Vim Tools VMHBR8 8" Hex Bit Ratchet

Works great for tight areas....

Easy to use but gears wear out pretty fast

This is a very nicely made and functioning little micro ratchet - every bit of equal to the finest tools from Japan and Germany. I expected it to be better than decent but the quality was a nice surprise. Quite a bit nicer than the similar shorter versions from Gearwrench and Kobalt although those aren't terrible at all. I've been very familiar with all kinds of tools and industries for 30 years, used to be a buyer with over 200 lines, and somehow I'd never heard of Vim before but I wish I had! This 8 is the perfect size for so many jams and really I wish I'd had it ages ago.It measures exactly 8 end to end, and when a head is flat/parallel to the work surface as it will be in use, it is maybe 1/8 shorter. Head thickness is the thinnest in the land - only 9.8mm and 10.2mm (Gearwrench and similar are about 10.5 and 11.7mm and normal ratchets thicker of course). Head widths are 15mm and 17.8mm (sorry to mix sae and metric but sometimes it's easier).I like the unique rectangular spring clips on this - smooth and solid, works great and works better than the internal clips on everything else I've ever seen that wasn't a ball retainer or magnetic. Maybe a slight risk of snagging those but on the flip side if you ever need to replace the head/pawls this makes it a snap to do. The 1/4 socket adapter is perfect and much better than the one included with the little Gearwrench or Kobalt set (which are not a bad sets, but not as nice as the Vim). With the socket adapter installed, you will add a total of about 9/16 to the overall length of your socket.On the small hex bit end, if you use a 1 bit you have a total height of 1 - amazing. Have to account for the angle of the heads of course but this can fit into some extra slim spaces and the additional length is great. Using a 1 bit it looks like the minimum space needed is a hair less than 2 plus fastener depth. Should add that the thumbwheels are very thin (great) but also quite grippy unlike many. Ratchet tooth count is different on the two ends, which is a smart design choice, and both operate easily and smoothly and engage firmly, no slop. The reversing levers are tiny but easy to use...and nice detail on them as well, which is totally unnecessary but kinda enjoyable to see on tools.I don't think they make a straight version with non-angled heads, but if they did I'd buy one in a heartbeat.

Absolutely a High quality tool. It's saved me more than a few times, working in very limited access areas on aircraft. Can't recommend this wrench strongly enough.

I love this VIM 8” ratchet. I have the small 3” and the 12” Flex head ratchet too for getting at hard to reach parts in tight areas. Each one has been a “lifesaver”. I've had the 3” for a few years and based on its performance quality I decided to invest in others and each one has preformed well with no malfunction.