The Best Tools For The Job

[Moose-LandTran]

Understood, and thanks for the kind words!

Sorry there were so many gramatical and spelling mistakes in my post, my hands work faster than my brain!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have GOT to get me one of these sets.

Colours look awesome too!

 

[billymade]

I'm curios about the issue with the labeling on your screwdrivers; I have about 4 sets (6x4 total 24 drivers) of your Kraftform Micros; when I was cleaning them with WD40, the letters with the logo/size came right off and others have posted with this problem. Is this a known problem, are you working to improve the durability of the imprinting on your tools and would it covered under the warranty? I just have a bunch of "no label" screwdrivers now and it is a challenge to figure out what size I have (especially on the torx sizes). Appreciate any info and your responses to this issue with your products.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Exact same thing happened to my Stanley pliers. Cleaned them with WD-40 and the lettering came off.

 

[Stuey]

The Wera pres/rep answered a very similar inquiry here.

 

[hamburglar]

I have GOT to get me one of these sets.

Colours look awesome too!

Since I'm such a magpie for the more exotic looking hand tools, I'd like to have one of these:

http://www.louzampini.com/Wera-8000C-Zyklop-Super-Ratchet-p/wzykr.htm

...but the price will probably be off-putting.

Get a couple of pairs of these and you'll be livin' large.

http://www.wiha.com/var/wiha/storag...iten/inomic/1815031-1-eng-GB/inomic_large.jpg

...and yes, yes, yes....Craftsman tools are about as good. There's just an esthetic here I'm willing to pay more for, and compared to car projects, all of this stuff is practically free.

 

[eschoendorff]

That Zyklop ratchet is not a new idea:

 

[Wera Tools]

That Zyklop ratchet is not a new idea:

It is (hopefully) an improvement on about five existing ideas, with the additional feature of much faster working speed. This product combines:
1-Flex-head ratchet (as shown above),however, with 5 distinct locking positions. This prevents unwanted slipping under torque, and the associated knuckle-busting.
2-The positioning of both the reverse and quick-release mechanisms makes it truly a left or right hand use tool.
3-Heavy-duty Fine-tooth ratchet, allowing for use in confined spaces, without sacrificing torque strength.
4-Quick-release ratchet, which provides secure hold for sockets and accessories, when working in awkward areas.
5-Use as a screwdriver, when the head is in the "in-line" position, with a bit adaptor. This allows the use of standard insert or power bits, which are less expensive to replace than pressed in "bit-sockets".
The extra feature we have integrated into the Zyklop design is the black sleeve over the straight portion of the handle. This is actually "free-spinning", so when the head is in the in-line position, if you hold the sleeve and spin the end of the handle, the entire ratchet spins quickly and smoothly. When you fasten a nut with a regular ratchet, because there is very little resistance until you have almost tightened it, you usually have to hold the socket with your other hand to keep it from backing off when you re-set the ratchet. This problem is eliminated with our design and means you spend much less time running the nuts down. When you are ready to apply the final tightening force, you return the head to the normal 90 degree position, and crank it down!
This is hard to describe, but if you're interested I can send you a PM with a link to a demo video that shows it better.
I hope this helps, and thanks for the question!

 

[hamburglar]

That Zyklop ratchet is not a new idea:

I can't imagine there are many truly new ideas in the hand tool market anyhow. That sort of mechanical design has been so picked over though the last couple of centuries that it's an incredibly rich ecosystem. It's always a crackup to look at old patents for tools, bicycle design, musical instrument design (things like one handed F-mezzo saxophones). It would be like trying to cook up a truly original melody.

 

[billymade]

I think I found the video here: http://www.louzampini.com/Wera-8000C-Zyklop-Super-Ratchet-p/wzykr.htm

This thing looks cool!!

Ok, after watching the video I want one!! How about a discount? LOL!!!

 

[philw]

I have an old (40's-50's) Blackhawk extension that has a free spinning sleeve around it. I think Bonney made some similiar at one point......very handy and I'm surprised that the idea didn't stick around.....maybe production cost did it in.

I found the video for the Zyklop (German for Cyclops?) and it looks like a great idea. The individual ideas may not be new but I have never seen something that puts it all together.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm warming to those handles. They look cool.

They'd look better in my toolbox..

 

[chad s]

I have an old (40's-50's) Blackhawk extension that has a free spinning sleeve around it. I think Bonney made some similiar at one point......very handy and I'm surprised that the idea didn't stick around.....maybe production cost did it in.

I found the video for the Zyklop (German for Cyclops?) and it looks like a great idea. The individual ideas may not be new but I have never seen something that puts it all together.

Snap On made them in the 1920's, and then again in the 40's.

I need a set of each (long and short) for one of my 20's set!

 

[DavidtheDuke]

Well I see the ratchet in the video, but where the heck do I buy it? Apart from the Wera website and that Lou Zampini website, I can't seem to find much of a mention on the net about it. I'm not going to call just to get prices, someone should have them lying around a internet store somewhere.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

After watching that video, that ratchet does look pretty awesome.

 

[trackwelder]

I want one, where can we order them from.

 

[Wera Tools]

We thank you all for your interest, and we are also as excited about this new product! Unfortunately, it will not be available in North America until approximately November 1st, 2008, as we are following the European launch.
When they are available here, you can find them through www.mscdirect.com or at any Fastenal branch. New distributors are coming on-board for this product very quickly, so I'm sure we will have even more options for you by November...

 

[Stuey]

I have to agree; it looks like an awesome ratchet. Unfortunately, I fear that it'll be above my price point.

I have to admit, even the case is making me drool!

 

[PowderKeg]

Now that is a cool ratchet! Likewise though, the price point will likely outreach my wallet, especially for occasional use. If I had to rely on one daily though...

So is "clockwise" and "anti-clockwise" the classy way of saying "righty-tighty, lefty-loosy"?

 

[Joe B.]

Wow. Using that ratchet would be like riding a moped or dating a big'un.

 

[hamburglar]

We thank you all for your interest, and we are also as excited about this new product! Unfortunately, it will not be available in North America until approximately November 1st, 2008, as we are following the European launch.
When they are available here, you can find them through www.mscdirect.com or at any Fastenal branch. New distributors are coming on-board for this product very quickly, so I'm sure we will have even more options for you by November...

So what's the retail list price going to be in Europe?

How about a group buy on the 1/2" set? (Realistically, I'll bet it's $350 for the 1/4" set and 5 or 6 hunnert for the 1/2" set...I'll probably wait for eBay on this one).

Using google translation from a german website:
---
Has the Cyclops only in the hand fummeln, have but a few "Screw situation" in the simulated load - Conclusion was sobering for me, or rather, to klotzig, too much schnickschnack, no druckkopfauslöser and the power to form handles disturb you a different attitude than the screwdrivers (Find it to the super hung screwdriver) and is bad to clean.
Deswegen wurds bei mir ne andere So for me wurds other ne
===

...so there you have it. I don't think that schnickschnack is so much a problem, but I'll bet it *is* hard to keep clean.

 

[chad s]

I think I found the video here: http://www.louzampini.com/Wera-8000C-Zyklop-Super-Ratchet-p/wzykr.htm

This thing looks cool!!

Ok, after watching the video I want one!! How about a discount? LOL!!!

Im not impressed, sorry. The test in the video is unfair. Your fastener would have to have perfectly machined and clean, and highly lubricated, or just undersized to spin in as fast as they did with the Wera ratchet/spinner, and the other fastener had a lot more drag on it.

Its overly bulky, and IMO, gimicky looking.

I'll take the snap on roto head myself.

 

[Vicious_Cycle]

Did you guys wear him down enough to get free samples yet?

I'm too lazy to read this whole thread.

 

[chad s]

Did you guys wear him down enough to get free samples yet?

I'm too lazy to read this whole thread.

Wera is way too impressed with themselves to budge on price, or even offer it to us silly Americans until the end of the year!

In short, no.

 

[eschoendorff]

It is (hopefully) an improvement on about five existing ideas, with the additional feature of much faster working speed. This product combines:
1-Flex-head ratchet (as shown above),however, with 5 distinct locking positions. This prevents unwanted slipping under torque, and the associated knuckle-busting.
2-The positioning of both the reverse and quick-release mechanisms makes it truly a left or right hand use tool.
3-Heavy-duty Fine-tooth ratchet, allowing for use in confined spaces, without sacrificing torque strength.
4-Quick-release ratchet, which provides secure hold for sockets and accessories, when working in awkward areas.
5-Use as a screwdriver, when the head is in the "in-line" position, with a bit adaptor. This allows the use of standard insert or power bits, which are less expensive to replace than pressed in "bit-sockets".
The extra feature we have integrated into the Zyklop design is the black sleeve over the straight portion of the handle. This is actually "free-spinning", so when the head is in the in-line position, if you hold the sleeve and spin the end of the handle, the entire ratchet spins quickly and smoothly. When you fasten a nut with a regular ratchet, because there is very little resistance until you have almost tightened it, you usually have to hold the socket with your other hand to keep it from backing off when you re-set the ratchet. This problem is eliminated with our design and means you spend much less time running the nuts down. When you are ready to apply the final tightening force, you return the head to the normal 90 degree position, and crank it down!
This is hard to describe, but if you're interested I can send you a PM with a link to a demo video that shows it better.
I hope this helps, and thanks for the question!

Okay, ya got me. Now I am interested.... but still skeptical....

 

[GDA]

Interesting ratchet and design but I'd really like to see a side by side rundown against some well known/liked flex heads. Those appear to be pretty large from a depth and width perspective at the location of the flex joint. Sure would like to see some size specs.

Ian - I liked your original response.

 

[hamburglar]

Did you guys wear him down enough to get free samples yet?
.

I think we're mighty close. Just a smidge more pushing and, voila', free screwdrivers for everyone.

 

[speed bump]

I don't like that rachet as the head seems pretty large and its as ugly as a Honda with a wing and a fart can.

 

[CatfishXpress]

Sorry but I don't think that ratchet is going to be a big seller in the US.

 

[Stuey]

It's a first generation ratchet design, and a first generation Wera ratchet, so I'm guessing that there might be more streamlined revisions down the road.

Wera is way too impressed with themselves to budge on price, or even offer it to us silly Americans until the end of the year!

In short, no.

Do any manufacturers budge on price, especially early on? Plus it is not uncommon for internationally released products to enter markets at a different schedule.

I'm guessing that this product may be more successful with mobile technicians and the such since it does combine several tools into one.

The thing is, it might not find its way into hobbyist or semi-pro hands. There are just too many people unfamiliar with the Wera name here (here as in the US, not GJ).

 

[eschoendorff]

It's a first generation ratchet design, and a first generation Wera ratchet, so I'm guessing that there might be more streamlined revisions down the road.


Do any manufacturers budge on price, especially early on? Plus it is not uncommon for internationally released products to enter markets at a different schedule.

I'm guessing that this product may be more successful with mobile technicians and the such since it does combine several tools into one.

The thing is, it might not find its way into hobbyist or semi-pro hands. There are just too many people unfamiliar with the Wera name here (here as in the US, not GJ).

Not only that, but there are ratchets here in the states that do the same thing - and people are more familiar with them. After reading this thread again, I went out and was playing with my Snap On:

and after re-reading the explanation for the Zyklops, I concluded that the Snap On already does everything that is supposed to make the Zyklops unique. You don't need a locking mechanism. Head too loose? Just tighten the tension screw and keep working. That Snap On works just like a screwdrivers and will accept insert bits with the right bit socket. Besides, if the ratchet ever needs warranty work, my Snap On truck stops less than a mile from my house.

The final nail in the coffin is that teh Snap On version is much more streamlined - a LOT less bulky - and should fit into tighter areas....




And if you really want these features on the cheap, HF sells a ratchet that is damn similar... made in Taiwan...

The more i think about it, the more I realize that, at least in the USA, Wera came to the party a little late....

 

[billymade]

A little google digging and euro/dollar conversion gives this rough estimate on the cost of these ratchets:
http://translate.google.com/transla...h?q=Wera+Zyklop&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en-us
Vera Cyclops with 1 / 2 "drive
Vera Cyclops 8000-C
MSRP $ 76.50 *
including 19% VAT
Shipping $ 5.90 $ 53.55 ($84.21 USA Dollars)


Vera Cyclops with 1 / 4 "drive
Vera Cyclops 8000-A MSRP $ 62.70 *
including 19% VAT
Shipping $ 5.90 $ 43.95 ($69.12 USA Dollars)

A quick Deutschland ebay search comes up with this:
http://search.ebay.de/search/search...action=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search

Wera 8100 SA1 Zyklop-Knarrensatz, 1/4"-Antrieb
$215.22 for the whole 1/4" drive set

Wera 8100 SC 1 Zyklop-Knarrensatz, 1/2"-Antrieb




$366.83 for the whole 1/2" drive set

 

[CatfishXpress]

The more i think about it, the more I realize that, at least in the USA, Wera came to the party a little late....

Not only is she late, she is wearing an ugly dress.

That Snap On is a sweet looking ratchet.

 

[Wera Tools]

It's a first generation ratchet design, and a first generation Wera ratchet, so I'm guessing that there might be more streamlined revisions down the road.


Do any manufacturers budge on price, especially early on? Plus it is not uncommon for internationally released products to enter markets at a different schedule.

I'm guessing that this product may be more successful with mobile technicians and the such since it does combine several tools into one.

The thing is, it might not find its way into hobbyist or semi-pro hands. There are just too many people unfamiliar with the Wera name here (here as in the US, not GJ).

Stuey,

Thanks for the support, and you are absolutely correct. This is our first entry into the ratchet market, and I'm sure that, over time, you will see refinements in the product.
As far as our target market, it is predominantly the professional technicans, that would be using this product regularly, and would see the value in having all of these features combined into one tool.
Lastly, there is no question that Wera is "the new kid on the US block" in this product category, but the way you guys are talking this up, I hope we won't be "unknown" for long...

 

[Moose-LandTran]

It seems to me that Wera is more common among electricians that any other group of users.

I'd also like to say that after an exchange of PMs with Mr. Parkhill, he is a very nice guy, and i have no doubt he'll be a valued member here. He's one of the good guys.

 

[eschoendorff]

It seems to me that Wera is more common among electricians that any other group of users.

I'd also like to say that after an exchange of PMs with Mr. Parkhill, he is a very nice guy, and i have no doubt he'll be a valued member here. He's one of the good guys.

I don't doubt that at all. My comments are only in reference to the tools...

I hope he will continue to hang out here.

 

[Wera Tools]

Not only that, but there are ratchets here in the states that do the same thing - and people are more familiar with them. After reading this thread again, I went out and was playing with my Snap On:

and after re-reading the explanation for the Zyklops, I concluded that the Snap On already does everything that is supposed to make the Zyklops unique. You don't need a locking mechanism. Head too loose? Just tighten the tension screw and keep working. That Snap On works just like a screwdrivers and will accept insert bits with the right bit socket. Besides, if the ratchet ever needs warranty work, my Snap On truck stops less than a mile from my house.

The final nail in the coffin is that teh Snap On version is much more streamlined - a LOT less bulky - and should fit into tighter areas....




And if you really want these features on the cheap, HF sells a ratchet that is damn similar... made in Taiwan...

The more i think about it, the more I realize that, at least in the USA, Wera came to the party a little late....

Well, at least we're showing up, and, hopefully, bringing something interesting with us... It ain't over till it's over.

 

[Stuey]

There's aready been 2400+ views of this thread. Considering that there are only a handful of people actively contributing, this suggests a large number of unique readers.

I am eager to see what new developments these innovations lead to.

Permeating the US market likely won't be easy. I think that in addition to an advertising campaign (even if only passive such as through simple forum participation), Wera tools need to be available at more high-volume retailers.

On a random thought, I wonder what the market share is like, between Wera, Wiha, Felo, and European manufacturers that I may be unfamiliar with.

I think that there may be some competition between the Zyklops and Snap-On's ratchet. I don't know about other non-pros, but I am hesitant to buy S-O products since their warranty leads to too great of a price premium, especially for my light-duty needs. They sometimes take a product that sells for $50 elsewhere, slap on a $35 markup, a $5 exclusive logo color or packaging, and BAM, $90 pricetag. I know that this isn't exactly done for ratchets, sockets, and other S-O exclusive products, but one still wonders how much of the cost goes towards replacement overhead and the such.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

For this Zyklops ratchet, everyone's got to start somewhere. You design something, you refine it and rework it, you produce the finished evolved product.

I like the features, it's a little bulky and could be refined but i think it's a great start.

 

[billymade]

Moose, are Wera and this product available in your area; do you have a local supplier for Wera? How is this brand viewed in the UK? From my Germany eBay and online vendor search it seems available right now in Deutschland!! I don't know if I could afford a whole set but I might consider a 3/8" to check it out and get a feel for the rest of the Wera line I haven't tried out; do my "rough" prices sound right? The ratchets by them selves do not seem super expensive but I do not see the 3/8" ratchet being available at the moment; maybe I'll do some more digging.