Tools for Thought 5 - Ratchet Heads - Could it get more compact?
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- Опубликовано: 10 июл 2024
- In this installment, I want to discuss ratchets. Not about tooth-count wars, but about the compactness of their heads. Most notably, these "Smart Head" ratchets sold under Japan's SEK Tools' "Pro-Auto" brand.
I've had the 1/4 drive Smart Head ratchet for two years now and I've been very happy with it. I was pretty sure that a North American brand/importer would've eventually picked it up as well, but to this date I've yet to see one.
So, at this time, if you're interested in picking one up, you'd have to source them from Japan through Amazon.jp through a third-party seller (update: unfortunately they do not ship outside of Japan).
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UPDATE as of May 20, 2020
Good news. Idaka America, part of an international trading company headquartered in Hebron, KY, became one source for these ratchets!
There's one caveat though...since they're an industrial supplier, they don't have an online storefront. That said, they are the official distributor of TONE tools in the US, and they can even source many other Japanese tool brands like these hard-to-obtain SEK Pro-Auto ratchets.
I got a quote from them and here are the prices for these Pro-Auto ratchets:
MHR-2 --- 1/4 drive : US $20.52
MHR-3 --- 3/8 drive : US $26.68
MHR-4 --- 1/2 drive : US $33.24
*shipping costs from their US shipping center is TBD.
Jeremy, whom I had the pleasure to communicate with, can certainly help you out over the phone or email for inquiries and orders:
Office: 1-865-980-9190 Work Cell: 1-865-300-2512
email: jeremy@idakaamerica.com
www.idaka.co.jp/en/america/
** I am in no association with Idaka & Co., Ltd. **
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UPDATE as of May 28, 2020
Factory Gear (a big tool seller based in Japan) is another source for SEK/Pro-Auto Tools.
The following is a quote that I got for the ratchets:
MHR-2 --- 1/4 drive (70 grams) : ￥2,240 (roughly US $21)
MHR-3 --- 3/8 drive (192 grams) : ￥2,940 (roughly US $27)
MHR-4 --- 1/2 drive (390 grams) : ￥3,640 (roughly US $34)
Different shipping options are available, but the fastest choice is by EMS (with tracking), with a 3 day shipping time to US/Canada.
To receive your quote, email Mr. Yoshimoto (yoshimoto@f-gear.co.jp) with the part # and quantity you're interested in. He will provide a quote with shipping cost based on your shipping destination.
For reference, you can check EMS rate schedule based on weight: www.post.japanpost.jp/int/cha...
Payment is processed through Paypal.
Factory Gear can also source many other hard-to-obtain tools as well.
Let me know if you have any questions.
* I'm not affiliated with Factory Gear *
#ratchets #SEKtools #handtools 
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The ratchet head of my 1/4 TONE is also quite small. I also have MAC Tools MR4C, which has been a life-saver for confined working spaces. The TONE feels like it is super strong. It's been amazing so far. Great video, thanks.
Yes, the TONE and MAC ones are very compact as well. As a fun fact, the TONE bit ratchet and the SEK Pro-Auto bit ratchet I featured are made by the same OEM in Taiwan. Have a good one!
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Hi Chris, your comment is great. A few additional explanations, the TONE and the SEK pro-Auto they are not same OEM marker in Taiwan.
@@kingwang4327 Wow, so King Wang Tool Co. is the OEM for the Pro-Auto's "Smart Head" ratchets?!
www.b2benchmark.com/en/product_detial.php?PKey=381
It absolutely amazes me how there's such a large web of tool manufacturers in Taiwan/Taichung!!!
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Hi Chris, Yes, we are the manufacturer.
@@kingwang4327 thank you for clarifying. Do you know who else other than SEK sells these ultra-compact ratchets?
I didn't realize how common that old craftsman ratchet is. I have it, too!
Thanks great video and I like it that 1/4 Drive bit ratchet flex head
Thanks just what I have to figure out how to get now, a new pro-auto mhr-3 ratchet👍
Those 1/4" bit ratchets are now available in a version where it has a 1/4" hex head for a hex driver handle.
Doug, I'm confused. Have a link?
Man you got me when you turned that rachet over I was like WOW!!! LOL that rachet kinda reminds me of the blackhawk pear head only not a compact but wow what a nice option great video as usual you have some classy stuff!!
Thanks CP. Yeah, the blackhawk pearhead...I think I know which one...it's the non-quick release one right? If yes, that's also made by the same Taiwanese OEM ... Hi-Five
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado yep that's the one lol
Check out the new kobalt long handle 3/8" flex ratchet at Lowes, it's pretty much a 3/8" in a 1/4" body
Owning a tools like this feels like winning to a lottery.
Chris! Thank you for the info plug! If you guys need any tools from Japan, especially TONE, give me a call or an email.
your the king, you win...smallest 1/4 ratchet found. lol
Thanks for the video Chris! I just received all 3 SEK Pro-AUto from Idaka using the info you provided here.
Great! I'm glad to hear that. Isn't the 1/4 tiny!?
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado It is probably the smallest 1/4" ratchet I own now. I wish they would make a version with no quick release and no thumb wheel to make it as narrow as possible as well.
@@MarkFox Right, that would make it even more lower profile!
Hey Chris, another great video/tool breakdown. Boy i sure wish those rachets were available to us in the US/Canada. They are really sweet! The head design is really well designed.
I feel a bit of guilt for showing this ratchet since they can't be easily acquired. If there isn't some exclusive agreement between SEK Tools and Hi-Five, the OEM in Taiwan, hopefully a tool brand in the US/Canada can bring them in .... calling on VIM Tools, Tekton, Capri, etc!
Hi Ryan. If you're interested in getting these ratchets, check out my video description where I just updated it. Just thought I'd share. Cheers.
Hi Chris, the news about these ratchets being available makes my day today! This Covid situation has been too long! I'm going to text him tomorrow morning to order both the 1/4" & 3/8"! Thank you for the update brother! 😁
@@ryanhiggins2698 We're definitely need to adapt to this new norm...in some way or another! I'm glad I made your day though!
All the best!
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Hi Chris. I received both the 1/4" & 3/8" ratchets from Jeremy at Idaka. I just used them both to see how they work. Bottom line they are excellent ratchets! I'm impressed! And the folks there at Idaka are really SUPER NICE to do business with!
Jeremy also sent me a really nice catalog from SEK Tools. They make ALOT of very cool tools! I'm gonna email Jeremy this next week a list of additional tools I'm interested in. Any suggestions on some of their other ratchet models that you own?
Thank you Sir!
Any updates or does anyone know where I can find the 1/4 ratchet shipped to the US? Would be the perfect ratchet for aviation
What’s the story behind the swivel head/roto ratchet with the Facom/Bost handle? Something available from Stanley Black and Decker? A mod? Days of old?
Glad you asked! It is indeed a modified swivel-head ratchet. I made it, and others, close to 10 years ago. I have a set of SBD's own Stanley 'Fatmax' branded screwdrivers (Bost made), and used the handles.
Any luck getting these easier in the US? Great comparison vid, you made me want one lol.
Not to my knowledge. I haven't seen any other rebrands from the more common names found in North America. So, the video description is still valid at this time.
Check out the Tone compact 3/8 - I think it’s even smaller!!!
Are there any Japanese Impact bits you would recommend? Want to have a small test between some Felos, witte and so on. Also you were right, the ratchet is basically Unobtanium. Looks pretty good though.
I'm currently working on changing that because I've had several people ask me where to source them. So, I will update you when something becomes concrete. As for impact bit recommendations....I think Vessel and Anex would be a wise choice to compliment your German ones.
Oh one thing I forgot to point out about 1/4" bits. Most Japanese bits are produced with a different standard when it comes to the location of the retention groove (on bits that are longer than 1"). What that means is that you won't be able to lock the bits into your quick-change chuck.
So, look for the ones that conform to internationl standards. (Some companies have double grooves that are cut into them so that they comply with both standards).
One quick fix to using these Japanese standard bits is to simply grind the shank ends down about a 1/4" in length. I've done it many times.
Also, I've updated the video description to help those wanting to source these ratchets.
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Thanks a lot! Didnt know that the Japanese standard also has an impact on the retention groove. Those anex bits and their magnetic collar seem pretty nice. Awesome that you provided a source for the ratchet. Def gonna grab one if I can get it shipped to Germany without it being too much of a hassle for idaka US/EU.
Who makes that round flex head ratchet with the black handle?
It was made by (or for) Carolus, a German brand. Model name is ReadFlex, and I believe it was part of their line before they were acquired by Gedore.
Hey, just starting out here. Could you tell me the other benefits of having a more compact design
Hi Faze. There can be situations where only the ultra-compact ratchet head can get you into a tight spot. Otherwise, you'll have to remove one or more components to access it. In other words, you could potentially save yourself some time from having to remove unneccessary components/fasteners.
Here's a scenario that you might encounter (I did): you've completed the job by re-assembling everything you removed, but you realized you had forgetten to put a temperature sensor back in. The standard method to correct you mistake is to remove all the necessary things you need to remove so that you have the access to put the sensor back in. BUT, if you have that super compact ratchet, you MIGHT be able to save yourself from having to remove a bunch of things because that ultra-compact ratchet gave you enough room to install that sensor.
Very cool. Still can’t find them however. One thing I will say is though I do like small ratchets I don’t like them to be too small. Especially when you put an extension on and the extension is actually thicker than the ratchet. I think it just looks weird
I can see that happening with a 3/8 drive in a 1/4 body and 1/2 drive in 3/8 body ratchets. Check the video description for possible sources.
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado yeah I bought one of those 3/8 compact head long handle Nepros ratchets and some extensions and it just looks way out of proportion haha, I hate it. I mean it’s a good ratchet but Nepros ratchets are all just for looks tbh I would never think of using one at work
@@Flockingtheherd here, I'll open my drawer. You can toss that ratchet it in there. I have no remorse using Nepros tools. 👍😄
I am not a mechanic by trade but I have over 20 ratchets and there are a few more I would like to get.
I think I have a problem.
Hey what do you think about the koken solid titanium ratchet set? It’s almost 4,000 usd but man I’ve been waiting for a company to make a titanium ratchet for so long. I’d buy it but, one it’s crazy expensive, and two, I haven’t heard very good things about the zeal ratchets. I heard they have a rather finicky directional switch
I actually handled that Ko-ken titanium set at a tool shop. I was on the fence about buying it, even though I had no use for it 😅
The Zeal directional switch, especially in the 1/4 drive has a very light/loose feel to it. I wouldn't call it finicky; just doesn't have a solid, positive engagement with the throw.
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado how did it feel in the hand, was it above par? And I’m curious if the ratchet mechanism/internals are titanium too
Chris, can you give a shoutout to Idaka USA and Palmac.net for being distributors that you can order (respectively) Tone and Koken tools from? They're great guys and you can special order anything on their respective catalogs from them.
Hi! Idaka USA ... I totally forgot about them. The gentleman there reached out to me about an year ago and he said he can source things other TONE. Thanks for the reminder.
And Palmac...I was informed about them from viewers like yourself. Good to know. Thanks!
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado No thank you for introducing me to Tone. I ordered the full set of super short sockets that you featured before and they're awesome.
What brand is the swivel head ratchet?
The roto-head is a run-of-the-mill Taiwanese. I custom fitted a comfortable screwdriver handle to it decade ago.
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Nice job 👍
@@seano51 👍
@@chriscas-ToolAficionado Okay, I can't seem to find many replacement driver handles on the net. Where did you find yours or did you remove the blade from a screwdriver?
@@seano51 yes, a new screwdriver was sacrificed in the making of that ratchet. 😅 In general, manufacturers assemble their screwdrivers by press-fitting the shaft into the handle and some others injection mold the handle over the shank. The former type is the best candidate for this kind of stuff.
Can u add a link to 3/8 ratchet on Amazon.co.jp
I don't have an affiliate link. This link willl show the three models, but it's sold by a third-party seller that doesn't ship outside of Japan (I tried). So, sadly (at this time) there isn't an easy way to get these: www.amazon.co.jp/s?k=Pro-Auto+%E3%83%97%E3%83%AD%E3%82%AA%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88+%E3%82%B9%E3%83%9E%E3%83%BC%E3%83%88%E3%83%98%E3%83%83%E3%83%89%E3%83%A9%E3%83%81%E3%82%A7%E3%83%83%E3%83%88&i=diy&ref=nb_sb_noss
I tried looking on Global Rakuten as well, but no luck.
Try ebay
@@Toyotas_n__Tools no luck with Ebay. ...but I did update the video description just now to say that there's one company able to source them in.
@Monogottsu Eeko Yes, i-Tools. At the time this video was made, these "Smart head" ratchets weren't listed in their i-Tools Global Rakuten site.
More importantly, Global Rakuten ceased its service since June 1, 2020.
So, currently, the only way to purchase these is through their Rakuten Ichiba site (as you linked), then using Rakuten's own international delivery service, called "Rakuten Global Express".
Because of this change, they've made it more complicated for overseas customers to purchase things.
コメントありがとうございます。
グローバル楽天が無くなってしまい、海外から購入するのが少し不便になってしまいました。今ではアマゾンジャパンから日本の工具を購入する方が手軽のようです。但し、ご存知でいると思われますが、物によっては海外へ郵送できない欠点がありますが、話を聞くとアマゾン（ジャパン）を好む人が多いです。
Looks like another company in the UK has a version of these compact ratchets, except with a comfort grip handle. They are sold under the name "Laser." I found a few listed on eBay here: www.ebay.com/c/6032390709.
I am hesitant to buy as I can't find any reviews on the quality of these ratchets and dont how well they will hold up. Personally I would love it if I could find one without the speeder function, and maybe a slighty shorter handle. Speaking of which, Duralast (the Autozone brand) also used to have a similar ratchet here in the states that didn't have the speeder function. Can't seem to find them anywhere anymore for some reason.
Thanks for the Laser tools link. Laser has been an importer of tools for a number of years, at least from what I'm aware of.
I need to correct a statement I made. It's actually not made by Hi-Five, but by King Wang Co. LTD. (a preventative notified me).
In any case, I've put both of my ratchets, 1/4 and 3/8 to good use and so far so good!
Thanks for the ebay link, good find. Apart from the ugly comfort grip I´m really tempted. 22€ on Amazon for the 1/4.