Archive | The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll: VIM Tools HBR3 Bit Ratchet

By Matt on August 30, 2018 in Reviews, The EDC Tool Roll

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 VIM Tools HBR5 Bit Ratchet is one of my all time favorite tools and that made the VIM Tools HBR3 just a little too tempting to try. I bought one last month and have been using it since. At first glance, the HBR3 and HBR5 are very similar tools but there are some differences.

The HBR3 is about 3.5″ long which is about 1″ shorter than the HBR5. It is smaller in almost every dimension which makes it considerably more compact and lightweight. The HBR5 features a ratchet at each end (see the HBR5 review for more details) but the HBR3 has a ratchet end and a box end both of which accept standard 1/4″ shank bits. The smaller size and the box end is what really sets the HBR3 apart from the HBR5.

The compact size and excellent quality is what has endeared the HBR5 to me. The HBR3 is even more compact and just as well made.

The HBR3’s box end has proven to be very handy. It is extremely compact, barely adding any length to the bit itself, which allows it to get into very tight spaces – like behind a door knob to tighten the screws holding it to a door. It also allows you to apply a lot of torque without fear of breaking your ratcheting mechanism.

HBR3 (top) with HBR5 (bottom)

The ratcheting end has a quick disk/speed wheel that makes it easy to start fasteners even when they don’t have enough friction to start using the ratcheting mechanism. It is reversible and has a small lever to change directions. VIM Tools claims that their ratcheting heads are the smallest in the industry and I believe it having used several competing tools.

The HBR3 seems to be intended to use as a bit driver predominantly. It does not come with provisions to be used with sockets but the adapters to accomplish this are easy to find. I recommend picking one up as I find it to be very handy. This is a great socket wrench for tight spaces. I also recommend adding a bit extension if you plan on using this in your range bag so that you can access things like AR-15 grip screws.

Where to Buy:

I have never seen VIM Tools anywhere but online. I purchased my HBR3 at Amazon: VIM Tools HBR3 Bit Ratchet at Amazon

Alternatives from Previous Reviews:

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 Midget

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: Irwin Vice Grip 4WR Locking Pliers

By Matt on August 23, 2018 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.

I am not sure that Vice Grips are ever the right tool for the job (unless the job is rounding a fastener)! The flip side of that coin is that they often seem like they are the only tool for the job. The bottom line is that I use them all the time and you use them all the time. It makes sense for them to have a place in The EDC Tool Roll.

Several companies make 5″ locking pliers but these are larger than I like for a pocket tool kit. A few companies make 4″ locking pliers and one of them is Irwin in their Vice Grip line. I’ve used Vice Grip locking pliers as long as I have been using locking pliers. I trust the brand, even though they are made overseas now, so that is what I bought for my kit.

The Irwin Vice Grip 4WR Locking Plier is basically just a scaled down version of their standard curve jaw locking pliers with wire cutter. They are 4″ long from the tip of the jaws to the back of the knurled thumb screw when the thumb screw is turned all the way in. Most of the time the nut isn’t turned all the way in so they are slightly longer than 4″. Their jaws can open to just under 1″ wide.

So how do you use them? Well, a lot of different ways. I bet most people have a story about using locking pliers to get out of a jam. It could be locking onto a frozen fastener or holding parts together long enough to limp a car home. I’ve even used this pair as an improvised target hanger when I was on the range and out of staples. Like I said before, they are almost never the right tool for the job but they are often the only tool for the job.

Where and How to Buy:

There is a good chance that you can find these at your local home improvement store, automotive store, or farm supply. Most Irwin Vice Grip dealers will have a large selection of sizes on hand but the 4″ 4WR model isn’t always the easiest to find on its own (though it may be found in a combination pack). If you can’t find them indivdually, Amazon has you covered: Irwin Vice Grip 4WR Locking Pliers

Alternatives:

I have owned some terrible locking pliers over the years so I am hesitant to stray too far from the Vice Grip line. They make a number of pliers in this size.

The 4LW has jaws designed not to round fasteners. It may be worth a look but I am concerned it might not be as versatile as the 4RW. Please sound off in the comments if you have tried them. Irwin Vice Grip 4LW Locking Wrench

The 4LN has long nose jaws which can be handy in some situations. Irwin Vice Grip 4LN Locking Pliers

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

Do you have locking pliers brand 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: SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors

By Matt on August 14, 2018 in EDC, 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.

You probably read the title and rolled your eyes because folding scissors are always junk. I would submit that only MOST folding scissors are junk. The original SLIP-N-SNIP folding scissors are far from junk and are worthy of a spot The EDC Tool Roll.

Most people’s experience with folding scissors is with cheaply made imports with plastic handles that break, thin stamped blades that flex and don’t mate correctly, weak pivots, and cutting performance that might eventually mash through whatever you are trying to cut. None of those things are true of SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors which are still made in the USA and I have been using for years.

SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors have cast zinc handles – not plastic. The handles are small enough to be very compact, large enough for my fingers with room to spare, and very nicely rounded for comfort. The metal handles make them heavier than plastic handled folding scissors but the step up in quality is well worth it.

The blades are stamped steel which is thicker than the steep found on cheap folding scissors. They are very nicely ground and mate perfectly on the pair I have owned. They are very sharp and cut cleanly without mashing – even on items like para-cord inner strands or fine threads.

The SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors are only about 3″ long when folded and weigh less than an ounce. They unfold into scissors that are almost 4″ long with a cutting surface of about 1.25″. This makes them a great size for with first aid kits, EDC, or on the trail. Scissors are just better than a knife for some cutting tasks and I am often glad I have these with me. I’ve used mine to cut masking tape when pasting targets, gauze and tape for dressing wounds, moleskin for covering blisters, and the list goes on.

SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors usually cost less than $8. They cost more than cheap folding scissors but I still find them to be very reasonable consider the quality and the fact that they are made in the USA. They even offer a version with a non-reflective, rust resistant black coating (which I wish I knew about when I bought my SLIP-N-SNIP scissors)!

Where and How to Buy:

You can find SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors at some sewing shops where they are well known for their quality. However, sewing shops often carry a finer tipped version (SLS3) that may or may not be desirable for EDC. I have only used the SLS1 version which is a more general purpose scissor. If your local sewing shop doesn’t have them, several online retailers do.

The following links are affiliate links:

Original SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors on Amazon

Non-Reflective Black SLIP-N-SNIP Folding Scissors on Amazon

Alternatives:

Klein Tools Electrician’s Scissors (to be reviewed on The EDC Tool Roll)

Victorinox SwissCard Scissors (previously review on The EDC Tool Roll)

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

Do you have scissors 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 EDC Tool Roll: Chapman MFG Midget Ratchet and Accessories

By Matt on August 6, 2018 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.

Even if you don’t know it by name, you have probably seen a Chapman MFG Midget Ratchet before… or maybe an imitation. This little ratchet might be the handiest tool in The EDC Tool Roll thanks to its versatility, compact size, and suite of smart accessories. This review will include more than just the Midget Ratchet which is great on its own but really shines for EDC with a few simple additions.

Before I dive into the tools themselves, I want to briefly mention why I like buying tools from Chapman MFG (ChapmanMFG.com). They have been manufacturing since 1936. They make everything here in the USA from materials sourced in the USA. Their tools are in use by the military. The quality and features are excellent and I find them to be very affordable for what you get. They offer an extensive selection of replacement and add-on parts on their website. They even support firearm owners and gunsmiths with tools specifically for that market. This is a likeable company.

The Midget Ratchet CM-13 is the heart of this review. It is a compact (3.75″ long) ratchet that accepts 1/4″ shank accessories. The 20 tooth ratchet mechanism is milled from tool steel and heat treated. The mechanism is wrapped in a stamped stainless steel housing that is riveted together. It has a pass-through design that requires no reverse mechanism. You just flip the ratchet over instead of flipping a switch. In short, it is built like a tank and, while its drive mechanism is not very refined, it is positive and works in small spaces thanks to its short length.

You can get a lot done with just a few bits and the Midget Ratchet but it really comes into its own when you add the CME-1 3 5/8″ Bit Extension (they also make a 2″ and 6″ extension) and the CMH-3 Screwdriver Handle. These three items, along with your bits, can be carried in a very compact package and add up to a lot of capability. You can use…

the Midget Ratchet alone as a ratchet for driver bits of sockets
the Midget Ratchet with the extension to put bits or sockets on fasteners in tight spots.
the screwdriver handle alone with a bit as a compact screw or nut driver
the extension with the screwdriver handle as something close to the size of a full-size screw driver

You can even use all three (the ratchet, extension, and handle) fit together at the same time to apply extra torque to fasteners. Chapman MFG states that the Midget can be used to apply about 4 times as much torque as you can with a normal screwdriver.

The CMH-3 Screwdriver Handle deserves a brief discussion of its own here. It is made from very hard plastic with a tool steel insert to accept bits or an extension. It’s size is what makes it so great for The EDC Tool Roll. At 3.5″ long and 1″ in diameter, it is as useful as a full some screwdriver but more than compact enough to fit in the tool rolls we have profiled in this series. It is a worthy addition to this kit.

Some of you my be disappointed initially to learn that these tools are really made to work with Chapman’s own bits. They will accept and turn standard 1/4″ shank bits but not retain them. Standard 1/4″ shank bits can work in a pinch but it can be a pain to deal with them falling out of the tool. Being able to flip over the Midget Ratchet is integral to its use so Chapman has to build the bit retention into the bits themselves. Each bit has a small detent that prevents it from slipping out of the tool under its own weight.

The good news is that the bits are of excellent quality. They are machined well, free of burrs, heat treated, and given a black oxide finish. Each bit (and the extensions) have a small knurled wheel on the back that allows you to turn it with your fingers to help start screws before they have enough friction to ratchet – clever.

Together, these parts are amazingly capable. They are compact, versatile, well made, affordable, and just plain cool.

Where and How to Buy:

Chapman MFG offers a dizzying array of kits most of which includes bits specifically selected for a purpose like a certain trade or maintenance on something specific. They also offer some general use kits that are good but I have had the best luck with putting my own kit together.

Make sure whichever kit you choose as a starter includes the 1/4″ socket adapter or purchase it separately. The Midget Ratchet is a great little socket wrench in tight places but you will need the adapter to attach your sockets.

I like the 1316 kit as a baseline. It includes a good selection of bits, a Midget Ratchet, and a socket adapter. It is all packaged in a good quality, flexible vinyl organizer that lays mostly flat and easily fits in the compact tool bags we have profiled on The EDC Tool Roll.

Chapman MFG 1316 on Amazon

You can also add the CME-1 3 5/8″ Bit Extension and the CMH-3 Screwdriver Handle. The extension nest nicely into the 1316’s vinyl carrier when it is folded and snapped closed. The screwdriver handle can be rubber banded to the vinyl carrier or just tucked into your tool roll.

Chapman MFG CME-1 Bit Extension on Amazon

Chapman MFG CMH-3 Screwdriver Handle on Amazon

If you just want a minimalist kit based around the Midget Ratchet, the Chapman MFG 2021 kit is affordable and ready to drop into your kit.

Chapman MFG 2021 Kit on Amazon

Alternatives from Previous Reviews:

The Midget Ratchet and its accessories are pretty unique in how they work together but you can piece together other tools to have some of the same functionality.

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

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

Can you think of another compact tool this versatile 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 EDC Tool Roll: Victorinox SwissCard Scissors

By Matt on July 30, 2018 in EDC, 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 started writing The EDC Tool Roll series last winter at the suggestion of my wife. At the time, I was trying to put together a small, pocketable tool kit that would prevent me from having to trudge all the way back to the shop for a common tool when I was out working on our property. I never anticipated it would take off the way it did, especially when it comes to reader interaction! It has been great hearing from so many of you with tool recommendations or pictures of your EDC Tool Rolls!

Trent R. reached out to me to recommend a pair of scissors. I happened to already have the scissors he recommended and I am not sure why it never dawned on me to include them in The EDC Tool Roll because I use them all the time. However, the specific scissors Trent recommended will be profiled in another edition. Today, I want to take a look at what might be the smallest and lightest scissors around that are actually worth using – the tiny, ultra-light SwissCard Scissors from Victorinox.

Like the Victorinox Swisstool Plus Replacement Wrench that we recently reviewed (click HERE to read the review), the SwissCard Scissors were never meant to be sold as a stand-alone tool even though they work very well in that roll. These scissor slide into and out of Victorinox’s SwissCard multi-tools and, unlike most of their scissors, are not permanently connected to the host tool.

The SwissCard Scissors are spring loaded so that they “spring” open. This makes them surprisingly easy to use in spite of their small size (3″ overall, 1/10″ thick, 7 grams). However, this means that open is the default position unless the scissors are actively compressed. These are wickedly sharp so that is a problem but one that is easy to fix. In a SwissCard, there is a specialized compartment for holding the scissors in the close position but since I don’t use the SwissCard, I just slip the scissors into a small section of drinking straw (see image above). The straw adds basically no bulk or weight and keeps the overall package so small that I can store them anywhere.

Scissors are just better than a knife for some tasks. These scissors are great in your EDC kit but can also find a home in your hiking gear or first aid kit. I have used them for cutting up patches for a Therm-a-Rest mattress or moleskin to deal with blisters. They can strip wire, cut tape, trim frays on gear, trim your nails in a pinch, and more. If you have them in your kit, you’ll use them.

I will profile a few other scissors that I use regularly but this are by far the smallest and lightest. If you want scissors that will fit any EDC Tool Roll, these are what you want. There is room enough in even the most compact kit.

Where to Buy:

I pulled my SwissCard Scissors out of broken SwissCard that was going to be discarded. You are not likely to find these at any brick and mortar store since very few of them carry Victorinox replacement parts. There are various online retailers and auction sites that offer them so shop around.

Amazon is probably the easiest place to pick them up: Victorinox SwissCard Scissors on Amazon (affiliate link)

Alternatives:

I haven’t reviewed any of these yet, but I own the following alternatives. They will find their way onto these pages eventually. Both are made in the USA!

Slip-N-Snip Original Folding Scissors (SLS1)

Klein Tools Electrician’s Scissors

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

Do you have scissors 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.

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