Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Toll Roll: Prestacyle T-Handle Ratchet

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.


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:

  1. Chapman MFG Midget Ratchet and Accessories
  2. GearWrench MicroDriver Set
  3. Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX
  4. VIM Tools HBR3 Bit Ratchet
  5. VIM Tools HBR4/Prestaratchet Mini Ratchet
  6. VIM Tools HBR5 Bit Ratchet

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

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 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:

  1. Chapman MFG Midget Ratchet and Accessories
  2. GearWrench MicroDriver Set
  3. VIM Tools HBR3 Bit Ratchet
  4. VIM Tools HBR4/Prestaratchet Mini Ratchet
  5. VIM Tools HBR5 Bit Ratchet

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 Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers (25 01 125)

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 am willing to give just about of the small pliers from Knipex a chance based on my excellent experiences with everything the company makes. A fan of The EDC Tool Roll told me I should check out another compact plier powerhouse from Knipex – the Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers (25 01 125). Once again, they did not disappoint.

Knipex 25 01 125 shown on left for comparison

Knipex’s Snipe Nose pliers are sort of like short needle-nose pliers. They offer a fine working tip with the typically shallow grooves for grip found on needle-nose pliers. They lack the reach of a large set of needle-nose pliers but they are so compact that they can still get into very tight places. I find myself reaching for them often for things like starting roll pins, twisting wire, and more.

I will also mention that the side cutters on these are excellent and this is something that was missing in my compact tool roll. I use a lot of wire for temporary repairs, hanging wasp traps, fixing garden fences, and similar tasks. These pliers are perfect for these tasks.

The rounded, rubber-dipped handles are comfortable to use and allow a lot of force to be applied which is handy when using the cutters. These are small pliers but they offer quite a bit of handle to hold onto.

As useful as these Snipe Nose Side Cutting Pliers are, I recognize that not every kit will have room for them. They are as short as other Knipex EDC classics like the Cobra Pliers but they are wider thanks to the handle design. This can make them a bit of a stretch for some compact tool rolls. If I only had room for one set of pliers, it would be one of the Cobra Plier variants. If I had room for two, these are too handy to overlook.

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 25 01 125 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.

Sneak Peek: Turner CNC Hex Bit Sabot

You know me. I am always looking for an addition to The EDC Tool Roll, so shortly after featuring the Turner CNC Sabot on these pages, I reached out to them to ask if they ever considered making a Sabot that accepted standard 1/4″ shank screwdriver bits. Apparently, I was not the first to ask because the response was that they were already in the works!

For those unfamiliar, the Sabot is a discreet impact device. It is not unlike a knuck in how it can be used but it looks nothing like a knuck, which is a very good thing. Now, with the addition of a screwdriver bit, it will have more plausible deniability than you can shake a stick at. It is just a screwdriver… that happens to be the perfect shape for palming in particular ways.

These are currently in production and will be released in a drop as per usual. This means that they will likely sell out quickly. Stay tuned for information about availability.

TurnerCNCInc.com

New at CountyComm – Maratac 1/4″ Pen Driver Titanium

If you like titanium, you like CountyComm. They always seem to have some new titanium doodad to drool over, like the new Maratac 1/4″ Pen Driver Titanium.

This lightweight driver accepts standard 1/4″ shank bits. It has a slim design that can be clipped in a pocket thanks to the included titanium pocket clip (the same one used on CountyComm’s Embassy Pens). It features golf ball dimple texturing for some grip without tearing up your pockets.

The 1/4″ Pen Driver Titanium can store 4 bits on board (included). Three of those bits can be stored inside the handle and one of them in the bit holder. It weighs just 2.1 ounces with the 4 included bits!

CountyComm.com

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