What you’re looking at here is the new Kobalt Direct Drive gearless ratchet and Multi-Fit socket set.
That’s right, this is a new Kobalt gearless ratchet. Gearless ratchets are also sometimes called stepless or roller drive ratchets.
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On the packaging, Kobalt boasts that the new Direct Drive ratchet can work with a swing arc as small as 0°, while common consumer-grade 36-tooth ratchets require 10° of swing to be of any use.
The Kobalt Direct Drive gearless ratchet is indeed stepless and can be used with as small of a swing arc as I could manage. Once the ratchets hit stores, the “try me” feature on the packaging will surely convince a lot of tool uses and gift-givers to take one home.
I wouldn’t technically call this a 0° ratchet, but the minimal swing is immeasurably small and even less than 1°.
Check Price: 14pc Set | 15pc Set (via Lowes)
Kobalt Direct Drive Ratchet – Fit, Feel, and Performance
The 3/8″ Kobalt Direct Drive ratchet is actually quite nice. I don’t think I have used a gearless ratchet before, but I’m familiar with how they work. I’m almost sure I do have a gearless ratcheting screwdriver around here somewhere.
The main selling point is that there’s no catch and drag as with traditional ratchet designs. With its gearless design, the ratchet can engage and turn sockets with remarkably little handle movement.
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The new Kobalt ratchet features a quick release push button, easy-turn direction selection knob, and standard-length polished handle.
If you’re thinking that the ratchet head looks a little large at first glance, that’s okay, I thought that at first too. But it’s actually not that bulky.
This image might look a little funny, as I edited out some weird reflections that I just could not avoid capturing in the photo.
I was actually pleasantly surprised that the ratchet was quite comfortable to hold and use. I wish it was a little bit longer, but it’s no shorter than my standard Proto, Gearwrench, and Craftsman 3/8″ ratchets.
I was also surprised at how smooth the ratcheting mechanism is. There’s no grinding, no scraping, and no clicking. The Direct Drive ratchet operates very smoothly, which is something that you don’t often get with inexpensive ratchets right off the shelf.
When swinging the gearless ratchet in the opposite direction of torque application, the absence of hearing the ratcheting mechanism go click click click is actually a little spooky. Instead of hearing and feeling the ratchet click in steps as the gearing slips tooth by tooth over the pawl, what you’ll feel is very slight continuous drag.
It’s easy to adjust the ratcheting direction from forward to reverse and back. I’ve been spoiled by being able to adjust ratcheting direction with small levers, but the Direct Drive ratchet’s knob isn’t at all a hassle to work with.
There’s nothing special going on with the drive end of the ratchet, but I figured it wouldn’t hurt to show you just one more photo.
We’ve seen photos of the Snap-on FZero gearless ratchet, but I couldn’t think of a good reason why I shouldn’t check out the Kobalt Direct Drive’s internals firsthand. After a bit of use and testing, I disassembled the ratchet.
Everything was caked in grease, which is good. That helps to keep the motion nice and smooth.
I had hoped to fully discuss how the gearless/roller/roller clutch ratcheting mechanism works, but it’s actually too complex to thoroughly cover here.
In essence, in the free-swinging direction the rollers are not under compressive forces and the handle can rotate freely. When the handle is rotated in the torque-transfer direction, the rollers are squeezed between the ratchet head and drive spindle. The ratchet head-roller-spindle couple together very rigidly, which forces sockets and fasteners to turn with the ratchet handle in the torque-transfer direction, even when higher torque is required.
The 6 rollers contact the hexagonal drive spindle well away from the corners, which makes the ratchet quite strong and resistant to slipping. The rollers are not as large as the 8 rollers found in Snap-on’s gearless ratchet, but they’re not puny either.
As for the reversing mechanism that permits free rotation in one direction and torque transfer in the other – that’s something I cannot explain as concisely. Nor can I show it, as there is no way to further disassemble the drive spindle.
There are a couple of different reversible gearless/roller ratchet designs that go back at least 65 years (here’s a Wright Tools patent), but the most relatable one I could find is Stu Douglass’s, patent US20140060257 A1.
If you’re interested, that patent publication and the supporting artwork might give you a good idea of how the Kobalt ratchet’s reversing mechanism works. There are differences, such as how the Kobalt Direct Drive ratchet has notches at opposite ends that match up with grooves in the top of the roller wheel assembly, and so Douglass’s description and artwork might not perfectly describe the inner workings of this ratchet’s reversing mechanism.
Here are a couple more images of the Direct Drive’s inner workings:
Kobalt Multi-Fit Sockets
The Kobalt Direct Drive gearless ratchet comes with 12 combination inch and metric sockets and a 3/8″ to 1/4″ adapter. 8 of the sockets are 3/8″ drive, 4 are 1/4″ drive, hence the need for an adapter.
Socket quality is pretty decent, but I did notice one or two with internal defects, such as the rippling you see in the above photo. I’m not really sure what’s going on here.
By now you probably know my feelings towards Multi-Fit, Xtreme Access, and other universal-style sockets. I’m not a very big fan of spline sockets or inch-metric combination socket sizes.
The included Kobalt Multi-Fit sockets fit fastener sizes 3/16″ through 3/4″ and 5mm through 19mm. They can be used on standard 6pt hex fasteners, but also 12pt, star (external Torx), rounded and damaged, spline, and square fasteners.
The socket set doesn’t come with a separate organizer, but you could always keep the retail packaging.
Overall
I ended up really liking Kobalt’s new gearless ratchet. It is super smooth, and I appreciate that there’s practically no swing arc. The Direct Drive ratchet can be used in tight spaces too narrow for many other ratchets – even fine-toothed ones – to work.
There is a tradeoff. Due to the ratchet’s roller clutch-style design, the ratchet head is round and a tiny bit bulky. However, I do mean a tiny bit bulky. Compared to my tear drop or pear head ratchets, the Kobalt Direct Drive ratchet is only a little bit wider. It’s maybe 1/8″ wider than my Proto 3/8″ ratchet, and a little more wider than my slimmer Gearwrench and Craftsman ratchets. In my opinion, the size and shape of the ratchet head is definitely overlookable, and more than balanced out by its gearless advantages.
I wish I could test the breaking strength of the ratchet, but sadly I accidentally broke something inside the drive shaft when attempting to disassemble it further. I’ll try to do this if I can get my hands on a timely replacement. Even though I didn’t test the maximum limits of the ratchet, it felt quite strong in initial tests.
To be honest, I couldn’t care less about the Multi-Fit sockets, although DIYers, homeowners, and weekend warriors on a budget might like them. I instead prefer to mainly use traditional 6pt inch and metric sockets. When I get my hands on a replacement ratchet, I’ll toss the sockets into a plastic baggie and then into a loaner or portable tool kit, and the ratchet into my main toolbox.
I’ve used the new Kobalt Direct Drive ratchet enough to confidently give it a thumbs up. There are other gearless ratchets out there, but I’ve avoided them for two reasons – some simply cost too much, and others are only reversible by means of a push-through square drive, which I’m not a big fan of.
The 14-piece Direct Drive ratchet and Multi-Fit socket set will initially be priced at $30, and I’m sure we’ll see a price drop or two as the winter holiday shopping season progresses.
This ratchet is one of the best Kobalt tools I have ever used, and the best part is that it’s innovative without being gimmicky.
If you look back at the top of the page, I gave the Kobalt gearless ratchet a 19/20 rating. I deducted one point for comfort, and that’s because I don’t like giving perfect scores and might have preferred for a longer or cushion-grip handle. Only a few of my ratchets have handle grips, but I think such a feature would have worked well here.
Buy Now(14pc Set via Lowes)
Buy Now(15pc Set with bonus palm ratchet via Lowes)
Note: It doesn’t look like these sets are orderable anymore, but you might still be able to find them on the shelf at your local Lowes.
Thank you to Lowes for providing the review sample unconditionally. Review samples are typically given away, donated, or retained for editorial and comparison purposes.
Tom
How does the chrome look in person? It looks really banged up from your photos, but I am not sure whether that is because of the magnification.
Stuart
It looks alright to me. There are signs that the ratchet was banged around or manhandled a little before landing in my hands. But it’s also an early production model. Tools destined for retail display at Lowes are typically packaged together with cardboard separation and other such appearance-protective measures, and so I’m not worried that this is indicative of how all the ratchets will look out of the box.
Josh B.
I’ve been wanting to try one of these. At that price, I’ll have to take the plunge once they’re available.
Drew
Nice! I am glad to see Lowes bring out something new that is really useful, instead of another gimmick. I have a Titan gearless micro 3/8 drive ratchet(Titan 11201). It is great in tight spots. I know the Titan is not built for high torque. I wonder how well the Kobalt will hold up to high torque application? Time will tell.
Stuart
I’ve been tempted to explore gearless with Titan’s ratchets before, but the single-direction motion and push-through reversing design is a real detractor. While I can work around push-through designs when needed, I greatly prefer to use switch or knob-reversing ratchets. With this Kobalt, reversing is done with a turn of a knob.
Drew
I think Titan used the push through design to limit size. The head on it is very small. I’m not sure how much torque it could take. I don’t push it.
Jim
I had a little 1/4″ drive gearless that I just loved, till I let a gorilla borrow it and stripped it out. A friend has one of these 3/8″ and I can’t wait to get one of my own!
Bill Strobel
Wonder if the ratchet will be available separately?
Stuart
I don’t think so, at least probably not at first or even for a while.
Parke
Looking forward to trying it, I was thinking the 120XP arc swing was about as good as it could get. I think we will all have a drawer full of multi-fit sockets before too long since they always seem to be bundled with tools like this. I haven’t seen the rating system before that’s a nice touch, thanks.
Stuart
I sometimes whip out the ratings box for longer reviews so that you don’t have to read through 1000 words to get a sense of whether the product’s recommended or not. =) There’s also a quick-look specs box I sometimes place there instead.
Gearwrech’s 120XP ratchets can also fit into very tight spaces. In theory, there could be times when Gearwrench’s won’t fit and this one will, but that’s not very likely. The 120XP ratchets and this one don’t overlap closely enough where I could easily choose either over the other.
Allen
One of my biggest problems useing ratchets is the drag they have opposite the direction of torque. In other words, spinning the nut instead of getting a new bite inside the head.
Can you get a feel of how this one does in that area ? Put it in the freezer and see how it does at low temperatures, like I would have outside in the winter. All that grease may cause some problems.
Stuart
The back-drag didn’t seem any different than with other ratchets. If anything, it was a little better. Since I accidentally broke the drive shaft, I can only work out a direct comparison once I can get my hands on a replacement.
If the grease acts up in colder temperatures, I suppose you could clear it out and then replace it with a more suitable formula. It really needs that grease in there to ensure smooth operation.
Tyler
Sorry for piling on right after you posted. Should have refreshed for a response before hitting submit. I would really be interested in more back-drag tests, as that is one of my biggest pet peeves. There are ways to handle the cold grease issue if it becomes an issue.
Any idea when they are anticipated to hit the stores?
Stuart
Don’t worry, I sometimes forget to refresh the page when commenting as well.
Back-drag is something that cannot always be avoided. If there’s less friction in a socket than in the ratchet gearing, the socket will turn instead of the gearing. Good lubrication sometimes helps.
I would expect these to appear in stores the first or second week of November, as holiday displays start going up shortly after Halloween.
Tyler
I would be interested to know more about both of these potential issues. I’m looking for an improvement over my Craftsman bundle ratchets for pretty much the exact reasons Allen stated. The drag on the reverse (non-torque) stroke and reliability in cold weather (ideally, sub-zero Fahrenheit) because it’s not that uncommon here in ND to have to wrench on something in the middle of a cold winter’s night.
Jim
In cold weather conditions, I would strongly suggest a composite material ratchet. They are the preferred go to in cold weather situations. If you want to give one a try, Harbor Freight has several that are very reasonably price and get high praise reviews both on their site and on the Garage Journal’s Tool Discussion forum.
Note: Durability is not a concern since the composite handle overlays a steel internal skeleton.
Stuart
I think that their concerns were in regard to the roller performance and grease consistency in colder weather. In any case, your recommendation for a composite ratchet is a great one!
Tekton also offers a couple of sizes (via Amazon). I bought a small 1/4″ one, and while I haven’t tested it enough for review, I think it’s good for what it’s for.
Tyler
Thanks for the composite suggestions guys! More worries about roller performance and stiff grease, but I can see the benefits of composites in the cold. I’ll be adding them to my wish list.
fred
I think that I commented before about a “Weha” branded 3/8 inch drive – 7.5 inch long ratchet that works on this same principal – of a “one-way-clutch” found in some machinery. Mine is probably at least 30 years old, was made in Germany, has a gimbal action head, and unfortunately has no reverse lever so you to flip it over and push the square drive pin through to have it work in reverse.
Mike
The reversing mechanism is not at all complex. Inside the drive hex is a two position detent that locks the drive to the reversing switch. The switch in turn locks the roller cage and rollers to one side of each hex flat. When you switch directions, the switch rotates the roller cage to the opposite side of the hex flat and locks it there.
Stuart
Thanks, that’s a very nice and concise explanation! I wish I could have provided some imagery or visuals, but the internal detents and switch components just aren’t accessible.
Joel
Looks like Lowes website is also showing a 15 piece set that includes a palm ratchet for the same price.
MT_Noob
Would the palm ratchet have the same internal mechanism? I don’t think it would be required, but I am just wondering if it is the same.
Stuart
I don’t think so. I think it’s just a free bonus.
Lowes typically offers two versions of their holiday flagship product – a regular version, and a “free bonus” version that can only be purchased online and not in stores.
jesse
The palm ratchet is supposed to be gearless as well. I assume the mechanism would be the same, but who knows.
Stu Douglass
Stuart-thanks for the great review. Interesting to watch the evolution of these roller drives. Each iteration just gets better. I personally like the minimal reverse torque. The smooth action of the rollers enables complete removal of the bolt without the need of using your fingers. Keep up the good work.
Stu Douglass
Not seeing a patent # on the handle. Did you see one on your sample? Looks like a modified version of Dave Albertson’s.
Stuart
No. Not on the packaging either. That’s why I went searching, and of the couple of reversible gearless and roller ratchet patents I found, I thought yours was closest in design, if not for the different reversing mechanism.
Stu Douglass
Yes the two designs are similar. The unit that I licensed to Snap-on has 8 rollers rather than 6 and the spindle has a scallop for each roller. The scallop greatly increases the contact surface area and makes the wrench indestructible. Let me know if a patent pops up from Kobalt.
Sledgecrowbar
The actual name of this type of design is Sprague clutch. You can learn about it in Wikipedia, it’s commonly used in one-way configuration as a motorcycle starter drive because it’s more compact than a Bendix drive, the standard in automobiles. This is a nice improvement over the Harbor Freight models I bought a few years ago which I love, and sadly are no longer sold through them.
Stu Douglass
I believe you will find this new generation of roller clutches are much better than the last designs. The biggest improvement of course is the reversing mechanism. This is a standard thumb switch and is much faster and stronger than the old push thru units.
fred
The old push-through units could be rather embarrassing I can tell you as someone who backed my fingers and the wrench handle into a corner so to speak and needed to wiggle them out. Some old Hi-Lok fastener wrenches would surely benefit from you newer design
Stu Douglass
Don’t feel too bad about that. I broke a finger after my ratchet stripped and I jammed it into the manifold. Big tears believe me. On the flipside, that finger inspired me to design the roller wrench. Lemons into lemonade.
Jack
The first 2 I got were defective, they would only turn in one direction, 2 out of the 5, I saw on the shelf had the same issue, finally got 2 that worked. The head is huge, both in diameter and in thickness. The head is larger than the Mac Tool sourced Radian ratchet, I have. Its heavier than any ratchet I have of that length and the directional selector has not positive feel, to let you know if its locked in either direction. Rather disappointing ratchet, when over half of what I saw was broken in the package, I seriously question the durability of this tool, the included sockets are a joke.
Brian14
I personally would never trust those multi-fit sockets. Like the author, I’ll stick with my basic 6 and 12 points.
I think I’m familiar with the toothless mechanism in the ratchet. It came up in an automotive transmission discussion about ‘one way clutches.’
JimmyJones
I work on motorcycles alot, and this set is great for it. Don’t listen to the nay sayers I mean one of these guys keeps calling it a “ratchet”. It’s not a ratchet, it’s a direct drive so it doesn’t have the “feel” of a ratchet nor should it. In tight spots its the balls!!
Mike
More info on them.
I bought 5 of them for gifts and I would like to note that one out of the five I bought had the “Pat. Pending” stamp. If you look at them in the store it seems to me that there are a few versions (production runs?) of them. Some with fine branding stamps. Some with thicker larger branding stamps. Some with thicker handle tips some with thinner handle tips. Some with a tear shape head and some with a rounder head shape. It might just be poor casting / quality control / non-consistent production errors tho? They are made in china so who knows??? Or there might be a few different versions and we are the testers to see which one lasts and which one breaks.
Also, 20% of them in the store had the PUSH button pushed way out, like it was broke or assembled wrong? Or they just might have had longer socket ejector shafts? I did not buy any of those so I don’t know for sure.
I have played with the ratchets a few days and they seem to work as intended. The only problem I see them having in the future is if they run dry of grease/oil then the insides will develop rust and might not function as intended. Also they are Not sealed and small sand, dirt, grime, and corrosive fluids can get in them if used a-lot. Gears can crush that stuff but rolling pins… They might not grab and slip??? Also I would keep this ratchet away from brake fluid!
Also I wonder how hard the roller pins are inside. I would not use this ratchet on a stubborn bolt because it might cause the pins to develop flat spots or get crushed and slip. Further testing needs to be done on these.
Also the sockets provided do not come in the 12mm and 15mm size (the most commonly broken sizes). Wonder why? That tells us that they know we will break them and they don’t want to deal with issues in the future about those broken sockets. Very smart move!
All is all I think its well worth the $10.00 price at Lowes now. Only time will tell us the quality of this tool and if it has faults. I really hope this tool is not a knuckle buster! 🙂
Will
I don’t like it!! If you try to ratchet it quickly it wants to hang up! I want my money back. They don’t have any of the regular ratchets in stock at Lowes.
Disappointed!!!
Addicted2Red
Just got it on clearance for under $9
we’ll see how she does.
Bob
I think I know how the reversing mechanism works. From looking at the pictures it seems that the two cutouts on the roller retainer mate with protrusions on the switch (which probably have springs inside) . Depending on the relative positions of the hex piece and the switch, the rollers would be pushed towards the hex peak on one side or the other, such that as you turn the ratchet one way it gets jammed, but as you spin it the other way, there would be a slight clearance due to the flat surface on the hex.