Comparison of Wera vs USAC thru hole compact socket sets

[cbracer]

Purchased both the Wera and USAG (owned by Facom) small low profile socket sets. Here's a comparison of them. At first I almost thought they were made at the same factory, LOL, but they aren't. Different sizes in each set:
Wera: 4,5,5.5,6,7,8,10,12,13 $79 Amazon
USAG: 5.5,6,7,8,10,12,13,14 $73 amazon (uk)
Sockets are both interchangeable, and the locking clip is on the top not in the middle like some other thru hole sockets. The Wera includes a bit ratchet and bits but I didn't really need those. The USAG back drag is slightly less and a locking swivel ratchet. Wera more backdrag. I like the labels better on the Wera. The USAG has larger thru holes on the smaller sizes but a small amount. These sockets are pretty light and have a standard 1/4" square drive on the bottom so normal ratchets also work with them.

I ended up keeping the USAG one and sent the Wera back. Smaller box and I didn't need the bits of the Wera set. I'm putting it into my travel bag for work stuff.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Very interesting. I'm turning into a bit of Wera fan boy lately, but I think you made the right call. The USAG is the better package with more versatile tools.

One fault I have with Wera tool sets is that they seem to add bits to *everything*. It ramps up the cost, but the big thing is that you run into overlap when multiple nicely-packaged tool sets have some of the same things in them. At some point, redundancy becomes simply lugging more stuff around. I find myself preferring to buy what I need piecemeal from KCTool's site.

Speaking of piecemeal, Wera is very DIN.... I guess, being a German company. I just ordered a set of Wera sockets and had to add the 14mm. Because DIN.... and lots of things aren't DIN.

The only other niggle, which others have pointed out, is that Wera sockets are super easy to read, but the sizes aren't "stamped".

Other than that, I have the Wera bits, the bit ratchet, and small handle in the Tool Check. They're strong, durable, and functional. I really like all of these items. Which I have in the Tool Check..... and since I have a Tool Check.... this brings me back to my first criticism: Not every tool set needs more bits!!!

-Ryan

 

[Dave455]

What leads you to believe they are not made in the same factory?

The Wera sockets are made in Taiwan, and I’d be surprised if the USAG are not. Since their takeover by SBD a lot of their tools are Taiwanese, and these are basically the same sockets supplied by Facom, also made in Taiwan.

Both the Wera ratchets, and the Facom version of the ratchet you have, are made in Taiwan so I’m pretty sure the USAG ratchet is too.

There’s nothing particularly wrong with that, in fact they are excellent tools, but it’s useful to know when you are dealing with basically the same thing so you can pick the features / sizes you like, and make a fair comparison of prices!

 

[cbracer]

The USAG factory is in Italy. The package clearly states Italy. The Wera I believe was Czech Republic. None of my Wera are made in Taiwan but maybe because I don't buy any of their lower line of tools. When you look close enough there are differences that are consistence socket to socket I can see they aren't made at the same factory.

 

[Fedwrench]

The USAG factory is in Italy. The package clearly states Italy. The Wera I believe was Czech Republic. None of my Wera are made in Taiwan but maybe because I don't buy any of their lower line of tools. When you look close enough there are differences that are consistence socket to socket I can see they aren't made at the same factory.

I have the little red USAG socket set pictured on the right. The packaging is long gone but, I'm pretty sure the set is made in Taiwan. there's no COO stamped anywhere on the tools or the case. USAG might be based in Italy but, many of their tools are made in Taiwan. still a great little set.

(RXPICO)-11pc Ultra Compact 1/4" Drive Flex Head Ratchet Set (U)

USAG RXPICO Ultra-Compact Tool Set - the PICO line of tool sets are the Ultra-compact line fro - auto parts for your vehicle at Ultimate Garage

www.ultimategarage.com

 

[Dave455]

The USAG factory is in Italy. The package clearly states Italy. The Wera I believe was Czech Republic. None of my Wera are made in Taiwan but maybe because I don't buy any of their lower line of tools. When you look close enough there are differences that are consistence socket to socket I can see they aren't made at the same factory.

The USAG factory is indeed in Italy. The Italian made ratchets branded “Proto” (basically the Facom Palm Control ratchets) are made there. I’m 95% certain these sets are not

I have the Facom set, and it’s definitely made in Taiwan. All of it. As SBD are marketing USAG as less costly tools than Facom, I’d be very surprised if they are making an almost identical set in Europe and selling it for less money.

Wera make their screwdrivers, screwdriver bits and hex keys in the Czech Republic (possibly their metal handle square drive ratchets too). All their sockets, extensions, bit ratchets and mini ratchets are made in Taiwan. Wera are historically a screwdriver maker, and their sockets have never been made anywhere other than Taiwan.

From the Wera set you have, the ratchets and sockets are made in Taiwan, the bits and possibly the bit driver in the Czech Republic. Wera tend to be a bit free and easy with their COO labelling, especially when sets have mixed origins.

Wera could afford to be more transparent, as the better Taiwanese tools of today are in a different league to those from China, or even the Taiwanese tools of a few years back.

 

[cbracer]

Yes I think you both are correct. I pulled out the original packaging for the USAG kit and it says "Imported by" in small letters, then in bold larger letters "Stanley Black & Decker Italia". It actually does not say "Made in" anywhere on the package.... so Taiwan could very well be it.