Review on 🔧 Alltrade 940478 1/4" Dr. Socket & Bit Driver Mini RATCHET: Compact and Versatile Tool for Efficient DIY Projects by Donnie Boss

I bought a set of Wiha and Alltrade/Powerbuilt 940478 ratchets for $11 and wanted to see what I like best. I bought a Wera before, got frustrated and sent it back. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I feel this has the edge given the price and if you're ok with not having a fashion brand on it. It goes to the next level when you manage to cast epoxy or slip a 4mm neodymium magnet into the bit holder. My main complaint about this device is that the ergonomics aren't very good for me, it's a bit uncomfortable to hold in hand. - although this may not be the case for you, as it always comes down to personal preference. I don't really need the Wiha add-ons (bit, case, extension) but I liked it and honestly felt it was the best Wiha has to offer here. So while I'll ratchet the ratchet up a bit, it was still a good deal given the bits and case that come with it, and the Wiha ratchet isn't necessarily bad - just not to the standard I'd expect from a premium. Here's a quick breakdown: - Both ratchets are made in Taiwan - Both have 72 teeth - Alltrade has a 1/4" ratchet on the other end while Wiha only has an open part of the gearing - Alltrade has a larger head than Wiha , but I don't find it too proactive for the limited space for my needs. However, it doesn't fit into the tightest of spaces like the Wiha. - The bit isn't as strong on the Alltrade as the Wiha, but the difference is very small - Alltrade ratchet seems better than Wiha Wiha noisier and rattling Alltrade mechanism can be bigger due to larger head Wiha is very small and thin - Wiha's bit holder is magnetic Alltrades spring-loaded - Alltrade finish - CRV, chromed outside I believe Wiha is similar to CrMo but has a matte finish Powerbuilt makes internal components easy to access and repair if necessary t Wiha's bits are excellent and d The extension has both a spring and magnetic mount for better grip. The box is also a great addition. If you need these two things, I would recommend Wiha without hesitation. To be honest the quality of the ratchet seems inferior to Alltrade's which I wasn't expecting. Also, it's much easier to accidentally flip a switch on the Wiha than on the Alltrade, which annoys me a bit, especially with such a tiny ratchet with your hands so close to your head. In my opinion, it's just unthinkable. I can already see myself reaching for an all-trade ratchet with Wiha bits. Unfortunately, Alltrade does not fit in the Wiha case. However, Wiha wins in terms of ergonomics and appearance and will be the best choice for very tight spaces. At the end of the day, you must decide what is important to you and make your decisions accordingly. This is a ratchet set after all so if the ratchet isn't well designed it's easy to use, the ratchet is smooth as butter, the bits fit just like a bug etc. I just see all the good reviews as advertising machine products Wiha/ Wera, rather than evaluating their actual performance in the field versus cheaper options. As I said, I was also disappointed with the Wera ratchet (as well as their ratchet screwdriver). I'm not sure how to explain the huge difference between my experience with these manufacturers and their apparent cult following on the internet. To me, Alltrade is more like Williams, Snap-on or Gedore, while Wera is like cheap Taiwanese. Ratchet with a good German bit set and a nice but not great box. PS- I was able to put a 4mm neodymium magnet in the powerbuilt and the bit holds up much better. Bithold is now on an equal footing with Wiha. They are plentiful on eBay and probably at your local big store. First I carefully placed the magnet on the back of the bit and then very carefully applied a dab of Gorilla Super Glue. I then carefully inserted the bit into the ratchet and left the bit up overnight (to keep it from dripping). It holds up well after a few days and really takes my enjoyment of this all trade ratchet to the next level. Feels about as good as no spring for Matco MR4C and Gedore or snap on 1/4" nut to 1/4" hex.