Why is this Wiha compact 1/4 socket set so expensive?

[Fedwrench]

WIHA 44684 Metric Nut driver and bit set 1/4"

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chadstoolbox.com

I've eyeballed this Wiha Compact 1/4 drive socket set for a while but, it only recently became available in the USA. However, I don't know if it's a tariff thing or Wiha just trying to make it more exclusive but $165.99 to over $200 depending on vendor, just seems pricy to me
I believe its contents are made in Taiwan/Vietnam. In my mind, this set should be under $100.
Rant over. Have a nice day

 

[mike93lx]

Because they are going to sell three of them but still need to have inventory?

 

[Wrench-Polisher]

I think it is made in Germany. My usual answer is because its not made by slave labor where the factory dumps the carcinogens directly into the factory workers water supply.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Not worth it. I’d be surprised if any of the vital parts (ratchet, sockets, …) are actually Made in Germany. The handle/ bit holder probably is.

Regular price/ MSRP in Germany including VAT is 198,86 EUR/ 230,19 USD
Right now it’s on promotion from Wiha directly including VAT for 138,90 EUR/ 160,78 USD

It’s available from eBay including VAT from 99,00 EUR/ 114,60 USD + shipping.

I wouldn’t even pay the 99,00 EUR for it. It’s just another import 1/4” socket set you can get from any reputable brand and their sister … , and then, with the/ given the choices you have in the US … It would be a “hell no” for me.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[CGarage]

I think Wiha really markets the lights out of “Made in Germany”, especially in the U.S. market.

While I own and like the tools, there is nothing they make that has me really impressed.

I prefer the Vessel precision screwdrivers today. A decade ago, I was using Wiha for this.

If you want the best 1/4” drive ratchet and bit sets, you need to look at Facom / USAG and the derivatives- Icon in the US and Tone in Japan.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Absolutely agree, especially considering what actually really is still Made in Germany from their portfolio/ range.


That said, I’m a fierce advocate for their VDE SlimBit line, especially the SpeedE II + torque adapters & corresponding bits. I think that is something they got 100% right. I was at the trade fair where & when they introduced the first generation SpeedE, and that was already pretty sweet. The SpeedE II is even better.


Kind regards,
Olli

 

[rust in the eye]

I do like that set, a nice selection of tools there.
Wiha seems quite proud of their stuff. That and a nicely packaged set = $$. Take it or leave it.
Too rich for my blood.

 

[KnurledNut]

They gotta make money to rebuild from the Vietnam fire. Support the effort!

 

[LXCam]

A few have pointed this out already. I'm a huge fan of their screwdrivers, but everything else has been a disappointment compared to dollars spent. BUT, they sure make purdy stuff.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Fedwrench
Is that the same as this set but with a comfort grip ratchet?
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/wiha-compact-socket-bit-set-33394.524038/

 

[Steve_P]

A few have pointed this out already. I'm a huge fan of their screwdrivers, but everything else has been a disappointment compared to dollars spent. BUT, they sure make purdy stuff.

Along with screwdrivers, their deadblow hammers, hex keys, torx keys are awesome. Even the (gasp) Vietnam made bits are great. The Vietnam made pliers were also excellent for the $ before the fire.

 

[Beerhippie]

I think it is made in Germany. My usual answer is because its not made by slave labor where the factory dumps the carcinogens directly into the factory workers water supply.

You have WATER at the factory? Spoiled brat!

 

[Fedwrench]

@Fedwrench
Is that the same as this set but with a comfort grip ratchet?
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/wiha-compact-socket-bit-set-33394.524038/

I think so.

 

[CGarage]

A few have pointed this out already. I'm a huge fan of their screwdrivers, but everything else has been a disappointment compared to dollars spent. BUT, they sure make purdy stuff.

Describe what you mean by “purdy” / “pretty” stuff?

The small precision bit sets are nicely made.

But their standard screwdrivers I do not think are nicer than Vessel. And the wrenches are inferior to the big 3 German wrench companies- Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore in my opinion.

 

[dnschmidt]

Com'on Fed you already know the answer. Because there are imbeciles out there that will buy them at that price. First rule of capitalism it's not what it worth it's what you can charge people for it. Nobody knows this rule better than the Germans

 

[LXCam]

Describe what you mean by “purdy” / “pretty” stuff?

The small precision bit sets are nicely made.

But their standard screwdrivers I do not think are nicer than Vessel. And the wrenches are inferior to the big 3 German wrench companies- Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore in my opinion.

Yes purdy = pretty

Luv my precision set as well and it gets used a lot. I've yet to damage one all though I've snapped one of my #2 laser tips which pisses me off.

I haven't tried any Vessel screwdrivers yet but I always see great reviews here. One of these days I'll go down that road.

 

[BombShelter]

It's not on the USA Website, it seems to be an EU Offering. They're probably buying it at retail and still trying to make a profit after having it shipped over here. I have lot's of Wiha around here, the made in Germany Selection gets smaller every year.

I think most of their sockets are from Taiwan or Vietnam, they seem to be trying to find a place in the market with several roll-outs over the last five years but none of the sets seem to stick around long.

The set looks a lot like some of the MOB Peddinghaus (France) Stuff I was getting for cheap on sears.com several years ago when they always had killer sales if you scrolled through the tools. The fit & finish are very similar to Wiha.

I had to take a screenshot, it's not on Chad's but it's on google and going for silly money, mine might have been $35 give or take $10.

 

[four.cycle]

$165.99 to over $200 depending on vendor, just seems pricy to me

^ with an MSRP of $244 ?

The price point is a deal killer for well over 80% of the prospective market (pretty much everybody from the guy buying the $19.99 Kobalt 50-pc kit to the Snap-on fanboys.)
Tekton introduced that EXP0008 "Small Engine Kit" (with twice the contents of that Wiha kit) for $100., but they have as of yet (in 6 months) failed to produce the item in what was promised to be an "improved model".

My eggs (wishing and hoping as they are) are in the Tekton basket, patiently waiting. In the meantime I'm selling everything else off.

 

[KnurledNut]

I would prefer to have the 387 Centrofix handle instead of the included basic magnetic 281, especially at that price point.
And as I mentioned in the old thread, they should have included a bit adaptor socket for the ratchet.
This set looks user friendly. I really like the soft case.