Almost everyone has a ratchet set for the shop or home projects. I have owned many different sets over the years but I was very surprised when I opened up the Limited Edition Ratchet set from Festool. I could feel my eyes grow wide and I bet my jaw dropped a little bit! It is odd to say that a tool or set of tools are beautiful, but that is the only word to describe it.


The kit is a complete set of ratchets, sockets and bits n a variety of sizes in both metric and imperial sizes. They are packaged in a blue Systainer that fits together with their various tool Systainers. It fits nicely as part of their overall system.


So, what is special about this kit? First is the finish on these tools. Unlike other socket sets with a polished silver or chrome surface, these are made with a brushed matte surface that give it a really professional look. The sockets have a knurled ring around the center which has a very nice feel as you are holding them and spinning them by hand. Here is a comparison of the Festool socket on the left and a socket from a big brand-name toolmaker on the right.


This is the heaviest ratchet set that I've held as well. You can see here that all the parts in the set are very high quality and are very hefty in your hand.


There is also a very nice variety of sizes of handles to work with the different sizes of sockets and bits. I really like that they have included a very small handle to get into tight spaces. I've included a coin in the picture to give a sense of scale for the smallest ratchet handle and the bit handle. The large handle also has a nice large button to push to remove a socket and ergonomic handle that is comfortable in your hand.


In my previous tool reviews, I like to show the tool in use in the shop but I think everyone reading this has used a ratchet set! However, I did happen to need to use the set today while installing new tires on a bicycle. The large handle provided a very comfortable grip while the weight of the tool made turning off the nut very easy to do.


Here is a list of the contents of the kit from Highland Woodworking's website.

Ratchet Set Includes:

• 1/2" drive fine-toothed reversible ratchet, 72 tooth, 5° swing angle
• 1/2" drive guide extensions - 100mm (~4") and 250mm (~10") long
• 1/2" drive universal joint
• 1/2" drive socket wrench insert with:
• 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21 & 22mm sockets
• 1/2", 9/16", 5/8", 11/16", 3/4", 13/16", 7/8", 15/16" & 1" sockets
• 1/4" drive fine-toothed reversible ratchet - 72 tooth, 5° swing angle
• 1/4" drive guide extensions - 75mm (~3") and 150mm (~6") long
• 1/4" drive universal joint
• 1/4" drive socket wrench insert with:
• 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 ,12 & 13mm sockets
• 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", 1/4", 9/32", 5/16", 11/32", 3/8", 13/32" & 1/2" sockets
• Fine-toothed reversible bit ratchet - 60 tooth, 6° swing angle, includes 1/4" adapter for sockets
• “Stubby” screwdriver with bit holder
• 25mm insert bits - 20 total
• Phillips (1 x PH1, 1 x PH2, 1 x PH3)
• Pozidrive (1 x PZ1, 1 x PZ2, 1 x PZ3)
• Torx (1 x TX10, 1 x TX15, 1 x TX20, 1 x TX25, 1 x TX30, 1 x TX40)
• Square (1 x SQ1, 1 x SQ2, 1 x SQ3)
• Hex (1 x 4mm, 1 x 5mm, 1 x 6mm)
• Slotted (1 x 0.8mm, 1 x 1.2mm)
• Systainer SYS3 M 112, blue

This is a limited edition set from Festool and is only available while quantities last. I truly believe that quality of this set will ensure that it will last a lifetime.

Click here to find out more and purchase your own Festool Ratchet Tool Set from Highland Woodworking.

Click here to view our Tool Review Archive.

Jeffrey Fleisher has been a woodworker for approximately 20 years and a professional woodworker for the past 6 years. He is the president of his local woodturning club, the Woodturners of the Virginias and past president of the Northern Virginia Carvers. You can see some of the furniture he has made at www.jeffswooddesigns.com. He can be reached by email at furnmkr@gmail.com

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