Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll: Streamlight Bandit Headlamp

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


I don’t know about where you live, but my official sunset time is already before 4PM and it is going to be that way for a long time. I also live in a very rural location so when the sun sets, it gets DARK. That means I put a lot of miles on flashlights, work lights, and especially head lamps. I’ve come to realize that the beam profile I need while working is different the beam profile I need when I am on the trail. When it come to work, I need a beam that is broad and bright – basically a wall of light that covers everything with light at arms length from one edge of my vision to the other. That is exactly what the Streamlight Bandit provides… and it does it with style and a great price.

The Bandit might be the ultimate pocketable work light. It is compact enough to fit in The EDC Tool Roll and light weight enough in weight to wear for hours (1.3 ounces!). It has a polycarbonate body with a removeable bracket that serves as both an attachment point for the head strap and a clip for attaching the Bandit to the brim of a cap, lip of a pocket, some helmets or even just free standing on the ground or other surface.

It is USB rechargable which is incredible for someone who uses their headlamp as much as I do. This light contains sealed 450-mAh lithium polymer battery that provides 2 hours of runtime at 180 lumens or 9+ hours at 35 lumens. There is also a blinking mode which I never use.

The user interface is simple enough. There is one button. Push it once for low and again within a couple of seconds for high, then blink. After a few seconds, the next click turns off the light. The button is pronounced enough that it can be operated with gloves on.

There are a few factors that make this the best tool light I have right now and the reason it is being included in The EDC Tool Roll series. I have already mentioned that it is very light weight and very compact. That makes it easy to carry. The simple interface makes it easy to use and the USB rechargable feature makes it easy to keep up and running. It also happens to be EXTREMELY affordable – like buy two of them, impulse buy affordable –  at less than $16 each including shipping.

But, when it comes to use as a work light, the real story here is the beam… the glorious blast radius of lumens. The Bandit uses a COB LED which is basically a broad, flat, light emitting plate. There is no lens or reflector. You have no hotspot, just smooth even light for almost 180 degrees. This means I can see every little button, knob, and gauge in the open, unlit cabin of our tractors when I am blowing snow after dark (which really tests the water and cold resistance of a light). It means I can light up an entire room or everything at my feet while walking instead of just a narrow circle. It means I work up close on equipment with the light on high without having a blinding hotspot and without having to constantly adjust the angle of the light. Of course, that broad beam comes at the cost of throw, but you can’t have it all.

So far the Bandit seems to be quite tough and, based on past experience, I am confident that Streamlight will take care of me if something goes wrong. Given their customer service and the low cost of this light, I’m not afraid to use it like a tool. In fact, the low cost has me thinking of buying a second one so I always have one to use while the other is charging.

Where to Buy:

I bought mine on Amazon because they usually have a great price on the bright yellow version of the Bandit. I think I paid a little bit more than the sub $16 price they are charging as of the time of this writing: Streamlight Bandit on Amazon

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

Nebo Tools Work Lights


See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have a pocketable work light that you prefer or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition with Bracket

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


If you have been following The EDC Tool Roll for a while, you know that the Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition has been one of my favorite drivers reviewed to date. It has good reach while also being quite compact, holds 4 bits on board in a way that each one is accessible, is able to apply a lot of torque, and is made in the USA. There is a lot to like. It was hard to imagine how they could make it better…

Then they released a new version with a ridiculously clever bracket.  This review will be mostly about the bracket since the tool itself hasn’t changed.

The bracket is molded from a semi rigid rubber-like material. It is about 4.25 long, 1.5″ wide (with tools installed), and about 1″ thick. It can hold both halves of the Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition, one on each side, along with a whopping 18 bits. The bracket has exterior slots for 12 bits, 4 bits are stored in the tool halves, and 2 more bits can be stored in either end of the bracket.

The entire package is far more compact than you would think a driver set this full featured can be. The bits are also amazingly well organized, visible, secure and accessible considering how compact it is. Each of the 12 bit slots on the broad sides of the bracket tightly grips the bit while still allowing you to read the size marking etched on the bits. The bits only slide out in one direction which further increases their security.

This bracket adds so much to the functionality of the Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition as an EDC or range bag addition. It carries so many bits in such a small package and can be so easily customized to suit your needs by swapping or adding bits. It is extremely compact yet still long enough to access an AR-15 grip screw or Glock magazine release spring. You can even leave the bracket behind if you need it to be ultra-compact and still be able to carry 4 bits!

Where to Buy:

There is a chance you may be able to find these in your local gun store or possible a bike shop. Fix It Sticks caters to both markets. However, I have never found them in a brick and mortar store. I’ve purchased my previous Fix It Sticks products from Amazon: Fix It Sticks Replaceable with Bracket on Amazon

These would make incredible stocking stuffers.

Alternatives:

Victorinox Swisstool Plus Replacement Wrench

Wera Kraftform Kompakt 10

Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25


See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have bot ratchet that you prefer or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Prestaratchet 1/4″ Hex Bits Mini Ratchet (VIM Tools HBR4)

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


The Prestaratchet 1/4″ Hex Bits Mini Ratchet is yet another tool that came to my attention because of a reader recommendation. Mark M. put this one on my radar and I am glad he did. Thank you Mark!

The Prestaratchet is made by a bicycle accessory company called Prestacycle. In fact, they make a version of this tool with a handle that doubles as a tire lever which could be handy for the cyclists among us. However, the version being reviewed here today has a basic rubber handle with no tire wrench functionality. It comes as a bare tool with no bits included (though Prestacycle does sell nice bit sets with holders separately).

My initial reaction when I first received the Prestaratchet was that it looked a lot my favorite VIM Tools Bit Ratchets. The head on those tools is very recognizable because it is the smallest I have seen. This makes the tool great for use in tight spots. On further inspection, it appears that the Prestaratchet is virtually identical to the VIM Tools HBR4. This is a good thing because of the head size which I have already mentioned and my very good experience with VIM Tools’ products.

This tool works like any other similar ratcheting bit driver that we have already reviewed. It can accept standard 1/4″ hex shank bits or can be used as a socket wrench with the use of an adapter. This makes it extremely versatile for the EDCer or shooter. It is more compact than a traditional screwdriver and can be used with any bit or socket that you need.

The mechanism is reversible via a small lever. There is a speed wheel for starting/finishing fasteners that don’t have enough friction to make use of the ratcheting mechanism. Bits are held captive and snap into the holder with authority.

Unlike the two VIM Tools Bit Ratchets I have already reviewed, this one has a rubber handle. The handle adds very little bulk and is quite comfortable. It appears to be some kind of harder plastic with a pebbled TPE overmold. The TPE is not overly soft and has held up well to my use. I have found the padded handle to be particularly nice when my hands are cold, wet, or oily as it greatly improves grip. That is nice if you do a lot of work or shooting outdoors.

We have now reviewed several of these VIM Tools mini ratchets (or similar) and it is difficult to say which of them I prefer. The Prestaratchet/HBR4 is definitely the easiest to use in conditions that compromise your grip. The HBR5 is like the most versatile of the bunch. The HBR3’s box end makes it nice in higher torque application like trying to break a stubborn fastener loose and its small overall size is nice for EDC. Pick the one that suits you best.

Where to Buy:

Mark M. was able to find this at a local bike shop. I purchased mine on Amazon. If you do buy on Amazon, make sure you do some comparison shopping as the VIM Tools HBR4 often costs a few dollars less:

Prestaratchet Mini Ratchet on Amazon

VIM Tools HBR4 on Amazon

I also recommend carrying an extension with a tool like this. This is my favorite:

Wera Rapidaptor 100mm Bit Holder

Alternatives:

Drivers:

Victorinox Swisstool Plus Replacement Wrench

Wera Kraftform Kompakt 10

Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

Ratchets:

VIM Tools HBR5

GearWrench MicroDrive Set

Chapman MFG 1316


See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have bot ratchet that you prefer or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Wera Rapidaptor Bit Holder

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


We have spent a lot of words looking at various drivers in The EDC Tool Roll series. The truth is that even the slickest, most EDC-worthy driver won’t help you if you can’t reach the fastener you need to tighten or loosen. Many of the drivers that we have reviewed so far lack the reach of a conventional screwdriver. This is why I always have an extension of some kind in my tool kit for EDC or range use.

The best extension I have used are the Wera Rapidators. I use the 100mm (about 4″) in my own version of The EDC Tool Roll. I used to use a basic magnetic extension most of the time and those still work. However, the quality is often lacking (loose fit, lousy or broken magnets, etc.) and the Rapidaptor line has features that I have grown to like.

First, the quality is excellent. The metal parts of the Rapidaptor line are finished with a matte finish that looks like hard chrome or maybe just a bright stainless. Whatever it is, it seems to hold up very well. The fit is tight and precise both with the bits and with whatever you are using to turn the Rapidaptor. As someone who has had a cheap extension with poor fit locked into an impact driver to the point of needing tools to remove it, I appreciate that precise fit. It also holds up to use in a cordless impact driver.

Second, the design of the bit holding portion of the Rapidaptor is excellent. It actively locks bits into place automatically upon inserting a bit. It is held in place via a good quality magnet and the locking collar. This collar (the green and black part in the picture) spins freely allowing the user to grip when attempting to control a fastener. Pulling up on the collar releases the bit without popping it out to be lost. Installing and removing bits can all be done easily with one hand.

Wera makes shorter versions of this bit holder but the I find the 100mm version to be just right. Short enough to carry in my kit but long enough to reach an AR-15 grip screw or to use in installing/uninstalling a Glock magazine catch spring. I also find myself using this with my power tools somewhat frequently.

Where to Buy:

Maybe you have a local brick and mortar option for purchasing imported tools… but I sure don’t. I purchased my Wera Rapidaptor on Amazon: Wera Rapidaptor 100mm Bit Holder

Other Tools That I Have Used with the Rapidaptor:

Victorinox Swisstool Plus Replacement Wrench

Wera Kraftform Kompakt 10

Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

VIM Tools HBR5

VIM Tools HBR3

GearWrench MicroDrive Set


See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Do you have bot ratchet that you prefer or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

The above URLs may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Wiha PokitPak Bit Case

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.


A friend of mine first showed me the Wiha PokitPak tools years ago but I only got around to trying one a few months ago. The idea behind these is simple and clever. Normally, you would need to carry both a driver and a selection of bits in some kind of a carrier. The PokitPak serves as both the driver and bit carrier.

The PokitPak is a plastic case with a hinged opening. Inside, it contains 6 standard 1/4″ shank bits and a basic magnetic bit holder. The bits and bit holder are of very high quality as is typical for Wiha. The bottom of the case has a hexagonal hole that can accept the bit holder to turn the entire case into a sort of “T” handle driver.

The bits found in these kits vary based on the kit that you select but the most basic and generally useful is the subject of this review, the 71198 PokitPak. It contains 4.5 and 6 mm flat bits and sizes 0, 1, 2, and 3 Phillips bits. Of course, you can also customize the kit by replacing the bits based on whatever you intend to work on.

Overall, I have found the PokitPak to work well in anything short of high torque applications. The interface between the bit holder and case has surprised me with how strong it is but I can start to make it deform a bit if I start to lean into it. I suppose it would be nice if there was some kind of metal reinforcement in this area. I also tried this in my range bag for a while and found that it was too short for tasks like tightening an AR-15 grip screw.

I think PokitPak is best used as a companion to another tool. I like to use it with some other kind of driver like some of the ratcheting drivers we have discussed in previous editions of The EDC Tool Roll. In this role, it can serve as both your bit carrier and an extension. This way you don’t have loose bits knocking around in your kit and you have the bonus of the “T” handle driver functionality.

Where to Buy:

Some of you might have access to hardware or electronics stores that carry Wiha tools. I don’t have a brick and mortar store near me that carries them so I purchased this online at Amazon: Wiha PokitPak at Amazon

Alternatives:

The PokitPak is pretty unique compared to other tools we have already review but you can use it as a driver or a companion to a dedicated driver or ratchet.

Drivers:

Victorinox Swisstool Plus Replacement Wrench

Wera Kraftform Kompakt 10

Engineer DR-07 Twin Wrench Driver

Tekton 14-in-1 Offset Screwdriver (2945)

Replaceable Edition Fix It Sticks

Doc Allen’s VersaTool

Wera Kraftform Kompact 25

Ratchets:

VIM Tools HBR5

GearWrench MicroDrive Set

Chapman MFG 1316


See all the reviews for previous tools: The EDC Tool Roll

Can you think of another useful way to carry driver bits or another tool recommendation that fits The EDC Tool Roll? Tell us about it in the comments below or drop us a line on the Contact page.

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