FACOM - Set of 5 1/4 Inch Metric 6-Point Sockets - R1PICO - 1 Ratchet, 5 Socket, 1 Extension, 15 Bit, 1 Socket Bit, 4 Screw Bits, 1 Pack

Absolutely brilliant set this. This was the third that I have purchased for various toolboxes which must say something about them.I'm a field service engineer working on a range of medical equipment and find this set invaluable day to day. The flexibility of the set makes awkward jobs quicker and easier. Being able to get the tiny ratchet into the smallest of spaces and having the adaptability of the flex head makes previously dreaded jobs a breeze.I was hesitant before buying this as let's be honest it's a lot of money for something so small. Running through my mind was the question of whether it would really be useful, would I use it enough to justify the money, would it be worthwhile. Well having owned this for a while now the answer is yes (to all) ok, there are a couple of drawbacks but I would have no issue recommending this set to anyone that like to tinker with stuff. Even if you're not going to use it every day, there Will be a job that you use this for and you'll know that without it, whatever it was wouldn't have been possible. Or would have been considerably more difficult. That's when things like this become worth the money.Ok, so let's start with the good stuff.Starting with the case, it's made from glass reinforced polycarbonate mixed with butylene. It's strong, flexible and should (has) last a long time. So many tools are packaged in nasty, brittle cheap cases it's a pleasant change to have something that won't break when you drop it. The hinge runs almost the full length of the box offering strength and further durability. The black material withing the case that holds the bits is either butylene or tpu. It is flexible enough that it won't break, but soft enough to properly conform to the piece that it needs to retain. The clasp for locking the case shut is nice and strong with a positive action. This has rattled around in my toolbox all day long for a year or so and has never spilled its contents all over the toobox like one others (Dewalt... I'm looking at you...)The included bits and sockets are of a good quality and crucially for me, the torx are the type with the hole in the middle. I've used every single item that is included (bar the 12mm socket... See below) and have no complaints at all. The most used are t25, pz2 and the 3 and 5mm hex. They have all held up really well so far. No snappages and not twisting off the heads on the torx (yet) the sockets are really nicely made with a high polish chrome finish. No signs or flaking or wear on any of them and they have nice embossed marking on which won't wear off like laser etched or printed identifiers.The ratchet is obviously the main star of the show here, flexi head (180*) that locks into place. There's a positive feel to the spring loaded button that actuate the head. A metal reverse lever switched between forward and reverse drive. The mechanism here is robust and I haven't managed to spin it accidentally yet. The ratchet mechanism is super smooth as you would expect from a high tooth count ratchet like this. It is also a strong mechanism. Often with cheap mini ratchets, the mech will slip and you'll find yourself either spinning the other way or realise that you've stipped the mech altoghter and it time for the bin. Nonsuch drama with the Facom (yet). The body of the ratchet is nicely forged and has a good quality satin finish to it. You can tell just by holding it that it's a quality tool.The ratcheting end fits 1/4 hex bits that seat against a retaining spring clip. This give a nice positive click when the bit is properly seated and means that the bits won't fall out. I've used this with all sorts of bits from all sorts of manufacturers and not had any issues yet.There is another hex fitting at the handle end meaning you can use the ratchet as a screwdriver.Using the included 6.3mm hex to 1/4 Square drive adaptor means you can use any 1/4 sockets on the ratchet. The thing I really like about the Facom set compared to say the Wera mini is that the 1/4 adaptor is much lower profile. In a tight space, every mm counts! That's not to say the Wera mini is a bad tool. I have 3 of those too ;)One area where the Wera outdoes this Facom Pico is with the thumb wheel. Both ratchets feature a knurled ring on the topside of the ratchet that allows you to wind the machanism with your thumb. On a tool like this it is absolutely essential as when you've got our hand around back of something, upside down and back to front, it allows you to easily get a fastener started before you go at it with the ratchet.The wheel on the facom is just a touch to small for my liking. It makes it harder to engage with your thumb. It literally only needs to be 1mm greater diamyere and it would be perfect (as it is on the Wera).That is about the only negative I can come up with for the ratchet.Other downsides to this set is for me the inclusion of a 12mm socket. When I look in my main toolbox in the garage, I have at least 6x 12mm sockets. None of them have ever been used so it's a bit pointless for me. I'm sure there a folk out there who will find a 12mm really useful though. I removed this from the set and added a 1/4 universal joint socket.One of the really great things is that with this ratchet, you are able to pass the extension bar through the ratchet mechanism to give yourself a t bar. It also means that the fixed length extension can act as what ever length you need to reach the fastener, just by sliding it though.Overall, this is a fantastic set that is worth every penny of its steep asking price. I do feel that with the thumb wheel and 12mm sockets that it isn't perfect. But nothing ever is. If you're comparing this to the Wera Mini then you get far greater functionality with this ratchet. But you do pay considerably more for it.

Very compact and innovative toolkit, ideal for cyclists or to keep in the car. High quality bits and bit driver.

This set is in a class of its own. I bought it to fasten hard-to-reach T30 screws in my Mercedes E-class, and it performed up to expectations. The ratchet extension gives it super long reach while keeping it very compact. The box opens and closes easily and positively. Five stars!

I've owned a few small ratchet sets and this is the best by far. So versatile and compact for any job with nut sizes upto 13mm. Fits comfortably in a size L palm

Love this little set. Fits easily into a pocket and provides genuine functionality. It won't break after 10 minutes use and will make working in tight spaces much easier. Great little case, well thought out components, a professional tool. Will probably last forever if I don't lose it.

I don't know why 6mm sockets are so popular in these sets.i replaced mine with a 5.5mm.I did the same for the 12mm, replacing it with a 7mm.My set now caters for M3, M4, M5, M6 and M8 nuts and allen bolts.

Best one yet.. I have used many mini ratchet sets from Bosch / Bacho etc. This by far the best. Building service engineers dream... use daily for many things... 100% recommend

Excellent small set . All the most used bits . Beautifully designed ratchet handle with clever extension/t handle . The very best and most compact .