Germany vs. Japan -- Wera Bit Check vs. Vessel Ball Impact Set (30-Piece Hex Bit Showdown)

Wera and Vessel both make great 1/4” hex insert bits - but when they go head-to-head … who wins?
Truth is they’re very nice and quite different -- so I'll likely keep both...
Who says we can't do a Tool Tuesday on a Sunday?
The unsung hero of this video is the Wera Rapidaptor bit holder... definitely the best bit holder I've used.
Vessel 30 Piece Ball Impact Set:
amzn.to/3rM8T4z
Wera Bit Check:
amzn.to/3JnDbR4
Bonus -Wera Rapidaptor -- probably the best bit holder I've used..
amzn.to/34D6twe

[@bcwrangler]

I have this same Vessel set and a Wera Tool-check plus set, I must say the Vessel bits are my favorite. The quality is excellent and I've used the torx a lot in my impact driver with no signs of wear, the tool-check set is one I will grab for having a complete tool/bit set for quick jobs. Also, the Vessel bits are made in Japan but that bit holder is made in China(I've never used it)

[@Alkatraz415]

Those security bits are used a lot here in the US in commercial applications. I have been plumbing for 25 years and needed security bits for maybe 23 of those 25 years. Security screws are in metal access panels, drinking fountains, partitions, all over in prisons and jails, the metal shrouds covering the plumbing under public restrooms sinks, cleanout covers, etc... This is just my limited exposure to them from plumbing. I'm sure there are a lot of other trades that run into these in their world of commercial construction.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah that makes sense. I always consider them "specialty" bits!

[@chiphill4856]

The security torx are used bc they fit the regular torx as well. So they cover 2 types of screws for one bit.

[@hardlyb]

I like both Wera and Vessel bits. I have Wera impact bits which have held up for a couple of years of regular home handyman use; they are much better than Milwaukee or Dewalt bits. I have a Vessel ratcheting ball screwdriver, and that's my go-to manual screwdriver (strong magnet, easy to change the settings, and good feel for starting screws, plus the Vessel bits really fit well). If you want some extra grip, with a good bit, there is EZ-Grip paste that you can put on the tip of the bit. It's lasts a while, and screws really don't slip off.

[@danstheman33]

I prefer not having any redundant bits in a case like this- I rarely wear out bits, I'd much rather have a complete assortment of the bits I use in one place, and keep the spares somewhere else. And a variety of slotted bit sizes are extremely useful, especially if you do electrical work. Not just for faceplate screws, but for tiny set screws, decorative screws on light fixtures, adjustment dials in certain electronics, release slots for backstabbed receptacles or switches (I'd never backstab of course, but for removing one already installed), etc. In the screwdriver I keep with my electrical kit, I have 4 slotted bits, and I think two Phillips and one combi bit. I would keep even more slotted bits if I had room in the bit carousel. I plan on upgrading that screwdriver to a Wera which is nicer, but has only 6 slots in the bit carousel. I will probably give up one of the Phillips or the combi bit rather than one of the slotted..

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah in my line flat head is just annoying -- but when I work on my house -- it's great having a collection of em!

[@oftheforest6572]

I have a Wiha bit set with a metal case; it comes with PH1-3, PZ1-3, T10-40, Allen 1/8-1/4, Robertson 1-3, and a couple that I don't remember because I changed them for flat heads. It also came with a locking bit extender. Impact rated. All this in a roughly 1.5x4x1 metal box. I love it.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Got a part no. on that? Sounds super nice.

[@oftheforest6572]

@@IroncloudMetalworks #76897 Terminator Impact Pocket Pack 28 piece.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Damn that does look nice!!

[@assai74]

To remove a bit from the Wera just pull the plastic handle away from the dill to pop out the bit and remove it easily.

[@photoscottsb]

If you encounter any JIS fasteners (Japanese autos and electronics are all JIS), the Vessel set will be superior. JIS tips work great on standard Phillips heads, but standard Phillips tips are bad for stripping JIS heads.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah - honestly I love these vessel bits. They are just great!!

[@firebladex8586]

Isn't W pronounced V in German? I always thought it would be pronounced Vera.

[@fredthehead4603]

You are correct.

[@TheFlutecart]

Thanks for pointing me to the Vessel set. I've been looking for a quality hand driver set without extras or random security bits in it. I have a Vessel Crystal ratcheting screwdriver, nice tool. I will likely buy it, sigh.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah -- I ended up keeping both sets and I'm impressed with these Vessel bits. I did throw the bitholder into the "extras bin" -- where old tools go to rust and die. I used the Vessel T25 and P3 to drive some screws for shelves with my Impact Driver -- and they held up great and didn't slip one bit.

[@iangregoryhome]

We in the UK use the security torx on metal cabinets were the key hole has a plate over it and things.... I like the extra length on the Vessel, it fits in the Bosch chuck better.

[@ggrimm79]

You tested the Vessel fit but not the Wera fit. Any difference?

[@michaelsarar1692]

Been using pb swiss bits and the seem great.

[@WandomZhiEt]

Are you USA based? If so the icon is a great complementary set with a flex bit ratchet.

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

Yeah I’ve seen that people are raving about that set. I’ll check it out - but I already have some micro ratcheting bit drivers and I rarely use em.

[@whatfreedom7]

Just know what your buying when you get vessel or Japan brands. The anvil portion where they lock in the tool are different lengths. US uses 9mm length where as Japan uses 13mm length. If it’s a US release they will be US length though.

[@lubey111]

Yeah but the bit holder in this kit seems to be the non-Japanese 9mm length for some reason

[@drengskap]

Interesting that the Vessel bit holder is sub-standard - I've never seen a Vessel tool that's anything less than excellent.

[@wessamazzo8856]

Xps bits is what you need

[@Gamer_Marcy_God]

How come my vessel bits don’t fit my miLwuakee impact gun? It falls out

[@IroncloudMetalworks]

I haven't had that issue...

[@AndrejaKostic]

Impact drivers usually have a collet which has balls on the inside, and they mate with a ring on the bit, where the bit is narrower, so the bit can't fall out. The length from the end of the bit to the narrower section is longer on bits which follow Japanese standards, compared to the bits which follow western standards, so Japanese bits don't fit western collets, because balls can't fall into the groove, and western bits aren't as secure in the Japanese collets, because they're too short to reach the end of the collet (but Makita, for example, sells adapters which can fill the gap for their Japanese tools).

[@michaelstewart1526]

Your leather man uses security torx

[@metricdeep8856]

Security bits are sold in every kit.....So...no real security when everyone has them.

[@louislunterbusch5571]

Wera is not a German company.

[@Saeverix]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wera_Tools

[@marcc482]

I use the security Torx all the time (medical equipment and electronics)