It has an indexable flex head design. The bits are held in place with a magnet and the ratchet end has a spin disk. My only complain is that the magnet inside the inline bit holder is press fitted, wish it had a clip to prevent the possibility of FOD.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08NV5FLHF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_56Q4R64B5WBWEE4TEBV2
MikeakaFazzman
I have probably 3 or 4 Wera bit check sets, one with the bit ratchet and the others just with the bits. Its a great little tool. prolly the smallest in size compared to others.
its designed well and comfy to use. gets into some really odd spots plus the bits are top notch. I also have several USA made Craftsman bit ratchets that have a pretty low profile cant remember if they make those still or not.
fred
I agree that the Wera (8001 A) 3-inch long bit ratchet outclasses the others I’ve seen and cost a bit more too.
At the other end of the size range is the Vim HBR12:
https://www.amazon.com/VIM-Tools-HBR12-Ratcheting-Ratchet/dp/B00QRL1TVU
Tegian
The Wera Tool Check Plus which includes a mini bit screwdriver is brilliant. Expensive but got everything you need, only miss they did is to not include more slotted bits and some smaller PH and PZ bits, instead it comes with multiple PH2 and PZ2.
chris
I’ve had the bostitch set for few years now and works good. Is decent set to supplement an impact driver which I have used it more for.
fred
There is this Kobalt set as well for about $10:
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-24-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set-with-Hard-Case/3387782
Jonathan
Have that bugger, case is even halfway decent.
Effective and inexpensive. Good feel
david
Seconded on all accounts. I have two older sets, one with bits only and the other with a few small sockets. The sockets are what you would expect from a set that costs less that $10.00, but the bits are workable and the ratchet seems like it will last quite a while.
Steve Zissou
i picked one of those Kobalt kits up, havent used yet. Looked like good deal.
Brad Justinen
I have the Kobalt set, use it all the time. Got tired of taking it to work so I bought another set. $10
Adam
I have the Wera set, and it’s saved my ass on more than one occasion.
mrcreosoate
dont forget the teng version .
firefly
I have the gear wrench one. Great little set. Only complaint that I have is that the box can pop open pretty easy.
Mr P Brooklyn
If you want the best set get the vim half cut bit set not cheap but a nice set
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VHC77-77-Piece-Half-Stubby/dp/B005MVBGAU
Hang Fire
Alternatives? Chapman.
Satch
I have actually been looking g at these sets for awhile. Most of the Wera stuff is German or Czech made and I haven’t seen much in the way of hand drivers that are any better quality. The little Bostitch set gets good reviews but I believe it is Chinese made and probably priced correctly. About one third the price of the Wera stuff. For those who own it, would you buy it again?
Now as for the Bahco models, does anyone know COO? Bahco is, or at least was when Swede made, darn good stuff. I have one of their adjustable wrenches and have not seen any better. Very good.
I won’t overlook Wiha either. Their price to value is very good. I just don’t like so much of it being made in Vietnam to save labour and then being priced like their German and Swiss made tools.
fred
I can’t say about COO’s for all of the variants but the Vim comes from Taiwan, the Kobalt from China, the Wera from the Czech Republic. Bahco’s website says thet their ratchet/bit set is proudly made in Europe
Satch
Thank you Fred.
Tegian
Despite being a Swed I have to admit I today go for Wera , most of my Bacho stuff have been retired, Bacho is still nice stuff but there are better things out there imho.
fred
Bacho – while now part of Snap-On is not a very well-sold brand here in the USA. In my house there are actually only 2 Bahco branded tools out of the thousands of tools that I have. One is their #2444 knife (made by Morakniv in Sweden). The other is a long-handled clippers that my wife uses – made in France:
https://www.amazon.com/Bahco-P75-Vertical-Handles-39-Inch/dp/B0001IX7L0/
Stuart
I bought some Bahco tools over the past few years. Some are fantastic, others are forgettable.
The great ones include Bahco-made Craftsman high tension hacksaw, and Irazola-made screwdrivers.
Bahco sent over some screwdrivers after seeing my post (https://toolguyd.com/bahco-irazola-tekno-screwdrivers/), and I ordered more hex from Amazon UK.
I bought a pivoting handle ratcheting screwdriver, but haven’t used it enough yet for a full review.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SH4JIW/?tag=toolguyd-20
fred
I took a look at my old work tool inventory to see if we had bought more.
Seems we bought a few SB-2449 knives and the 2444 knife that I have. We had also bought some of the “sister brand” Sandvik “Swedish pattern” locking pipe wrenches (#1410 and #1420) to try out – but I think the guys did not light-up to this style wrench. I see we didn’t buy more than the original 2. We did however. buy a batch of Sandvik scrapers (#448 and #650) All these may now sell under the Bahco name.
Tegian
Sandvik did own Bacho before selling it to Snap-on. The main factory in Sweden was closed down about 10 years ago and the production moved to Spain but I do think they still make some handsaws in Sweden.
I am impressed that Morakniv manages to turn out some cheap knives without resorting to let the chinease make them. They are sold rebranded at some Swedish bigbox stores.The Swedish brand Hultafors is Made in China but dont seem to be able to compete.
fred
Its tough to compete on the global “pitch” – where it is not always a level playing field. What with wildly different labor rates and standards of living, government subsidies, currency fluctuations/manipulations, strict or loose environmental, safety and worker regulations/labor policies and laws and a batch of other things – its amazing that we can compete either here in the US or in Europe.
Meanwhile I have a Hultafors Talmeter measuring tape that I like – and it was made in Sweden
fred
BTW I took a peek at your link to the Bahco 808050P (Ratchet Bit Screwdriver Swivel Pistol Grip ) and see that one of the comments recommends a Craftsman alternative – while another comment points to a Proto as being better.
https://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-Proto-9000R-2-Ratcheting-Screwdriver/dp/B005YSZK08
May be worth a comparison
BigDan
I’m sensing a new Fred tool thread! 🙂
SharkyTM
That Bostitch set is very very good. I’ve purchased a dozen over the years for various jobs or shop/lab setups. Heck, I’ve included them with some of my products because they’re that useful. For $20, it’s tough to beat.
kstatekid
This set is always 20 dollars at walmart
Scrappy
i have the Stanely version from walmart. only complaint is its hard to get ratchet out of case. ive used it alot i build cnc automated machines