Here’s an early look at the Wera 2023 advent calendar tool set.
Yes, it’s not even April, but the new Wera tools look too cool to hold off on discussing.
The Wera 2023 advent calendar, 05136607001, comes with a 9-tool metric hex key set, micro screwdriver handle with 6 bits, screwdriver handle with 5 double-ended bits, slide-on screw retainer, bottle opener, fabric case for the screwdrivers, and a holder for the hex keys.
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The hex keys have an ordinary appearance, with straight hex tips at both short and long ends, and a plain finish.
However, look at that case! The holder can rest flat on a benchtop or tool cart, with the tools upright and ready for picking up, or it can be wall-mounted.
And, should you need the tools to come with you, the holder can be quickly removed from its wall-mount for portability.
That seems pretty cool, and I don’t believe I’ve seen any hex key set organizers quite like this before.
You also get a micro screwdriver bit holder and what looks to be a standard bit holder, plus a selection of bits for both.
Price: $87-90
ETA: Fall 2023
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As usual, this looks to be a decent introduction to Wera tools, and it might also offer enough to appeal to users who might already own a bunch of tools from the brand.
In my opinion, the hex key set holder is the star of the show. It also seems like great inspiration for a 3D printed solution for users already happy with the hex key sets they already have.
Thank you Fred for the heads-up!
Fritz Gorbach
I think there’s a couple of typos early on, (next key holder), but I can’t for the life of me figure what’s the “slide on screw retailer?”
Yadda
retailer = retainer?
Stuart
(Thanks, *fixed*!) Sorry, it’s a retainer. You slide it onto a screwdriver or bit shaft and it can hook over screw heads.
PETE
Stu! Gotta use chatGPT to check for spelling & grammatical errors!
Stuart
WordPress used to have an excellent built-in solution, but they discontinued it due to the emergence of numerous 3rd party systems.
However, the browser plugins I’ve seen all have questionable or disagreeable fine print regarding the data they collect and how they can use it. I assume AI services are similar in this regard.
So, use basic browser write-as-you-go spellchecking, which misses a LOT.
I correct egregious errors during first or second proofreading, but it’s impossible to catch everything.
I tend to be a perfectionist, and every additional proofread takes longer and longer as I add words, tweak grammar, and so forth. With any change, there’s the potential for more errors to be introduced.
Seeing how many errors are made by mass media news organizations with multiple levels of editors and checks, I feel bad but self-forgiving about any errors that slip by me.
While unfortunate, I’m also glad for any highlights so I can fix things quickly.
Copy/pasting to other document editors, such as Word, wouldn’t have caught this error either, since the misspelling is a real word.
KokoTheTalkingApe
I think he meant, “retainer”?
Adam
Looks like a great set, perhaps a bit higher priced than I’d like to see by $10-15. I wouldn’t mind something else in place of the bottle opener, as I’m pretty well stocked on (Wera) bottle openers. Thankfully a color I don’t have yet
fred
If Wera has announced theirs – can Gedore, Hazet and Stahwille be far behind?
Just kidding – but these are a nice very German kind of thing. When we were along the Danube and Rhine visiting the various Christmas markets – you could buy all sorts – but most were comestibles like chocolates, candies and cookies or little toys for the kinder – or chocolate filled with liquor for the adults.
MM
I really like that case for the hex keys. Very cool design.
That reminds me, I think it was 2 years ago Hazet had a very interesting tool in their Advent calendar: it was a short 1/4 drive ratchet handle with a variety of “wrench inserts”. Basically you can use the open-ended wrench attachment to make the ratchet handle longer, and vice-versa: the ratchet completes the handle of the wrench. I thought it was a brilliant idea for a compact toolkit, it would have been very nice to see the idea expanded upon. IMHO that set was a little too small to be all that useful, but flesh it out with some more sizes of wrenches and more sockets and it would be great.
fred
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Advent-Calendar-Non-Slip-Storage-Voucher/dp/B08NPG71HF
MM
Yes, that was it. I hope they expand upon the idea and make a larger set of similar tools.
Josh
Thats a smart design
Jared
At first glace I thought the calendar was pretty skimpy this year, but it actually does have some useful tools. Part of that impression is likely that I don’t place much value on basic hex keys, cool case or not. Ball-end keys would be slightly better.
Nevertheless, those screwdrivers seem nice, especially the precision driver – I would use that! I presume that screwdriver handle could also be used with regular 1/4″ hex bits over 3″?
Robert
Wait. I’m totally confused? Has tax day replaced Christmas? Are they aiming for 18 April?
BigTimeTommy
Very expensive for what you receive. I guess this stuff appeals to the people who “identify with brands.” Hard pass from this “Tool Rebel” lol.
Greg
Starting the holiday shopping season extra early this year. What next? Black Friday in June?
JoeR
Agree with Adam – “wouldn’t mind something else in place of the bottle opener”. I do hope it comes in around the $79 range vs $90, though with current hand tool prices, pre-pandemic pricing is a distant memory. I buy these moreso as back-up tools. They reside in a large tool bag with hand tools used very infrequently. However, when required, it is nice to have these little gems so I don’t have to go back to the main toolbox. March 31st is a bit early, but Stuart I appreciate the heads up. I’ll look to KC Tools to remind me in October, and hope the ToolGuyd discount applies.
fred
I think that Stuart recently posted that the 10% off TOOLGUYD4LIFE discount code was expiring. But you might be able to see if KC Tool does their 20% off deal over the BF-CyberMonday weekend.
Stuart
Yes – it ends in mid-May.
Waiting until Black Friday/Cyber Monday is risky, as Wera advent calendars tend to sell out quickly.
If I recall correctly, KC Tool sold out of the 2022 version in September.
Tughom
I believe there is green magnetizer attached to the hex bit holder. I have used Wera’s double sided handle and bits for a long time. Can be very convenient having two different tips at hand. Think Pozidrive and Phillips on one tool.
Jared
I haven’t tried Wera’s version, but your comment made me think of my Vessel Ball Grip hex bit screwdriver with double-ended bits:
https://www.amazon.com/VESSEL-BALL-Interchangeable-Screwdriver-220W3J1/dp/B00E55DL4I/
That’s my favorite screwdriver for electrical work around the house. I use the bit with the flat blade opposite the #2 Phillips to remove faceplates, then swap the bit around to work on the outlet or switch.
It’s a really nice handle shape too – and it’s only $13.50. If someone is curious about Vessel’s ball grip screwdrivers – or just needs a screwdriver that fits JIS screws well (like on old motorcycle carbs) – then this is an awesome introduction that costs little and has some unique utility.
Vessel also has a curious bit that has a combo Phillips #1 & #3 on one side and the #2 on the other (e.g. three sizes in one double-ended bit).
Josh
I think I’ll pick this up, looks like the perfect tool kit for 3d printers. Plus it will be fun for the kiddo.
Dan M
I remember picking up one of these calendars a few years ago at a greatly reduced price – it’s a great little tool set. Are there currently deals to be had on past year’s calendars in case I don’t want to wait until the fall to order this one?