Wera vs Bacho ratchet set on sale

[Sjur]

Would just like to hear your opinions on which ratchet set I should buy. At first, I planned to buy a Wera 3/8" 43 parts ratchet set for 330USD.

Then, today, I saw that Toolstop is having this Bacho ratchet set on sale for 142USD (will have to pay some shipping). Normal price is 677USD.

I'm steering towards the Bacho set, but I would appreciate some input.

Thanks!

 

[AlexThePalex]

Wera is a step up in quality from Bahco. Wera is considered purely professional grade, while Bahco is more semi-professional.

Wera aims to satisfy the professional who uses his tools daily in heavy duty jobs, while bahco is more aimed at the demanding hobbyist and the professional who uses the tools on a more occasional basis.

But Bahco is still pretty good stuff. I don't have a socket set from them, but a variety of other tools like saws, chisels and wrenches, and they hold up just fine to my demands. But I'm not a pro, I'm a demanding hobbyist.

By the way, don't believe everything they say about the discount you're getting. That Bahco set would never sell for 677, that's just one big lie. For that money you can get a Gedore or Facom set, which is quality wise in a whole different ballpark.

 

[Sjur]

Thanks Alex!

I realised the retail price was probably exaggarated. However, exaggarated or not, it's still pretty cheap. I actually compared the price to Esska to check, and this 94 piece bacho set appears to be retailing for 576USD.

I've used the bacho set at work (as a carpenter), and I do like how they feel. There's nothing wrong with them, it's just that the Wera is, looks and probably feel even better. I've seen some video reviews, and when Peter Parfitt did his, I decided to get them for christmas. Then this offer comes along! Ugh, so many choices!

Does anyone know if the parts in the set is interchangable from brand to brand? Can I for example use bacho bits in a Wera screwdriver? Or use wera bits in the bacho set?

 

[rljatl]

For comparison purposes, you can check Amazon for reviews, opinions, and prices for those sets, too.

Wera 8100 SB 2 Zyklop 3/8" Metric Ratchet Set, 43-Pieces

 

[sae]

Bahco stuff is simple, Wera is more "engineered".

I have a little of each, the Wera stuff is nicer to look at, but they both work well. I recently got more Beta stuff in, I like their focus on ergonomics.

 

[AlexThePalex]

Does anyone know if the parts in the set is interchangable from brand to brand? Can I for example use bacho bits in a Wera screwdriver? Or use wera bits in the bacho set?

Well, it depends.

There are a couple of different sizes that are standards. For bits it's mostly 1/4 inch. So almost all bits from any brand are interchangeable.

For sockets the most used sizes are 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 inch. So within each size, everthing from different brands fits together. And then there are adapters to go from one size to another. The Wera set you're looking at is 3/8'', while the Bahco has two sets, one of 1/4'' and one of 1/2''. These particular Wera and Bahco sockets would not be interchangeable, unless you use an adapter. 

I myself have a pretty decent 3/8'' socket set by TengTools. I prefer this size most as it's the middle of the road, not too big and not too small and therefor useable for a wide range of tasks.

 

[Sjur]

Thanks again, Alex!

After some more time on the www, I think I'm going to go for 3/8" Wera set, along with a Wera 1/4" bit ratchet. My father has a 1/2" ratchet that he uses to change the tires on his cars, and he said I could borrow it whenever I need. I've given some thought to import Wera from UK/Denmark/Germany/other country with cheap shipping.  Does anyone have a store to recommend? Perhaps one with christmas discount?

 

[Dan Clark]

Sjur,

IMO, Wera is an excellent choice. 

I bought this set from Amazon: Wera Zyklop 8100 SB 3 3/8-Inch SAE.  It is by FAR the best socket set I've owned. 

My only wish is that they would create a combo set of SAE and metric sockets in a single case.

Regards,

Dan.

 

[GregBradley]

I would go with the Wera Zyklop set. It impresses me and I own a good $50,000 worth of Snap-On tools in a car shop that I own. Please don't ask me WHY I own a car shop.

Clearly the Zyklop would not take the abuse that the Snap-On stuff does but it is more pleasant to use.

 

[benwheeler]

For what it's worth, I have that exact Bahco set. I only use it occasionally (for car and building work) and I've been very happy with it.

I paid around $230 Australian several years ago, and that set is going for $196 Australian, so it seems reasonable (bearing in mind that everything here is too expensive).

I find the matt finish to be very pleasant to handle.

 

[mac sparrow]

How timely.  I just bought the Bahco S106 set a few days ago and it looks brilliant.  Very solid, well made and comes in a sturdy case.  I have needed a socket set a few times recently and I debated many times; Wera or Bahco.  I have used the Wera set with work and it's brilliant.  In the end I went for Bahco because of the overall choice of sockets and spanners available - I like to keep things consistent if I can   In addition to this I already own a number of Bahco tools which I've been really pleased with.

Having used both sets, allbeit the Wera set more so as I've only just got the Bahco set, I can say they are both brilliant and I'm quite sure they will be suitable for most applications.  The Bahco S106 is a more comprehensive set than the 43 piece Wera so have a think about how you will/might use the set in future.  What are your current, what are your future requirements?  The usual questions I'm sure your already asking

I also considered (within the realms of affordability, usability and not so stealability) Teng, Brittool, Halfords Professional range (gets great feedback from the automotive world), Gedore and a couple I can't remember.

I wonder if people prefer Wera because of it's German pedigree?  It's certainly good stuff.

Good luck and enjoy whichever set you go for.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I wonder if people prefer Wera because of it's German pedigree?  It's certainly good stuff.

I just like Wera because it is good stuff. I mainly have experience with their screw bits. My local tool store introduced me to Wera's diamond bits many moons ago and I was hooked right away because the grip was so much better than the bits I used until then. Suddenly cam out was a thing of the past. I didn't know it was German and I couldn't care less. 

Now most of my driver bits are Festool because I really dig centrotec. But my Wera bits still get their use from time to time.

As for sockets and spanners, I prefer brands like Gedore, Facom and Stahlwille over Wera. Those 3 brands are really the absolute top. And happen to be German also. I don't like them because they're German, I like them because they're good.

 

[Sjur]

Nice to read the responses!

I ended up ordering the 3/8" Wera set, along with the 1/4" Wera bit ratchet set. I came to the conclusion that the extra parts offered in the Bacho set was to little use for me. All the bolts and screws I currently have are compatible with the Wera-set, and it's relatively easy to keep it that way. Just have to remember it when I need to buy new fasteners. Also, the Bacho set didn't have adjustable head, which is very useful for me.

Can anyone confirm that it's possible to attach imperial-based sockets on the ratchets?

I like my tools to have a matching color scheme. Silly, perhaps. I have some vintage, stationary machines that are green, as well as the Festool's. I think it is more of a joy to use the tools when they match up with the machines. Speaking of green, I remember reading that Germany introduced the idea of having woodworking machines as green, whereas metalworking machines should be painted grey. Does anyone know anything about this?

Personally, I didn't pick Wera because of the german connection. It's definetly a comforter to know, but I picked Wera based on the positive reviews.

On another note, I've been on the lookout for a good adjustable wrench. An older Bacho I've used at work has been very good. I've tried my luck with some other brands, but I returned all of them because they wiggled too much and didn't grab good enough. I think I'm going to buy a bacho wrench, but if anyone have a brand to recommend, shoot!

 

[nclemmons]

I have that Wera ratchet on another set and like it a lot.  very small and the ratchet works well.

That 1/4" ratchet will accept either metric or imperial sockets.  The drive is always universally imperial but the sockets can be either metric or imperial.  Go figure!

I have Klein adjustable wrenches and have been happy with them.  They are a lot more than the Bacho wrenches on the Amazon.co.uk site.  Not that expensive in the US.  So I'd suggest sticking with the Bacho.

 

[AlexThePalex]

On another note, I've been on the lookout for a good adjustable wrench. An older Bacho I've used at work has been very good. I've tried my luck with some other brands, but I returned all of them because they wiggled too much and didn't grab good enough. I think I'm going to buy a bacho wrench, but if anyone have a brand to recommend, shoot!

Yep, get a Bahco. In Holland we actually call these wrenches a "bahco", a case where the brand name became synonymous with the tool itself. They are very good.

Another brand I'd recommend is Gedore, but it is a lot more expensive and in case of an adjustable wrench, not necessarily better.

 

[sae]

These make adjustable wrenches obsolete.



I only have the smaller 10" size, but they're worth their weight in gold.

 

[sae]

Er sorry, this is a more informative video.

 

[AlexThePalex]

These make adjustable wrenches obsolete.

Not in my opinion. I have one of those too. Very nice wrench, gets a lot of use. But the angle of the handle is not the same as with the adjustable  'bahco' wrench we were talking about. I find it a lot easier to apply force with a bahco. I use the Knipex a lot more than the bahco, but for the tougher jobs I definitely go bahco. 

 

[sae]

Any pictures of this wrench?

I avoid adjustable and open end wrenches as much as possible, it puts pressure on the corners of the bolt/nut and is the quickest way to round it off. The beauty of the Knipex pliers wrench is the ability to apply a massive amount of clamping force on the opposing faces so you grip the flats, and not the corners. Its really the only adjustable tool I'll ever reach for anymore if I don't have the proper sized wrench.

 

[AlexThePalex]

[attachimg=1]

This one, standard adjustable wrench. Jaws are set with a worm wheel, once set they don't move. You don't round of corners unless you set it too big. Problem with the Knipex is that you have to hold the two beams together while you turn the bolt, so it is not for tasks that require a great deal of force.

I'm not a one size-fits-all type of guy. You use the proper tool for the proper task to work most efficiently.