Wiha Microfinish Black Series Screwdrivers

[Sal Bandini]

Is there any difference between the old black handle series and the red colored ones? I see they have the black ones 50% off and was wondering if the handles are the same texture.

 

[Southern]

It's the same exact screwdriver, same finish, same everything. They discontinued the black ones about a year or so ago to roll out the eggplant colored ones.

I'm surprised you found somewhere that still has stock on the black ones. Mind hooking a brother up with a link?

 

[Sal Bandini]

wihatools.com

They're not easy to find. I clicked on slotted screwdrivers and then the microfinish ones ((520). Only some of the slotted are on sale as well as the #3 Phillips.

Many of the amazon links show the black in the pictures but I'm not sure that's what you would actually get.

 

[mtd240]

I bought one of each of those black ones ~10 months ago for the same price - seems like they still have alot in stock to get rid of!

They are excellent. Don't use 'em as chisels

 

[Sal Bandini]

So since we're talking sale items at Wiha, what about their pliers on sale? I was going to get some Knipex but for the sale prices these seem to be good deal. Thoughts?

 

[t1r2u3s4t]

hmm, red ones are soft finish. micro finish comes in black or dark purple I think.

 

[Sal Bandini]

Yes I'm color blind. I meant purple I am talking exclusively about the microfinish series.

 

[upgrading]

I thought all Wiha stuff was made in Germany.
Found this on one of wihatools.com sale pages.

Design & Tooling Wiha Germany, Forgings Wiha Vietnam, Packaged Wiha USA
Limited Lifetime Guarantee

 

[neophyte]

The packaging is done in the USA, WTF! I'm going to have to stop buying Wiha.

 

[Monte]

I thought all Wiha stuff was made in Germany.
Found this on one of wihatools.com sale pages.

yes their pliers are made in Vietnam in their own factory which they bought a while ago.

 

[archirelic]

I'd still really like to know why they got rid of the all black version and swapped them out with the black/eggplant version...

Anyhoo...

From the inspection of the microfinish drivers I have, an all black bit holder and an 8 piece set w/the black/eggplant coloring...it appears that they're not exactly the same.

The all black version, based off my bit holder and these images I found online seem to have been almost one singular handle piece...whereas the newer black/eggplant versions you can see the distinct delineation in material difference at the color change.

 

[91bronc300]

That polished black is much better looking than the eggplant (aubergine for you fancy folks out there :supergay that they switched to. Kind of has a nice bakelite look to it.

 

[neophyte]

I'd still really like to know why they got rid of the all black version and swapped them out with the black/eggplant version...

From the inspection of the microfinish drivers I have, an all black bit holder and an 8 piece set w/the black/eggplant coloring...it appears that they're not exactly the same.

The all black version, based off my bit holder and these images I found online seem to have been almost one singular handle piece...whereas the newer black/eggplant versions you can see the distinct delineation in material difference at the color change.

The two color version will have higher visibility on some surfaces like a black workbench or garage floor. The two colors will also allow Wiha to more easily differentiate their different screwdriver lines. At least that's my guess as to why they changed the screwdrivers.

 

[Southern]

I use mine as chisels and prybars all the time. They're stout as hell, and if you **** one up you can just send it back to Wiha.