Wiha/Wera wrenches/sockets

[Sal Bandini]

Looking through the board I don't see much, if any, posts on the sockets and combination wrenches of Wiha and Wera. I am looking to get a few individual pieces for my toolbox. I am not a pro but do like good quality tools. I have Wiha and Wera screwdrivers and bits and think they are top notch.

I can get the pieces I want for not much more than the cheaper Taiwanese or Chinese ones yet way less than the other remium brands. For example, the few sockets I want range from $4 to $5 and the 10mm wrench is $6.50. I don't need to buy complete sets as I will only be using a few sizes. I am 100% Honda right now.

So, does anyone have first-hand experience with these tools and can offer feedback?

 

[espyking83]

I have some Wiha hex sockets and would put them around Armstrong quality. Not bad, but not too great either. I didnt pay much for them, so for the price they're great. Havent used any Wera sockets so I cant help. Regarding their wrenches, I would order a small wrench from the set you're thinking about buying before you bite. They can be a bit pricy.

 

[kiatech]

Its not going to be easy to warranty.

 

[espyking83]

Just saw where you can get them for the price of Taiwan tools. With that said--I'd go for it.

 

[dnschmidt]

I bought a Wiha double offset box wrench and it was German made but complete garbage. The angles were off on it with one end being overly bent. For the ton of money I spent on it I was shocked that Wiha would sell such garbage. Wiha's screwdrivers are killer because they make them. Their wrenches and sockets they simply re-label from somebody else. NOT IMPRESSED.

 

[rice rocket]

Its not going to be easy to warranty.

Seems pretty easy.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=70054


I have a handful of Zyklops sockets, they seems pretty nice, haven't broken one, etc etc. I have their precision screwdrivers too, and got my father the Wihas for Xmas. The Weras look nicer, I heard the Wihas had nicer tips though.

 

[matt stott]

I have a set of the Wera 1/4" drive sockets and I really like them. The fit and finish is top notch- as to the durability they are plenty strong for me. I only have 1/4" sets, so they don't see too much hard living, but they have held up as well as anything. They seem to be much better finished than my usa craftsman, and about on par with snap-on. This may be because my snap on stuff is decades old and has been ridden hard- but the finish on the Wera sockets is very, very good.

As to the actual metal composition and hardness and strength of the sockets I can only say that I have had no issues (but again, I am only using 1/4" sizes).

Get a few- see if you like them!

Matt

 

[Sal Bandini]

Thanks all for the replies.

I think I will get a few of the Zyklops sockets and maybe one Wiha to compare. I am also thinking of getting the 10mm combo wrench to see on the quality.

 

[matt stott]

Some comparison, from left to right:

Wera 1/4" drive, 12mm
Snap-on 1/4", 1/2"
Snap-on 3/8" drive, 12mm
Craftsman USA 3/8" drive, 12mm
Stanley Pro, USA 3/8" drive, 1/2"

The Wera does not have a stamped size, just laser printing, but the matte finish makes it very easy to read (and has not worn off yet).

 

[Gmonkee]

I have Stahwille DOE wrenches and have put many miles on the combos in a pro shop setting.
They also are worth considering as options .

Mine have years of use now and have been flawless. Warranty be damned, they don't fail so I don't need one.

 

[SawtoothJL]

I think wiha and wera probably get gedore, stahlwille, hazet, or matador to make their wrenches. This is Just a guess. But if it happens to be the case then You should have no issues with the wrenches.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

Not as shiny as the rest but when you got greasy hands it should be easy to pull off a ratchet

Some comparison, from left to right:

Wera 1/4" drive, 12mm
Snap-on 1/4", 1/2"
Snap-on 3/8" drive, 12mm
Craftsman USA 3/8" drive, 12mm
Stanley Pro, USA 3/8" drive, 1/2"

The Wera does not have a stamped size, just laser printing, but the matte finish makes it very easy to read (and has not worn off yet).

 

[neophyte]

I think wiha and wera probably get gedore, stahlwille, hazet, or matador to make their wrenches. This is Just a guess. But if it happens to be the case then You should have no issues with the wrenches.

The German made Wiha wrenches and sockets are supposedly manufactured by Heyco, another German tool manufacturer that does a lot of OEM work for other companies. I believe Wiha also has a less expensive line of wrenches and sockets that may be made in Taiwan or india or ?

I think it's been mentioned that the Wera Joker wrenches are made in Taiwan.

 

[Sal Bandini]

I actually prefer the matte finish. That's why I'm also considering Hazet for the combo wrenches. I'm only looking at getting a few since I have no need for 11, 13, 15, 16, 18mm so don't want to buy complete set.

Price example, Hazet 600N 10mm $16.26 versus Wiha 10mm German made (not cheap version) $6.50 so that's a big difference in price.