Powerbuilt Stubby Ratchet, Mini 1/4 Inch Ratchet Wrench, Reversible 72 Tooth, Tight Spaces, Quick Release - 940478

I bought Wiha ratchet set, and the Alltrade / Powerbuilt 940478 for $11 and was going to see which I preferred. Previously I bought the Wera and was disappointed with it and returned it.Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but I feel like this comes out in top considering price, and if you are ok without having a fancy brand on it. It gets bumped up to the next level if you manage to epoxy or glue a 4mm neodymium magnet inside the bit holder.My primary complaint with this unit is that the ergonomics aren’t great for me, it’s a bit awkward to hold in the hand- although this may not be the case for you as it always boils down to personal preference.The Wiha extras (bit, case, extension) I didn’t really need but enjoyed having and honestly felt like the best part of what Wiha offered here. So while I’m going to knock the ratchet a bit here, it was still a good deal considering the included bits and case and the Wiha ratchet isn’t necessarily bad- just not up to the standards I’d expect for the 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 the Wiha simply has an exposed piece of gearing- the Alltrade has a larger head than the Wiha, but I don’t see it as too preventative for tight spaces for my needs. It won’t fit into the tightest of spaces like the Wiha can however.- the bit is not as firm in the Alltrade as the Wiha, but the difference is very minor- The Alltrade ratcheting mechanism seems superior to the Wiha. The Wiha is louder and more clanky. The Alltrade mechanism can be larger by virtue of its larger head. The Wiha is very small and fine.-The bit retention in the Wiha is magnetic while the retention in the Alltrade is spring retention.- the Alltrade finish is CRV, chrome appearance. I believe the Wiha is similar or CrMo, but a matte appearance.- Powerbuilt is easier to access the internals and perhaps repair if necessary.All in all I wish I could take the best qualities of each and smush them together, but I can’t.The Wiha bits are excellent and the extension has both spring and magnetic retention for the best hold. The box is also a great addition. If you need those two things I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend the Wiha.Honestly, however the quality of the ratchet I feel is inferior to the Alltrade which I was not expecting. Also it’s far easier to accidentally flip the switch on the Wiha than it is on the Alltrade which is a bit irritation for me, especially for such a tiny ratchet where your hands are so close to the head. In my view, that’s just not thinking.I can see myself reaching for the Alltrade ratchet while using the Wiha bits. Unfortunately the Alltrade doesn’t fit in the Wiha case.Wiha however does win in ergonomics and appearance and would be the superior choice for very tight clearances.At the end of the day you have to decide what’s important to you, and make your choice accordingly.There’s a lot to like about the Wiha kit however at the end of the day it’s a ratchet set, so if the ratchet isn’t really well thought out, a breeze to use, ratchet smooth as butter, bits fit snug as a bug, etc. I just see all the good reviews as products of the Wiha/ Wera hype machine rather than an appraisal of their actual performance in the field compared to more reasonably priced options. As I said before I was similarly let down by the Wera bit ratchet (as well as their ratcheting screwdriver)... I’m not sure how to chalk up the vast difference between my experiences with these manufacturers and their apparent cult following on the web.To me the Alltrade feels more like a Williams or Snap-on or Gedore and the Wera feels like a cheap Taiwanese ratchet with a nice German bit set and a cute but not great box.PS- I managed to glue a 4mm neodymium magnet inside the Powerbuilt and the bit hold is that much better. Bit hold is on par with the Wiha now. These are plentiful on eBay and probably at your local big box store. I first placed the magnet carefully on the backside of a bit, then dabbed very carefully a dot of Gorilla super glue. I then inserted the bit carefully into the bit ratchet, and left the bit facing up (prevent dripping) overnight. After a few days it’s holding well and is really taking my enjoyment of this Alltrade ratchet to a new level. Feels about as good as it’s going to get without springing for a Matco MR4C and a Gedore or Snap on 1/4” nut to 1/4” hex.

Wow i love i,t it is high quality and came to me on the 7/5-2025 so it came quickly

Love this little wonder for all my 3D printer work, makes it a lot easier to handle those old MK8 nozzle swaps without getting burned, and great for tightening screw when realigning the frames a few times with a straight edge tool.A great companion with those cheap multi screw bit kits you find under DIY tech repair.Best part for me is putting a screw bit on one side and a hex fitting on the other so I can hold the wrench with one hand for stability and use the other hand for leverage with a hex key.

Tight places

Works very well a bit chunky but good

Handy easy to use in tight places it seems like good quality!

I like how they work with small little increments, they work great in tight spots. seem to be pretty good quality for the money.

I do professional furniture assembly and some desks I build have no space for a screwdriver and to get good torque. I use phillips and hex bits all the time so the 1/4" plug it has is crucial. I can use sockets too on the same tool to hold the nut on the other side from spinning while I use another screwdriver. Some chairs I assemble the screws are too close to the frame so you can't really use a screwdriver but the ratcheting action on this and the compact size lets me get good leverage and torque in very tight spots. Lastly, the bits stay in the holder pretty good and don't slide out, while not being to hard to switch out. Overall this wrench is all I could've asked for.