Wiha Vietnam bits

[Tuc04]

Does anyone have any experience with the made in Vietnam Wiha bits?

I'm specifically looking at the 76094 set in which the bits are about 3.5" long. They are for getting down to recessed screws with a ratcheting screwdriver.

If anyone has any other suggestions I'm open to looking as I don't really like the idea of Wiha making stuff in Vietnam.

http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-phillips-power-blade-4pc-set-p/76094.htm

 

[beamrider]

If you're not going to be using them in high torque situations, then I'll suggest this:

http://www.harborfreight.com/36-piece-3-inch-screwdriver-bit-set-97807.html

Surprisingly, I haven't rounded any of them yet, using them in an impact driver.

 

[Wamsutta]

If they say "Wiha" on them, they better be made in Germany or they won't be purchased using my money.

 

[gdocktor3]

If they say "Wiha" on them, they better be made in Germany or they won't be purchased using my money.

The clouds are rolling in... Same thing happened to this little company named Craftsman not so long ago. One thing here, another thing there, then BOOM. Everything is made out of cheaper material somewhere in Asia. Its a shame. A damn shame...

 

[Wamsutta]

The clouds are rolling in... Same thing happened to this little company named Craftsman not so long ago. One thing here, another thing there, then BOOM. Everything is made out of cheaper material somewhere in Asia. Its a shame. A damn shame...

What they're trying to do is maximize their profits while thinking the customer won't care; well, they're wrong.

 

[Tuc04]

Thanks for the feedback.

I think I'm going to buy the HF set that was suggested and track which ones I really use and maybe if/when they need replacement get some better quality ones.

At least the HF set is up front and honest about being cheap. I don't like how Wiha is doing this. It also makes me question some torx bits I have from them that say made in Germany on the case, but not on the bits themselves.

 

[78Bird]

Get the HF set, and replace the ones you wear out with individual PB Swiss ones...

Love the few i have.

 

[Pantsfall_McFixit]

I just bought some bits, they are apparently made in Vietnam. A look at the website indicates many insert bits are now made there, however a lot of them are still made in Germany. The nut setters are made in Taiwan. At this point I am unsure of the quality on how well they hold up. Does anyone have experience with Vietnamese made Wiha bits? Are they good? I have no issue with some tools made in another country, as long as they are quality. However if they move most production to other countries then they lose their reputation as a high quality German tool maker.

 

[PureLeaf]

Sad to see this thread too. There was just a thread in the Hot Deals forum on this site about a deal on their SAE and Metric wrench sets until it was realized it was their outsourced Made in India wrenches, Not their german made ones. Not worth the pot metal they're from either.

 

[M6erfan]

Me too, disappointed to hear. I've been buying Wiha for two decades and have been very happy with their performance. Can't say that I like this developement.

 

[nanofrog]

If they say "Wiha" on them, they better be made in Germany or they won't be purchased using my money.

Even if they do say Germany, it may not mean what you think it does.

Specifically, that unlike the US, Germany only has a 20% domestic content requirement and/or what they call significant transformation. And that last bit allows for some really creative stuff. For example, a steel vessel (tank) made in China can be imported into Germany, treated with nitric acid, and legally qualify for a Made in Germany stamp.

Same with screwdriver bits; all they need to do is finish them in Germany. And in the case of normal screwdrivers, just add a handle in Germany, and voila; they get Germany printed or stamped on them.

Doesn't mean all German tool companies do this, but the possibility is there.

What they're trying to do is maximize their profits while thinking the customer won't care; well, they're wrong.

Sadly, it seems the average person doesn't care. Those that buy quality tools do however, based on the forum posts in general.

So yeah, they're running a real risk of damaging their reputation.

...made in Vietnam. I have no issue with some tools made in another country, as long as they are quality. However if they move most production to other countries then they lose their reputation as a high quality German tool maker.

They've a lot of pliers and cutters coming out of their Vietnam facility as well.

FWIW, the pair of needle nose I have seem to be well made, but the pricing is out of line for where they're produced IMHO.

 

[firworks]

I've got a few Wiha pliers made in Vietnam and they are very nice. I wouldn't have much of a worry there. Germans will do a good job making sure that it's good if their name is on it. Before anyone mentions Volkswagen... I do feel like my car is of good quality... just illegal.

 

[Skin]

Wiha made in Vietnam isn't a new development. They opened a factory there years ago.

 

[M6erfan]

What's more concerning is their Made in India wrenches. Whenever I thought Wiha I thought quality, I'm starting to waver...

 

[outdoorspace]

I would leave Wiha flat if their fixed-blade screwdrivers left Germany.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

My whia vietnam sapring pliers are exceptionally well made. That being said if you are worried about the quality of the bits, then just buy the PB Swiss ones. They are lighyears ahead of the wiha ones and not that much more if you are just buying the individual bits you need.