The next item is one of those multi-configuration tools that saves you rummaging in the tool box for a tool with just one of its many features - a 1/4" drive Zyklops that can turn any bit (some via adapters) in the above-mentioned set: How a tool fits in your hand, how a tool is balanced along its axis, how a tool feels when you twist it, these are all the aspects that Wera tools excel. Wera Werk Hermann Werner GmbH & Co. KG aka Wera Tools, have been changing the way people think about hand tool ergonomics since 1936 and have won numerous awards for their designs. The heart of the system is the Zyklop mini bit ratchet . For bits, you get Hex-Plus in 2 through 8mm, as well as Torx 10, Torx 25 and a Phillips 2. Last, you get a really long extension, and a nice little carrying case. This is purely down to leverage; I have no doubt the ratchet is strong enough, and then some. It's well designed, with no sharp edges, so applying all the leverage you can is no problem.

I really want to like the Wera stuff, but it seems that most of it is either poorly executed or ridiculously expensive. BS 15 seems a poor tool collection compared to the more standard mini-tool collections from Topeak, Lezyne et al, that have more tool functions, are more resilient and cost half as much. they self-adjust across the range of their jaw-gap, making it irrelevant whwther the bolt head is metric, imperial or any other standard width.On the other hand, consider Wera's low torque screwdriver torque "wrenches". These are perfek for many of the smaller bolts and nuts to be found on bicycles, such as those blasted bleed cap bolts on hydraulic brake STI levers: That standard type case is not as compact at this one, and that is the one advantage this set has. However, given its size and weight (463g all-in on our Scales of Truth), I don't see myself taking it on a ride. For me, it's a set that stays at home, or in the car, so size and weight are less important really. Value It costs too much at full price but seems to get discounted by about 25% in by many retailers, if you keep your eyes peeled. Finance is subject to application, financial circumstances and borrowing history. Performance Cycling Limited FRN: 720557 trading as Tredz are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. We are a credit broker not a lender – credit is subject to status and affordability and is provided by Mitsubishi HC Capital UK PLC. Terms & Conditions Apply. If you do a lot of home maintenance, a long-handled set of hex keys like this is a huge help. A multi-tool or the usual little keys of the type that simply materialise in your toolbox – be honest, you never bought a single one, but there they all are – will only make every job harder and longer.

This one is good for torques between 2.0 - 12.0 Nm but can also be used as a standard wrench via a slip-sleeve "lever". It also prevents you over-torquing (always a danger with standard-design torque wrenches) as once the set value is reached a clutch prevents the application of any more turning of the tool and bit. I’ve also experienced quite a few really crappy bit ratchet sets over the years. I’ve had bit ratchets that blew up after a week of use, and I’ve had bits that made me shudder due to their terrible fit. The level of refinement in this set is superb, especially compared to some others that I have seen.

Customer reviews

The only true bicycle tools are a few bits and their holders, two or three nut drivers, the tyre levers, the lower-torque value torque wrenches and a (not that good) chain breaker/maker. Everything else is really just a lot of (very good) general engineering tools. This was the most surprising set for me, so we’ll deal with it next. On a surface level, all Wera has done here is take a standard replaceable bit screwdriver and lengthen the bits. I have at least 1 or 2 other sets of replaceable bit screwdrivers in my toolbox that theoretically provide the same functionality, but that I wouldn’t dare introduce to my bicycle, other than for a derailleur adjustment. Just through attention to detail, Wera has made a set that is really nice to use, both on my bike and around the house. The things are very well made and ergnomically "right". They come calibrated to a high standard and can be re-calibrated (for a fee) by a Wera agent situated somewhere in Derbyshire, for we Blighters. I've found Wera's HexPlus shaped allen keys can really save a soft bolt that's starting to round out. They're a great product and well worth spending a small premium for IMHO. Finally, a couple of accessories that improve the ability to get the abve tools into awkward places:

Wera are “Tool Rebels” who dare to do different! When it comes to hand tools, Wera are innovating in ways that no other German tool company does. Specialising in accessories and hand tools, Wera’s expertise shines when looking at the smaller details. Including chain riveter and chain fastener with exchangeable rivet pin for opening and closing bicycle chains. Suitable for single-speed chains up to 12-speed.

What Makes Wera Tools Special?

You can get sets cheaper than the ones I mentioned, but that's where you really start to compromise on quality to the point where the tools become less usable. they have a built-in ratcheting mechanism that also reduces the minimum turning arc from the usual 60 degrees to 30 degrees, making them good for turning bolts buried in the gubbins-depths. I’m also really enthusiastic about the carrying case that Wera provides. It seems like most companies jam their tools into a crappy plastic holder (Wera does this as well, with their non bicycle specific metric set). This soft sided holder adds a bit of bulk, but it’s so nice to be able to lay your wrenches out flat on a table where you can easily slide them in and out of the elastic straps that hold them in place. One could argue that your tools are also better protected as they are fully surrounded when the case is closed up. The bits remain secure when pressed into the levers, so accidental loss shouldn't be an issue. It does make them a bit faffy to get out though; not an issue with warm hands and no gloves, but I'm not sure I'd want to be faffing with this in the darkness, the rain and the cold. Value For years I used a variety of adjustable spanners, of the standard kind, on bikes and many other things. They've all gone to the charity shop now, replaced by these:

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it? Next, we have the bits themselves. In my opinion, these small bits are where Hex-Plus really shows its worth. With some other bit ratchet sets (even some fairly nice ones), I find that any fit challenges are really apparent. If you’re giving your suspension pivot bolts a nice little tighten, for example, the bit can sometimes be hard to remove. This is less of an issue with the Wera tool, and suggests that there might really be something to this Hex-Plus thing. The ideal use case could be as a smallish kit that you keep in your vehicle, that lets you complete some parking lot bike repairs, and allows you to build your own little haul along set (via the small plastic holder) as well. These are screwdriver-shaped but are good for dealing with the teeny torque-sensitive screws often found on modern bicycle gubbins, particularly gear and brake parts. The two varieties handle torque settings between 0.3 - 3.0 Nm.As a cheapskate, I try to be mindful of how I speak about cost. In all honesty, I wouldn’t fork out the money for many of the things that I wind up reviewing, so it often doesn’t feel right to judge things on absolute cost. When I do judge on cost, it tends to be on a relative basis. Does a product offer more (or less, as it sometimes does) than a comparable product available at a lower price? It’s a much more fair judgment of value when done this way. This can be especially challenging with tools, as it’s hard to judge quality just with a visual inspection, and “value” isn’t often apparent for many years. So, let’s just get it out of the way that you can obviously find similar tools for less money than you will pay for these. None of us should have a problem with that. So, let’s have a look at the MSRP’s for these tools. The torque wrenches are particularly good, not least because they offer a service to recalibrate them to a very high accuracy after you've used them for a lot of work/time. Many less expensive torque wrenches don't start out as very accurate and can rapidly degrade even more. For low torque applications like those needed for many bicycle bits, an inaccurate torque wrench is no good thing. On the other hand, I do find Wera tools that are of use with bikes to work very well indeed, in terms of function and fit. Anyone want the list?