Wera has come out with new 10-piece 1/2″ drive hex bit sockets.
These new bit sockets are color-coded, as are some of Wera’s new socket sets, and also feature a screw retention mechanism.
The sets include a holding holder with “twist and lock” socket rails.
Screw retention looks to be accomplished by means of a ball detent. I don’t think I have seen ball detents on hex bit sockets before. It seems like I would favor this over some of the other retention mechanisms I’ve seen, but it likely adds to the cost.
Wera says that the Hex-Plus drive design allows for up to 20% more torque to be transferred to fasteners, and also helps to prevent rounding out of fastener heads.
Sizes: 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 mm
The pricing is steep – ~$144 via Chads Toolbox, the only USA distributor I could find. Overseas, via Amazon UK, it’s around £77 including VAT, or around £64 excluding VAT plus £13 and change shipping. The “to my door” price is around £77 and change, or around $102 USD.
Buy Now(via Amazon UK)
Model no.: 8740 C HF
SKU: 05004201001
If you’re interested in hex bit sockets, also check out these previous hex driver reviews and discussions:
These 16 Hex Key and Driver Options are Anything But Ordinary
Wera is also coming out with new Torx bit sockets. Sizes include T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, TX45, T50, T55, and T60.
Although Wera shows a secure fastener fit, it doesn’t look like there’s any active fastener retention mechanism as with the hex bit sockets.
But, like the hex bit sockets, the new Torx bit sockets are also color-coded.
The price for the 9-piece set is £75, or around £63 excluding tax and including shipping, for a “to my door” price of £76 and change, or ~$100 USD.
Buy Now(via Amazon UK)
Model no.: 8767 C HF
SKU: 05004202001