Why Pro Mechanics LOVE These Tools
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- čas přidán 30. 10. 2023
- Review of the Wera Bicycle 1 Tool Kit.
Wera Hex Key Set: amzn.to/3tSEdSH
Wera Bicycle Set 1: amzn.to/47cKF5i
Topeak Ratchet: amzn.to/3MnX5iH
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I use wera hex-plus L keys at my job in aerospace machining, everybody on my crew does. Almost everytime a bolt gets turned its with a wera key, and you can tell with the heavily deformed bolt heads how effective it is. Overtightened hex bolts will mush into a slightly pointed star shaped head, and the deformed shape actually gives it more contact surface and gives you better purchase. These tools make your fasteners last longer and the steel they use doesn't deform. I've had Wera L keys crack in half but never deform at the tool head.
5:59 You can push the bits down or thru the holder. Much easier to remove that way.
As someone who repairs industrial 3d printers for work. Colored hex keys are a lot easier to find when you drop them somewhere 😅
Big fan of the ball detent ones when fishing a bolt somewhere deep
lol, i got the same job and I too absolutely love the detent... just hope it'd be on the 2,5 key
I love my Wera tools but agree about the cases. A bit clunky. But, you don't have to buy the "bicycle" versions of their tools. They have other ratcheting kits (with many more bits and sockets) that are also mini and have sleeker cases. At least, imo, of course.
Anyone who works on their own bike should treat themselves to a JIS screwdriver. I promise it will change your life
My Vessel gel-grips are my favourite souvenirs from Japan.
Can you explain why?
Almost no manufacturers that make them anymore. It's replaced with a certain DIN standard that covers JIS screws and Philips heads. Not to shoot you down, but I know where you're coming from. Adjusting derailleur stops and other crossheads is a breeze and joy.
@@Tettoffensive They don’t cam out. Also most derailleur limit screws and the like use JIS spec fasteners. That’s why your Philips head always feels like a sloppy fit
@@OjStudios vessel still makes them thankfully. Philips drivers won’t ever not suck
On my bike live a set of Fix it sticks, 3,4,5,8 mm bits. they clip onto a mount under the water bottle cage. absolutely perfect for any ride. I am almost always the first to draw the right tool when someone needs it. You can customize the setup with any set of bits your bike needs, I can almost take apart my whole bike with those 4 bits, only missing a 10mm for some of the pivot bolts. for home shop work I have a set of the Wera L-wrenchs, fantastic. I also recently picked up a Prestacycle ratchet set, I HIGHLY recommend it! It has a very unique feature that uses the typical extension to turn the whole thing into a nice t-handle wrench.
Bondhus hex-pro tools work great for bicycle work. Since they can be stored straight they don't take up alot of space. Add a chain breaker and some other tools as needed and you should have everything you need.
We’re big WERA fans over here- 100% the best hex on the market!
I've got that Topeak set. I actually love it. It's very functional.
Love The Silca rachet set you reviewed.. years back. After multiple bike builds I still have all the parts! Always good ti learn about new stuff frim you Russ. Safe travels
The Silva tool is great. Was going to include it in the comparison but it’s in storage :)
The silca is my fav still, you can make it into a ratcheting T if you want, and the case is awesome.
@@PathLessPedaledTV ah, storage! I was wondering why it wasn't included and thought perhaps you no longer had it for some reason.
The color coding really makes the wera keys worth it as I’m looking around for the right keys. But the hex plus is great too, I notice a lot less play when using them. One con is that the usable tips are not long enough when reaching into recessed areas before the rounded part of the shaft jams like trying to reach the grub screws on a mi5 hub or some derailers with a really recessed bolt.
The Wera stuff is lovely, but I feel like perhaps it's all just luxury? As much as I'd LOVE those beautiful rainbow tools with the fancy heads, my Bondhus set is looking like it may survive the apocalypse at this point....
I recently picked up the Topeak Omni Toolcard as it comes with the wonderful Topeak ratchet, but also includes a set of standard hex wrenches. The ratchet combined with the hex keys makes a great combo for touring etc... I made a video about it a few weeks ago - I really can't emphasize enough how great it is!
both fine additions to a bike survival kit, thankyou Russ
Project Farm did some tests with hex wrenches, giving the top spot to the Wera for it's durability under heavy loads while still providing above average grip, but found the Wiha brand had better grip, but less durable. Unfortunately his testing didn't test bolt rounding that Wera's design claims to reduce.
I've mainly gone with PB Swiss(prior to seeing the Project Farm video) since I found a nice compact bike bit set from them, even though theirs doesn't have a ratchet. I've been meaning to pick up a small ratchet for it but haven't settled on one yet.
Gotta love Project Farm for an honest test and opinion
I have an older version of the Wera bicyle tool set-a tool set plus ratchet bit set-and it came with a nice plastic sleeve to create your own mini subset with the ratchet. It’s very small. This is the 3rd iteration of Wera bicycle tools and it feels like they are getting there. The Bicycle set 3 A looks pretty good. I love my hex set. Also highly recommend the 5” Knipex pliers wrench. It’s a quiver killer!
My Wera Allen set is my favourite tool ever. I bought my dad a set for birthday, had a look at them before wrapping and went straight to get my own. Clicked this vid because I want a 1/4 drive set next
I carry around on bigger rides a "fix it sticks" tool kit. It is by default a very modular t-handle style ratchet but because of how modular it is you can make it a long stick for harder to reach places. Since it is also modular it is also very compact when you break it all down. I have pieced together what is effectively their "compact ratcheting multi-tool". I have been trying to source myself reasonably priced wera bits for this kit because of how well their l-keys work. But as far as I know Wera doesn't just sell their Hex plus bits individually.
I have loved Wera Tools for 15 years. I have multiple sets of their tools for all sorts of projects. I love their drivers for non-ferrous metals.
I will have to check out the tools, I dont mind chunky. I will ride with a rear and front trunk bag so that case wont affect me at all.
I carry my screwdriver kit in a wallet. I did 2 videos about that, the next iteration of the kit will be filmed soon.
I ditched my Victorinox ratchet for a combination of a PB Swiss Tools bike adapter for 1/4" bits that slides on to a 5mm Allen key L-wrench.
I also use a 1/4" to 4mm precision bit adapter. Small scredriver sizes don't need a lot of torque, a 1/4" 4mm hex bit is way over engineered. So 4mm precision bits are fine for most accessory parts on a handlebar or rear derailleur adjustments. They weigh less than half of the 1/4" bits.
The latter ones I use for all heavy duty tasks, T20 upwards, Hex 5 upwards.
Because much of the shank of the 25mm long 1/4" bits is not used unless you insert them in electrical drills etc, why not using shorter 18mm long 1/4" bits.
I also use 2 topeak adapters, from hex 5 to hex 8 and from hex 8 to hex 10.
Together with a compact hex5 Allen key, my set with more than 20 screwdriver sizes weighs less than 70g altogether and it fits in my wallet.
Russ, thanks for the info, I have also mixed and matched hex bits and holders. Bought a simple "L" shaped holder without ratchet (aliexpress). As for the color coding I use nail polish and developed my own color code. Wanted to use a system that had a reason for color order and settled on 5 colors so that it repeats 2x from 1-10 I use the rainbow as my color order. Red, Yellow, Green, Blue Purple, Skipped Orange and combined indigo and violet into purple. Works great for metric. Have not figured out a system for SAE Imperial. to many dang fractions
That was a great narrative review video. I thought you were going to transfer the bits to the topeak bag but I had to hang around to see the resolution. Classic 21st century, we have to hack our narratives and keep moving. Best of luck with the move!
Loved it!
Ha, we think alike. I did exactly the same, except added a extension bit from another set as the Wera ratchet and extension are super heavy for their size. Like you I use the Topeak case, Topeak ratchet, a cheap extension, Wera bits (they are beautifully machined) and a Park Tool chain breaker fits into the case with a link. The extension also fits into the end of the Topeak ratchet for extra leverage for things like pedals.
I Love Wera, they are the best quality you can find, screwdrivers are awesome, best you can get!!
Yay Russ! Good to see you man are you in Spain? That was quick. So happy to see some videos.
Not yet. Flying out on Saturday.
@@PathLessPedaledTV ¡Buen viaje! Looking forward to your videos from there!
I stiil have German made tool from 40's screewdrivers, kers, and pyayers. Ever lasting. My dad was working during German occupation, as a electronic technician.
I used mail polish to paint my wrenches and Allen keys so I could easily identify them. I’m a Montessori teacher, so color-coded numbers were already in my wheelhouse.
i've been using the Topeak ratchet kit for maybe 5 or 6 years, still working like a champ, and the ratcheting holds up fine. First thing i did was take all the tools out, wrap 'em in my small oil rag and keep 'em in a small freezer ziploc baggie with my tube repair kit, zip ties, etc. Lot lighter and ==> more compact
I have a 50+ year old Craftsman mini-ratchet with many many different tools included, came in a little leather case similar to the Topeak tool. This stuff has been around for a long time.
Thanks for the interesting review, enjoy Spain!
WERA ! WERA ! WERA ! (french mechanic here, best tools ever)
Love the topeak rachet set, had mine about a year and still great. However mine came with a set of tire levers, no chain tool, and they were absolutely the worst levers I’ve ever used, extremely flimsy and I even snapped one in half trying to get my tire off to fix a flat! Topeak, if your gonna include tire levers, spec better ones or just not at all!
The wera hex design is cool but what’s even more important is having your keys made out of a proper high carbon hardened steel vs stainless. I hate stainless keys, they quickly become a sloppy fit with shop use. My favorite hex keys are the Eklind t handles, best t handle design and so much better than the chunky park tool ones with the sloppy ball ends
Ball end is almost a must in many situations in a quick-in'n'out shop situations where you have no time taking your driver out and readjusting it all the time. Ball ends destroy bolts if used to torque though.
Facom have had a male hex tool with that "x" shape since at least a décade ago!
only destroyed if the ball end of the tool doesn't break off in the head
I find the Lezyne torque stick very good ,plus you can obviously set thf tourque.
One of the biggest gripes I have with the Wera tools is that they do not sell their chain tool separately. I have 3 of their bit ratchets from different sets and one resides in my saddle bay and would really like that chain tool. So I just bought the Topeak ratchet rocket lite dx to have a bit ratchet compatible chain tool.
Here are the tools, blah, I'm going to Spain soon, and the ratchet, am I all packed, pain in the but--the tools, but the moving too, chonky, etc. Another helpful video and safe travels.
As a professional aircraft mechanic and serious cyclist, I can vouch for the Wera tools, amazing quality and I use them on both aircraft’s and bikes.
My Silca similar setup is super compact.
i have a topeak set with the 4/5/6nm bits in the summer home in andalucia. solid kit for when i rent a roadbike down there each year.
I have the same Topeak ratchet but from Granite and their travel case rules; you also get a extender arm with that kit too. I have it in my bag everyday commuting because the case is a good size. I have the Wera ones at home because they are super nice, but not being able to keep a different size in the Wera ratchet really decreases its usability. These kind of tools are awesome!
I love Wera tools too, but I agree with you, the case really is too bulky. They do now offer another version of this bicycle set, in a better case and it also comes with a chain tool, but it seems to be quite heavy and as of now it's only available in their own online store (the Tool Rebel Bicycle Set) or as part of a much bigger and quite expensive tool set. I ditched the bulky case and transferred the bits into a bit bar from PB Swiss Tools that weighs only 6 grams, and now I simply throw the ratchet, the extension plus the bit bar into my general tool pocket or into my handle bar bag. In defense of the ratchet, it takes up to 60Nm, I very much doubt that the Topeak ratchet is equally strong 🙂
On the toppeak case, throw away those plastic levers and add a wolftooth chainplier/tirelever/core remover/chainlink holder tool. Thank me later! 😅
As a pro shop mechanic, retired machinist and lifetime hardcore long distance
rider/racer, I prefer specific single purpose tools that I bring on rides. Like separate hex keys, chain tool and a small Phillips screwdriver. I bring only the tools I need for a particular bike. I have separate tool bags for short quick rides and week long epics.
I feel naked and exposed without my tools, even though my bikes rarely ever break down. I use them mostly to help others fix their ignored bikes so they don't ruin my epic ride! 😂😂
I like the Wera hex keys. The best, most usable 'multi tools' I've used are made by leatherman and Swiss Army.
Multi tools are always compromised and not so effective to simply get the job done efficiently. They're difficult to get into tight places. They seem more like a slick marketing BS tactic than a very functional tool to me.
This is just my opinion, from someone who has designed and fabricated lots of very specific expensive tools.
Well I'm absolutely delighted with the "Wera Bicycle Set 3 Socket Spanner Set" for doing home maintenance. But yes as you point out, their offerings for on the go work is not so great ;-). But then again most people seem to do a mix and match when it comes to selecting what they take on the road. And although it is a German company, I believe the manufacturing is actual done in the Czech Republic.
Chapman MFG makes a great bike specific set - can’t attest to the bits vs. Wera but definitely the most satisfying ratcheting driver I’ve owned.
@Gary’s projects, did a great down to earth video review of the WERA Allen kits from a few different tiers. Well worth a look 👀
I have that topeak tool and yes to me way easy to use and carry I have used others. Like crank brothers. I use multi bikes at times. So my tools to carry switch I usally make one bag to use on all.
Harbor Freight - Paint them blue to give them that look like the famous Minnesota tool company.
Appreciate your dedication in continuing to release videos while packing all your stuff up for the Big Move.
Wera makes excellent tools. It seems they stumbled a bit making a bike tool kit. There’s also the Wera bike check plus that’s worth looking at. But also chunky. Great video.
It looks like they really know tools, but aren't cyclists themselves? So close, and that's probably the better way around, they can listen to the feedback and improve the next version!
@@pphaneuf agreed.
Wera hex plus, MAC RBRT, or Eight w/the extender are the way to go. Bondhus Gold is good too.
Wera and Wiha hex wrenches are great. The top of the line Park "THH" or "THT" sliding handle hex wrenches are probably the best on the market for bikes but they are much more expensive than the Wera set. Two other tool recommendations: JIS screwdrivers are an absolute must for drivetrain adjustments. Also, the Feedback Sports Range and Range Click torque wrenches are small, accurate and easy to use. I like the Feedback wrench slightly better than the similarly priced Silca one.
Recently picked up the Feedback Range Click and IMO it is the best small torque wrench out there. Better/more precise feeling than Park, and my Silca Torque Kit will gather dust from now on. Except the 2mm torx - why the Feedback doesn't include that size (common/Ritchey faceplate size) I'll never know.
Hey,
In one of your videos you quickly glossed over a dropper seat post with manual adjsutement on the post instead of a remote.
But I can't find in what video it was, do you recall what is this product?
Just purchased the affordable Wera Allen key set for like $12, nice review
What is "like" $12 or do you mean $12 lol.
In Topeak set is also extension bar. Where is yours? :)
I think that bolt on some rear derailleurs is still unreachable with the Wera extender bit as it is sadly to wide in diameter... Pretty sure I came across this on mechanical SRAM Force derailleurs for example.
:D I have both hex and torx color coded sets and also Topeak pocket tool :D
I have the Wera standard hex keys and those are probably one of the first tools I bought maybe 4 years ago. I am not sure if the "hex plus" design has any merit, but they are fine. I will say that the colorized rubber is in practice not that useful, I certainly don't use them enough to remember what is what (ok 4 is yellow and 5 is orange, fine) and the big downside is that the letters on the rubber get erased very easily. My key number 4 basically has nothing left to indicate it's in fact number 4. It's not a big deal, but somehow it always feels like gimicky things end up getting in the way.
Wera make a stainless steel bit set with wratchet that comes in smaller case and has color coded bits
The topeak one that holds an extra bit at the bottom can probably be extended (the handle itself). Not sure if it's a smart move, but in desperate situations, I would rather have more leverage.
I haven't extended it, but I do keep really skinny Allen key in the bag with my Topeak ratchet. You can stick it through the ratchet end (when empty) and get a LOT more leverage when tightening with a bit attached to the non-ratchet end
I broke a pawl on my topeak mini ratchet with some fairly minimal torque... maybe 10nm or so. Disappointing but before that it was my fav!
GM, that tool with the bit holder looks simple and multi purpose , i don’t understand why we still don’t have universal bolts and nut sizes for bikes. something like the usb-c policy but for bikes? it just doesn’t make sense buying a full tool set and not having a use for all the bit sizes 🤷🏽♂️
My Topeak ratchet broke within a few months of using it, which made me skeptical of ratchets in general for trail use. I like the Wera hex tools though so maybe I should reconsider.
I’ve had the same Topeak ratchet for six years.
Kinda same, have had Topeak bits break and warp. They're fine for light use, but if you go into double digit Nm torque, get better bits I guess.
According to Wera their ratchet takes up to 60Nm
Russ, doesn’t the Topeak tool connect with a torque wrench accessory made by them too?
Maybe. I lost all the accessories.
I have Allen wrench set that well over 35 years old that still work well, maybe tools sold nowadays are just cheap crap.
What happened to your Silca?
* secretly being sponsored by Wera AND topeak 😂
I think the hex plus thing is cool, but I’ll stick to my Park multitool. Particularly for having on the bike. Too much Velcro and neoprene on this kits for me.
You don't use the Silca anymore? I prefer that one to these.
It’s in storage.
just by sound, the Wera seems to have more pawls.Tool vs Tool it likely wins. Since packability matters, it won't actually win until it gets its footprint down..
Pb swiss tools for me
I use a Tool Check from Wera all the time in my job. A great little do-it-all pocket toolset. Uses the same wrench you have in this kit. But..... It isn't perfect. Wera is cool because they make very high quality stuff and they are willing to take risks with product design, some of which pay off, and some of which don't. Unfortunately, I think the only way to get the "perfect" on the bike toolkit is to make it yourself out of various pieces of other kits like you've done here.
$95 MSRP ($70 currently on AMZN) for the Topeak kit?! Gotta be joking.
I haven't seen anything yet that will replace the Silca T-Rachet. It's pretty much perfect.
I thought the "flank drive" design was patented by Snap On Tools. I have been happy with flank drive sockets for over 50 years
Followed the link and they sell both imperial and metric. I always thought alen wrenches came in one size or measure, 4,5,6,etc. How do I know which one to buy? I guess U.S. bikes are imperial and the rest are metrics.
I think they are all metric.
For bikes, always metric.
I prefer a Park Tool Torque Wrench.
Bike travel kit = bare minimum multi tool that gets you home. Not ratcheting hex drivers. Imho.
For the home workshop normal Wera/Bondhus/Unior Allen hex wrenches and L keys.
Still no ratcheting hex drivers. Imho.
Wera tools are excellent but the Hex+ marketing comes off as fear and doubt to to me. Hex bolts get rounded from over tightening, and use of poor fitting, soft hex wrenches, and abuse of ball ends. I love my Park Sliding T, and Bondhus hex wrenches too. Pedro's L wrenches are also great. I have rarely used multi tool on rides, and they tend to be for fixing crash damage. Doing a proper safety/torque check on all bolts on a bike prevents a lot of problems on rides. Cheap multi tools destroy more bike fasteners than anything.
Guess we should wait for Version Two.
I like PB Swiss rainbow hex wrench set with ball 212H-6RB better. Swiss made with full life time warranty. More expensive though, buy worst it. Ride on✊🏻
The 1/4“ ratchet by wera has the best ratcheting feel i have ever felt.
I choose Wera.
The wera keys are nice to use but that plastic sleeve on each bit makes them annoying to get back into the holder. Wish they'd just paint em like other brands.
I have a set of wera precision screwdrivers that are also in an hideously padded case. I don’t quite know why they think this is a good idea.
You’re all sleeping on PB Swiss tools.
I am not carrying a kit with loose bits on a bike ride tbh.
I have used to topeek components and seriously was always disappointed, I had mini pump that doesn’t work or multi tool that has broken down, and few other bits.. I gave them benefit of the doubt but I am sure I will not buy topeek anymore. I trust German engineering and my next toolset will be something German
lol
yellow jersey
English major using “chonkey” as both a positive and negative description……?
I picked some champman manufacturing and have been pretty impressed
Both to big and heavy , save your money and buy a folding multitool. Ive been riding 40 years and never needed a rachet. Spend your money on shop tools.