Europe's biggest hand tool company Facom has tightened its grip on the handtools market after launching the UK's most compact bit ratchet set.
The pocket-sized product measures just 120mm by 50mm and contains the compact ratchet - plus a 28-piece bit ratchet set, 100mm extension and adaptor.
The ultra-compact and durable R.PEJ31PB is the smallest ratchet set available on the market and is easy to carry and store, fitting pockets or portable toolboxes.
Its new design means the R.PEPB ratchet - which can be purchased separately - features an ergonomic handle for comfort while tightening to reduce the risk of RSI-related damage to the user.
Ideal for the automotive and industrial sectors, the ratchet set can be used in many applications including bodywork, car interiors and production and assembly lines.
The new R.PEJ31PB follows Facom's R.360NANO twist handle ratchet, socket and bit set which went on sale in September in direct response to customer demand for smaller tool kits. The R.PEJ31PB is the smallest kit Facom have ever produced.
Alison Howard, UK marketing manager for Facom, said: "While it is great to be the first to bring a product this compact to market, the main driver for Facom is responding to customer demand.
"We're aware mechanics and engineers are put off by clunky, cumbersome tools that are impractical to carry around and difficult to access but, equally, we know smaller slimline products need to provide accuracy and reliability. The R.PEJ31PB is the best of both worlds.
"Using screwdrivers on a daily basis can also mean users can sometimes experience the effects of muscle over-exertion such as RSI or even numbness, but ergonomically designed tools can greatly reduce the risk of damage."
The R.PEPB ratchet is available from £34.89 at list price and the complete R.PEJ31PB kit for £84.97, at list price.