Wera Tool-Check Plus

[AJHD]

I didn't see a thread on this yet, so I wanted to ask... How many of you have the Wera Tool-Check Plus? Do you find it useful and actually use it? Do any of you use it at all for automotive work and what kind of work? Do you have any complaints (bit quality for example)?

I've been wanting to get one for awhile but wanted to see what GJ thinks about it before I drop $80.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8MYMT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Professional Tool User]

I only buy Wera tools if they are reasonably priced. So far I've purchased the fixed blade screwdrivers, precision screwdrivers, demagnetizer and the hex keys. I'm overall very happy with my Wera tools. Stuff like their bit sets, wrenches, and ratchets are too expensive for what they are. There's plenty of nice made in Taiwan bits out there at a fraction of the cost. And then there's the rumours going around that the only tools they actually make in house are the screwdrivers. The other stuff is rumoured to be either forged in Taiwan and finished in the Czech Republic or just QC in the Czech Republic.

 

[matthew]

I have the previous revision of that set, which doesn’t include the sockets or screwdriver handle.

1. Bitratchets are among my favourite tools. So useful I don’t know how I got along without it.

2. The Wera one is nice and compact. This is a tool where if you don’t have one, you may find like I did that you want one stashed in several places - so you may want to try out a cheaper one and then upgrade when you find a deal, since you’ll likely be happy to have more than one. And that does look a little pricey.

3. I’m a big fan of the bits.

4. I don’t really like putting sockets on the ratchet - it’s just better proportioned for screwdriver bits.

5. I like the rapidaptor a surprising amount. The sleeve spins in your fingers which is nice for stabilizing bits.

6. I even like the case. But if I’m honest I kind of wish for the Felo wood box set. Link. I’m a sucker for wood boxes.

 

[LeeG]

I have had the set for about 2 years. I keep it I’m my “volunteer work” kit as I seldom use bit drivers when I am working in my shop. That said, it has been a great tool. I also added he imperial sockets as well.

 

[Fedwrench]

I've had that set for years. My sockets aren't color coded. It's a handy little set. However, it does have its limitations with the short bit ratchet and small screwdriver handle. It's hard to beat for portability.
It's handy for dash work. I think this compact 1/4 drive set is more useful though: https://www.lowes.com/pd/CRAFTSMAN-...rive-Metric-6-Point-Tool-Set-38-pc/5005347489
there are similar compact 1/4 sets offered by FACOM/USAG, Felo, Toptul, and others. Visit KCTOOL.COM for more options.

 

[Mike S.]

I have the same kit in the Amazon link, but I think there's a newer version with a latch that locks and unlocks the rotating bit holder.

Overall I think it's a great little kit, but the latching mechanism on my set doesn't keep the bit holder secured anymore, so it just flops around which is a minor annoyance.

 

[FlaGman]

I have that set, I purchased it when it was on sale for $57 or so. I use it as part of my repair kit that stays on my motorcycle, it works well to supplement a few wrenches. I am very happy with the quality and really like the color coded sockets.

 

[Grokew]

I have the same kit in the Amazon link, but I think there's a newer version with a latch that locks and unlocks the rotating bit holder.

Overall I think it's a great little kit, but the latching mechanism on my set doesn't keep the bit holder secured anymore, so it just flops around which is a minor annoyance.

Images not mine.

Old Style

On the old style, you push the small Wera logo up in order to open the bit storage area.

New Style

 

[tez929rr]

I have that set, I purchased it when it was on sale for $57 or so. I use it as part of my repair kit that stays on my motorcycle, it works well to supplement a few wrenches. I am very happy with the quality and really like the color coded sockets.

I did the same thing - it was on sale at Amazon for $65. I keep it in my tank bag.

 

[bwringer]

I'm glad to see that kit includes a 12mm socket and does not include an 11mm; for some stupid Euro-trash reason, Wera skips 12mm in some of their kits yet tosses in an 11mm which has no earthly use unless you run into a 7/16" nut somewhere.

And to be super-specific, Wera's Hex-Plus hex tools are legitimately amazing, next-level torque capability. All their bits are great quality as well.

A few specific beefs with this kit. Much of this is personal taste and experience, of course.
- No T27 bit. WHYYYYYYYY why why would you leave this out, especially in a Euro kit?
- No torx smaller than T10. May or may not be an issue in your world, of course. I'd at least toss in a T8.
- You could make some room by removing some of the smaller torx bits that overlap with security torx; with T20 and smaller, security torx is plenty strong.
- No P0 bit. YMMV, of course.
- No 7 or 9mm hex bits. Uncommon, but I have encountered them and I would want them available.
- The PZ stuff is useless in my world. Maybe not in yours.
- A 14mm socket would be awfully nice, but there's no place to put it. I can't recall ever using a 5.5, though...
- There's only one slotted bit. One or two smaller slotted bits might prove useful

Personally, I would remove the PZ **** I'll never need, possibly remove the overlapping torx/security torx bits (T10, T15, T20), and buy some individual bits to fill the gaps.

And I really hate buying from scAmazon, when the kit and all the individual bits you'll want are so easily available from a great supplier like KC Tool. Slightly higher price, but it would be a lot more convenient to get everything in one go if you want to customize your kit:

Screwdrivers by Wera, Witte, Stahlwille, Knipex, Hazet, Gedore, Felo - KC Tool

High Quality German Screwdrivers. We Specialize in Wera Screwdrivers, Stahlwille Screwdrivers, Gedore Screwdrivers, Hazet Screwdrivers, Felo Screwdrivers, Heyco Screwdrivers and other German Made Screwdrivers.

www.kctool.com

 

[Fedwrench]

5.5mm is real common as trim fasteners and securing AC actuators on later model Ford/GM vehicles.
Slightly off topic but, WERA also offers several compact kits in their soft side textile containers. Here's one example:

Wera 004018 Zyklop Metal Ratchet 1/4" Drive with Switch Lever Metric Set | Wera at KC Tool

Wera Zyklop Metal 8100 SA 8 1/4-Inch Drive Metric Ratchet Set, 28 Piece1/4" Drive Zyklop Ratchet with switch lever 840/1 Z Hex Bit: 3.0 x 25mm 840/1 Z Hex Bi...

www.kctool.com

 

[Qualitytools]

I have a set that I have had for a few years. I love it! When I am looking for 1/4 drive, I reach for it first. I use it on my car for small tight places inside and out. I also use it for things around the house. I love the compactness and the design.

 

[bwringer]

5.5mm is real common as trim fasteners and securing AC actuators on later model Ford/GM vehicles.
Slightly off topic but, WERA also offers several compact kits in their soft side textile containers. Here's one example:

Wera 004018 Zyklop Metal Ratchet 1/4" Drive with Switch Lever Metric Set | Wera at KC Tool

Wera Zyklop Metal 8100 SA 8 1/4-Inch Drive Metric Ratchet Set, 28 Piece1/4" Drive Zyklop Ratchet with switch lever 840/1 Z Hex Bit: 3.0 x 25mm 840/1 Z Hex Bi...

www.kctool.com

Good points. My world is mostly Japanese brand motorcycles, with some Japanese and Korean brand cars. And I can't seem to keep the neighbors from bringing me busted Stihl weed whackers and chainsaws to fix, so I need T27 fairly often.

So if your usual machinery is different, then your mix is different.

And yup, the zippered soft cases will be better for some folks; they take up more space, but are more secure if the kit is bouncing around in a vehicle or something. And it might be easier to stuff in an extra socket or some bits, a magnet, a few extra screws, etc. depending on what you might find handy.

 

[lardy1]

Hazet also has some really nice sets. Pretty pricy, however.

That Craftsman has really went up in price since they introduced it. I was considering it but for that money I'd go a different direction.

 

[KnurledNut]

This kit has always intrigued me.
Ive looked at it many times, especially when it was cheap.
Some of my reservations were similar to @bwringer.
And the fancy case is of no benefit to me.

While 1" insert bits are great, they will bite you when access is limited.
I do have a very comprehensive set of these and use them often.
But I have really grown to appreciate 6" bits and handles, and unless length is an issue, its my go-to.

I have mostly avoided pre-assembled sets and customized my own.

I do own quite a few Wera bits and they are well machined with good fitment, but have seen some wear faster than expected.

 

[Max]

I have the older version and it has worked well for me. It generally lives on the motorcycle where I’ve never used it. On long trips it goes in my car, and I have used it when visiting multiple times to fix stuff.

 

[jobo1004]

I've had one for eight months now and only ever used it twice. It works fine, but for my use hasn't been as handy as I thought it would be.

 

[Dave455]

I don’t have the Wera Tool Check Plus. I might acquire one at some point, as I think they’re a good option for a road box.

I do have the set shown below.

Perhaps I can clear up some misconceptions.

Wera may be a German company, but they don’t make tools in Germany, and haven’t done so for the best part of 30 years.

Their screwdrivers, hex keys, torx keys and screwdriver bits are all made in the Czech Republic. They have been since the “Kraftform” drivers were introduced.

Wera were not, historically, a maker of wrenches or sockets. These are a relatively new line for the company, and are made in Taiwan. Again, they always have been.

Wera’s design is very good. You may not agree with everything that they do, but they try.

The Czech factory is not some “outsource to the lowest bidder” deal, but is actually Wera’s factory. The Czech’s can produce very decent stuff, and the Czech Wera is excellent in my opinion. The steel is good, manufacture likewise, and quality control excellent.

I have a lot of hex keys and screwdriver bits, and consider the former second only to PB Swiss. Wera offer a greater variety.

The Zyklop ratchet’s are made in the Czech republic, but all sockets, extensions and mini ratchets are made in Taiwan. There is still some “so so” stuff coming out of Taiwan, but Wera isn’t it. It’s up there with the best of Taiwanese, such as Facom, but differs in design and finish.

It’s good and durable. This 13mm socket has seen a good deal of use and there’s no real wear.

I reckon the best tools Wera produce are their hex and torx sockets. The socket bodies are made in Taiwan, the blades in the Czech Republic and they are superb. These 1/4’ drive long bits are my newest.

Bear in mind though, that in the U.K. and Europe, Wera tools are “mid price”. If you’re shipping them a long way and paying top dollar, there may be other options that represent better value.

Edit - both DIN and ISO standard bolts use hex sizes of 5.5, 7, 8, 10, and 13 for bolts of 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm. 11 is the standard size for 7mm bolts. This is uncommon, but that’s why it was included in some sets. 12mm is a JIS size, but probably more common than 11mm.

 

[tez929rr]

Those soft case 1/4 inch sets are pretty nice, and would probably be more useful on the bike than the Tool Check. But I have a nice Cruz Tools set as well and with both sets together I’m in good shape.

 

[Shop-hound]

I have that kit. The bits are great (especially the gold diamond coated). That mini bit ratchet is indispensable (though has higher back drag so I cut a coil off the spring and lubed now it’s perfect).

The sockets, while well labelled, tight fitting (<0.005” to size) and nicely knurled, they have a very heavy lead in chamfer reducing contact with the fastener, and they’re much thicker than a standard chrome as per comparison below. For rusty or hard to access bolts/nuts they are not the first choice, but a solid road kit for a bike.

 

[tez929rr]

Went on a long motorcycle trip to the Big Bend last weekend. We used my tool check plus to pull the bodywork off of a friend’s BMW to get to an electrical problem. By Sunday the two other guys with me had each ordered one from Amazon.

 

[silkman]

Here's my answer to all of you:

Just buy the ratchet alone, it comes with the square 1/4" socket adaptor. This bit ratchet is the slimmest there is.

Although its not perfect, it has developed some wobble and the direction switch can be switched accidentally, it has saved me countless times and I have tons of bits and 1/4 nuts and extensions for it.

I think it was 25 from amazon uk.

 

[f121]

I'm glad to see that kit includes a 12mm socket and does not include an 11mm; for some stupid Euro-trash reason, Wera skips 12mm in some of their kits yet tosses in an 11mm which has no earthly use unless you run into a 7/16" nut somewhere.

11mm is common for fine thread m6 in Europe, to easily distinguish the fasteners from regular thread m6. No idea why you'd want a 12mm, is that a jap thing?

 

[rancherbill]

I've been wanting to get one for awhile but wanted to see what GJ thinks about it before I drop $80.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8MYMT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I clicked your link and amazon always directs you to the Canadian site, it's 120cad in Canada.

I check on the German site by changing the .com to .de For me here it ends up costing $75.85euro with shipping which is 102cad, an $18 difference.

https://www.amazon.de/dp/B00I8MYMT2/

Try it.

 

[tez929rr]

11mm is common for fine thread m6 in Europe, to easily distinguish the fasteners from regular thread m6. No idea why you'd want a 12mm, is that a jap thing?

Japanese motorcycles are generally 8/10/12 an occasional 14 and maybe 17 and larger for bigger fasteners like axle nuts.

 

[garfunkle24]

It's an awesome set. I liked my old set (non colour coded) enough that I bought another (colour coded) set for my service truck.

 

[Dave455]

One observation about these sets, is that the ratchet included is a bit ratchet, not a regular ratchet.

To be honest, these are becoming more and more essential. I seem to find fasteners on a weekly basis that can’t be accessed without one, or are much easier with one.

The downside is that it’s optimum for the bits, but you have to use the adaptor to utilise the regular sockets, which adds to the overall thickness.

It doesn’t seem to be one of Wera’s better known items, but they do offer a mini ratchet to match the mini bit driver. My “go to” box of 1/4” drive is a real mix of different makes, but I include both these Wera tools

 

[Buster21]

I love mine, I just used it helping my buddy remove the dash panel on his Chevy truck to replace his flasher unit. I like it so much I got my dad and brother one for Christmas.

 

[Qualitytools]

It's an awesome set. I liked my old set (non colour coded) enough that I bought another (colour coded) set for my service truck.

I won my non color set from KC TOOLS and a few years later the price dropped drastically so I purchased another with colors.

 

[F-22]

I really wonder where the Joker wrenches are made. I assume Taiwan since almost no one makes ratcheting wrenches within Europe anyway (except Gedore).

I like their sockets a lot. Really nice color coding in a groove so it lasts, and the knurling is great too. They seem to be durable too. The knurling and color coding is awesome but I really hate the size numbers aren't stamped in too. I guess they're laser etched so it won't fade anytime soon, but still...

I have the metal Zyklop 3/8". It's okay, quite slim, but not my go-to ratchet (guess I'm more used to 1/2" tools? I'd need a more beefy 3/8" ratchet).

Allen keys are IMO their best product.

Screwdrivers are good but the handle isn't my favourite. Some love them - I don't. Hazet hexanamic (or Oplast Kraftgrip) or PB Swiss multicraft for me. Need to try Vessel once.

 

[Dave455]

I really wonder where the Joker wrenches are made. I assume Taiwan since almost no one makes ratcheting wrenches within Europe anyway (except Gedore).

I like their sockets a lot. Really nice color coding in a groove so it lasts, and the knurling is great too. They seem to be durable too. The knurling and color coding is awesome but I really hate the size numbers aren't stamped in too. I guess they're laser etched so it won't fade anytime soon, but still...

I have the metal Zyklop 3/8". It's okay, quite slim, but not my go-to ratchet (guess I'm more used to 1/2" tools? I'd need a more beefy 3/8" ratchet).

Allen keys are IMO their best product.

Screwdrivers are good but the handle isn't my favourite. Some love them - I don't. Hazet hexanamic (or Oplast Kraftgrip) or PB Swiss multicraft for me. Need to try Vessel once.

Yes, all the wrenches are made in Taiwan.

I’m in the U.K. so all the Wera packing is marked with country of origin. Screwdrivers, screwdriver bits and hex keys are made in the Czech republic, sockets, wrenches and accessories are made in Taiwan.

For things like bit sockets, you are getting a Taiwanese made socket with a Czech made bit.

Totally agree on the sockets, they seem to be surprisingly decent, but you’re right on the markings - stamping would be better. Not convinced the laser etching won’t fade. Some of mine are already getting a bit feint!

The screwdriver blades are superb - very tough, and I think their stainless ones are the best of the bunch, but hate the handles too. Don’t mind the shape but the soft inserts are useless in the real world!

 

[F-22]

The screwdriver blades are superb - very tough, and I think their stainless ones are the best of the bunch, but hate the handles too. Don’t mind the shape but the soft inserts are useless in the real world!

Would indeed be very happy to own a set of their old Weralit series screwdrivers. I also hate how dirty the new handle gets. I guess that's why I love the pb swiss multicraft.

 

[Dave455]

Would indeed be very happy to own a set of their old Weralit series screwdrivers. I also hate how dirty the new handle gets. I guess that's why I love the pb swiss multicraft.

Yes definitely!

I see a few of these around and they seem to be rock solid!

A version of these are still made in South Africa, and sold in Africa. I’m not convinced they are quite as good as the German originals but they don’t look bad.

I assume the tooling was exported there, but it’s a slightly odd decision as I assume a big part of the reason they were discontinued was cost.

 

[KnurledNut]

@F-22
@Dave455
for Weralit!
Rarely see those mentioned here!

 

[190Octane]

I really wonder where the Joker wrenches are made. I assume Taiwan since almost no one makes ratcheting wrenches within Europe anyway (except Gedore).

I like their sockets a lot. Really nice color coding in a groove so it lasts, and the knurling is great too. They seem to be durable too. The knurling and color coding is awesome but I really hate the size numbers aren't stamped in too. I guess they're laser etched so it won't fade anytime soon, but still...

I have the metal Zyklop 3/8". It's okay, quite slim, but not my go-to ratchet (guess I'm more used to 1/2" tools? I'd need a more beefy 3/8" ratchet).

Allen keys are IMO their best product.

Screwdrivers are good but the handle isn't my favourite. Some love them - I don't. Hazet hexanamic (or Oplast Kraftgrip) or PB Swiss multicraft for me. Need to try Vessel once.

The hex plus has helped me out a few times getting out an Allen bolt that others wouldn’t. I have a set of the imperials on the way and will stick my icons in one of my go boxes for trips.

 

[sweet victory]

I keep an SAE version Wera Tool Check Plus in the "kitchen drawer". Love it.

 

[Jokester]

I wanted to get the metric set for several years and finally decided to do so after seeing that Wera came out with a ratcheting T-handle that I had to have. Been looking at various ratcheting T-handle bit type drivers for years and have had several that were OK. Think they recently introduced the ratcheting model and I wasted no time ordering one along with the metric bit/driver set. My first tools from Wera and a bit pricey, but the quality/function/form is absolute top notch and I have had some quite good tools over the decades to make fair comparisons.
On a side note, I ordered these from Chad's Toolbox, which was a first for me as I never even knew the company existed. Had exactly what I was looking for at very fair prices, free shipping, no tax and was very responsive to the few messages I sent. No doubt will order from him as needed. Not affiliated in any way, just posting my super positive buying experience after having read quite a few negatives.

 

[VolvoRyan]

I love my tool check plus. All my other bit ratchets and offset screw drivers are obsolete now. Pretty rugged, too. I bought a longer handle flex head bit ratchet from VIM for other hard to reach places.

My only qualm is that the sockets are not really super useful. With the 1/4" drive bit, it's a pretty chunky package. I do wish there was a T27 bit in it, but it's a weird size.

Otherwise, the Tool check plus is very handy for interior work.

-Ryan

 

[Mooky]

Just got one today, immediately needed it on a tight quarter Allen head behind a motorcycle exhaust pipe. Perfect! Also have the Wiha ratchet/bit set. Nice, but the ratchet reverse lever is very easy to flip in a tight spot, annoying.