VIM ToolsHBR3 Double Ended 1/4" Hex Bit Ratchet

I compared over 20 brands and decided on this one from VIM Tools. It has a GearWrench style ratchet with a knurled wheel (quick-disk) on top for turning by hand. This is used when there is not sufficient friction between the work pieces to actuate the ratcheting mechanism, i.e. when first threading in a fastener. Both the ratcheting and box ends have stops at their tops to keep the bit from going all the way through and a retaining clip at their bottoms to keep the bit from falling out. This tool is small in every dimension which makes it truly a close-quarters tool. But don't let the size fool you. It still has room for a 52-tooth gear head which means just under 7' arc swing (a couple descriptions state 48-tooth but I actually counted 52 clicks in a complete rotation). Couple that with its 3-1/2" length and it only requires 0.42" of handle movement to advance the ratchet one click. The ratchet action is solid and reliable...just like you would expect from a GearWrench. When you are concerned about over-torquing the ratchet you use the box end. This tool also accepts Leatherman bits and holds them securely in the ratchet end as long as you align the sides of the bit properly with the retaining clip. There is a slight offset which gives almost 3/8" additional knuckle clearance when ratcheting than the bit length provides by itself.VIM Tools bit ratchets (models HBR3, HBR4, and HBR5) are made in Taiwan by HI-FIVE PRODUCTS DEVELOPMENT CO. with a website at NewTools dot com. HI-FIVE re-brands their tools for other companies as well. For example the VIM Tools model HBR5 is just like one offered by GearWrench, Husky, Durston, KD Tools, and others.The different brands I researched before buying VIM Tools were Wadsworth, Wiha, Victorinox, Bahco, Sunex, Wera, Topeak, Chapman MFG, GearWrench, Lang Tools, Titan, Husky, Stanley, Great Neck, Craftsman, Powerbuilt, KD Tools, Neiko, Sealey, Maxcraft, Mueller-Kueps, Bon-Aire, Ampro, Bostitch, and Tekton.I carry a number of things at work doing Industrial Maintenance. This HBR3 ratchet pairs nicely with my ChannelLock 804 adjustable wrench. They are high quality tools and the smallest in their class. So this is a high quality tool, a good value, and great as an Every Day Carry (EDC) tool since it is the smallest of the high quality bit ratchets (lowest cost too I might add).

I do lot of close work with PC watercooling where I have to work in spaces where there’s barely enough room for the 1/4” bit to fit, let alone a tool to hold the bit. I have other low-profile ratchets but they are often still have too much height after installing the bit. I end up often using the bit and turning it with a pair of pliers. Very awkward and I often drop the bit. I later found those measuring spoon style fixed bits, which where a huge improved ent, but they don’t ratchet.Always wondered if there was a ratchet which could hold a bit just with a through hex opening. So glad I found this. While it can be somewhat challenging to actually insert the bit into the opening, it has a very firm grip once it does, so you know it won’t inadvertently slip out. Very well made and a huge time saver when doing limited space precision work.

This is one of the most used tools when I’m in a tight spot. I’ve bought so many of these to make sure every where I work has one.

Great for tight spots. High quality for the price.

This is one of those tools that when you grab it out of the tool box, you think "Man, am I glad I bought this". It's tiny yet not flimsy and can get into locations not accessible to other wrenches. The bits stay put when snapped in and the back side of the ratchet is smooth so that you can press with a finger to insure the bit doesn't slip in the bolt. I carry one of these in my mountain bicycle emergency tool bag along with a set of hex drive metric bits that cover the range of bolts found on the bike. Some of these, like the axle bolts, are large and require a fair amount of force which is where the box end of the wrench comes in handy, while some are small requiring a light touch. This tool covers the entire range.

Made in Taiwan, not China. 👍 Big plus for me. I wouldn't have bought it otherwise.Very very tiny. Not great as a tool to use all the time as your main screwdriver. It's very awkward and slippery to hold.But it gets into tight spaces that many other tools can't. So it's a great addition to a good Wera screwdriver (or whatever you prefer).Back drag on the ratcheting mechanism is very mediocre. Not great, not the worst. But you can easily finish screws by hand if you can reach them. Or use the spinner on the back of the tool. Or spin the bit by hand.The main ratchet side only adds around 0.1 inch to the length of the bit. The breaker bar side adds a little more.Bits are held by a clip but fairly easy to remove. Which I guess is either good or bad depending on your preference.Overall good at what it needs to do which is fit into tiny spaces. Fur 16 dollars I think it's a great addition to your kit.

Completely as advertised. A perfect tool !!! Just the right size. Strong. Works flawlessly. It has earned a permanent place on my tool carabiner, which I carry in my pocket every day. I use it as a screwdriver with bits AND a socket driver up to 10 mm. For any heavy torque. I use the non ratchet end. Some advice: It will hold all 1/4 inch bits, but it more strongly holds onto the bits that have a carved groove in a circle around the shaft. The wrench has a retainer that clicks into these grooves. Otherwise, it just applies pressure to the bits that have no groove. Again, this is a 100/100 grade tool.