Why Pro Mechanics LOVE These Tools

Review of the Wera Bicycle 1 Tool Kit.

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[PedalPT]

We’re big WERA fans over here— 100% the best hex on the market!

[sanraki]

5:59 You can push the bits down or thru the holder. Much easier to remove that way.

[uglypinkeraser]

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.

[singletrackmania]

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.

[michaelismichael]

I've got that Topeak set. I actually love it. It's very functional.

[curtbrown]

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

[rdawson]

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.

[CousnJack]

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

[johnparedes]

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.

[Rcmike]

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

[brettdalpozzo]

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.

[DominiqueB]

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 <==, and the extra second it might take to find the right bit is not a big burden for me.

[thomasfitzgibbon]

Anyone who works on their own bike should treat themselves to a JIS screwdriver. I promise it will change your life

[VeloObscura]

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!

[impleague]

Yay Russ! Good to see you man are you in Spain? That was quick. So happy to see some videos.

[SuperOlds]

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.

[trentbryan]

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.

[victorsmith]

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.

[jezzarisky]

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.

[drbobjohnson]

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