711L Flat & Flex Head Bit Driving Ratchet Review: A Smart Upgrade for Leatherman and Skeletool Owners

Introduction

The 711L Flat & Flex Head Bit Driving Ratchet is essentially a feature-filled upgrade to the original 711L bit driving ratchet. It is aimed squarely at the efficient everyday carry crowd, particularly people who already run a Leatherman or a Skeletool as their core multi-tool. The short version of this review: it is not a cheap accessory, but it is one of the more thoughtful small tools in this space, and it earns its place if bit driving is something you actually do.

What It Is and How It Works

The defining feature is the flat end, designed to fit into the Leatherman bit driving port. You line it up, drop it in, and on tools with a locking mechanism it sits in solid. It is a take on Leatherman’s original ratcheting bit extension, which maintained a single direction and gave you no other options. This one improves on that idea with a reversible, flex-head mechanism.

The flat end on this particular version is designed with the Skeletool in mind, though it works well across the other Leatherman tools too. If you are building out a Leatherman-based kit, this slots into the system naturally.

Bit Compatibility and Everyday Use

One of the real advantages is flexibility in what bits you can run. The 711L accepts Leatherman’s own flat bits and holds them just fine, and it also takes standard quarter-inch bits. Pop a bit out and you can move to accessories that attach to a quarter-inch square drive, or drop a hex bit straight into the mechanism.

The flex head is what separates this from the previous version, which had a straight, reversible bit driving head only. With the flex head you get angle access in tight spots, something a fixed straight ratchet simply cannot offer. The trade-off to know upfront: this is an exquisitely low-torque tool by design. It is not meant to replace a full-size ratchet or a quarter-inch driving ratchet for high-torque work, and that is clearly intentional.

Designed for the Skeletool

Where this tool really shines is pairing it with the Skeletool. The Skeletool’s back end fits over the ratchet, and that is not by accident. Once the 711L is in place, the tool folds up with the ratchet seated inside, and you keep full use of the multi-tool while it is installed.

The Skeletool CX, with its carbon fiber inlays, bottle opener, standard pliers, knife, and bit driver, covers the features most people actually use the vast majority of the time. Adding the 711L turns it into a package with a genuine flex-head ratchet on board, which is a compelling combination for a minimalist carry.

Build Quality and Warranty

A good amount of engineering has clearly gone into this small tool, and the fit and finish reflect that. 711L offers a three-year warranty on it. The brand also makes other well-regarded EDC pieces, including a three-port locking quarter-inch hex bit driver that lets you preload a few favorite bits, and torque-limited drivers, so this ratchet fits into a broader lineup of high-end bit-driving tools.

Should You Spend the $40?

At around $40, the price might feel steep for a small ratchet. But if you have already spent close to $200 on your Leatherman, or a pile more on Leatherman bits, this is a reasonable next step rather than an indulgence. The bit driving speed, simplicity, functionality, and compatibility together take it to the next level, and it works both as an in-tool ratchet and as a standalone small driver.

If you rarely drive bits from your multi-tool, skip it. If bit driving is a regular part of your carry, this is one of the best ways to make that capability genuinely fast and pleasant to use.

Conclusion

The 711L Flat & Flex Head Bit Driving Ratchet is a well-engineered, low-torque EDC ratchet that integrates cleanly with Leatherman tools and fits the Skeletool beautifully. The $40 price is fair when you consider what it adds to a multi-tool system you have already invested in. For the right user, it is not just a like, it is a love.