A few days ago, we posted (or rather reposted) about the Gearwrench MicroDriver mini bit and socket set, and someone asked about a ratchet and screwdriver bit set that doesn’t come with sockets. We’ve posted a few examples here before, such as the Wera Bit Ratchet, Beta bit set, and a deal post on a Bostitch set.
Today I discovered, or actually rediscovered, this Sunex 38pc set, in Amazon’s Spring Event tool promo. It seems to be a good answer to Nathan’s request for a mini ratchet kit box with just bits and no sockets, and only when drafting the intro of this post did I realize that I linked to it in the long-ago Bostitch post.
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This Sunex mini ratchet and bit set comes with a small 1/4″ hex ratchet, a quick release extension, and 36 screwdriver bits:
- 4 slotted bits
- 6 Phillips bits
- 6 Pozidriv bits
- 6 hex bits
- 14 Torx bits (regular and security)
It’s currently priced at $19.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
Also Consider
- Wiha 35pc 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
First Thoughts
Sunex is one of those brands that I’ve known about for years, and I’ve always considered them to be a mid-entry-priced brand, and so they’re largely invisible to me. I bought a Sunex specialty wrench set a few years ago as part of a holiday deal, and it’s “okay.” Based on what I’ve seen and heard, I’d rank them a little below Tekton, but above Neiko, Tacklife, and other such brands.
Frankly, I’d be more inclined to go with the Gearwrench MicroDriver set, although I’d wait for it to drop to $18 or $19 again, or lower. Or I’d spend a little more, such as for the Wera set. The downside of that Gearwrench set is that you’re paying for some tools you might not need or want, and with the Wera sets, higher quality comes with a higher price.
For the money, this does look like a compelling bit ratchet and screwdriver bit set. For just under $20, you get a 72-tooth bit ratchet and some variety in the screwdriver bits, all packaged in an aluminum case.
If it’s the choice between say a Tacklife bit ratchet set for $13, or this Sunex set for $19, I’d go with the Sunex set. Their user reviews seem to be positive, and although Sunex isn’t as visible a brand as others these days, they’re a more established brand that I’d sooner trust over direct-to-Amazon tool brands.
For my own needs, I went with an inexpensive mini bit ratchet first. In this photo, that’s the Craftsman bit ratchet centered between a Wera bit ratchet and Proto 1/4″ drive ratchet. I also had the Gearwrench MicroDriver, which I might have purchased earlier than the Craftsman (sorry, I really don’t remember), but more often than not it was used separate from most of the tools it comes bundled with.
After using the Craftsman and Gearwrench bit ratchets mainly with other brands’ screwdriver bits, I eventually made the pricey jump to Wera. This set from Sunex kind of averages things out, and might have been appealing to me as my first screwdriver bit ratchet experience.
What I’m trying to say is that I can see the appeal in this Sunex set, although it’s not something that I would personally choose today. But if I had not had prior introduction into bit ratchets, or needed a new set for a portable tool box or similar, this set would likely at least make it to my shortlist.
Bit ratchets are one of those tools that you don’t quite need, but they are very well suited for tasks where a standard 1/4″ ratchet and bit adapter are simply too tall or bulky.
If you have used this bit ratchet set, do you recommend it? Do you have other recommendations for a set like this?
Nathan
sunex is fairly common in automotive with respect to speciality kits or tools. Heavy duty stuff too. But I do think they are mostly a rebrander.
meanwhile though I do like that box – don’t know why though.
jason gloekler
Guy in our shop bought one of these off the tool truck and said its nice. quality bits, and priced right even though Im sure he paid double what they are going for on Amazon
Doresoom
One difference between this Sunex and the Gearwrench one (other than it being a bit-only kit) is that the Gearwrench uses a friction ring for very strong bit retention, and the Sunex looks to be using magnetic retention. If the magnets are strong enough it shouldn’t be an issue, but it can be frustrating if they’re weak.
fred
I’m hoping that Sunex offers better quality than when we tried them about 15 years ago – and then foreswore buying again. We used crowfoot wrenches from time to time in our plumbing/pipe fitting business – and bought some Sunex large-sized (over 1 inch) ones. We had been used to using ones from brands like Armstrong, Martin , Proto and (mostly) Williams. The Sunex ones seemed priced “too good to be true” so we thought to give them a try. What a disappointment! They were way heavier and thicker than what we were used to (size for size). The guys told me that 1/2 inch drive was loose fitting – and worse – it had no retaining dimple so they perpetually slipped off. All in all we thought they were better as fishing sinkers or paperweights than tools. To be fair since that bad experience (my old inventory says 2005) – we did not try the brand again – so they may be better now and/or other items in their line may be superior.
salmon
Just like with 90% of bit sets out there, it only includes metric OR imperial hex bits.
If you’re like me you need both types regularly.
ToolGuyDan
Give some consideration to buying a kit, then. My go bag includes a Tool-Check, but also includes a Jackson-Palmer 208-piece “Ultimate” bit set. Are they the highest quality bits? Hell no. But as they wear out, I replace them with good ones, and this way I always have what I need on-hand. As a bonus, that particular set also includes bit sockets from 5mm-13mm and 3/16″ up to 1/2″, with a few duplicates for good measure. I also replaced a few of the duplicate Phillips with Pozidriv and PHR bits so I don’t strip anything important.
For a <$30 kit (admittedly, paired with an almost-$100 Wera set, but that's optional; a $5 bit driver screwdriver plus a $5 1/4" box wrench would do in a pinch), it's saved me a trip to the hardware store more often than I care to admit.
Mike (the other one)
Bit ratchets are extremely useful for adjusting things that are mounted (projectors, speakers, monitors, etc.) A lot of times there simply isn’t enough room for a regular screwdriver, and a 1/4″ drive socket with a bit adapter may even be too large/bulky. Also, these kinds of things tend to use temper resistant Allen or Torx screws, so something that allows for a quicker change is a must.
Ecotek
I’ve had one of these for about 10 years. I keep it in one of my toolboxes of hand tools. There are times when it will do what no other tool will do. For the price, adding it to your arsenal is a no brainer. It has gotten me out of a jam a number of times. Sure, you could put a screwdriver bit in a 1/4″ socket, but it won’t be magnetized and it won’t be nearly as small as this one. Plus it comes with some security bits which is bonus.
Bolt
I’ve got a tiny set with drivers and sockets but the big plus over the other little sets like this is that it’s a flex head ratchet. Also all the torx bits it has a security torx.
It’s Bonaire brand I think they sold it at Costco but it doesn’t look like it’s available anywhere anymore.
David
You might also think about the Chapman line of small boxes with drivers and bits. Certainly more expensive, but having used them in the past, I thought they were well made and suitable for everyday use in repairs. Customizable and support metric and imperial. https://chapmanmfg.com/
Craig
For $6.50 I will definitely try a Midget. Thanks for the link
TonyT
Note that Chapman is made in the USA
I’ve had the Chapman ratchet (it come with a few bits) for about 20 years.
https://chapmanmfg.com/collections/individual-parts/products/famous-midget-ratchet-cm-13
Brenticus
Vim makes one with 5/8 bits, worked great for changing the fridge door stop plate, a job that could not be don’t with standard one inch bits.
Sunex makes another set like the subject of this article but with a flex-head ratchet. The set was sold at Costco under the Bon-Air name.
I like the Husky bit ratchet that was made and sold by Vim and still sold by Vim, 1/4 on one side (for bits) and 5/16 on the other end to accommodate a 1/4 square drive. Bo the sides are reversible ratcheting, high quality 72 tooth.
I also have and love the wera ratchet. Snap on bit ratchet flex head in a t72 body isn’t quite as useful because the head is larger than the others (unless you need a locking flex head)
I would say any of the ratchets I mentioned are of high quality and recommendable.
Greg
Bought a slide hammer puller set from Sunex. The axle puller attachment doesn’t fit a 5 stud axle … looks like poor machining of the holes where the studs would go. Contacted customer service and they are not very responsive nor do they feel very interested in the problem.
Massive difference with Tekton who have super responsive super helpful customer support.
Jason S.
I like this kit and I have had some success with Sunex tools. I’m just not sure when I would use this over my ratcheting screwdriver. Sure there may be some tight automotive areas when you can’t use a screwdriver, but I cannot imagine that I really need this.