Hazet 600N compared to Stahlwille Open Box 14.
I'm off work recovering from a minor op and bored of watching tv so this post may be a bit long sorry.
Hazet 600N
Stahlwille Open Box 14
19mm used for this comparison. Both are 'long' pattern for Euro standards but I think considered normal length in the US. Seen here above Stahlwille Open Box 13 and Facom 440. Facom 440 below 19mm are longer than Open box 13 but from 19mm and above they are shorter.
Both spanners have very similar dimensions with the only real difference being the offset on the ring end which will be shown later.
Hazet is about 3mm longer and a little heavier. The difference in weight is not discernable to me when holding a spanner in each hand.
Comparing the open ends. The Hazet has it's signature polished open end with slightly wider cheeks. This looks nice but scratches very easily. The beam and box end are a matte/satin finish. The Stahlwille has the same smooth satin finish all over.
The Hazet (bottom) has a slightly more rounded profile on the open end compared to the more squared off Stahlwille (top). Hazet also tapers towards the tips. My cheap caliper measures the Stahlwille thickness at 7.9mm and the Hazet at 8.5mm down to 8.0mm at the tips.
The slight taper towards the tips on the Hazet can be seen here.
Aligned the beams as close as I could to show the different angles of the open ends.
Comparing the ring (or box) ends. From this angle there is nothing to distinguish between the two. Outside diameters on both the rings measured at 27.3mm so they are approximately the same thickness assuming the inside dimensions are close to being the same.
This angle shows the main difference between the spanners which is the offset and angle of the ring end. The rings themselves measured at approximately the same depth/thickness at 13.4mm. I was surprised by this as the profile on the Hazet (top) makes it appear thinner. Bit of an optical illusion.
Rings flat on the bench to show the difference in angles. Stahlwille (Front) has a deeper offset but shallower angle.
Possible functional differences. These are fabricated situations which I feel may be similar to real world use. Advantages and disadvantages would be more apparent in confined spaces.
Stahlwille does not sit flush when used flipped due to the offset. (eg reaching behind the back of brake calipers.) Hazet in the second image can be used flipped in some situations.
Hazet struggling to clear obstruction from a close by fastener. Stahlwille in the second image clears the obstacles in this situation.
Comparing the beams. The Hazet has a squarer beam profile compared to the rounder Stahlwille. The rounder profile initially feels more comfortable but as you apply more torque it digs into you hand. The square profile on the Hazet spreads the pressure out a little more so feels more comfortable to me when force is applied.
Also I find that gripping onto the deeper offset ring end on the Stahlwille feels a little awkward when turning a fastener with the open end. This may just be because I'm not familiar with it.
Size marking. The size markings on the the Hazet are clearer and at both ends. Stahlwille has size marked on just the open end.
Fit and finish. Hazet offers arguably more in the looks department with it's Art Deco(?) styling and contrasting chrome finishes but I think Stahlwille took extra effort on the small details.
Stahlwille (back) has cleaner grind/tooling inside the open end.
Flipped to show the other jaw. Stahlwille (front).
Stahlwille (front) finished the join on the ring to the beam cleaner/smoother.
End. This comparison is just some observations. Any negative comments about either brand are just me nitpicking very minor differences between two equally great spanners.