Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll: 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension

By Matt on August 7, 2024 in EDC, The EDC Tool Roll

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.

We have written about a number of compact ratcheting drivers in The EDC Tool Roll series and it’s safe to say I like them a lot. These tools are very handy but need two accessories to really get the most out of them. Those two accessories are a 1/4″ socket adapter and a bit extension.

Unfortunately, those two parts aren’t always included… but even if they were, the shear convenience of the 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension might convince you to carry it instead.

711L is a new-to-me tool brand that designs a number of cool things for EDC tool nerds. Their bit extension kills two birds with one stone. It has a clever bit holder designed that can be retracted to reveal an integrated 1/4″ socket adapter that is part of the shank.

Not only does it hold both regular 1/4″ shank bits AND 1/4″ drive sockets, it does both well. The bit holder uses a spring-tensioned, ball-bearing detent to retain standard bits with just the right amount of tension. The bit-holding sleeve is knurled to make it very easy to extend or retract. The quality is just very, very nice overall.

This 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension may not have the sex appeal of the other tools I have profiled in this series. It is just an extension, after all. But, it is a well-made extension with a clever, useful design for EDC, and I enjoy using it. It is one of my favorite recent additions to my EDC Tool Roll.

Note: This is NOT a ratcheting extension.

Where to Buy:

It appears that 711L Tools are only available online. If you have a brick and mortar source for these, please share it in the comments! I purchased mine from Amazon (and I already regret not buying the two-pack): 711L Hex Bit and Socket 2 in 1 Extension on Amazon.com

The above links may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Wiha GoBox Bit Set and Mini Ratchet

By Matt on August 2, 2024 in EDC, Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

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:

The above links may be affiliate links.

The EDC Tool Roll: Klein Tools 65200 Ratchet Set

By Matt on October 25, 2023 in EDC, Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

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 covered a lot of ratchet/driver tools on The EDC Tool Roll and the Klein Tools 65200 has become a favorite. I have carried this one but I also reach for it quite a bit for projects at home and it all comes down to few key features.

The most obvious feature that sets the 65200 apart from every other ratchet I have reviewed is the inclusion of a large ring. The ring allows you to turn the ratchet with just a finger which acts somewhat like an extension giving you some additional reach and leverage. It could also be used to clip or dummy-cord the 65200 to yourself or your gear. I find myself using it a lot.

Klein Tools also designed an excellent finger-turning ring for this tool. If you have ever tried to start a screw with one of these ratchets, you know that it can take a few turns before there is enough friction on the fastener for the ratcheting mechanism to work well. The finger ring is useful for hand-turning fasteners to start them and this one works well thanks to its easy-to-grip texture and large diameter.

I also like the included bit holder. It is more compact than most, holding just 5 bits. I guess some people may wish they could carry more bits but I like how small this holder is and find myself using it with other tools!

Finally, Klein Tools includes a 1/4″ socket adapter with this kit. It seems odd to point this out but it is actually somewhat unusual. I appreciate that this is included because I am often having to buy one separately for other similar ratchets.

As I said, this is among my favorite ratchets but I should point out that the 65200 is chunkier than many similar offerings. Also, as handy as I find the ring, it might make it more difficult to store in some kits. If you need the most compact option, this likely isn’t it.

Where to Buy:

You may actually be able to find these if you have a local source of Klein Tools. Home Depot carries it in some stores as part of a larger tool kit which may be useful to some. Otherwise, these are extremely affordable on Amazon which is where I bought mine: Klein Tools 65200 on Amazon

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

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

Do you have a 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: Knipex Pliers Wrench (86 04 100)

By Matt on October 31, 2022 in EDC, Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

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.

If you have been following The EDC Tool Roll for a while, you’ll know that I am a big fan of the Knipex Pliers Wrench. They might be my favorite tool. I’ve used the 5″ version as part of my EDC and range bag toolkit for years. Several months ago, I picked up the new 4″ version for testing as well. Since that time, the 86 04 100 Pliers Wrench has lived in my fifth pocket.

The new 4″ version is focused on the EDC market much like the 4″ version of the Cobra Pliers that Knipex rolled out earlier. They offer several key differences from their larger counterparts in addition to their smaller size. They lack the iconic red rubber grips on the handle which makes taking them in and out of a pocket easier. They also have slightly slimmer jaws and a sliding mechanism that does not require a button press to adjust the opening of the jaws. All of these changes are well-suited for a smaller overall tool meant to be easy to carry.

Speaking of adjusting the opening of the jaws… Like all other Pliers Wrench iterations, these things offer a massive range of adjustment allowing them to be used on larger fasteners than you might expect – up to a 3/4″ nut comfortably (or even just a bit larger if you push your luck).

Size and features aside, these are basically as functional as their larger counterparts. They offer a tight grip on the fastener that only gets tighter as you pull the tool through the arc of its motion. The faux ratcheting effect that makes these so darn handy is also intact making these a reasonable replacement for a ratchet set in some cases.

At this point, you may be wondering what you are giving up with this new smaller version. They definitely lack a bit of leverage compared to larger versions and the checkered handle, while grippy, is not as comfortable to use as the red rubber-dipped larger variants. For those reasons, I definitely prefer this in a pocket-carry role. If you are going to carry them in an EDC Bag or Range Bag, go with the 5″ version.

Where to Buy:

I don’t have a source for Knipex Tools locally (and probably never will) so I buy all of mine online, usually from Amazon: Knipex Pliers Wrench 86 04 100 on Amazon

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

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

Do you have a 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: Alltrade/Powerbuilt 1/4″ Drive Socket & Bit Driver Mini Ratchet

By Matt on January 24, 2022 in Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

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.

This little bit driver/socket combination tool is sold under a variety of names like Alltrade and Powerbuilt. At $10-12, it also happens to be one of the biggest bargains in history of The EDC Tool Roll.

As far as I can tell, this tool has one of those crazy names meant more to maximize keywords more than roll off the tongue. So, I will refer to it as the Alltrade or just the ratchet.

The Alltrade doesn’t look that different from a standard 1/4″ drive, stubby ratchet unless you pay careful attention to the lever side which contains a surprise addition – a 1/4″ bit holder. That’s right. The Alltrade can accept 1/4″ sockets on one side and standard 1/4″ shank driver bits on the other.

It is reversible via a lever and sports a reasonably fine 72 tooth mechanism. The surface finish on the chrome vanadium steel, chrome, and knurling are also surprisingly well done for the price. It fits well in the hand and, more importantly for The EDC Tool Roll, fits well in a pocket-sized tool roll.

The Alltrade becomes even more useful if you carry it with a 1/4″ shank bit extension which you probably already have laying around. It really functions best as a driver if you can treat it more like a t-handle driver by using an extension. The amount of functionality that this tool packs into a small space and a small price is really impressive.

While this does fit in a pocket tool kit, it should be noted that it is a bit chunky and heavy compared to some options. Something like the VIM Tools or Prestacyle ratchets that we have covered in the past can do the same thing with less weight but they might not fill the hand as well as this Alltrade offering and they cost more. The bottom line here is that the Alltrade is a bargain and it is something I use a lot.

Where to Buy:

I don’t think you will find these locally. Alltrade/Powerbuilt seems to be one of those Amazon-only brands that proliferate that retail giant. SO, if you are interested, Amazon is probably your only option: Alltrade/Powerbuilt Ratchet & Driver

Previously Reviewed Alternatives:

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

Do you have a 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.

1 2 … 11 Next →

Navigation

Archive | The EDC Tool Roll