Wera Ratchet Set – Product Review

Ah yes, we’ve all been there, screaming obscenities at that one fixing that seems to be utterly inaccessible. How, we scream, did it even get there in the first place? Why, we howl, was it engineered in such a way? Then, inevitably, we look at the tools we have and ponder which would should be subject to some sacrificial modification in order to end our turmoil. These are the little jobs that should take ten minutes, but end up taking hours, and they are by consequence, the worst. Unless, that is, you have the right tool. Something like, say, this natty little ratchet and bit set from Wera. Yes indeedy, this is the future. 

The Product:

In tool world, Wera is well-known name. Founded in 1936, the German tool manufacturer has become a top pick for professionals and hobby/diy-ers alike. We have a wide range of Wera tools in our kit, but today we’re going to focus on the tiny tool, you never knew you needed. You can insert any joke here about the size of your tool, but Wera’s Zyklop Mini ratchet set is one of those tools that you probably aren’t going to use every day. However, when you do need to use it, you’ll be so, so glad of it. Precision German engineering, a useful selection of bits and all packaged so that you don’t end up losing anything – this has the potential to save you a lot of shouting and frustration. 

Get your Wera mini ratchet here

The Test: 

This is one of those things that is difficult to bench test. It’s a ‘just in time’ or ‘there when you need it’ kind of tool. Its function as a ratchet isn’t up for debate, it works perfectly and it works well. There is a tight mechanism and there was is no noticeable slack in the swing, which is important when working in tight spaces. Any slack is wasted torque, and you can’t have that. It’s a sturdy little unit, and has even survived being dropped more than once – sorry, little ratchet. As for the bits, you’re not going to get any breakages here. The bits are, like the ratchet, precision machined and we’ve never had one break. 

The Result:

Fundamentally the best use case for this ratchet set is limited access situations – think working behind a dashboard or reaching down to a hose clamp in a cramped engine bay. Thanks to its 6 degree ratchet and demure stature you can work in a space that the average 1/4“ ratchet couldn’t dream off accessing. But it’s not just that. Because of its size, it’s a great piece of kit to keep in the glovebox with the wide range of bits that come with it, and the fact it uses a standardised ¼” driver bits, you can customise your Wera set to suit your needs. Specifically need hex heads or maybe torx bits to remove the float on your weber carburettor but don’t want to carry all of your tools with you? This could be the answer. 

The verdict  –  4/5

Is this going to replace all your hex keys, and screw drivers? No. But we’ve all been there, cramped underneath the car, struggling to get access because you haven’t got enough room to swing the ratchet round to its next click. Priced at around £30, it’s not the cheapest of tiny ratchet sets but with Wera you know you’re getting a quality product that will last the test of time. Keep it in your glovebox, or your desk at work and dazzle your colleagues when you re-attach the arm of your swivel chair. Or simply add it to your tool arsenal and be forever thankful when the day arrives that it gets you out of trouble.