There are unexpectedly many situations where it is difficult to turn a screw or bolt properly because of tight spaces or obstacles in some locations.
Wire cables also get in the way when servicing road bikes, hybrid bikes, and other bicycles.
There are frequent situations where you have to pull out and insert an Allen wrench to tighten or loosen a bolt over and over again.
A ratchet wrench is useful in such cases.
I found a ratchet wrench that can be conveniently used for bicycle maintenance, so I bought it.
That is the product of bicycle accessory manufacturer TOPEAK, Ratchet Rocket Light DX.
I would like to introduce it to you because it actually went very well when I used it.
TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX
The TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX is a maintenance tool designed to be carried, not for home maintenance.
It is a set of ratchet wrenches that are considerably smaller than ordinary ratchet wrenches.
What’s in the set
Reinforced steel tools
Ratchet wrench 1/4″ hex (with quick-turn socket)
Hexagonal wrenches: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8mm
Torx” wrenches: T10, T25
(+) screwdriver
Extend bar
Plastic tire
Extend bar
Plastic tire levers (2 pcs.)
Nylon caseSize: L120 x W63 x H25mm
Weight: 155g
The set included in the TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX is shown above.
Although we are sure that similar sets are available from general tool manufacturers, the fact that tire levers are included is indeed unique to tools from a bicycle accessory manufacturer.
Item Details
toolcase
TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Lite DX comes with a nylon case that contains all tools.
The surface of the case houses the tire levers and the extension bars for extensions.
The back of the case contains a ratchet wrench and a set of hexagonal wrench nut bits.
The hexagonal wrenches come in sets of 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm, which is enough for bicycle maintenance and first aid in case of trouble.
It is good that two wrenches for star Torx screws, which are commonly used in the United States and Europe, are also included.
It is a big point that the Torx wrenches are included, as we often have trouble without Torx screws.
Case unfolded
The case can be fastened with Velcro and is folded in two.
The photo above shows the case folded open with the Velcro tape peeled off.
Inside, there is another Velcro belt.
It can be attached to bicycle frames or bag straps.
It is also good to attach it to your everyday bag or backpack, not only for bicycles.
In the packaged condition, the wrenches are folded so that they are visible.
When actually used, it is folded in the opposite direction.
In this way, the tools are hidden inside to prevent them from falling out.
Storage pocket
Hexagonal wrench nut bits are housed in a pocket of elastic rubber fabric for smooth in and out.
However, I feel that the material may stretch if used all the time, so I am concerned that it may eventually loosen and nut bits may easily fall out.
Personally, I prefer plastic holders.
Tire levers
The tire lever is made of plastic.
It may not be very strong, as the manufacturer’s product page states that it will break if too much force is applied to protect the wheel.
Tire levers are one of the most difficult things to store, so I prefer to carry a tire lever integrated with a tool like this because it is easier to carry.
Hex Socket Bits
A hexagon socket bit that is neither particularly good nor particularly bad.
It is not a very expensive tool, so I think its accuracy is also adequate.
For those who are concerned about accuracy, I recommend the PB SWISS TOOLS hex nut bit, a tool with the same hex nut bit system.
Size
TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Lite DX is so compact that it fits in the palm of your hand.
You may think, “Is this really a ratchet wrench?
Hexagon socket bit mounting
It is easy to use and the hexagon socket bit is attached to the wrench.
It looks like an ordinary ratchet wrench with the socket bit attached, but its size is quite compact.
Use an extending bar
There is no problem without the use of an extend bar, but the use of an extend bar is definitely easier to use.
The sockets on the extend bars have built-in magnets so that the hexagonal socket bits are attached in such a way that they are sucked in and will not fall out.
It is very compact in size, but can be used just like an ordinary ratchet wrench.
It is quite convenient when you actually use it. I was very impressed.
For example, it is difficult to work around the handlebars with an ordinary hex wrench because of wires and accessories in the way.
With a ratchet wrench, you can simply move the ratchet wrench, which greatly improves work efficiency.
Direction of Rotation Switching
ラチェットレンチなので回転方向は締めるか、緩めるかのどちらかの方向にしかテンションが掛けられません。
ボルトを締める方向から緩める方向に切り替えたい場合は、レンチのヘッド部分にあるレバーをスライドさせるとテンションが掛けられる方向を変えることができます。
Small enough to fit in a tool case
TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX is very compact and can be easily fit in a tool case.
If you want to save even more space, I think it is good to store it in a plastic bag instead of a case.
Of course, it fits in the back pocket of your cyclewear, and its light weight and low profile do not detract from its appearance.
I don’t want to add as much luggage as possible, so this compactness is great.
How does it feel to use TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX?
TOPEAK Ratchet Rocket Light DX The feeling of using this product can be understood more immediately if you watch the video than if I explain it in words, so I shot a video.
While simple and compact, the feel is very similar to using a regular ratchet wrench.
It is a great tool that I am glad I bought.
I am now considering purchasing an additional one to carry around with me on a daily basis, as I want one for outside of my bicycle.
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