Powerbuilt Dual Head 1/4" Drive Stubby Ratchet, Socket and Hex Bit Drive

I bought Wiha ratchet set, and the Alltrade / Powerbuilt 940478 for $11 and was going to see which I preferred. Previously I bought the Wera and was disappointed with it and returned it. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I feel like this comes out in top considering price, and if you are ok without having a fancy brand on it. It gets bumped up to the next level if you manage to epoxy or glue a 4mm neodymium magnet inside the bit holder. My primary complaint with this unit is that the ergonomics aren’t great for me, it’s a bit awkward to hold in the hand- although this may not be the case for you as it always boils down to personal preference. The Wiha extras (bit, case, extension) I didn’t really need but enjoyed having and honestly felt like the best part of what Wiha offered here. So while I’m going to knock the ratchet a bit here, it was still a good deal considering the included bits and case and the Wiha ratchet isn’t necessarily bad- just not up to the standards I’d expect for the premium. Here’s a quick breakdown: - Both ratchets are made in Taiwan - Both have 72 Teeth - Alltrade has a 1/4” ratchet on the other end while the Wiha simply has an exposed piece of gearing - the Alltrade has a larger head than the Wiha, but I don’t see it as too preventative for tight spaces for my needs. It won’t fit into the tightest of spaces like the Wiha can however. - the bit is not as firm in the Alltrade as the Wiha, but the difference is very minor - The Alltrade ratcheting mechanism seems superior to the Wiha. The Wiha is louder and more clanky. The Alltrade mechanism can be larger by virtue of its larger head. The Wiha is very small and fine. -The bit retention in the Wiha is magnetic while the retention in the Alltrade is spring retention. - the Alltrade finish is CRV, chrome appearance. I believe the Wiha is similar or CrMo, but a matte appearance. - Powerbuilt is easier to access the internals and perhaps repair if necessary. All in all I wish I could take the best qualities of each and smush them together, but I can’t. The Wiha bits are excellent and the extension has both spring and magnetic retention for the best hold. The box is also a great addition. If you need those two things I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Wiha. Honestly, however the quality of the ratchet I feel is inferior to the Alltrade which I was not expecting. Also it’s far easier to accidentally flip the switch on the Wiha than it is on the Alltrade which is a bit irritation for me, especially for such a tiny ratchet where your hands are so close to the head. In my view, that’s just not thinking. I can see myself reaching for the Alltrade ratchet while using the Wiha bits. Unfortunately the Alltrade doesn’t fit in the Wiha case. Wiha however does win in ergonomics and appearance and would be the superior choice for very tight clearances. At the end of the day you have to decide what’s important to you, and make your choice accordingly. There’s a lot to like about the Wiha kit however at the end of the day it’s a ratchet set, so if the ratchet isn’t really well thought out, a breeze to use, ratchet smooth as butter, bits fit snug as a bug, etc. I just see all the good reviews as products of the Wiha/ Wera hype machine rather than an appraisal of their actual performance in the field compared to more reasonably priced options. As I said before I was similarly let down by the Wera bit ratchet (as well as their ratcheting screwdriver)... I’m not sure how to chalk up the vast difference between my experiences with these manufacturers and their apparent cult following on the web. To me the Alltrade feels more like a Williams or Snap-on or Gedore and the Wera feels like a cheap Taiwanese ratchet with a nice German bit set and a cute but not great box. PS- I managed to glue a 4mm neodymium magnet inside the Powerbuilt and the bit hold is that much better. Bit hold is on par with the Wiha now. These are plentiful on eBay and probably at your local big box store. I first placed the magnet carefully on the backside of a bit, then dabbed very carefully a dot of Gorilla super glue. I then inserted the bit carefully into the bit ratchet, and left the bit facing up (prevent dripping) overnight. After a few days it’s holding well and is really taking my enjoyment of this Alltrade ratchet to a new level. Feels about as good as it’s going to get without springing for a Matco MR4C and a Gedore or Snap on 1/4” nut to 1/4” hex.

just the right size for small jobs.

Yes, this is on the small side. But you have to consider it uses. I'm pleased with it's quality and performance. It's smaller than the one I'm replacing, but for my uses, it will do fine.

Without a doubt this is a great tool. The handle is ergonomic and the knurling helps you keep a grip. I love the 1/4" and 3/8" anvil approach, and the fit and finish is first-rate. So why not 5 stars? Because the head is too thick for a stubby wrench. Of course it would be almost impossible to break a wrench this short using just your bare hands, but you know that some bozo is going to put a two foot cheater pipe on the handle and then blame the company for a shoddy product when they break it, so PowerBuilt has this wrench over-engineered for that reason. Still, this is an *excellent* tool, but I do wish the head were slimmer for those tight spots we buy stubbies for.

I do professional furniture assembly and some desks I build have no space for a screwdriver and to get good torque. I use phillips and hex bits all the time so the 1/4" plug it has is crucial. I can use sockets too on the same tool to hold the nut on the other side from spinning while I use another screwdriver. Some chairs I assemble the screws are too close to the frame so you can't really use a screwdriver but the ratcheting action on this and the compact size lets me get good leverage and torque in very tight spots. Lastly, the bits stay in the holder pretty good and don't slide out, while not being to hard to switch out. Overall this wrench is all I could've asked for.

I was on the hunt for the smallest ratchet I could find. This one appears to be a winner. It’s smaller than you think. It’s got a high tooth count. And it’s aesthetically pleasing. I bought this to use as a fidget toy when I’m driving. It’s a perfect 10/10. Also added a 10mm socket for humor.

Very good

Needed a stubby ratchet to get into a tight spot on my engine bay and this one fit right in and got the job done without any issues. Having both the 1/4 and 3/8 drive ends on the same tool is super convenient since I do not have to juggle two separate ratchets in a cramped space. Really solid build quality for what it costs and I would definitely grab another Powerbuilt tool based on how this one has held up.

Bardzo dobry produkt. Polecam.

Good quality

This thing is great. can take 1/4 hex bits on one side and 1/4 square sockets on the other all in a compact package. It seems to be so well built that with an adapter and a cheater bar you could us 1/2 square sockets no dramas but I have yet to test this theory

楽しみにしていのに壊れてて使えなくて 交換にも対応してくれませんでした

ビットソケットを噛ませずそのまま使えるのがとても便利。 反対側の1/4スクエアにショートタイプのソケットを付けておくことで、ラチェット効かせるまでの早回しも行えるため、とても便利です。