d.mcfarland
Well-known member
After some more time and thought with these, I wanted to give my thoughts.
These bad boys are the Wiha ErgoStar MagicRing Ball End Hex L-Key Inch/Metric Set, which is #66992.
Link: https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-66992...ex-l-key-inch-metric-set/?rfsn=2236887.e07e45
Overall Fit / Finish - Overall, these hex keys are outstanding. The fit and finish are what I would expect from high end tools. They did not cut corners like Eklind did on the manufacturing of these. In the photos, you will see a comparison shot of two of the same sizes. One Wiha and one Eklind, take note of the ends. They functioned perfectly and worked without twisting or showing damage.
Value - Currently selling for around $75, these are premium tools at a premium price. Looking around, a SAE/Metric set from Bondhus sells for around $20. So, I can see where someone might say that the value just isn't there. However, the less fancy Wiha sets sell for around $30 (for both SAE/Metric) which is in line with any other quality manufacturer. The value here comes from the retaining ring and rust resistant finish, because, if needed in your case, it may be worth the additional price.
Innovation / Beneficial Characteristics - There are a few things to note in this section. First, the Wiha keys are about 25% longer which let one of my older employees use the tool on some stubborn fasteners without having to get his usual cheater pipe. Next, the main innovation of these are the MagicRing ball ends. They work great, as they are not too tight and not too loose. In the pictures I tried to capture what the fastener looks like when clipped in. Even in a completely vertical orientation, the fastener would not come out even when bumped of shaken, which would be common on the job. Last, the holder/organizer rotates each of the keys when one is rotated. No need to twist half of them the opposite direction in order to get one of the smaller sizes out.
Durability / Warranty - Wiha has a 12 month warranty for any issues you may encounter. I see no reason why these wouldn't last way longer when used properly. The smaller sizes are most likely to be damaged, just like any other brand. The commonly used sizes for me showed very little flex and no issues whatsoever.
These bad boys are the Wiha ErgoStar MagicRing Ball End Hex L-Key Inch/Metric Set, which is #66992.
Link: https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-66992...ex-l-key-inch-metric-set/?rfsn=2236887.e07e45
Overall Fit / Finish - Overall, these hex keys are outstanding. The fit and finish are what I would expect from high end tools. They did not cut corners like Eklind did on the manufacturing of these. In the photos, you will see a comparison shot of two of the same sizes. One Wiha and one Eklind, take note of the ends. They functioned perfectly and worked without twisting or showing damage.
Value - Currently selling for around $75, these are premium tools at a premium price. Looking around, a SAE/Metric set from Bondhus sells for around $20. So, I can see where someone might say that the value just isn't there. However, the less fancy Wiha sets sell for around $30 (for both SAE/Metric) which is in line with any other quality manufacturer. The value here comes from the retaining ring and rust resistant finish, because, if needed in your case, it may be worth the additional price.
Innovation / Beneficial Characteristics - There are a few things to note in this section. First, the Wiha keys are about 25% longer which let one of my older employees use the tool on some stubborn fasteners without having to get his usual cheater pipe. Next, the main innovation of these are the MagicRing ball ends. They work great, as they are not too tight and not too loose. In the pictures I tried to capture what the fastener looks like when clipped in. Even in a completely vertical orientation, the fastener would not come out even when bumped of shaken, which would be common on the job. Last, the holder/organizer rotates each of the keys when one is rotated. No need to twist half of them the opposite direction in order to get one of the smaller sizes out.
Durability / Warranty - Wiha has a 12 month warranty for any issues you may encounter. I see no reason why these wouldn't last way longer when used properly. The smaller sizes are most likely to be damaged, just like any other brand. The commonly used sizes for me showed very little flex and no issues whatsoever.
