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.
Note: This post was originally published on 5/8/2015, and republished on 4/3/2019. At this time, the set is on sale for $13.10 on Amazon.
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As with the new Craftsman bit ratchet, you won’t find super-premium features with the Gearwrench MicroDriver. What you will find is a lot of convenience and utility in a compact and tidy package.
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 [original] 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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Buy Now(via Home Depot)
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
What are the sizes of the sockets?
Stuart
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
Here’s a link that lists the sizes:
http://www.foxruntools.com/35-piece-micro-screwdriver-bit-and-ratchet-set-part-kd85035.aspx
Tom
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.
Dt
Correct.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-35-Piece-Standard-SAE-and-Metric-Polished-Chrome-Mechanic-s-Tool-Set/3387640
Stuart
I don’t believe Apex/Gearwrench is still making Kobalt tools for Lowes. While similar in general nature, that Kobalt set is not the same as this one from Gearwrench.
Christopher
Yeah kobalt one is definitely different. I’ve been using the kobalt set at work for about 3 years now. Super convenient to throw in pocket and have generally all sizes I need for what I’m working on. Only have to break out tool bag if working on bigger pieces of equipment.
mike aka Fazzman
thats a pretty good price,I have the Wera micro ratchet set that I love.
James C
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
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
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:
Link
Nathan
some larger torx heads using say a torx 40 – are put in with significant torque on a car – and it is possible to shear a 1/4 hex torx 40 on them.
Personally I’ve never done it – and I claim part of that is the right bit and bit holder – but it’s possible. Others are the offset cruciform screws used on aircraft, and some others – once corroded or otherwise put in are under significant torque.
More often than not I see a 5/16 hex bit holder – as a 3/8 drive socket accessory.
I’ve used on in a spinner handle with a end cap (think brace and bit for sockets) to get panels off an airplane before. Impact drivers and impact rated hex bits have sort of made the 5/16 hex obsolete IMO. But they still exist.
Jason Abettan
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
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
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
I keep one in my HVACR bag and I’m thinking of getting a couple more
GTX
Husky has the same dual ratchet. It’s really handy and works well.
Pete
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
I’ve had these for a couple of years now.
I use them in my range bag, motorcycle, and cars.
Karl
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
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
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
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
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
It was only $17.99 when I just bought it.
Mr p
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
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.
Doresoom
This is exactly what I needed the other day – none of my right angle drivers fit where I needed them, and I could only turn the allen key I was using 270° before having to remove it and reinsert it.
It’s down to $13.10 now on Amazon when I just bought one.
Stuart
Great! That’s why I republished the review this morning – ~$18 is a good everyday price, but $13.10 is a great sale price. Reposting the review seemed like a better idea than a deal post which would have nothing extra to add.
Doresoom
Haha, somehow I missed this was an older article, and the whole point was the $13.10 price.
Stuart
No worries. The “note” was a little too subtle, so I bolded the price.
It’s always a tough call. Do I write a deal post, or republish an existing review or deal post? Whenever I republish, things are always a little confusing, such as seeing comments from 2019 right below ones from 2015.
Nathan
I wish someone would make a kit box like this with JUST BITS. I don’t want the sockets – don’t need em – and wouldn’t use this ratchet to turn one.
but I’d like to have bits (metric hex please) and the bit ratchet – and then kept some screw handle along side it. I know I’m just being picky.
Adam
I have this one from Wera, and it’s proven to be really useful – https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-073640-30-universal-bit-ratchet-zyklop-mini-set/
Stuart
A couple of brands make such sets. Beta too: https://toolguyd.com/beta-tools-bit-ratchet-set-review/
The standard Wera bit set has a ratchet and screwdriver bits. If you want the screwdriver handle, you’ll have to buy the bigger set that has sockets too, or a separate accessory that lacks on-board storage.
firefly
I have this one. The tool are fine. The case is kinda crappy and it can pop open pretty easy. For the price I can’t complain much though.
Wayne R.
The belt clip doodad (under the wrench) is just an invitation to disappointment, too. A foam insert in a zipper bag would be way more reliable…especially away from a bench.
Philip
missed it, rats, price jumped to $25 on 3 April at 8:00 edt
ktash
I have two different ones of this type of set from Costco, Bonaire brand (?). It’s surprising how often I use them.
Bruce
I keep one in the motorcycle kit. Handy for getting into those little spaces.
Max Musial
Yeah it’s not on sale any more
HectorP
Others to consider:
Felo makes a boat-load of sets – e.g.
http://www.carbideprocessors.com/33pc-xs-bit-set-w-ratchet-felo-61545/
https://www.dictum.com/en/bit-chucking-heads-bits-bama/felo-tool-set-classic-xs-18-piece-set-717901
Facom/USAG makes a couple
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=8061
https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=4281
(I have the later, but wish I had the former. Also, the price of these is 50% less if you order from the EU/UK. Both the case and the ratchet are fantastic)
And a pedalhead co-worker has the oddest/most interesting:
https://silca.cc/collections/silca-tools/products/updated-t-ratchet-ti-torque-kit
Got to be the world’s smallest torque wrench
John
I have several of these that I use in an industrial setting and they have gotten me out of tight spot many times. I now have them in all my tool kits and they are some of my most used tools.
Amish Mike
I’ve had one of these since they came out some time ago I bought at Sears. Worth it’s weight in gold as it has been the only small tool to get into tiny places. Bought a set as a gift for my dad since he was always borrowing mine! Love the tool and how it gets me out of a jam when nothing else fits.
Koko The Talking Ape
I didn’t need the bits or the sockets, so I got something like this.
https://smile.amazon.com/Powerbuilt-940478-4-Inch-Socket-Ratchet/dp/B004QO9DAE/
Actually mine is by Maxcraft, but it seems to have been discontinued.
Super-handy, especially for working on bikes, where everything is a 5 mm internal hex drive bolt of one kind or another.
Hilton
I picked three sets up for $12.68 (thanks Stuart) and they are currently selling for $22.79.
This set is a bit rough to be honest. I like the low profile of the ratchet but it’s not smooth at all but maybe it will break in over time.I have a 1/4″ Bahco set that’s better quality.