Hi Seth,
thanks!
It really depends from which side you're looking at them. I'll try to explain:
The Snap-On bag pictured is my "grab and go"-bag. It holds a not so basic set of tools, my toolholder should I need/want it and some speciality items. Last but not least a handful of consumables. This is my #1 tool bag and it more or less goes everywhere I go, metaphorically speaking.
It's the bag I bring in addition to a drill/driver when a friend calls at 9PM on a Sunday and asks for last minute help setting up a piece of furniture and I already know by 10PM it will have turned into: can you install this, oh and this, oh that over there, too.
So what I originally wanted was a set of VDE screwdrivers for this bag.
Going with regular drivers the bag would have been half full: Slotted, PH, PZ, Torx, PH/S and PZ/S.
With this set, and by adding a 2nd handle I was able to have a full set of VDE screwdrivers occupying only one compartment of the bag. Additionally they are sturdy enough for most everything "non-VDE" in case typical bits and bit holders, ratcheting bit holders and the much loved bit ratchets are to bulky, not long enough or to wide to reach into some sort of "pocket hole". They are also a lot less wobbly than other solutions. By adding a 2nd handle you don't have to switch blades that often.
Personally I haven't come across any situation where these would break, but obviously it should be considered that these are not as heavy duty as Wera's other lines. Also when you use the #2 PH/PZ or other larger blade sizes it's a little strange feeling at first having a smaller handle than on the regular screwdrivers. But to me they feel great in the hand nonetheless - I can work with them, no problem. The handle size is a medium, a bit like on the #1 PH/PZ, maybe a tiny little bit thicker...
I think these are an excellent choice if you need a full set of VDE screwdrivers but want the smallest footprint possible. They come in a really nifty case with all blades neatly sorted and accessible. (I ditched it because it would have taken up to much space in the bag, but if you can "afford" losing that additional space, it's definitely a great case!)
Last but not least, when you apply quite a bit of torque you'll notice these are interchangeable, there is a little bit of movement you can feel. But nothing to worry about or bothering.
Sometimes I don't want to carry that bag around my place, because I really just need a select few tools, thats when I grab a few of the regular VDE from my workshop. Makes no real difference to me speaking of application.
What's cool with the Kompakt(s) is that you can also get blades for opening maintenance doors, control cabinets and so on.
However, if I was working in a industrial/commercial setting knowing exactly what three, four maybe five sizes and types of screwdrivers I need and use them everyday 9-to-5. I would spear the Kompakt(s) the wear and tear and go for the regular VDE(s)
Kind regards,
Oliver
that Oliver. [big grin]
