The Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet Multi-Tool, priced at $190, integrates a modular ratchet system into a traditional multitool for improved screwdriver versatility, according to The Gadgeteer and Treelinereview.
The Victorinox Swiss Tool X Plus Ratchet adds a modular ratchet system to its lineup, overcoming limitations of fixed multitool drivers. Priced at $190, the tool includes 38 functions, from cutting and gripping to screwdriving, with a separate ratchet, extension bar, and interchangeable bits for better access to hard-to-reach fasteners.
Ratchet System Boosts Flexibility
The ratchet system has a 30 Nm torque rating, according to Victorinox. It is not a full replacement for heavy-duty wrenches. This setup complements the core tool’s 2 mm, 3 mm, 5 mm, and 7.5 mm screwdrivers, as well as a Phillips 1/2 driver for everyday adjustments. Six bits (Phillips 0/3, Torx 10/15, 3/4 mm hex) and an extension bar allow users to work in restricted spaces without repositioning the driver repeatedly.
The ratchet adds bit choice and reach,
noted The Gadgeteer, which emphasized its value for repair-oriented use rather than lightweight carry. The tool’s size (115 × 35 × 21 mm) and weight (290 g) make it better suited for vehicle or workbag use than pocket carrying, with optional leather or nylon pouches to organize accessories.
The Gadgeteer highlighted that the ratchet’s 30 Nm rating is a manufacturer specification, not a claim of equivalence to full-size wrenches. The tool’s design prioritizes flexibility over brute force, with the ratchet and bits expanding capabilities for tasks requiring precision or restricted access. The extension bar provides additional reach for recessed fasteners, while the interchangeable bits cover a range of screw types, including Torx and hex.
Drivers Meet Core Tasks
The core multitool includes a large plain-edge blade, scissors, wood and metal saws, a metal file, and wire-cutting pliers. It also handles wire work with a cutter for thin and soft wire up to 40 HRC, a hard-wire cutter, and a wire stripper. Additional functions include a reamer, punch, can opener, bottle opener, and a 7 mm chisel for scraping tasks.
The accessory corkscrew includes a 1.5 mm mini screwdriver for small slotted screws, extending the tool’s utility below the core drivers’ range. However, the blade lacks a one-handed opening mechanism, which might inconvenience users prioritizing quick knife access. Victorinox specifies that the blade locks open but does not offer one-handed opening, a tradeoff noted in the source material.
The tool’s saws are designed for wood and metal tasks, while the file smooths rough metal edges. The reamer and punch handle drilling and marking, and the can opener, bottle opener, and crate opener address common utility needs. A centimeter and inch ruler, along with a lanyard hole, further enhance practicality for users requiring measuring and attachment options.
Reviewer’s Perspective
Treelinereview’s contributor, an outdoor gear reviewer with 20+ years of experience, highlighted the tool’s value for those regularly encountering complex fasteners. He noted, This version is better suited to repair-oriented carry, where a more adaptable driver system matters more than minimum weight.
His background includes authoring guidebooks like Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures
and Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners,
adding credibility to his assessment.
The reviewer, who has used multi-tools for decades, started in 2001 as a mountain guide in Colorado. He emphasized the tool’s practicality for tasks ranging from car repairs to camping. He has written columns about ultralight hiking and gear for Backpacker, gear reviews for Treeline Review, Popular Mechanics, Bicycling, Popular Science, and other publications, including Elevation Outdoors, 5280, and more. His work with Treeline Review began in 2019, and he has contributed to the outlet’s mission of unbiased product evaluations.
The reviewer’s expertise extends to developing the Colorado 14ers Map Pack Bundle with National Geographic and authoring Falcon Guides’ Climbing Colorado's Fourteeners
. He also edited Justin Lichter’s Trail Tested: A Thru-Hiker’s Guide To Ultralight Hiking And Backpacking. Treeline Review explicitly states it does not accept sponsored content, native advertising, or paid reviews, and the reviewer confirms no affiliations with companies mentioned in the review.
The Colorado’s Best Front Range Adventures guide, released in Spring 2021, reflects his extensive knowledge of outdoor activities in the region. His experience as a mountain guide in Colorado in 2001 underscores his hands-on experience with gear in diverse environments, from hiking trails to remote repair scenarios. This background informs his assessment of the X Plus Ratchet’s suitability for users requiring adaptable tools.
The Gadgeteer and Treeline Review both emphasize the X Plus Ratchet’s target audience: individuals facing frequent fastener challenges beyond basic multitool capabilities. While smaller tools may suffice for occasional fixes, the X Plus Ratchet’s modular system justifies its larger size and weight for users prioritizing flexibility over portability. Its availability on Amazon and pricing at $190 position it as a premium option for those needing expanded driver functionality.