Hazet tools wrench manufacturing process video!

[wilbilt]

German "Kultur" has a "thriftiness/frugality" to it that may explain some of the design esthetics of the Hazet wrenches; their is a sense that the wrenches don't "need" all the chrome; it works (functional) and they look fine the way they have been traditionally made; again don't mess with tradition!

The "satin" finish to most of their products may keep costs down (german frugality) and also taps into the "understated" sense of design/ethetics the Germans are so famous for (or "infamous" depending on how you look at it; personal perspective).

Ok, I'll stop philosophizing but this is what I see: clear contrasts between the two cultures of the USA and Germany. This culture affects how the products are designed, made and how they end up coming out of of Hazet and Snap-On.

Thanks for the thoughtful dialog; you make many valid points. As one of German ancestry (via Russia), I have seen many of these values displayed in the behavior of my grandparents.

As an American consumer, however...the question must be asked; If HAZET takes a simple, minimalistic and frugal approach to designing and producing tools, why do they cost as much (or more) than their flashy, shiny Snap-On counterparts?

 

[hamburglar]

...............

 

[billymade]

Correct me if I am wrong but I believe that Germany has the highest production costs in the world! My Volkswagen Beetle I drive is made in MEXICO, as is most VW sold in the US right now; all to keep production costs down. Its even gotten to the point where BMW has a large plant in the USA in the southern part of our country! That would explain the high cost of their tools, plus have you seen the exchange rate right now between the Euro and the US dollar? Tell me what you think but the exchange rate and high production costs have to be a factor! Their high production costs also are affected by the Socialism based benefits that Germany has; "no one rides for free", someone has to pay for all those social programs ("free" health care, month long vacations, low hourly work week, tariffs, craftsman guilds, protectionist programs against cheap imports into Germany, price fixing, etc.)

 

[wilbilt]

OK, you have my interest now. If Germany has the highest production costs, how have they managed to retain as much of their manufacturing base as they have?

If HAZET, as an example, is still selling tools at their asking price, who are their customers?

 

[billymade]

I would assume it is the same type of people that buy Snap-On tools here in the states; someone who NEEDS quality tools that are going to stand up to demanding production service environments. Snap-On is not for everyone and they are typically sold to those in the professional service field; I would assume to this goes for Hazet customers as well. In the european auto service industry here in the states; Hazet/Stahwille and others make many of the "official" service tools you always see the high end factory service manuals such as Bentley publishers. Many times, the German tool companies are the only one who makes these special tools specific to the needs of european auto manufactures. Obviously, european dealerships need the right tools so they can service the brands they sell and the factories that make the cars need them for production. For example, in the case of a 30 MM 12 point socket for vw front axles; Matco sells a Hazet brand socket instead of making one themselves! From the price structure I have seen online; the Hazet sets prices are similar to Snap-On. If the USA market can support Snap-On I would assume the special markets elsewhere can support the sale of Hazet tool as well.
Here are a couple of places that sell high end german/euro tools:

http://www.samstagsales.com/
http://www.zelenda.com/Hazet/hazet.html
http://mdmetric.com/

 

[Danglerb]

If HAZET takes a simple, minimalistic and frugal approach to designing and producing tools, why do they cost as much (or more) than their flashy, shiny Snap-On counterparts?

With few exceptions I prefer the Hazet and Stahlwille tools to Snapon or any other brand.

 

[billymade]

What tools do you have? I would like to try out some of the Hazet hand ratchets; the videos have whetted my appetite for Deutsche tools! Those little sets in the boxes at the end look especially kool! Let us know what brands you have, what tools you use and your experiences with them!

 

[CRAZYASTRO]

Additional the "heavy" tools have to get shipped to the states and i'm sure u guys are paying tax and import fee on thse things.
That's what makes it so hard to buy Snap On tools over here...

 

[wrenchr]

Far from Poopin?????????????????????????????????

 

[wilbilt]

Far from Poopin?????????????????????????????????

Nah, Fükëngröövin'!

 

[billymade]

Crazy Astro, how expensive are the Hazet and Stahlwille in Germany? Is the pricing structure similar to the price of Snap-On here in USA? Also what brands do you use and why? Do you like Hazet or Stahlwille better? Interested in your comments!

 

[wrenchr]

Nah, Fükëngröövin'!