Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll: Klein Tools 65200 Ratchet Set

By Matt on October 25, 2023 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.

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.

The EDC Toll Roll: Prestacyle T-Handle Ratchet

By Matt on October 27, 2021 in 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.

The Prestacycle T-Handle Ratchet, like the previously reviewed Topeak Ratchet Rocket, is another tool you are more likely to find in a bike shop than a hardware store. This ratchet boasts an incredible combination of size, functionality, and a cool trick that makes it not just one of my favorite ratchets for EDC but one I reach for no matter the task.

Shown with Knipex Cobra Pliers (87-100) for scale.

The T-Handle Ratchet is available by itself or in kit form. I ordered mine with just the tool itself since I have a ton of bits and socket adapters already. However, it is available with a selection of bicycle-centric bits and a carrying case if you choose.

The T-Handle Ratchet looks similar to the previously reviewed Topeak Ratchet Rocket DX Lite in that it accepts standard 1/4″ shank bits, has a typical ratchet end, and the very handy, non-ratcheting, inline bit holder end. However, it is slightly larger (about 4.5″ long and 3 ounces) than the Topeak tool, making it easier to use. It also comes with an extension that knows one very cool trick.

The extension can be inserted into the ratchet end of the tool, as you would expect, to extend the reach of the ratchet. However, if the user lines up a witness mark on the extension with a witness mark on the ratchet end of the tool, the extension can pass through the ratchet end about halfway creating a very useable T-handle driver. This mechanism is not only very cool… it makes the T-Handle Ratchet a versatile multi-tasker for any EDC Tool Roll.

The quality of the tool is excellent. I would put it on par with VIM Tools Ratchets from previous reviews. It features a fine ratcheting mechanism that is reversible and has a thumbwheel. The bit holders have appropriate tension and the finishes seem to be very durable.

The tool and kit do not come with a hex shank to socket adapter. It is worth adding one on your own because makes a fine socket wrench and nut driver. I purchase them from iFixit.

Where to Buy:

You stand a good chance of finding this tool locally in your bike shop though it isn’t as widely available as some bicycle tool lines. If you can’t support your local spot, Amazon has it: Prestacycle T-Handle Ratchet

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: Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX

By Matt on August 2, 2021 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.

If you are looking for some of the lightest, most compact, and functional handtools for your version of The EDC Tool Roll, you might have to leave the hardware store and head over to the bike shop. That is where you are most likely to find this slick ratchet/driver combination tool we are focusing on today… the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX.

The ratchet/driver included with this kit has a unique format with a reversible ratcheting end complete with a finger wheel and a fixed inline end. The configuration is excellent allowing for the speed of a ratcheting driver along with the easier starts and longer reach of a fixed, inline driver. Both ends hold standard hex shank bits with excellent retention. This format is VERY useful in a small driver.

I was initially interested in the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX for just the ratchet/driver. I thought the other items might be too bike-specific to be useful to me but I have been pleasantly surprised with how much I like the included pouch. The pouch holds the contents securely and is very compact. You can easily exchange the bike-specific bits for whatever you need (though the labeled sizes won’t match). Additionally, if you remove the tire levers, you can fit a Knipex Cobra Plier 87 00 100 in the kit turning it into a smaller than wallet size EDC Tool Roll on it’s own.

This kit doesn’t come with a hex shank to socket adapter. It is worth adding one on your own because makes a fine socket wrench and nut driver. I purchase them from iFixit.

Where to Buy:

You stand a good chance of finding this tool locally in your bike shop. If you can’t support your local spot, Amazon has it: Topeak Rocket Ratchet Lite DX 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.

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