5.11 Tactical’s TKO Ratchet, Keeps Your Range Tools Handy

5.11 Tactical's TKO Ratchet, puts power where you need it on the range.

One of the things we never seem to have when zeroing a scope are tools to loosen/tighten mounts or adjustment knob set screws. 5.11 Tactical has just the tool to help, the TKO Ratchet Kit. At $19.99 it is an affordable wrench kit that can save a trip to the range.

     The first item that sets the TKO Ratchet Kit apart from others is it’s a ratchet. Next is its size, it literally will fit in the palm of your hand. Finally all the eight pieces of the tool kit fit into a MOLLE compatible holder just larger than a silver dollar.

All of the bits and tools fit this handy belt/MOLLE case.
All of the tools fit into this convenient case so they are easy to find.

     So what all does the TKO Ratchet Kit have for the shooter? Obviously there is the dual direction ratchet driver. Unlike other ratchets, this one can be used as a small pry bar and bottle opener. Next are the tools, six hex bits included: Phillips #2, Torx 10, 15, 20, SAE 3/32” and 7/64”. There is a punch for pins on polymer pistols and a magnetic locking bit extension.

All six of the bit heads have the size clearly marked.

     When 5.11 designed this tool kit they knew these six bits would not cover all screws and bolts. Smartly, they sized the bits in ¼” pattern so other common firearm’s tool bits would fit. This means when you don’t have a special wrench for a Mosin-Nagant’s receiver screws that are known for being a bear to loosen. You can use the 5.11 TKO to get better leverage on a screw than that of a standard screwdriver handle will give you. In the end you will have fewer stripped heads and fewer headaches caused by loosening/tightening a screw.

The ratchet with extension gives you more torque on stuck screws.

     At first I questioned the idea of a pry bar. Then I realized you can remove a receiver from the stock and not risk bending a screwdriver or knife. The end can also help open your slide or AR bolt if you have an extracted case stuck.

The ratchet also is the pry bar/bottle opener.

The pry bar can be used to lift the pull tab on an energy drink or pop can. When you get older and injuries to your hands catch up with you those tabs can be a pain. The bottle opener comes in handy for old school bottles of pop or an adult beverage after you are done shooting. I find the TKO comes in handy in the tight confines on my RV too.

Over the years I have used some nifty pocket tools, 5.11 Tactical’s TKO Ratchet Kit is one of the best. It is compact, versatile and definitely useful. If you are an outdoorsman, shooter, hunter, camper; it is a worthwhile investment.

Scott Smith
Scott is a former federal LEO who served on active duty in the Army in numerous positions and USAF Reserve Security Policeman. He is active in USPSA and three gun competition and is a charter life member of IDPA. Over the past twenty plus years he has written for numerous publications and has graduated from many shooting schools including Gunsite, Sig Academy, Blackwater. Scott passed on June 15th, 2021. He will be missed.