Ratchets are a more efficient alternative to standard wrenches or Allen keys that allow you to quickly loosen or tighten bolts in hard to reach areas. Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is the enhanced version of Topeak’s Ratchet Rocket Essential kit and features a high torque ratchet for doing tasks like pedal installation. The kit retails for $62.95 and has 15 available functions using the ratchet, extension and 12 bits. One of the main features of the kit is the high torque ratchet which is a heavy duty reversible aluminum ratchet that is rated for up to 60 Nm. The ratchet has a ¼ inch drive that can be used with the 12 included steel bits that cover standard hex, Torx and even screwdriver bolts. Topeak also includes an premium fabric carrying bag that organizes and protects all the tools while being stored.
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is a compact tool kit with premium high torque ratchet and fabric case.
| Rating | 9.3 / 10 |
| Retail Price | $62.95 |
| Measured Weight (in g) | 208 |
| Likes | + Premium fabric case keeps everything organized and protected + High quality ratchet with CNC aluminum body + Includes complete 12 bit set for nearly any task |
| Dislikes | – Premium price point |
| Where to Buy (US) | Topeak |
UNBOXING
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD comes in a compact cardboard box with branding and Topeak logos printed on it. Inside the box you’ll find the plastic carrying case and the following tools in it:
- Fabric carrying case
- High torque ratchet toolbar
- Extension bit
- 7 Hex bits – 2 / 2.5 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8
- 4 Torx bits – T10 / T15 / T20 / T25
- PH2 screwdriver bit
The case has custom slots for all the tools with removable tool bit holders that sits snugly in a small pocket.
FIT & FINISH
The Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD combines many of Topeak’s existing bits and ratchet into a compact and portable tool kit. To keep everything organized Topeak even includes a nice carrying case with spots for each of the bits and ratchet. It’s a premium looking and feeling fabric design that is only 13 x 5.2 x 2.5 cm or about 5 x 2 x 1 inches in size. It’s small enough to fit in a jersey pocket or saddlebag and keeps all the tools protected from scratches. The outside of the case has a rubber Topeak logo and a rubberized center stripe to add some contrast to the otherwise black design. On the back of the case you have “Prepare to Ride” printed on it which is a nice Easter egg. The case has a simple folding design with snap closures on each corner to hold the cover in place. If you open up the case you’ll find a nice yellow “Ratchet Rocket Essential HD” printed on the inside of the cover and a yellow stripe with black lettering to identify each bit.
There are 12 bits which are placed in a row with its own plastic holder inside a pocket with magnetic design to hold them in place. Topeak includes 7 Hex bits: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm which cover everything from water bottle cages to pedals. There are also three Torx bits: T10, T15, T20 and T25 which cover all common Torx bike bolts. Finally there is a PH2 screwdriver bit and a 2” extension to help access hard to reach bolts. The entire bit holder can be removed out of the case for easier access or cleaning as well by sliding it out. Each but is 30mm and are constructed from steel. Knurling on the bases of the bits make it easy to grip and handle the bits. Each bit has the bit type printed onto it along with a colored background for the most commonly used 4 / 5 / 6 hex bits.
The main feature of the kit is the high torque CNC aluminum ratchet which is rated for up to 60 Nm. It’s an upsized version of Topeak’s popular mini ratchet we’ve seen with their other toolkits and even the Gearbag saddle bag. This upgraded ratchet is nearly 30% longer than Topeak’s smaller ratchet at 4.75” or 12cm long. It’s clear that Topeak has strengthened the ratchet head with additional material to withstand higher torque values. The ratchet has a beautiful polished appearance with grooves cut into the base and top for additional grip and a reversible head with a switch. You can place the bits directly into the ¼” drive ratchet head or use the extension between the bit and the ratchet. Additionally you could use the extension on the bottom of the ratchet for additional leverage for stuck bolts or place bits directly into the base to quickly remove loose bolts or tighten a bolt.
USABILITY
Topeak’s mini ratchet has been one of our favorite tools and something we’ve reviewed as a part of their Torq Stick Pro and Gearbag products. The high torque version of the ratchet here takes that same design and makes it stronger and larger. The ratchet can now be used for more stubborn jobs like pedal removal by adding the extension to the end of the ratchet for more leverage. Even in this HD form, the ratchet has the same precise feel and ergonomic design. While the Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is not cheap, everything in the kit from the case to the 12 bits feels premium. It’s also just small enough that you can bring the kit on rides or use it as a portable repair kit when traveling. The kit is similar to other compact tool kits like the Feedback Sports Reflex, but is a bit more versatile thanks to the larger size of the ratchet.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD to be a premium and compact tool kit. Topeak has taken their popular mini ratchet and strengthened it for this HD version to handle higher torque values and provide more leverage. Despite the larger size, the ratchet retains its polished aluminum construction and ergonomic design. We were impressed with the precision of the ratchet and the quality of the fabric carrying case. The entire kit is compact enough to carry in a saddle bag or jersey pocket and includes enough bits to cover common bike bolts. As far as negatives, the only downside of the kit is the premium price point. That said, the Topeak Ratchet Rocket Essential HD is a versatile and well made ratchet kit that can handle high torque bolts.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by Topeak. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.