German made tools

[Grabit]

I'm looking to make my entire metric collection of tools german made. What brands are recommended. Looking at sockets, wrenches mainly. probably get more like screwdrivers hammers and whatever to fill a toolbox. My dad lives in germany and he's looking into getting Hazet for me, See if its cheaper for him to ship or me just order here. But i'd like to know what other quality brands are there. Especially at a good price. I was raised in germany, so I think that part of me just has to add german made to toolbox. Any input?

 

[littletoes]

Start here, and once you've gone through all 500 pages, you will KNOW!

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28952

 

[matthew]

Depending on how much self-control you have and how poor you want to be, I'd start by looking at the "Tools of the Old World" thread. It's an interesting collection of posts...

 

[littletoes]

Yea, whatever you do, don't ask Monte to post some pics....you'll be drooling! hehehe

 

[earlthegoat2]

They are all good for the most part so just pick a brand and go. Or mix and match.

I have some Knipex pliers, Wiha drivers and one single 14mm Stahlwille wrench to my name for German tools right now.

 

[senlow]

Hazet, Stahlwille, Elora, Knipex, Witte, to name a few.

 

[shoturtle]

with the sockets, you have hazet, gedore, stahwille and matador that are all very good. Are you a German or a US citizen. If US, the cheapest way is for you the next time you visit your dad. Go to a tools store, buy the stuff. Then have them give you export paperwork, and you bring it back with you. Not the tax free shopping that is advertised paperwork, but the real export paperwork. You will receive 19% back on vat.

Also shipping tools form germany is actually expensive as it goes by the kg. But it is marginally cheaper then buying in the US.

Screwdrivers, wiha if you want the best tips made in german. Then witte for german made.

PS after you get the paperwork stamp by Zoll. Give it to your dad, and the store will refund the 19% vat to him. If you do it at the airport, they only refund 10 precent, and the other 9 precent is their commission. There are 2 company that refund at the airport and they take the remaining 9%.

 

[Titanium Steel]

For German made tools, Wiha is easily number one in market for hammers (especially dead blows) but also well known for their insulated line, including bit holders and virtually every category you can think of as well in that line.

But personally where Wiha shines the most is with their precision line of scewdrivers, especially the Phillips line. Their Phillips #000 I've put through several intense tear down of products (Nintendo Wii, telephones, air compressors, etc) I have yet to have even a single issue with the screwdriver and the finish is still very well intact.

Here is a link to Wiha's website though. http://www.wihatools.com/ I've found two extensive Wiha reviews and I I'll post them as well from Amazon.

The first being for the Dead Blow and I would really recommend reading that first. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M8UH2O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The second being again being from the same user. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002M8UH2O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The user I am talking about is named Scotford by the way.

My two cents, I completely agree. I've actually used this Wiha Wiha 80230 1-1/2 Inch by 21 Ounce Dead Blow Hammer with Cushioned Grip in some really tough settings. Such as taking apart a wooden frame totaling about 400 pounds give or take. Taking the screws out was hard enough, but the both sides of the frame was in exceptionally tight.

Five swings of this Wiha though and I was done in five minutes though. The Phillips #000 has helped me a great deal as well as this has allowed to fix several electrical issues with some of my devices and probably has saved me a vast amount of money instead of taking this to a repair shop as well.


A great place to buy Wiha products is through Grainger, Fastenal, Amazon, Amazon Supply, Digi-Key and even Ebay. However the best person to buy Wiha products on Ebay from is strong63, as he is a licensed authorized Wiha Tools distributor. I've bought from him before and in fact he is who I bought my Phillips #000 with.

I can't speak for Knipex though, at least not until I receive my first tool from then soon. I'll be very blunt here as you seem to be new to German made tools (no disrespect here though) don't buy them at Lowes, Graingers or Fastenal. Your paying top dollar for no reason at all.

Buy Knipex at Amazon or Amazon Supply for instance. I've seen products that were $80+ dollars at Lowes, go for as low as $40-49 dollars at Amazon/Amazon Supply.

You can also get some good deals with Ebay and Craigslist as well. Truthfully though, your playing a bit with fire though with Ebay, as your likely not going to receiving a new tool and there is always that chance your going to be in for some sort of surprise.

I want to give you one more piece of advice though. Not every item that is sold by Wiha is made by Wiha. What that means is it's either made by another company. This is VERY common with their Pro Turn line and tool bags.

Some of these items are made elsewhere besides Germany and some are in rare cases.

Also on one final note, finding some of Wiha's insulated items requires a great deal of patience and research.

For example, Wiha 38025. I had to call 10 different companies, spend well over 2 hours of research to find this item for a fair price and I finally did with Digi key. Here is the link, so you don't have to shop around like I did. http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/994607-tool-magnetc-bit-holdr-1-4-6bit-38025.html

You can find this also on Amazon, but be prepared to pay a little bit more. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9SKOU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you have any questions about Wiha, here is the most direct phone number I've come across. 763-295-6591. Also I highly recommend Grainger for extra detailed information as well.

But in case you can't reach Grainger at whatever number they give you in your area, here is their Grainger Tech Support number that is open 24/7 hours a day I've been told. 888-361-8649. They are a call center, but here is a catch, their technicians only work Monday through Friday.

Hope I was able to help you out with some information.

 

[Hawk321]

Wiha is easily number one in market for hammers (especially dead blows)

Hä???? What are talking about...

@Grabit
I've a Stahlwille 1/4 set (NEW) with a PB Swiss handle here...it's stamped "Garant" can ship it to your dad for 50€ if you want.

 

[Titanium Steel]

Hawk321: I've used Dewalt brand hammers, Stanley, hammers, Husky Hammers, off brand hammers and Wiha has probably has the best in terms of dead blows. If you read my entire post, you can see the reasoning behind that.

 

[Grabit]

Lots of good info guys. Especially from shoturtle. Im american citizen. My brothers actually coming to visit this summer so i'll probably have him bring over a couple things. He has dual citizenship though so not aired how that works. But this is kinda what im looking for. Tips and ongoing on cheapest way to get it here and what brands.

with the sockets, you have hazet, gedore, stahwille and matador that are all very good. Are you a German or a US citizen. If US, the cheapest way is for you the next time you visit your dad. Go to a tools store, buy the stuff. Then have them give you export paperwork, and you bring it back with you. Not the tax free shopping that is advertised paperwork, but the real export paperwork. You will receive 19% back on vat.

Also shipping tools form germany is actually expensive as it goes by the kg. But it is marginally cheaper then buying in the US.

Screwdrivers, wiha if you want the best tips made in german. Then witte for german made.

PS after you get the paperwork stamp by Zoll. Give it to your dad, and the store will refund the 19% vat to him. If you do it at the airport, they only refund 10 precent, and the other 9 precent is their commission. There are 2 company that refund at the airport and they take the remaining 9%.

 

[lok]

Αll my tools are Gedore and I am very satisfied with them. The Hazet was my first choice but I chose gedore because I found them locally at a good price.
These two along with stahlwille are the three largest manufacturers in Germany. Elora and Matadore are also at the top.

The appearance, the price and the differences between them will determine what you will choose.
Differences as eg the Gedore has two lengths at combination spanner. One very large and very durable and one very thin, very lightweight and smaller in length more comfortable for everyday, all day work.. The Hazet has only one but I think is the right balance. The Hazet has better, smoother round head ratchets while gedore has better teardrop. (I think. I have never try any of the hazet ratchets)

The most complete cataloge is that of Gedore but their appearance may not like you. It has the largest collection and manufactures all its own. It's the only one that have German made ratcheting wrench and Pass-Through Ratchet and sockets (2012 catalog). The Stahlwille has the most polished wrenches and sockets from all the German manufacturers (except the new Matadore maybe) but personally I find the Hazet the most nice looking from all.

Here you can find some very nice photos and reviews of Hazet from Monte.
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=75278&page=2

For pliers take a look at knipex, nws. Or gedore, vbw, wiha. Or orbis. I have try all of them (except vbw) and I like them all.
For screwdrivers wiha, wera, felo are my favorite but you can find much more, equally good with them. Gedore has also very good screwdrivers but I don't like the handle. I prefer the rounded handles.

Basically doesn't matter what will choose. You can't go wrong with German made tools.

More from Monte but be careful with him.

 

[btbsandman]

I ordered a set of Heyco Box End Wrench Set from Wiha and I love the quality and price.

 

[lok]

Stahlwille
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1939683&postcount=9616

Some Gedore of mine.
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1788902&postcount=8682

One good collection of hazet and nws.
http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2267731&postcount=10915

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2277790&postcount=10957

Elora
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1038173&postcount=13

Plenty of photos and info in the "old world" thread.

 

[pfbz]

Side question...

I'm scheduling a Euro delivery of a new Audi (2013 Q5 Hybrid) later this year... Flying into Munich, Audi delivery in Ingolstadt, probably a week of touring around before dropping off the car.

Any suggestions on specific stores to visit in Germany that will stock a large assortment of tools, offer good prices, and be familiar with the export paperwork mentioned?

 

[shampoop]

I love these stahlwille extra deep offset wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HB00CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are extremely high quality, just look at the quality of the cuts on the tiny 6mm teeth, and it has the best finish i've ever seen. The satin finish looks excellent new and you can tell it will look much better once they've seen heavy use compared to traditional high polish wrenches. My SO FD+ wrenches have scratches all over them.

 

[lok]

I love these stahlwille extra deep offset wrenches.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000HB00CA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They are extremely high quality, just look at the quality of the cuts on the tiny 6mm teeth, and it has the best finish i've ever seen. The satin finish looks excellent new and you can tell it will look much better once they've seen heavy use compared to traditional high polish wrenches. My SO FD+ wrenches have scratches all over them.

The stahlwille and the Hazet looks prettiest after hard use than when it is new.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1940384&postcount=9622

 

[shoturtle]

Lots of good info guys. Especially from shoturtle. Im american citizen. My brothers actually coming to visit this summer so i'll probably have him bring over a couple things. He has dual citizenship though so not aired how that works. But this is kinda what im looking for. Tips and ongoing on cheapest way to get it here and what brands.

If he travels on the us passport, he should be able to get the export paperwork stamped by the german zoll. And when he goes back he can get the 19% back from the tool store. Not sure if you can do it with a Germany passport.

 

[Grabit]

If he travels on the us passport, he should be able to get the export paperwork stamped by the german zoll. And when he goes back he can get the 19% back from the tool store. Not sure if you can do it with a Germany passport.

Gotcha, thanks. Pretty sure he has US passport. This all gives me some brand names to have my dad get prices on for me. It's especially helpful to know about the 19% back thing. I think I could save a lot of money this way, never heard of it. Think so far I'm going with Wiha for screwdriver set, Hazet or Stahlwille for socckets and ratchets. and maybe wrenches. Sorry guys I'll post pics as I get them, but keep in mind this is all going to be over the next year or two. Cant afford to fill a whole toolbox and ship it here lol. Speaking of toolbox, I need to find one locally to keep them all in.

 

[bfd]

German tools are great. My BMW's tool kit comes with 3 Walter wrenches, a Heyco plier and spark plug socket and a couple of other tools not labeled. I also have a long Wera 10mm hex socket. All good stuff and seems to work well. Good Luck!

 

[shoturtle]

Gotcha, thanks. Pretty sure he has US passport. This all gives me some brand names to have my dad get prices on for me. It's especially helpful to know about the 19% back thing. I think I could save a lot of money this way, never heard of it. Think so far I'm going with Wiha for screwdriver set, Hazet or Stahlwille for socckets and ratchets. and maybe wrenches. Sorry guys I'll post pics as I get them, but keep in mind this is all going to be over the next year or two. Cant afford to fill a whole toolbox and ship it here lol. Speaking of toolbox, I need to find one locally to keep them all in.

Goto sears, they are having a pretty good sale on their quiet glide boxes, they are good high entry level boxes. If you are looking for a little better, harbor freight us general are pretty good, and the northern tools homek are pretty nice. Avoid the task force stuff form home depot and lowes and the store brand from harbor freight. If you are looking for a decent pure entry box, sears basic series are the nicest one out there, some members were able to get them for 150 dolor for top box and base roller. They are a bit more then the task force and hf entry but allot nicer.

If you are going pro end strictly boxes are non bad, and for the top end, matco, snap on and the other truck brands are very nice.

Also have you dad talk to the tool shop to see which of them do export paper work or tax free shopping.

 

[marlinspike]

I'm surprised to see everybody saying Wiha has the best screwdrivers. I have a lot of Wiha screwdrivers, then I bought some Felo and the bits on the Felo seem much better to me.

To piggyback a bit, how do the Gedore compare to Stahlwille? I've started moving to Stahlwille pretty much excusively as they just seem to be so much better than everything else I have (which is all good stuff), but I have never tried Gedore.

 

[shoturtle]

Have both wiha and felo, like the wiha better. The tips are equal between the 2 brands, I prefer the grip of the wiha but that is just personal preference. They both are excellent brands for screwdrivers.

The Gedore are excellent tools. Very high end. Pretty much the same level as stahlewille and Hazet. Can not go wrong with Gedore or stahlwille.

 

[lok]

I'm surprised to see everybody saying Wiha has the best screwdrivers. I have a lot of Wiha screwdrivers, then I bought some Felo and the bits on the Felo seem much better to me.

To piggyback a bit, how do the Gedore compare to Stahlwille? I've started moving to Stahlwille pretty much excusively as they just seem to be so much better than everything else I have (which is all good stuff), but I have never tried Gedore.

I have a lot of Gedore tools and I'm very, very satisfied with them. I have never tried any Wille so I can't compare them. Al thought I'll try to give you an idea to help you with your decisions.

I have wrenches, sockets, ratchets, ratcheting wrenches etc. The quality is superb in all of them. The big difference in those German manufactures is not the quality but the different look of the finish. The Gedore has the more mat chrome plating. Very durable but also you can find small defects like griding marks.

Here..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2346975&postcount=11256

Also you can see the differences in finish form the old Taiwanese Gedore (Gearwrench?).

Comparison with beta and facom.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2661376&postcount=12853

Regarding the resistance and durability we cant compare them because there are differences. The Hazet 600N are very strong and durable. Stronger than Gedore No7 or Stahliwille open box 13 but also they are thicker. The No7 and the Open Box 13 are very light and has thin open end and very thin beam. But they are very strong for so thin wrenches.
On the other hand there are the open box 14 and the No7xl. Now between the No7 and No7xl there is the 1B, similar to the open box 14 but with a larger offset and longer than the hazet 603.
Now which one is the stronger? All of them! If you bought the one that fit on your needs they are all great. The better is the one that you like the most and fit better in your hand. (or your pocket )

Gedore 1B, No7xl

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1661937&postcount=7451

Gedore No7 , 7xl, 1B, Hazet 600N.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1662060&postcount=7454

Pick one.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2180994&postcount=25

7ur

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2615185&postcount=4

More 7ur.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103272&page=151

7ur in action.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2561902&postcount=12339

If you don't like the finish you can bought a hammer.
Stahlwille STABIL, see the last photo. You can't find any better than this.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2152394&postcount=10636

Here is the gedore.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2576414&postcount=12457

Stahl ****

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1939683&postcount=9615



Regarding the sockets and ratchets if you like them then there is nothing to worry about.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2315740&postcount=11093

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2384229&postcount=11504

There are also with "flank drive" but I'm old fashioned . Or I believe that there is nothing to compare with the perfect fitment of a hexagon socket.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2271626&postcount=10925

My first Gedore.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1788902&postcount=8682

Very satisfied with them.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2310344&postcount=11066

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2407825&postcount=11599

 

[zakmartin]

I'm surprised to see everybody saying Wiha has the best screwdrivers. I have a lot of Wiha screwdrivers, then I bought some Felo and the bits on the Felo seem much better to me.

After getting sick of my old Craftsmans constantly self-destructing, I recently decided to go with something different and tried out Wiha, Felo and Craftsman Professional screwdrivers and after hours of debating the brands in my mind and in my hand, I decided to go Full Wiha (according to the movie Tropic Thunder, I'm not supposed to do that, right?) I don't regret the purchase at all.

 

[babyjimmy]

I bought my first German-made tool the other day. A pair of knipex high leverage cutters. HOLY HELL those things are bad azz.

 

[nowlan]

What are good sources of German tools beside Ash and ebay?

 

[V70R]

Search here for a user Jensputzier, cannot beat his prices including shipping for Hazet and more. Highly recommended.

 

[Monte]

www.samstagsales.com

www.bloomertool.com

 

[marlinspike]

I get all my Stahlwille stuff from http://www.importhardware.com/
He's a little more expensive than Chads Toolbox, but he's closer to me, doesn't have huge delays between sale and shipping, and is a good guy with good service.

 

[pozidriv]

I have a lot of Gedore tools and I'm very, very satisfied with them. I have never tried any Wille so I can't compare them. Al thought I'll try to give you an idea to help you with your decisions.

I have wrenches, sockets, ratchets, ratcheting wrenches etc. The quality is superb in all of them. The big difference in those German manufactures is not the quality but the different look of the finish. The Gedore has the more mat chrome plating. Very durable but also you can find small defects like griding marks.

Here..

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2346975&postcount=11256

Also you can see the differences in finish form the old Taiwanese Gedore (Gearwrench?).

Comparison with beta and facom.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2661376&postcount=12853

Regarding the resistance and durability we cant compare them because there are differences. The Hazet 600N are very strong and durable. Stronger than Gedore No7 or Stahliwille open box 13 but also they are thicker. The No7 and the Open Box 13 are very light and has thin open end and very thin beam. But they are very strong for so thin wrenches.
On the other hand there are the open box 14 and the No7xl. Now between the No7 and No7xl there is the 1B, similar to the open box 14 but with a larger offset and longer than the hazet 603.
Now which one is the stronger? All of them! If you bought the one that fit on your needs they are all great. The better is the one that you like the most and fit better in your hand. (or your pocket )

Gedore 1B, No7xl

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1661937&postcount=7451

Gedore No7 , 7xl, 1B, Hazet 600N.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1662060&postcount=7454

Pick one.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2180994&postcount=25

7ur

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2615185&postcount=4

More 7ur.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=103272&page=151

7ur in action.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2561902&postcount=12339

If you don't like the finish you can bought a hammer.
Stahlwille STABIL, see the last photo. You can't find any better than this.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2152394&postcount=10636

Here is the gedore.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2576414&postcount=12457

Stahl ****

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1939683&postcount=9615



Regarding the sockets and ratchets if you like them then there is nothing to worry about.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2315740&postcount=11093

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2384229&postcount=11504

There are also with "flank drive" but I'm old fashioned . Or I believe that there is nothing to compare with the perfect fitment of a hexagon socket.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2271626&postcount=10925

My first Gedore.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=1788902&postcount=8682

Very satisfied with them.

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2310344&postcount=11066

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=2407825&postcount=11599

Waw, very extensive information. Thanks!

 

[autonaut]

Stahlwille for me please.. The rachets dont seem to me to be the best german made ones. But everything else i have from them seem superior for my usage. The sockets and i beam wrenches are light yet very very strong.. Before i noticed tool brands and became a tool fanboy, i always grabbed the stahlwille sockets and wrenches when helping my dad in the shop or as an apprentice later on. My opinion is that their open box 13 wrenches are the best ever made. But then again. Im a fan boy

Edit.. I did always carry a heyco wrench feauturing 10mm in one end and 13mm in the other end. That and an unknown brand philips screwdriver.
You'd be amazed how far those tools will get you when you need that quick loosening or tightening. Using the screwdriver one could manipulate the size of the wrench and unscrew a host of things on the quick. An antenna for instance, when lifting the car. Or battery terminals..

 

[Sal Bandini]

I get all my Stahlwille stuff from http://www.importhardware.com/
He's a little more expensive than Chads Toolbox, but he's closer to me, doesn't have huge delays between sale and shipping, and is a good guy with good service.

Your link is not working for me.

Chad's has the lowest prices on Hazet and free shipping. If the tool is not normally stocked and I don't need it right away I am fine with waiting for it.

 

[sam.coll]

Stahlwille open box 13s for wrenches are my favourite, have stahlwille bi-hex sockets extensions etc but im not a fan of there ratchets so i buy snap on, as far as screwdrivers I have wiha and felo but my favourites once again are the Stahlwille 3K-drall I also really liked the original black handle drall screwdrivers. Had a set of the new Drall+ screwdrivers from Stahlwille but absolutely hated them looked and felt very cheap IMHO. Pliers I only buy Knipex. Am a fan of the Stahlwille roll pin punches tho.


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