Are Wera Tools Better? Wera Zyklop vs Dewalt vs Harbor Freight

[@kpttrips]

I literally watched you hit the socket release on the Zyklop and then say it didn't work....

[@tomh6173]

Just letting you know that the problem with the Wera not holding on to the nuts is due to the position of the detents in the nuts (most modern nuts work flawlessly). It's got nothing to do with the size of the detent ball in the tool itself

[@hanzo52]

Wera sockets are made with a finer tolerance so the sockets won't slip.

[@drscopeify]

That does not make sense, the ball should just be able to move out enough to accommodate any socket that exists. I have an old Craftsman ratchet from 1960s and it fits every modern socket even black impact sockets meant for power tools because it should not matter, it is universal. Maybe the one from the video just had an issue I don't know. I also have some Wera tools like Joker wrenches and they are OK.

[@airmobiledivision7759]

@@drscopeify I believe he may be referring to the fact that some older sockets had only one resting place machined out for a detent, rather than four (one on each internal face of the mating portion of the socket). That said, I don’t believe the socket used in this video is old enough to possess that feature.

[@waynelutwiniak797]

I have broken several of those HF long flex ratchets. They work well for tight spaces, just not too tough. Return it for another.

[@Richard1977]

I think that the majority of your European viewers will appreciate it if you could also put your results in Nm.

[@ClientGraphics]

Sorry didn’t even think of that. I’ll at least do that when I test the Hazet. If I remember

[@Richard1977]

@@ClientGraphics 👍🏻

[@didiervereecke7642]

Not only Europe: the complete planet. :-)

[@mikehoare6093]

use a converter

[@floriankubiak7313]

I was like "Now do the video again with Nm" xD

[@jeffharper410]

I have used that HF long 3/8 & 1/4 drive flex head rachet to install headers and a water pump , it works perfectly has paid for itself was under $30.00. I didn't have to remove the radiator, a/c condenser, transmission cooler and oil cooler to to get the job done. Turned an all day job into 70min. Job.

[@bradleynealdaley]

You can see that the detent pawl is not popping back out flush with that socket on. Could be a wrench mfg issue, but that typically happens when the ball is not in a detent. Souce: I have lots of wera. If its in a detent (most of my sockets have the side wall drilled through hole) you dont have that issue... ever.

[@GAMERGEBITER]

Would love to see this test with the Wera Zyklop Speed

[@Jordan__Sloan]

Yes

[@ptescreen18]

Wera zyklops 3/8 + Milwaukee 3/8 socket set , locks together perfectly

[@dilboteabaggins]

Wera 1/2" on Milwaukee 1/2" impact sockets are nice too

[@Random-ed2xf]

The dual flex is great for changing serpentine belts.

[@DaroriDerEinzige]

If you just go for "which can hold up the most force" - Buy the 4€ more expensive Hazet 1000 Nm Ratchet.

[@GilliGainz]

You should test the Wera Koloss, it's rated up to 600nm. It would be interesting to see how much higher it goes

[@njannjannja2010]

. . . . yes👍

[@LabiaLicker]

seconded. I want to see Wera breaker bar in here

[@bazkeen]

Wera sockets made to high tolerances. Never had a socket slip of the zyklops.

[@melgross]

Basil Keen sockets are made to a standard that every manufacturer is supposed to adhere to. There’s no reason for them to not meet that standard with a sub sized ball dedent. My experience with Wera is good, but nothing great. In the EU, Wera isn’t considered a top brand.

[@adamaj74]

"supposed to adhere to" Ha, I can tell you right now my Gearwrench ratchet and sockets do NOT play well with my Tekton ratchets and sockets. Besides, Wera aren't the same, and he should have purchased a Wera socket for the test.

[@herminatorschlachter]

Mel Gross if Wera isn’t one of the top brands in Europe, then what is? Sure specifically for ratchets there might be some brands that are better known for many decades of built up reputation, but „not a top brand“ is simply not true.

[@macvos]

@@herminatorschlachter they are considered very good, but a step below the absolute best like for example Stahlwille. They are best known for their screwdrivers, where they are only beaten by PB Swiss and comparable to Wiha and Felo. Their Hex/allen keys are the absolute best though, with the best fit and able to move rounded nuts that other keys can't.

[@macvos]

True, but specifically the 1/2" ratchets are known to be very 'picky' about sockets used. Strangely, the other sizes like the 1/4" one work fine with other brands' sockets.

[@mandapalque]

Your time and effor are highly appreciated, Chris. Thanks for all this info.

[@WhiskeyTangoFoxtraught]

"Better" is a subjective word, of course we all know these tools are not supposed to be used like breaker bars.

[@blueovalfan23]

They all do about the same from what I'm seeing. Personally I've always went with lower end options. Rarely have i broken a wrench or socket. Wore our some ratchets though. I get it, you get on and abuse it for years, you tend to put that brand above others. Fact is if you're not mistreating you tools they tend do ok atleast on basic stuff. You can go too cheap but i think we all know to avoid a $5-10 socket set. I still have a stanley set i got about 20 years ago and a greatneck set that i bought not long after, minus a few lost sockets. I'm on the 3rd rachet now, second on the stanley. I've gotten some new sets recently but they were from keeping in vehicles and a cheap impact set for my impact gun. Again on the cheap, clearance when i found it over time. Didn't look at the branding either. Gear wrench, duralast and a huge every socket known to man tsc house brand set. Duralast was a replacement for the great neck in a pinch. Kinda ranting but they all make a good enough option past a certain price point.

[@chrishickman3694]

Never had an issue with sockets slipping of the zyklosp. You need to get yourself some decent sockets.

[@joegreider2206]

Right, but I also use impact sockets and never have they slipped

[@NDC1115]

Wera sockets have a detent hole like impact sockets. So they work fantastic together.

[@EdwardDowllar]

I have the Wera and have had the same issue with it not locking in on certain sockets. It's still my favorite ratchet.

[@macvos]

It's only with this size and with non-Wera sockets. It's the reason I have the 1/4" one but not this one.

[@kyleaguiar3413]

They most likely made the small detent for a stronger anvil, that's why the gearing let go before the anvil sheared... Same reason impact wrenches use hog rings instead of ball detents, they'd wreck themselves with a hollow anvil

[@Mosin-lf7wl]

Perhaps the wera ratchet works better with wera sockets as fas as the quick release feature.

[@lordleonusa]

I work on a small British sports car with a big engine and mechanical parts, so space is at a premium, slim, non fat heads on wrenches are useful, these tend to come rather short, although oftentimes I need more leverage, I have several different standard wrenches from different manufacturers, some of which are much more useful to me than others. Price is not a determining factor in how useful they are!

[@carlw8072]

Wera are designed to be used with their own sockets, I’ve got the set and have no problems at all. The system is so good I got rid of all my other sockets and drivers.

[@zen933]

What a shame. Many want to combine Wera ratchets to their existing sockets but if it doesn't work well with different brand sockets then...another brand ratchet it is.

[@MrSupernova111]

I'm thinking about getting a DeWalt or Milwaukee socket set with the wrench. I'm glad to see they are both solid brands that can hold their weight. Going to be checking out your video with the Stanley wrench next. Thanks!

[@josefelix4152]

I bought that Pittsburgh pro just for serpentine belt but ended using it for about anything my cordless can't reach

[@seniortoastie]

I like the discount AVE unboxing.

[@SP3NCE]

meh, in the UK we have a store called halfords and their 'advanced' ratchets are just as good as the zyklop, if not better, serviceable, half the price, just as strong if not stronger, with a lifetime guarantee - if you can manage to break it, they replace it no questions asked.

[@TheCaptainbarnacles]

I didn't know they've got a 100 tooth ratchet out, I'll have to go have a play with one in town. All of the H A ratchets I've handled have been absolute dogs but there owners take great delight in bashing the shit out of them knowing a new one is available in a Jiffy.

[@dustinpomeroy8817]

I have a Wera Tool Check Plus kit I bought a few years back,I love that thing

[@neomustafi5744]

You have to know that there are special socketa for a quick release ratchet! They have a small hole on one side so that ball bearing of the ratchet presses in and holds them in place and with the Zyklop you can tell if it's not holding the socket because the quick release button is still halfway in, when it fully engages ot comes to the original position. Been working with a 1/2 metal zyklop for 4 years now and even had a 41mm socket Locked and tried to disengage it by shaking the ratchet ot didn't came off. As for negative things on this ratchet it started discoloration because i work in a chemical plant and it came in contact with acid but still works fine. I own more than 1000€ worth of WERA products and can say that they build beautiful and reliable toools but are expensive. Ps: If you want an indestructible ratchet buy the HAZET 1/2 hiper 90 tooth 1000nm

[@GaryRedbig]

I like the long harbor freight Rachet .next time I at the store I will buy it .

[@ashleymcgovern5120]

Goes to show the quality of import stuff is getting up there / on par. For most users, especially home maintenance/ DIY there's not much point in paying for the few extra FTlbs. Even in a work environment now they meet the industry specs.

[@sonictech1000]

I have several sets of those HF ratchets (one in each of my vehicle tool bags). They aren't nice to use but on the side of the road being able to get into tight spaces with just the tools you brought is pretty important and those are perfect for that.

[@aterack833]

“If you like taking your tools to the ultimate maximum performance” oh you mean using them??

[@joshbaker43]

Thank you for telling me i deleted the comment!

[@GM-gc8gg]

How about a test of the new Gearwrench compact 90 tooth 3/8" ratchet that has a 3/8" tang in a 1/4" body?

[@Dansk55]

I've been using a cheap ebay chinese 3/8 ratchet that I bought back in college. 6 years later its still holding up fine after multiple repairs. Sometimes its not always the tool but how you use it.

[@dakotahoward8895]

The wera sockets hold on to the wera ratchet just fine

[@tolga1cool]

Yup. But other ratchets can hold any socket. I do love my Zyklop, but it's not flawless and pretty expensive

[@adamaj74]

@@tolga1cool Wrong. My Gearwrench and Tekton do NOT play well together. The others hold each other because they're sloppy and make up for it will huge detent balls.

[@tolga1cool]

@@adamaj74 Hmm. Interesting. Thanks for sharing.. my other tools all play together nicely. Maybe I just got lucky

[@jadenchavez8917]

I never get tired of tool destruction. Thanks so much Chris!

[@adriannurse1502]

It is fun seeing how each of the brands hold up. 🙂

[@emetalsinc]

Use Dont abuse

[@stephenshelton8538]

Watched a couple videos and you do a very well and thorough test ty and I subscribed

[@NotaRobot_gif]

What microphone do you use? The sound is really good!

[@ClientGraphics]

It’s the Purple Panda wired Lavalier Lapel Microphone Kit with Omnidirectional Condenser Lav Mic from Amazon.

[@thomasmorgan1857]

Id like to see some ares rachets tested. I keep seeing them pop up on Amazon and they seem to have decent reviews

[@rookiexreviews]

same here no info on them or Olsa I'm curious

[@mohamedazkoul9544]

I use Wera it's a good quality , the best German tools is Hazet nowadays before there was Heyco West German.

[@Brian2bears]

Sir, what happened to the 1/4 drive end of the Harbor Freight fixed dual drive ratchet? Excellent video...

[@danr1920]

That Quinn torque adaptor is about $30, and less with a coupon. It's a fun toy as well as an accurate torque wrench.

[@mlacher100]

Great video, that was fast! I seen that cobra rachet in your hand?! Can't want to see how that ratchet holds up! 🙏👍

[@mytoob1671]

I have the Wera in 3/8. Compact head, good leverage. love it over all, but it is very handle heavy.

[@1337penguinman]

I personally prefer ratchets with plain metal handles. Every single one with the comfort grip I've ever owned the grip gets shredded and nasty. An all metal ratchet if it gets covered in oil or grease you just wipe it off. If it cuts into my hand too bad I'll just wrap it in a shop rag. Edit: Also, that HF flex dual drive looks like it would be great for belts. Might pick one up and give it a try.

[@kleostrin198]

Hi mate I like your channel but I would like to see 2 more things. To start with I would love to see reviews of larger sockets like 3/4 and 1 Inch, 3/4 certainly because I don't know if an inch will fail! Secondly I would love to see some other expensive brands including European like Facom and Beta because we all want to know what are the differences with cheaper brands. I'll be looking forward to watch more tests and bigger equipment failures! Cheers

[@christianness8983]

I'm wondering if that's just an issue with the socket. I've used my Zyklop on a multitude of old sockets from different brands and it fit all of them with no issues.

[@mkoshao]

I don't know how your sockets are made... but we never had problems with the wera ball detent on any of over 20 ratchets on an assortment of sockets from at least 7 different manufacturers... As long as your sockets are properly designed and have a groove that interacts with the ball detent there will be no problems. But as you said, your socket is quite old, maybe the retention feature wasn't implemented at that time in the past? Try some other sockets

[@notchagrandpa8875]

You should test a Williams ratchet to failure, see how much torque it takes to break one of them.

[@singachuotodiy]

did you ever test KTC BR4FL, koken 4774P-450, how much torque it can handle ?

[@EDUARDCORE7159]

thanks for the shoutout, I love my dewalt tools

[@ClientGraphics]

Slammed the Dewalt ratchet in just for you✌️ If you have a Dewalt ratchet that works it should last and provide a good return for the cost. I’ll probably break all these tools out into separate videos at some point

[@NutsandBoltsAuto]

Could you test different types of universal (spline) sockets and wrenches? See which brands round out the fastener or strip the tool. I would do it myself, but Im not monetized and can't really afford breaking a bunch of tools.

[@oldguy2082]

The imported ratchets are great values for the money, no question about that. Even some of the tool truck brands have tools made overseas such as Mac? Impact sockets. One of the failures of ratchets is that they need to be serviced regularly; most of my ratchets are 30-38 years old, clean and lubricate the internals on a regular basis, just like you'd do your vehicle. So, my Bonney, New Britain and Craftsman ratchets have never been replaced and still get used regularly. My SK ratchet was replaced after 30+ years not because the ratchet mechanism wore out or failed, rather because the flex head ball detent that holds the head in position had worn out the the grooves on the ratchet head. Even new ratchets should be checked for lubrication issues. Just like the car, ratchets need service, that's why you can in most cases, take the head apart.

[@orlandozoli]

Excellent video. Luckily you had that fancy paper cutter, or we wouldn't have seen what was in the package.

[@MrSupernova111]

For some reason I thought ratchets could handle more torque. It would be nice to see the same test with 1/2 anvil ratchets.

[@franklandgraff1190]

I like that even the cheap tools out perform the specs. Especially 3/8 as I would never put a cheater bar on those and by hand , you pretty much can't break them.

[@mountainbikerdave]

Video suggestion: I work with a lot of threaded rod. Specifically 3/8 threaded rod. So a tool like a "pass through ratchet" seems like a really good idea. Unfortunately nobody has taken these types of ratchet sets to failure. So no one knows how they compared to regular ratchets. Could you please take the crescent pass through ratchet and there adjustable wrench/ratchet combo to failure?

[@dougtilaran3496]

I wanna see you shear off anvils on various brands of 3/8 breaker bars to clarify the idiocy of pushing good ratchet to 200+. Breaker bars will shear at 175-200-220 or so too. Taking a 3/8 ratt over 125-150 is just goofy....albeit typical in the world of pipes and hammers

[@vartikcsaba]

My Wera 1/4 ratchet does not have any problem with the little ball. I use it with Wera sockets.

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Very impressed with the Pittsburgh pro slim ratchets fixed head and flex head

[@brotherbrian1]

I got that Pittsburgh long double drive for belt tensioners and the 3/8 end keeps auto reversing on me. I've seen similar complaints all over the place. I guess I just have a super long 1/4 ratchet now.

[@badlilstang]

Do you have a ratchet wrench durability test? I know there are a bunch of nice ones including the Milwaukee 144 tooth

[@miguelangelvasquez457]

The ratchets should not be used with a lever at any time, that is what lever dice are for, but still they are all very strong.

[@ivandubsky705]

Im Czech and I didnt even know that Zyklop is made here :D. On that socket slipage, personally I have never encountered a problem with it, and I tried alot of socket on my Wera ratchets (even the Tesco ones). But I do know a guy who bought some sockets from America and with half of them he had that particular problem. So maybe its USA vs EU standard thing?

[@congaronbo]

I've never broken a ratchet. Looks like I never will. But breaking stuff looks fun. Nice video.

[@bobbygoodman485]

I didn’t see a matco ratchet on the chart be nice to see one

[@ericcampbell2360]

They're the shit

[@bobbygoodman485]

Eric Campbell I know I enjoy mine a lot better than snap on

[@costelo17]

Hi. Interesting test. What are you plotting on the X-axis?

[@vikramrao5337]

time

[@costelo17]

@@vikramrao5337 Time is not relevant in this experiment. What you are testing there is a so called "quasi static" process. Dynamic effects are not relevant neither viscoelastic effects. What you mean by time is an increment, let's call it d_theta, in angular deformation. If this increment is constant you can just scale the x-axis and have a nice load-displacement, or better torque-angle, curve.

[@themaintenanceman1]

I was very impressed by the DeWalt! And I’m happy to see some crescent tools being tested. I’ve bought a few of there new tools being a bit iffy on them but I’m very impressed with them. Thanks for The video Chris!

[@ClientGraphics]

There was one Crescent ratchet at ACE Hardware I wanted to grab, but they sold out and haven’t gotten stock back. I do enjoy looking at all the options.

[@kristofferholst6053]

Hey if you stop pulling on the sockets, you won’t notice the smaller ball on the detent 🤔

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Nice work Chris great video

[@shauncatlett6066]

Can you test the wera zyclop flex ratchet, S•K 3/8, wright tools 3/8 dual pawl, gearwrench 120xp, and steelman pro cobra ratchets?

[@Name-ot3xw]

Not gonna lie, the top 15 places look like good value for what you pay, sans Snap-On. A little surprised MAC and SK ranked so low.

[@jonasOhso]

the push-through version of the zyklop ratched should be even more durable

[@opelmantamechanic8438]

could you check the US PRO 5162 3/8" Flexi Flexible Extendable Socket Ratchet 72t Teeth that's what i use in a professional car garage daily . Its versatile and strong enough for the tightest sparkplug or transmision bolt . the best bit is its cheap £15.20 on ebay so if you loose it no big deal . I would recommend it to any mechanic .

[@adriannurse1502]

Great video. The overall quality of the Crescent ratchet really surprised me at how poorly it was made. Even the handle didn't come out to the end of the comfort grip. I would love to see how the new Ingersoll Rand ratchet holds up

[@raulsalza]

Great Info, thanks!

[@james10739]

I was thinking about getting one of those harbor freight flex head long ones but it would be cool if there was a 90 bend in it so you are not pushing against the thin side

[@jmackinjersey1]

Have you tried to pull off a Wera socket from the Wera ratchet? Maybe their sockets are made with a smaller detent in the socket so they stay attached.

[@ClientGraphics]

I don’t have any Wera sockets to test, lots of other brand sockets. There sockets typically have a full drilled out detent if I remember correctly from pictures.

[@jmackinjersey1]

@@ClientGraphics I've seen many sockets with the hole, so that you can insert a pin tool to release. But I was wondering if maybe the ball is a little smaller in diameter, so it doesn't go as deep in the typical socket. Or maybe the spring/ball bearing set up is made so that the hole in the socket allows the ball bearing on the Wera anvil to go deeper, and the bottom of the typical socket does not. Or since the C/R is Germany like Mexico or Taiwan is to the US, the tool you have is defective?

[@aterack833]

Time to get a breaker bar with no detent at all, let alone quick release, that should get a lot of torque before failure, because I’m getting tired of failure

[@Rudimentary007]

Love my Wera. 👍💪💲

[@joshchase3365]

Damn 249 on a slim harbor wrench he'll yeah I'll have to use mine more often

[@combinefr]

First time watching your video and you've earned my subscription, really good review :)

[@ClientGraphics]

Thanks buddy👍👍

[@leonguyot4991]

Try the Wera ratchet with Wera sockets! They are really well made

[@patrickallen5781]

I think a better real work test would be trying to loosen a bolt welded to a steel plate. Who is going to torque to 250 lbs?

[@nickstarks22]

Please test the Vim Tools ratchet. I have several fine tooth Snap-On wrenches and I very much prefer the much cheaper Vim Tools ratchet. It has an even shorter swing and has several other features like becoming a T handle ratcheting wrench, the flex head locks, and it's less than half the price. I have the 1/4 in and the 3/8 in. and love them both more than the Snap-On.

[@toolsmetals2148]

That's the thing with alot of tools the fittmen ratio from anvil to Sockets and not all brands perform well when mixed with other brands . Just because tools have a ball detents does not necessarily mean they fit all other items precisely as measured . Just as well as you mentioned about the Wera . I have SNAP-ON low profile Ratchet and Socket set and what's funny is that the sockets that come with the actually set the fitment ratio is funny with slight play do to the ball detent being so small but the Sockets lock inn more tighter on a regular normal 3/8" drive SNAP-ON Ratchet were the ball detent is standard measurement compared to the sockets un standard design with a smaller slot for the low profile Ratchet

[@anidiotinaracingcar4874]

It would be sooooo cool to include the metric value in Nm...

[@philipp594]

Can you test the real german brands? (Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore) the finte tooth ratchets should hold up to more torque.

[@mao_tomotivevlog5718]

yes!!! please

[@jordanbannister7523]

would like to see how a bahco ratchet performs, always had good luck with them

[@ronstoolbox4106]

I have the wera ratchet and it is the only ratchet I have that will not work with all my sockets. It seems that with some socket brands the ball detent will no come out and lock onto the sockets. It will lock on to most of my specialty sockets and my milwaukee impact sockets but will not on my SK sockets both old and new. For this reason the wera ratchet sits in my box away from the rest of my ratchets and sockets.

[@MCEngineeringInc]

Great review! Always interesting to see where the fail. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@mdjak3686]

I hit the sub button. Good work

[@jarcoindustries31]

Wera ratchets are solely made to be used with Wera sockets thats why it was slipping off the U.S.A. made socket you had though there is some sockets it will fit fine i really like wera and never have any issues with the ratchets but the joker wrenches are not worth the $

[@ClientGraphics]

I don’t have any Wera sockets.... And now I don’t have a Wera ratchet any more 🤷‍♂️ The ratchet felt and did work well otherwise.

[@mandapalque]

Chris: I might be wrong, but on your chart, you have the Pittsburg Pro at 245lbs, but your video showed 215lbs at the breaking point. You might want to fix those numbers.

[@rodw]

Hi Chris and Amy, I don't cringe as much as I used to. Curious though what do you do with all the ratchets after you warranty them? Can you do this kind of test on ratcheting wrenches?? Take care and see you soon, Rodney

[@bamboelaa]

Can you do a Hazet or Gedore?

[@meagaindave2049]

Nice chart layout, Chris. Seems bang-for-the-buck might, arguably, be Tekton. Who knew? God bless!😁👍

[@SebaKerckhof]

Would be nice if you can include Hazet in a future comparison

[@ClientGraphics]

Video for the Hazet 8816p is here kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZ21hGWtlL2IiNU

[@mao_tomotivevlog5718]

i hope you also review some ratheting wrench from tekton and gearwrench

[@hackdeez1075]

Tekton for life!

[@AutobahnDan]

Strange, I’ll have to try out more sockets cause I don’t remember any falling out that bad!

[@meagaindave2049]

Wera!! 👍

[@smacfe]

Love these tests. I like the comfortable handle on the Dewalt, just wish it was an inch longer. While I will probably never take a ratchet to failure, the one thing that I am fanatical about is slop in the mechanism. It doesn't matter if it has a zillion teeth if there is an eighth of a turn of slop. It would sure be nice if you could develop a test for slop in ratchets so we could see the differences.

[@doktawd1]

How about comparing Craftsman ratchet from China and Craftsman ratchet from USA?

[@towboatjeff]

You need to make a wall of fame on your garage wall, mount the broken ratchet with its basic info- Price- and how many foot pounds it took to break

[@rookiexreviews]

he probably rebuilds most of them well the one that are worth it