Our friends at KC Tool informed me that they’re running out of Wera Tools 2017 advent calendars, and fast. They’re down one because they sent me a set to check out.
This is my 3rd Wera Tools advent calendar, and each year’s set is different. I bought one in 2013 and another in 2016. Here are a couple of reasons why you might want to consider buying this year’s set.
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It’s a Good Portable Tool Kit
This year’s kit focuses on portability and versatility, giving you a nice selection of tools in a compact case.
The kit comes with 2 screwdriver handles – a mini/precision screwdriver bit holder, and one that accepts standard 1/4″ hex bits. The standard-sized bit holder is said to have a Rapidator quick-release bit chuck, which are awesome.
You also get a selection of sockets, and a non-ratcheting L-driver to use them with. It’s got a 1/4″ square drive on one side, and what looks to be a hex driver bit on the long arm. There’s also socket adapter in the kit, allowing you to use the sockets with the screwdriver handle.
Here’s everything it comes with:
It’s a Good First-Ever Taste of Wera Tool Quality
If you have never bought or used Wera tools before, this set will give you a good and varied taste without costing a ton of money.
The Price is Right
The set is priced at $68 at KC Tool, or $61.20 if you use the ToolGuyd coupon code (TOOLGUYD4LIFE).
While not quite apples to apples, you should take a look at some of their other sets to get a feel for the value.
This set doesn’t come with a ratcheting tool. I do wish there was a spot on the case for a BYO ratchet – Wera or otherwise – but you might be able to swap out the screwdriver handle for a 1/4″ drive Wera Zyklop flex-head ratchet.
So that’s $61.20, and you get free shipping.
Buy Now(via KC Tool)
Compare(via Amazon Germany)
Last year, KC Tool had sold out of the 2016 Wera tools advent calendar by the time I learned about it. I ended up ordering one from Amazon Germany as part of a larger Wera tools and European hand tools order.
Amazon DE has this year’s calendar for a little less at the moment, although it’s also currently backordered. The tool set ships in a large box. I have only ever ordered from Amazon DE with expedited shipping, so I can’t tell you what to expect from their standard international shipping.
Personally, I’d spend the few dollars more to get one from KC Tool while they still have the sets in stock. And if/when they sell out, that’s when I’d turn to Amazon DE.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy it?
The set comes with metric sockets. If you don’t have much of a need for metric sockets, then this probably isn’t the best set for you. You can swap in SAE sockets for around $23 (for a 6pc set plus extra 11/32″ socket), but there’s not much you can do about the metric labels.
If you already have a lot of Wera tools, there might be some overlap, but that might not be a big detractor since this is a self-contained portable tool kit.
Full Tool List
This is a list of everything included in the set (05135998001):
815 R 1/4″ Bit Holder Handle
851/4 BTZ Phillips Power Bits: #1, #2
855/4 BTZ Pozidriv Power Bits: #1, #2
867/4 BTZ Torx Power Bits: T10, T15, T20, T25, T30
840/4 BTZ Hex Metric Power Bits: 4.0, 5.0mm
800/4 BTZ Slotted Power Bit: 5.5 x 0.8mm
870/1 1/4″ Socket Adapter
870 Offset Screwdriver
8790 HMA 1/4″ Sockets: 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 8, 10, 13mm
822 Micro Bit Handle
851 Micro Vario Phillips Bits: #00, #0
867 Micro Vario Torx Bits: T5, T6
840 Micro Vario Hex Metric Bits: 1.5, 2.0mm
800 Micro Vario Slotted Bits: 1.5 x .23, 2.5 x .5mm
Textile Box
Hook and Loop Strip (50 x 120mm)
Hilton says
I’ve only used the standard Amazon DE International Shipping (cheapest) and the most it’s taken to get to South Africa is three weeks. The best part is no EU VAT.
I’m not helping with the KC Tools sales though, sorry.
Stuart says
If you’re implying that we somehow benefit from KC Tool sales…
It’s been 2-1/2 years since we did any advertising with them. We don’t have any current advertising or affiliate relationship with them. They’re one of several independent distributors that we are friendly with.
We do have an affiliate relationship with Amazon, Amazon UK, and Amazon DE. Meaning, if you order from Amazon DE, we earn a small commission for the referral.
I meant what I said 100%. I have no experience with Amazon Germany’s standard shipping. My previous orders were large enough to where Priority fees weren’t much more, and the expedited shipping gave me peace of mind.
One of my worries with Amazon DE is about what happens if there’s a problem? Will they be able to help me with the same satisfaction as Amazon USA could, and in English?
Before the recent Amazon DE price drop, the costs were around the same – KC Tool after coupon vs. Amazon DE. Now, Amazon DE has an edge of less than 10%, but the shipping ETA and speed adds too much waiting and uncertainty for my personal tastes.
That’s why I presented both options. Because sometimes price is the only consideration. I don’t even know if KC Tools ships outside the USA, so you might not even have that option.
I’m of the mindset that an extra $5-$6 for much quicker delivery and stateside customer service is worth it.
Hilton says
I’ve just seen you b1tching about me on your Misc Updates post so I thought I would respond quickly to clarify things.
When I said “I’m not helping with the KC Tools sales though, sorry.” I meant that me going on about Amazon is not helping referral sales for the good guys over at KC Tool Co. I didn’t know that you don’t have an affiliates agreement in place with KC but I’m always cautious of punting another supplier for a few bucks less when affiliate links help your bottom line.
So it’s the exact opposite of what you thought, I DID in fact want to help the KC guys as I’ve done in the past. Apologies for the confusion, all my fault.
Stuart says
Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to feel that way.
I just thought this was a good example of how I try not to let affiliate relationships control what I say or how I link.
What you actually meant with your comment, and what I interpreted it to mean – they’re both good. =)
Jim Sutter - (Rock Hound) says
I was just looking at bit drivers and almost bought a Wera at ~$32. This is a much more complete kit and I am super glad I stopped here to read some of your reviews on bit drivers and saw this post before I hit the buy button.
Bo says
I cured my Wera addiction a while back by importing the 160785 set from the UK for around $300. Now I got all the Wera I will ever need.
Andrew says
Amazon UK? 3rd party?
Bo says
Primetools UK.
https://primetools.co.uk/product/wera-160785-14-12-drive-zyklop-socket-bit-set/
There’s also this set I’ve seen on Amazon lately for around the same price. Model number is different but the contents look identical to the 160785 set. Not sure what’s going on with that but it might be worth a check.
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-05160785001-Zyklop-Ratchet-Metric/dp/B0056E11QW/
Satch says
I bought a Bit Check Plus from KC Tool last year. Wera quality is very good, lads. And KCTool is only about 30 minutes from my home. Top shelf people to do business with.
For those in the Kansas City metro area who are used to dropping by, you should go to the web site and check location first. They recently moved warehouse and showroom to a new location. Bigger better but still in Johnson county I believe.
Satch says
Oops, sorry. Meant to say Tool Checking Plus. About 75 dollars on sale.
JeffD says
Misses last year’s calendar.
Not this time!
The yeti says
That’s a nice set .
JMG says
Looks like a nice set this year, but unfortunately, there is too much overlap in it with my existing tool set to purchase it this year.
Curtis says
Advent Calendar is sold out now.
Curtis says
edit: Advent Calendar is sold out at KC Tool, I meant.
Stuart says
Thanks for the update! I’ll check to see if they’ll be getting any more.
Chad says
yep wanted to get one but all sold out as of 2:55 pm cst will keep checking !
Chad says
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-2017-advent-calendar-very-limited-qty/?utm_medium=googleshopping&utm_source=bc
found this
Brian says
Chad’s doesn’t have the best reputation for online orders. I recommend doing research and assessing your risk before ordering.
fred says
I never had a problem – over many years – with ordering from Chads.
That said, if you need something right away – you probably should look elsewhere. I think that they list many items that are not in stock, wait until items come into their warehouse (Alaska?) and then ship.
Jeremy says
I don’t think that’s a hex driver on the back end of the right angle driver, I think it looks to fit the screwdriver handle for extra leverage.
Brian says
This is accurate BUT oddly enough, there are no notches for it locking into the bit holder.
Mickey says
Where’s the 14mm socket?????
Hilton says
Why on earth would you want a 14mm socket?