The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various everyday-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 everyday 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 have owned this Wiha GoBox for a couple of years now. I initially held off on reviewing it because prices and availability were all over the place. At times, this kit was selling for more than $50 when it was even available. Now, they are readily available for less than I paid back then and that is great news because the GoBox kits are excellent.
If you know tools, you likely know Wiha. They make excellent quality tools and their driver bits are especially well-liked. The quality of this kit is top-notch – almost unbeatable when they cost about $30. The bits are great. The ratchet feels great in use and the included extension is shockingly nice.
The ratchet has a large, easy-to-operate direction switch and a relatively large, comfortable handle. Both of these features really stand out among other small ratchets I have used. The bit extension shows a level of design and finish that is impressive, almost out-of-place on an extension. The lock collar holds bits securely and also free spins to give the user a convenient hold point when really trying to lean into a fastener.
The real star of the show with these GoBox kits is the form-factor. The box is compact and made of steel with a secure, friction latch. There is a plastic insert that organizes all the contents with the extension nested under the ratchet. This isn’t some cheap plastic insert either. It is thick, rugged, and holds the bits very well with no signs of wearing out. This is easily the most compact kit of its kind that I have used and also the best organized.
This GoBox kit is relatively complete for my needs but yours may vary. As usual, it is easy to swap in the standard 1/4″ shank bits for the ones you need for your specific applications. I appreciate that it includes a 1/4″ drive socket adapter as these are shockingly commonly overlooked in similar kits.
Where to Buy:
I don’t have a local source for Wiha tools. Amazon now has regular stock for a number of the GoBox kits now and that is where I purchased mine: Wiha GoBox kits on Amazon.com
If it was available at the time, I would have picked the GoBox Standard kit versus the impact rated set that I have. I don’t need the impact rated bits and I prefer that bit selection on the standard kit. It’s cheaper too.
Previously Reviewed Alternatives:
- Alltrade/Powerbuilt Ratchet & Driver
- Chapman MFG Midget Ratchet and Accessories
- GearWrench MicroDriver Set
- Klein Tools 65200 Ratchet Set
- Prestacyle T-Handle Ratchet
- Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX
- VIM Tools HBR3 Bit Ratchet
- VIM Tools HBR4/Prestaratchet Mini Ratchet
- VIM Tools HBR5 Bit Ratchet
The above links may be affiliate links.
Matt, love the posts, especially tool roll ones … literally check JTT daily cause of the quality.
Couple questions: do you have any preferred portable torque wrenches (in-lb)? I’m familiar with Fix-it’s versions and with Wheeler’s, but you always have great tool reviews so I figure you’d know one or three options I don’t.
Also, what do you use to determine bit quality objectively? I’ve had multiple bits, from multiple sets, shear off (mainly torx or allen when removing a way over-torqued mlok rail or something like that).
Thanks for reading JTT and for the kind words.
I have Wheeler Wrench in my shop and a Fix-it-Sticks set in my range bag. Both work. My Wheeler isn’t especially portable but the Fix-It-Stick set definitely is. I would start there for something portable.
I am hardly an expert on bits but there are a few things I have noticed over the years…
1. You are right on with Allen and Torx bits snapping. The small ones are fragile regardless of brand it seems and I think this is preferable as I think I would rather break the bit than the fastener in most cases.
2. Poorer quality flat heads, Torx bits, and other finer bits can twist. I had an old Craftsman set that didn’t have a single straight bit in the set after just a few uses. So I like a bit that can straight over time.
3. I also judge bits on how well they stay in the fastener. This is especially obvious with flat head, Phillips, and some lower end torx bits that seem to want to walk out which can wreck a fastener quickly.