If a screw, bolt or other fastener is really difficult to access, perhaps on an engine, or under an inlet manifold, etc, a crows foot wrench can be the tool of choice to reach around or under obstacles. But there is an alternative: these mini ratchets from Laser Tools can allow the use of a standard socket in these situations.

Three sizes are available: a 1/4" drive (part number 8077), and 3/8" drive (part number 8078) or a 1/2" drive version (part number 8079). You can also purchase all three as a handy set (part number 8080).

The 1/4" drive version is 48mm long with a head depth of just 9mm; it can apply a maximum torque of 78 Nm.

The 3/8" drive example is 62mm long with a head depth of just 11mm. Maximum torque is 245 Nm.

The 1/2" drive ratchet is also 62mm long with a head depth of 11mm and can also apply a maximum torque of 245 Nm.

All the mini ratchets boast smooth 72 teeth ratchet mechanisms and are ideally used with a combination of extension bar and torque wrench. This lets you apply torque settings to hard to reach fasteners.

The 8080 set of three is supplied in a useful foam tray designed to sit neatly in the tool cabinet drawer.