Speaking of new mini bit ratchets, Gearwrench’s MicroDriver offers the best bang for the buck bit driver set that I’ve seen so far. It’s been around for a couple of years, and is highly well regarded by pretty much everyone who has used it.
As with the new Craftsman bit ratchet, you won’t find sumer-premium features with the Gearwrench MicroDriver. What you will find is a lot of convenience and utility in a compact and tidy package.
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The MicroDriver set, model 85035, comes with the MicroDriver ratchet, which features both 1/4″ and 5/16″ hex sockets. 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits aren’t anywhere as ubiquitous as 1/4″ hex bits, but they’re available at industrial suppliers and online dealers.
Both sides of the MicroDriver have reversible ratcheting mechanisms, and on the top there are thumbwheels that provide fingertip control.
The set comes with:
- (5) 6pt metric sockets
- (5) 6pt standard sockets
- (18) 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits (3 Slotted, 3 Phillips, 6 Hex, 4 Torx, 2 Square)
- (5) 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits (2 Slotted, 1 Hex, 2 Torx)
- 1/4″ hex to square drive adapter for use with the included sockets or your own
That’s 34 pieces, plus the MicroDriver makes 35. All this comes in a handy plastic case that is surprisingly sturdy and durable. It’s not of throw-away quality that inexpensive tool sets come with.
The MicoDriver wrench is a little over 5″ long, which is quite a bit longer than many brands’ single-ended bit ratchets, but it’s still quite compact. I use my Gearwrench MicroDriver on occasion, although not as often as my Wera bit driver, and I have never found it to be too long or bulky.
This Gearwrench set is reasonably priced ($18 at Amazon as of the time of this posting), and it makes for a great addition to portable, stationary, or home tool kits. I wish that Gearwrench left out the sockets and created an even smaller dedicated bit driver kit, but that’s hardly a major complaint.
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This is definitely one of Gearwrench’s most popular offerings, and I bet many of you own one too. If you’ve got one, what do you think about it? Or maybe you’ve been using something even better that you’d like to tell us about?
Chad says
What are the sizes of the sockets?
Stuart says
I can’t find this listed anywhere online, and my set is buried somewhere in my workspace or in a tool box somewhere. Someone (me) didn’t put it back to its proper place after the last use.
They’re 1/4″ drive sockets, which I know doesn’t help much, but the sockets are pretty small.
fred says
Here’s a link that lists the sizes:
http://www.foxruntools.com/35-piece-micro-screwdriver-bit-and-ratchet-set-part-kd85035.aspx
Tom says
I’m fairly sure that I have seen a re-branded version of this under the Kobalt name. I think that they clearanced them out at around $10 last Christmas. Might be worth a look to see if your local Lowes still has them.
mike aka Fazzman says
thats a pretty good price,I have the Wera micro ratchet set that I love.
James C says
Hey, I think this is just what I’ve been looking for as a compact tool kit for my car. I’ll throw in a multi-bit screwdriver and adjustable wrench and be set.
I found this on questions asked at the Amazon page:
Q: What size sockets are included?
A: 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2 & 9/16 sae
8, 10, 12, 13, 14 mm
Chris says
I didn’t even know that 5/16″ hex screwdriver bits existed. They’re obviously bigger than 1/4″ bits, so I imagine somewhat more robust…… so what’s the point of including them in a MicroDriver set?
fred says
Not only 1/4 and 5/16 hex drive bits – but at the other ends of the spectrum are tiny 4mm hex drive and bigger 7/16 hex drive like this one from Apex:
http://weldwarehouse.com/cgi-bin/einstein.pl?1:::WLDWH:1:number=170-7/16
Jason Abettan says
This is something that never leaves my EDC tool bag.
We have 4 sets in the office and for someone that works in confined spaces, there is practically nothing better.
Brian says
Received the same Canadian Tire “Maximum” branded version of this kit. I have used it way more than I though I would. Love it!
Brian says
Received the same Canadian Tire “Maximum” branded version of this kit for Xmass a year or two ago. I have used it way more than I thought I would. Love it!
Michael says
I keep one in my HVACR bag and I’m thinking of getting a couple more
GTX says
Husky has the same dual ratchet. It’s really handy and works well.
Pete says
I’ll have to pick one up! Looks moderatly useful. If the case is solid it will be a home run of a tool in my eyes.
JeffD says
I’ve had these for a couple of years now.
I use them in my range bag, motorcycle, and cars.
Karl says
I have used one of these for years, worth every penny. I wish the case was a little tougher, I just broke mine. The clear plastic lid and hinge is not very strong.
Robert says
Lowe’s Kobalt has two versions 24 piece without sockets and 35 piece with sockets. I own the Gearwrench and the 24 piece Kobalt. The Kobalt driver is 4.5 inches long, has slimmer drive ends, minus the finger grips. The Gearwrench driver is 5 inches long. The two together are great compliments since the bits are quite different (the Kobalt has security stars, spline bits).
argosytech says
I also have both the Kobalt and GearWrench sets. The GW set I have had for several years and sadly I don’t think I have used the Kobalt one yet as I default to the GW with the lid held on by strips of Gorilla Tape. It works great for alot of the under dash work I used to do on Class 8 trucks and I’ve used it around the house quit a bit (Works way better than the included 5mm hex wrench IKEA gives you). Great to have around if you have your main tools somewhere besides close proximity to your house.
firefly says
This look very useful. Look like a small set with all the commonly used socket/bit. I pick one up. If it prove useful I might pick up two other set…
Josh says
I have this set from Amazon, find it very handy and use it frequently. Added 1/4″ socket driver extensions (2″ and 4″, which just fit in the case laid parallel on either side of the wrench) to increase the versatility. With the extensions I can all but disassemble my entire lawnmower.
OnTheWeb says
It was only $17.99 when I just bought it.
Mr p says
Vim half cut has a smaller rachet like the older husky and half cut bits you get into tight spots
http://www.amazon.com/Tools-VHC77-77-Piece-Half-Stubby/dp/B005MVBGAU
Jim W says
Gear Wrench is my new favorite company for wrenches and screwdrivers, I have had this socket set for over a year, a company I worked at had them, I used them and I immediately bought them. Im currently outfitting a home workshop which will soon be where I run my small business and I am snagging up a bunch of different Gearwrench goodies. Got this, their 40-piece screwdriver set (the one with 3 handles), looking to get the nut drivers, files and mini files, and next on the list is the roto ratchet set.