Around 2 months ago I saw a Kickstarter campaign for a new titanium modular bit ratchet, and ever since then I’ve seen dozens of other versions on Amazon of similar tools.
The premise is rather simple. There’s a core ratcheting component, with 1/4″ hex bit sockets on 3 sides, and the included extensions can be used to extend the reach of the bit ratchet core or as handle components.
You can use it as a ratcheting T-handle driver, or as a non-ratcheting inline screwdriver.
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It seems like a neat concept.
There are many different brands all selling the same or similar tool sets. The one shown here is from “Kelin.”
As for sample application, the tools are often described as being suited for use on household repairs, furniture, electronics, computers, bicycles, DIY, and random other stuff.
One brand advertises that you can use it on watches, which I doubt.
I like the idea of the design, and hope that more mainstream brands give it a try.
Competition is fierce between all of the different brands. While I see some differentiation, most appear to be the same tools in near-identical packages.
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Here are some tool sets by various Amazon marketplace brands:
- Kelin 43-in-1 Set
- Bomivoi 42-in-1 Set
- Prekull 42-in-1 Set
- Saker 42-in-1 Set
- Sakerplus 42-in-1 Set
- MrToNo 42-in-1 Set
- Usuauu 24-in-1 Set
- Vman 24-in-1 Set
- Elead 40-in-1 Set
- MrToNo 74-in-1 Set
- Disen 43-in-1 Set
- Anvanna 42-in-1 Set
- Faireach 42-in-1 Set
- Fideco 74-in-1 Set
- Oria 42-in-1 Set
At this time, it seems like this type of tool is only available in online marketplaces. I wonder how long it’ll be before Home Depot (Husky), Lowe’s (Kobalt), Harbor Freight (Icon?), or Walmart (Hyper Tough) launch similar modular ratchet tool sets of their own.
Robert
What is the blue wizard’s fire between the attachment points, shown in two larger photos? A particularly poor depiction of magnetic flux lines?
PapaWags
Most of these sets are magnetic. The blue wizards fire is used to indicate the magnetism.
Bonnie
Turns out they actually work via arcane flux. Gonna be all the rage in a few years.
EBT
Ironic since I just got Fix It Stix tool set for gunsmith work.
https://store.fixitsticks.com/collections/toolkits/products/compact-ratcheting-multi-tool
Jason
I have this set (well, one of the many whitelabel versions), I think I got it for Christmas. It’s a unique idea for sure; the ends of the T-handle come out and can interchange or work as extensions for the driving end of the T. It’s decent quality for what it is, but you won’t want to use it for any real high torque situations because the handles want to magnetically pop off. It’s basically no more useful than a mini ratchet but is a little more unique in design.
Jared
I have one too. I didn’t know it was a clone of something – but of course it is.
I like it for bicycle work. The T-handle shape is particularly well-suited to that.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the quality varied even amongst tools from the same brand, but the one I got seems decent. A little sloppier than my really good bit drivers, but low back drag and perfectly usable.
I like using it, it’s a novel but useful design for a bit driver.
Bonnie
None of these seem like a real “brand”. I assume they’re all the exact same from the one factory making them.
Mike S
I just spent 10 minutes playing spot the difference on the 42 and 43 piece sets (excluding Anvanna). The only difference I could find is that the MrToNo has the long bits upside down.
kyle
I received one of these as a gift, and was skeptical about the quality – BUT – I used it to assemble a desk recently, and really enjoyed it! Quality was better than expected – and I think it’s a better t-handle than the ratcheting Dewalt t-handle set I picked up a few years ago (which has been a complete disappointment, other than the long bits which I use fairly often). I’ll likely use the Dewalt bits with this new t-handle/ratchet, as retention is significantly better, and I like the compact size for assembly.
Doresoom
I feel like you’re losing a lot in the way of head clearance with this design for the marginal benefit of the t handle functionality. I’ll stick with my 711L ratchet that also takes 1/4″ hex extensions in the handle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09T9MHM8Z
Jared
I wouldn’t conceive of it as a bit-ratchet replacement, but a bit-ratchet alternative. Just like you have flex-head, extra-long, low-profile, bent-handle… etc., ratchets.
fred
Is it just me – or is the Kelin brand name (owned by Anhui Disen Tools Co., Ltd.) and their orange-colored case lining – meant to look like “Klein” – if you only glance quickly?
avi
It got me on the first read through.
Rob H
I have one that I ordered from Aliexpress a couple months back. For $10 it’s a nice little kit. I haven’t managed to break anything (yet.)
Franco
I picked one of these up a couple of months ago. Liked it so much, I bought one each for my two boys for Christmas. Great for working on things that go bang. It’s a poor man’s (or smart man’s) FixIt Stix.
PETE
Looks like a TikTok tool lol.
Kevin R Franklin
I can see applications where this design would be beneficial. Having a T-handle can be helpful when you are fastening something that just needs a little more torque than a straight driver.
ElectroAtletico
Kelin? I can’t wait for “MIRWAUKEEY” or “DAYWAAHLT” to come up with their options!