I typically don’t post about Hazet’s Advent Calendars for two reasons. Quite frankly, their past holiday season tool sets have been expensive and boring.
Take Hazet’s 2020 Advent Calendar, for example, which can still be found on Amazon. That tool set comes with a ratcheting screwdriver, some bits, ordinary short hex keys, and a bottle opener. If I recall correctly, it was priced over $150 when it came out last year.
Hazet’s Advent Calendar for this year (2021) is quite a bit different.
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Oh, it’s still pricey – Hazet tools usually carry a premium – but it’s also interesting and unique.
Here’s a quick look at what you get with the Hazet 2021 Advent Calendar. It comes with 26 pieces, centered around a compact bit ratchet.
Hazet Advent Calendar 2021 Tool Set Contents
- Ratcheting Bit Holding Screwdriver
- 2239-1 Bit Adapter for 1/4″ hex inserts
- 450B 1/4″ hex wrench insert: 8.0, 10, 13 mm
- 6 Point 1/4″ Drive Socket: 8.0, 10, 13 mm
- 1/4″ hex to 1/4″ square drive adapter
- 1/4″ Phillips Bit: #1, #2 x 25 mm
- 1/4″ Torx Bit: T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, T40 x 25 mm
- 1/4″ Pozidriv Bit: #1, #2 x 25 mm
- 1/4″ Hex Bit: 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 x 25 mm
- 1/4″ Slotted Bit: 0.4 x 1.5, 0.5 x 4.0, 1.2 x 6.5 x 25 mm
- SmartCase compact/foldable storage
As for the interesting part, check out the “hex wrench inserts.”
The bit ratchet comes with a compact reversible ratcheting mechanism, and it also features a 1/4″ hex socket at the end of the handle. It looks like you can use the ratchet in a standard “screwdriver” type of configuration, and the same hex socket can be used with the included wrench inserts.
The tool set comes with 8mm, 10mm, and 13mm wrench inserts. This looks like it could be useful for users who want a very compact kit that also comes with open ended wrenches. The set also comes with sockets in the same size, and so the wrench inserts seem like a convenient complement.
From the marketing language, Hazet says that these wrenches are their world’s first, and they’re also exclusive to the Advent Calendar.
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The ratchet is said to be part of Hazet’s HiPer lineup and features a 90T mechanism for a 4° swing angle.
Everything is bundled inside a compact SmartCase.
While still pricey, at least this year’s Hazet tool set gives us something interesting to talk about.
Price: $186.25
Buy Now via KC Tool
Buy Now via Amazon DE
If ordering via Amazon Germany, they also have last year’s calendar tool set at a deep discount, but it does NOT look like you can get combined shipping. Advent Calendar tool sets typically ship in large packaging, which means hefty international shipping fees.
Lastly, here’s a blue Santa unboxing the Hazet tool set:
MM
In the Tool Talk forum we had recently been talking about a tool kit for emergency auto repair. This little guy would be a great starting point for an emergency motorcycle or ATV tool kit. Except for the price, that is. I like the “wrench insert” idea, but wish there was also a 12mm version of it (and a socket) in the set too. 14mm for both as well would be even better.
Jared
That would make more sense for Japanese machines – this would make a pretty sweet kit for that too.
Good choice for KTM riders though – 13mm abounds!
Matt J.
Yup…that was me, and I agree. Price kind of kills it, but this is pretty much ideal otherwise (although 12mm would be good since at least the current vehicle intended to hold it is a Toyota). I did find this thing, which is something of a similar idea, but those wrench inserts are awesome and brilliant: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B0958RC3PH/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_JG2X8VCEECDTP0WAF6BH
Jared
Neat! That idea looks both novel and useful – which is rare.
Hazet’s cases are cool too. I wish this was priced more like Wera’s though. I don’t think I can justify the cost just for the novelty – but I wish I could!
fred
Stalhlwille and Gedore also used to do advent calendar tool promotions – but I don’t think that I’ve seen theirs for sale this year in the US. The Haus of Tools and KC carried the 2020 Stahlwille one
https://hausoftools.com/products/stahlwille-97241220-advent-calendar-24-pieces
https://www.gedore.com/en-de/sales-and-promotions/gedore-red-advent-calendar
BTW – Chads Toolbox has the Hazet listed at $179
Stuart
I don’t shop at Chads anymore, but even if I did, KC Tool has it for $168 with the ToolGuyd coupon.
fred
I haven’t shopped at Chads in years. Its not that they were atrocious or dishonest but the customer relations and information flow from KC Tools is far superior. KC’s ToolGuyd4Life 10% off promo is always nice and they have been doing a 20% off deals around the BlackFriday / CyberMonday timeframe for the last few years.
Yadda
Amazon carries the Gedore advent calendar. Resonably priced at $56.
https://www.amazon.com/GEDORE-red-R38012024-Adventskalender-Calendar/dp/B0862RK6SS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=MQS3EIKGV9Q&dchild=1&keywords=gedore+advent&qid=1634305219&sr=8-1
Yadda
Correction, that is the 2020 advent calendar.
fred
I guess that’s why the price is reasonable. Might be an OK deal if you want its contents.
Joatman
Most of us have enough bits and sockets to get by. Take those out of the equation of this set and you have a ratchet, which most of already have……plus 3 wrench inserts… for $180??? The wrench inserts are cool but not for that price. They’re sort of gimmicky. Who is going to grab a two piece concoction when you can just grab a wrench. Hazet products are insultingly overpriced. If you cut the price in half I still wouldn’t come close to considering buying this set. Please convince or educate me on how I need to spend this much money on a Hazet tool when I can get the same longevity out of a tool that costs a fraction of this.
I have a few ratchets in my box that I’ve had for a few decades that haven’t failed me yet. If you’re smart and buy tools that have a lifetime guarantee, then you won’t be suckered into buying something overpriced like this. Where are you going to take a broken Hazet tool in the US to get a replacement on the fly? I’ve never seen a Hazet product in a store around me…..and I’m 10 mins from one of the largest cities in the US. It’s just irritating to see “deals” like this. I realize there are plenty other gouging brands out there but Hazet is ridiculous .
billybob
I think you are going off the massively inflated US prices for euro tools. This Hazet set is currently 79,90€ on amazon.de. Expensive, but not so crazy. Going from previous years, the price will go down to maybe 50-60 euro in December if they are not sold out. I have no defense for the wrench attachment things though. 🙂
Frank D
Yeah … no.
I have three sets of ratchets and sockets, some wrenches, …
There’s a lot that fits into that little box for sure; but what does it accomplish that is not going to make me wish that I had another size wrench? or socket? or bit?
What vehicle or equipment does one have that just needs those three sizes?? and a few bits?
JoeM
Is it wrong of me to wish they had a Hannukah Minorah pack from these “Advent Calendar” packages?
Open the box, your tools you get are lined up in the shape of a Hannukah Minorah, complete with 44 “Candle” type objects to represent each night. (For those who don’t know, the 9-armed Hannukah Minorah always has one candle in the middle, and you light another candle every night for 8 days. So 1+1 the first night, 1+2 the second, and so on, for 8 nights.) I think Bits or individual sockets would make nice place holders for the 44 candles… Maybe precision screwdrivers? Those are candle-like.
Not a complaint in any way of course. Just a point of curiosity. I wonder what tool companies could come up with to make their Minorah packs awesome every year. Has nothing to do with commercializing a Jewish Holiday, or Jewish tradition, or anything else… Just… Expand beyond the Advent Calendar, and have year-round holiday packs that let their creative teams have some fun with their tools. And give the gift of a good laugh to the tool users in your life who happen to celebrate other traditions. It’d just be fun, y’know?
fred
Advent calendars are a “thing” in Germany. Having done some shopping at Christmas markets along the Rhine and Danube – I can recall all sorts of things packaged that way, So there must be a demand for them in those locales ( Austria, Germany, Hungary etc.) No reason that one couldn’t start a tradition for one based on other religious/cultural beliefs – and if there was a demand for such maybe some manufacturers would take note. How about your Menorah idea plus a 5-item one for Diwali, 7-pack for Kwanzaa etc.
Jim
With my luck the 10mm socket would be gone before I could open it
Stuart
Here’s the solution to that: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/gearwrenchs-versatile-10mm-single-size-socket-set/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Dave the tool
I purchased this set the same day you ran the article about it. Added a couple of high strength rubberized magnets on the back of it and it stays wherever I put it. Kudos!
Julian Tracy
Never have I had a need for a 13mm. ALWAYS have a need for 12mm and 14mm.
Either way – so little value for so much money.
MM
It’s really odd how some sizes can be very common or very rare depending on what you are working on.
I did a lot of auto work when I was in college and my most commonly used metrics were 8, 10, 12, 14, and 17. I rarely used the other sizes. Lately I’ve been helping a family member maintain their 2003 Ford Explorer and while it does have 10’s and 12’s on it it is absolutely packed with 7, 11, 15, and 16mm–sizes I almost never used when working on Hondas and Toyotas. I don’t think I’ve found a 14 or a 17 on it yet.
MattW.
I own a 2003 explorer and I keep 7 and 9mm in my center console all the time. 11mm comes up sometimes as well so I’m glad I got a cheap set of racheting wrenches in all sizes for that reason. FYI watch out for that stupid 2 peice bonded(glued) thermostat housing replace it early and often good luck !
Jared
Ha! I have a 2003 F150. The first time I encountered a 7mm bolt I was very confused. I had the 7mm socket and it fit just fine, but it was such an oddball size I was asking myself “Isn’t this vehicle metric? This must be an SAE screw because nobody uses 7mm…”
MM
Funny you mention the thermostat housing, I had to replace that two weeks ago. That is an incredibly poor design, and it’s a serious pain the rear to replace as well.
Wouter
13 mm is the standard for a metric M8(8mm) bolt. Funny thing is that I rarly use my 12&14 mm.
928'er
Right, buy a German car and you’ll find plenty of use for a 13mm. It’s probably my most used size – along with 10, 15, 17, 19 & 27mm.
And I agree with a poster above – Too much bread for too little cake
AlexK
Unless there is some very specific job for it that I can’t think of, I suspect it’s purpose is more about a high end company offering a high end “cute” gift idea for someone who has enough money to buy this, more as a “it’s the thought that counts,” than for real need. I used to buy somewhat affordable waterman pens to give as gifts. Who doesn’t like getting something beautiful, that you might not be able to rationalize getting for yourself. I would think that anyone who already knows how to use a ratchet and wrench, would have full sets and multiples of bits, and this doesn’t seem to be “here or there”. What kind of torque can you get with the little handle? Add the wrench for length/leverage and is it safe? Hopefully, someone will write in a use that I don’t see.
JoeM, what about a Shelter Logic Kwanzaa hut? As far as Hannukah, even I don’t want to see a catalogue with a menorah on it and I was born on the 5th night of hannukah. The Hebrew calendar is solar and lunar, which is different from our (solar only) calendar.
In 1961, the 5th night of hannukah fell on dec. 7th, pearl Harbor day, but it changes each year. One year, my Hebrew birthday fell on Christmas eve. This year, dec. 4th.
How about a dreidel for a fidget? I like my Kershaw Leek, and love to hear the “snick” sound as it flicks open, but I’m fighting the urge to get a Benchmade Bug out. A dreidel costs .50 and the Bug out around $160+. And all I’m going to do is flick it open and close. I can’t even lie to myself that I need it, will carry it or even use it to cut an apple or a terrorist piece of cardboard, but I covet it. What did I get I instead? A transmission mount! I can’t even see it, let alone play with it and cut myself. Who is going to support bandaid companies? And if my Toyota Matrix clutch can be going strong with 202,000 miles on it, who made the wimpy transmission mount that up and quit?
MM
I agree, this is clearly an “executive gift” sort of thing. But I think there is some potential to their ratchet design here. If they decide to expand their offerings and make more than just 3 sizes of those modular wrenches then I think it might a honestly useful tool for applications where compact size and light weight are important. This kit is so small that it’s applications are very limited, but picture a tool roll or a well designed plastic case containing that ratchet, a wider assortment of wrench inserts (say, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14mm and 7/16, 1/2, 5/8, 9/16), those same sizes of sockets, a 1/4 hex bit extension, and a variety of hex bits (slot, ph, torx, hex)? That would be a very practical tool kit for many purposes and I’d certainly buy a couple assuming the price was reasonable.
Jared
I’m with you MM. I see a lot of potential in this kit:
– First, you already identified the potential powersports application. This would have much of the tools you need for trail-side adjustments or small repairs (albeit a 14mm socket is missing and that is needed for lots of Japanese machines).
– Second, it seems to cover all the common bit sizes – if you come across a screw this can’t fasten, it’s probably something special (well again, small niggle – no Robertson? I guess that won’t matter if you don’t live in Canada or use it for home maintenance (or how difficult would it be to swap out one bit?)).
– Third, and this is what got me interested in the first place, it’s very similar to a set I already own and use a LOT:
https://shop.wurth.ca/general-tools/professional-hand-tools/ratchets-sockets-sets/ratchet-socket-bit-sets/14-mini-multi-socket-wrench-assortment/1-4-inch-multi-socket-wrench-assortment-mini-23PCS/965.1123/
It lives in my small portable tool bag and I use it all the time. It’s amazing how many times it’s just what I need for some automotive task, powersports repair, carb adjustment, machine tweak, toy fix, etc…
I realize #3 might not sound convincing to someone who isn’t me – i.e. I recognize this as similar to something I use often, hence I can tell it would be useful – but that bit selection, mini ratchet and sockets look familiar and cover a surprising amount of little jobs that pop up. HOWEVER, in my case I don’t walk around with just my Wurth kit – it’s a small set I keep inside an open top electrician’s tool bag with other tools.
Jared
Last point: contrast this with most of Wera’s advent calendars. Usually they have a nice, but seemingly random, assortment of small tools.
It’s nice how everything in the kit will fit in the customized pouch they include – but I usually can’t think of a reason I would keep those tools together. For example, how often do I need a corkscrew and a t-handle bit holder at the same time?
At least this Hazet kit seems focused. I think the main tool is the bit ratchet and everything else in the kit builds on and adds utility to that tool.
MM
I agree with all your points, including about the randomness of many advent kits. Sometimes the selection of some of the kits made me wonder if they were trying to move overstock.
As for the bits, I didn’t bother to list robertson but I wasn’t trying to be thorough, just tossing out the general idea. Bits are small, by all means include a broad assortment. Precision sizes should be included too, that way you can use this for an emergency eyeglasses or laptop fix.
MM
This was meant to go in my post just a moment ago but the spam filter seems to be rejecting it for some reason?
Two excellent additions to the kit would be:
1) a 1/4 drive wobble extension
2) a special T-handle adapter: just the small sliding part on a normal T-handle from a socket set. Put a 1/4 square drive on one side and a 1/4 hex hole in the other so it can be used with sockets or hex bits. The hole for the t-bar handle should also be a 1/4″ hex. This way you can use the wobble extension, 1/4 hex extension, or any of the wrench inserts as the handle. With the addition of that one tiny adapter you can make up a second tool that can work simultaneously with the main ratchet, even with one or both extensions in use. Now you can back up a bolt while you tighten the nut.
AlexK
Yes, there is potential for the design. The thing to me is, if you’re near your tools, you have choices, but if it’s your kit on a bike/atv etc. it has to be rugged enough to do what you might encounter. I love small size ratchets to quickly spin something on or off. But this reminds me of one of those combination hammer/hatchet multi tools or file/chisel combo. Doesn’t do either of the jobs well or safely. But they are kinda cool and different. We all like “stuff” and I would enjoy having it as a gift, but mostly to look at and would only use it once in awhile for the fun aspect.
skfarmer
ha! you jewish guys crack me up. i never knew that you were jewish or cared for that matter. but now that i know and of course when you tell your stories i am catching the humor.
i hope you get those hannakuh gift boxes!
i have never picked up an advent box as most have not appealed to me but maybe a hannakuh one would or would i be excluded from that club?
all in humor guys………
Koko The Talking Ape
😀
When I read “hex wrench insert,” I imagined something else. I was looking at the parts list, trying to find out what those crescent-wrench-looking things were. (Then I scrolled down.)
I wish somebody would make this kit:
– A screwdriver-style bit holder
– A wrench-style bit holder
– A bit holder extension, possibly flexible,
– Two hex-to-square adapters, 1/4″ and 3/8″
– Various bits and sockets
– A pliers-wrench
It would be a general fastener kit, versatile, with easily replaced parts. Since it has a pliers-wrench, I suppose Knipex would have to make it.
MM
Wera has several sets that are very similar to what you’re looking for, only thing missing is the Pliers Wrench and perhaps one other tool. Specifically look at:
Tool-Check Plus, which comes in SAE or metric
Tool-Check Automotive
1/4 drive Zyklop and Zyklop Mini socket sets (there are many)
Kraftform set for Window Installation
Bicycle Set 3
Many of those come in a soft case and there’s plenty of room to toss, say, a pliers wrench and a nice screwdriver style bit holder like a Wiha #52650 in there as well.
You could piece a kit together yourself of course. Do you sew? Tool rolls are easy to make, so that might be an option if you wanted to DIY them. Sockets don’t play nice with tool rolls on their own but you can easily put them on a rail and then stick the rail in the roll. I’ve made several from old pairs of jeans or heavy canvas from the fabric store and believe me I am no tailor but they still come out nice. I would sew a shoelace in one of the seams and then use that to tie the roll closed. There’s probably a bazillion ideas online for this.
Zach Of All Trades
Yeah but where can I get that hazet belt buckle santa has on
Nathan
wow first thing I thought of was a motorcycle or even bicycle repair kit.
Michael
I was shocked at the price! It looks like a “oh I forgot to get uncle John something ” $30 gift. And I wouldn’t pay that for it.
W. Suijker
Price is not that crazy, Hazet is one of the worlds best tool brands. The Amazon.de price in the article is the same as I pay for a little over 10 gallons of fuel.
The KC Tool pricet though almost doubles that, guess they fly it over in a first class golden jumbo-jet.
Stuart
It is what it is.
Buying certain brands of German tools in the USA via USA distributors will often cost more than it would to source them overseas. It costs more to bring those tools over year, and there will often be a domestic or regional distributor that handles orders and customer service.
Consider electronics. Buying a Canon camera or lens will often cost more in the USA than if you order from Japan. This is because orders have to go through Canon USA. Some retailers also order direct from Japan, and can sell these products for less, but such products are gray market goods that cannot be sent to Canon USA for warranty considerations.
Personally, I order from KC Tool and from Amazon (USA, UK, and DE), depending on the tool, final price, and shipping rates and speeds.
MM
I’d buy a set if I could get it for the Amazon.de price, but they also want a whopping 41 Euros for shipping which is just crazy for something that small and light. I have purchased similar sized tools from Germany before and had them delivered in less than a week by DHL for under $20 USD shipping costs.
Oh, and one other thing I happened to notice about this set which hasn’t been mentioned yet: It includes a gift card code with a random value, up to 500 Euro, which can be spent at the Hazet online store. The card is guaranteed to be worth at least 5 Euro but may be worth as much as 500. If I understand correctly you can check the code on your card online on Dec 25 and see how much you “won”.
Stuart
I don’t know how large the Hazet packaging is, but Wera’s Advent Calendars come in huge boxes that are not inexpensive to ship, especially overseas. That’s probably what’s happening here too.
They have a 26pc screwdriver and hex key set that ships for $26.47 USD (converted).
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Hazet-163-297-26-Screwdriver-pieces/dp/B00F2EN4NE/?tag=toolguyd-de-21
Here are the dimensions for the screwdriver set: 34 x 4.5 x 34 cm.
And here are the dimensions for the advent calendar: 48 x 44 x 9.5 cm.
The Wera calendar this year ships for ~$34.56 USD (converted) https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Wera-05136602001-Advent-Calendar-Pieces/dp/B08Q22CMG8/?tag=toolguyd-de-21 , with dimensions of 57.3 x 46.4 x 5.3 cm.
Aside from the dimensions, shipping is much more expensive everywhere right now.
MM
Very good point about the oversized packaging, I was just thinking about the contents themselves.
Mikedt
Going to pass on this one too. So far the only one I’ve bought, and has proved extremely useful, is the 2017 Wera Advent Calendar.
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/wera-tools-2017-advent-calendar/%3C/a%3E%3Cbr /> It goes in my daily bag and gets used often at home and work.
Reno
why would any one that knows tools pay this price its crazy
any one that don’t know tools would look at this price not buy it
take any brand and price this by PCs and you will see its crazy
At the most it should be sold under $50.00
Jared
I agree – the price is high.
Hazet is always expensive though – a bit like Snap-on. Plus, this is something new and innovative. I think they will sell some of these.
I want it myself- but it’s priced out of reason for me.