We finally have a good look at Wera Tools’ 2021 Advent Calendar – thank you to everyone who wrote in about this!
Wera’s Advent Calendar is usually a great way to test out an assortment of their products, and the selection changes wildly from year to year.
There is also usually a collectible bottle opener, and this year is no different.
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Looking at what you get with the Wera 2021 Advent Tool Calendar, the focus is definitely on their screwdrivers. (The tools shown in this image is NOT all that you get – there are a few more pieces, detailed below.)
The highlights include a couple of standard-size screwdrivers and quite a few more precision screwdrivers. There’s a single double-ended Joker wrench, a magnetizer accessory, a Bit Check with bit holder and 1/4″ hex insert bits, and a bottle opener.
Here’s a summary of what you get:
- 3 full-size screwdrivers
- 1 VDE (insulated) screwdriver
- 8 Kraftform Micro precision screwdrivers
- 1 wrench
- Bit Check with 1 bit holder and 6 insert bits
- Bottle opener and magnetizer accessories
- Textile case for the screwdrivers
Wera includes 3 new products in this 2021 Advent Calendar tool assortment – the double-ended open end Joker wrench, the magnetizer accessory, and the mini bottle opener.
Here’s the full list:
- 6002 Joker double open-end: 8 x 10mm
- 350 S Phillips: #1 x 80mm
- 355 S Pozidriv: #1 x 80mm
- 335 Slotted: 0.6 x 3.5 x 100mm
- 160 i VDE: 0.4 x 2.5 x 80mm (No laser tip)
- 2050 PH Micro: #00 x 40, #0 x 40mm**
- ** Size 0 modified according to JCIS 0
- 2067 Torx Micro: T4 x 40, T5 x 40, T6 x 40, T8 x 60mm
- 2035 Slotted Micro: 0.4 x 2.5 x 80, 0.5 x 3.0 x 80mm
- 899/4/1 Hex Adapter, 1/4″ x 50mm
- 851/1 BTZ PH Bit: #1, #2 x 25mm
- 855/1 BTZ PZ Bit: #1, #2 x 25mm
- 867/1 BTZ Torx Bit: T20, T25 x 25mm
- Bit-Check 7 BiTorsion, empty
- 9500 Magnetizer
- 9501 Keychain/Mini Bottle Opener
- 210 x 30 x 190mm textile storage case
All together, you get 24 tools and accessories.
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Price: $76.08 before discount
Buy Now via KC Tool
Buy Now via Amazon Germany
Buy Now via Amazon
The tool kit is not yet available in the USA; you can order it from Amazon Germany, or wait for domestic dealers such as KC Tool to get it in stock.
Should You Buy it?
This set seems consistently priced with Wera’s prior Advent Calendar tool sets. As with those sets, the value of this set determines on your particular needs and wants.
I would encourage interested end users and potential buyers to take a close look at the precision screwdriver assortment. The standard screwdrivers and Phillips and slotted Micro screwdrivers are going to be useful for broad audiences of very different backgrounds and user needs.
However, you also get smaller-size Torx screwdrivers. The T5, T6, and T8 screwdrivers are going to be particularly useful for pocket knife maintenance, but that’s somewhat of a specialty need. What are other common applications for smaller Torx fastener sizes – RC or hobbyist projects?
The magnetizer is interesting, and of course the mini bottle opener looks cool.
I like that there’s a lesser emphasis on insert bits than in previous years.
I have the nagging feeling that this assortment is missing something – maybe an extending shaft bit holder could have subbed in for the insulated screwdriver?
I have a soft spot for Wera tools, and have made good use of the components in prior years’ sets, but I’m not sure this one will be a must-buy. But, as a selling point, there might not be other immediate sources for the new accessories or Joker wrench that come with this set.
Also, don’t discount the utility of the textile case unless you plan to place the tools directly in a tool box drawer. I have gotten much more use out of my previous Wera Advent Calendar purchases, and their mixed and sometimes seemingly random assortments, than I had anticipated.
It’s still very early, you have time to think things over. I will also likely order one for ToolGuyd review purposes.
Keep in mind that I approach this from a “is this good for ME” perspective. If you’re shopping for someone else, this would undoubtedly make for a fantastic gift.
Adam
Crazy, I was just looking at this two days ago on Amazon europe. Checked around, and figured I’ll wait on KC Tool, though I know I got one calendar through Amazon at a hell of a price 2 or 3 years back.
My only wish is the Torx screwdrivers went up one more size (T9), and maybe in security versions. I’ve always figured if you give me the option, might as well get security.
Rob H
I was actually looking for a way to order this 2 days ago. Guess I’ll wait on KC Tool to get it in stock. The shipping is rough on the one available at amazon.
Stuart
From Amazon Germany, it’s understandable – these things ship in huge boxes.
From Amazon US, that seems to be a reseller that’s ordering them from overseas, or something to that effect, but they might/should have it listed directly or through third party sellers once USA inventory starts to arrive.
Ex_dtw2003
I don’t own any of the Wera precision drivers and I do use mine a lot so I’m quite interested in this set.
Interestingly I recently got the Gearwrench driver large set and I’m amazed at how poorly those drivers work. At least the “precision “ ones. I’ve better luck with my $7 Stanley set. So it’s back to looking at the Weras.
schill
I’m a fan of the Wera calendars, but I expect I’ll probably pass on this one (and hope it shows up at half the price later). I can use most of what’s in it – but I think I already have most of it. I don’t have any joker wrenches yet and this would be an opportunity to try one, but it’s expensive if I don’t need the rest of the tools. I also don’t think I have a PZ 1 driver, but I’ve never come across a need for one (I have several Wera PZ 2 drivers, though).
As far as the small Torx drivers go, I have run across several laptops and peripherals (external drives, etc.) that used a T5 screws for the cases. Most of the T5s I’ve used end up stripping the driver or the screws because they aren’t well made or the dimensions are wrong (or the screws aren’t really torx and just look like them). I don’t think I’ve had any problems with Wera in this regard (or Wiha for that matter).
Wayne R.
For tiny Torx stuff, I use a Wiha Torx Precision set. I’ve never had a problem stripping a Wiha tip, big or small.
Now have a bunch of them in 4mm, too, so I’ve ordered the Wiha Centrofix handle and the 1/4-hex-to-4mm adapter, so I can use 4mm bits with a bigger handle for better control. I have high hopes for that.
salman saleem
Past 2 years their advent calendars have not been very exciting. Hard passs
Jared
And here I was thinking this assortment was better than usual. Everyone’s needs are different I suppose.
Tim E.
Agreed! Really depends on the needs. I liked the T-handle and stubby bitholder recently, but agree with Stuart that there’s definitely been an insert bit heavy focus the last couple years. It’s refreshing to see a more “discrete tool” focus, and I like that the bits they do include go in one of their normal bit case things, which I can take with me or throw in a drawer without the entire textile case.
A lot of the other years with the bits and sockets, they fit in the textile case or loose, and that’s it. So you’re kind stuck with the case. Which isn’t a bad thing, I also agree with Stuart some of those “random” assortments come in surprisingly useful as an all-in-one kit for certain situations. Rather than grabbing three separate cases to get bits, micro ratchet, and a driver or similar, I have one case that holds smaller selections of each one.
For folks that take these calendars and put the tools in a drawer, unless you’re low on screwdrivers, I can see this maybe being a slightly less useful “all around” set, because it’s essentially all screwdrivers. Less opportunity to carry multiple types of tools or customize to suit a need but still only carry one set. Their 9500 magnetizer looks like a new design, though I admit I haven’t looked recently and still have several of the “star” ones around.
mattd
I have purchased 2 of their callendars. 2016 was great because it had a full set of full size screwdrivers plus some bits and rabidapter and I was able to pick it up for the cost of just their set of screwdrivers, and then I grabbed a 2019 when they were cheap on amazon a few months ago (this one is less impressive and did not have as many useful items IMO.). overall I like their stuff but don’t see the need to spend this much money on one.
anon
The 2019 wera calendar is the only one I have cause of the discount. I love that T handle and find it useful but if it wasn’t discounted, that set would’ve been bad value. I kept hoping the 2020 set would go down in price but it hasn’t.
Ball_bearing
This year’s set seems like a nice computer repair kit. Add pliers, some prying tools, and replace the PZ1 with a PH2, or a bit driver.
MM
Agreed, at first glance it looks like a decent computer/electronics service kit. but I thought it was very odd there was a PZ1 but no PH2 screwdriver. It’s also strange that it comes with hex bits but no driver for them.
But I also agree with Julian Tracy below, it also seems like a strange combination of tools. I’m trying to figure out what jobs require both tiny torx drivers and 8 or 10mm wrenches. If the goal is for this to be an electronics toolkit then drop the wrench and the PZ1. Add a bit driver and a larger assortment of bits instead, some common security torx sizes would be good. Pliers would be nice–needle nose for jumpers and small wires and such, and some dikes for cutting small wires, zip ties, etc.
If this is supposed to be a more generic use toolkit then I think some of the precision drivers can be dropped in exchange for a couple of larger size wrenches (a 12/14mm combo would be very useful, or a Joker self-adjusting wrench), and as above pliers and a bit driver are always welcome.
Jared
I don’t think Wera ever intends these advent calendars to be purpose-built kits. The assortment is just too weird – and yet, they package them in nice tool rolls such that it seems a shame to separate the components.
To me, this set seems closer to a useful package than most Wera selections. Maybe you could stick a bit-ratchet or a bit-holding screwdriver where the wrench sits and have a reasonable electronics repair kit?
Joatman
I really like the assortment…..and would certainly use everything in it, but I already have everything it has to offer. It’s missing a hook that would otherwise reel me in.
Julian Tracy
This kit is like a ratchet with a hammer built-in to the handle. No real world task would require this collection of tools…
TonyT
Well, Wera DOES sell a ratchet with a hammer built-in!
https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/koloss/
I snagged one a few years ago for ~$40 IIRC (Newark closeout sale), and certainly don’t regret that purchase.
fred
Ratchet/hammer combos are popular for erecting staging/scaffolding.
The Williams one has a pry bar end
https://www.amazon.com/Williams-BS-63B-Scaffolding-Ratchet/dp/B006GIJGRI/
Julian Tracy
Go figure Werta actually makes one, LOL. I was referring to the silly ass crowd funded $200 titanium hammer ratchet tool Stuart wrote about a few months ago.
Mikedt
I’m trying to figure out how that “case” works. Is it always flat and open? Can’t see how it would fold or roll like the previous Wera cases do.
Josh
They sort of fold up into a box. It seems gimmicky, but I really like the ones I have.
Dennis
I don’t know if I’d get it at full price, but when it goes on clearance next year I’d get it. I’m a fan of Wera tools, but I especially love their cases. Although from looking it it, this one seems more like a divider/tool wall than a case that closes up like they’ve had in the past.
And what’s with the bottle openers every always being included in gift sets. I have Bottle openers from Wera, Gedore , Milwaukee, and Craftsman to name a few. At this point I’m good on bottle openers. Skip the bottle opener, replace the bitholder with a Rapidator, and I’ll pay full price the minute it becomes available in the US!
Yadda
Advent tool kits seem very popular in Europe and non existent in the U.S. Besides Wera, there is also Stahlwille, Hazet, Gedore for German tool brands. In Australia, Kincrome usually has an Advent Calendar along with Supercheap Auto. In Great Britain you can also by the more economical Powerfix/Lidl advent calendar. Seems like a market for these items could be built in the U.S.
Nathan
I’d pass. I do wish I’d gotten one a few years ago that had a bit assortment set that had their full hex bits. or most of them.
Paramount
I bought and made snarky remarks about the 2020 calendar, but it has become my go-to toy and child-stuff assembly kit.
I replaced a few of the bits in the mini bitholder with the appropriate hex sizes and haven’t needed anything else for toy assembly in quite some time.
Paramount
I also used it to assemble a picnic table at my camp. Very useful for any RTA stuff.
Albert
Just curious, why do they call this a calendar?
Adam
It’s intended to be opened in the days leading up Christmas. Advent means “coming” in Latin, and always refers to the Christmas / birth of Jesus in my experience.
Stuart
There are usually outer boxes and inner boxes with flaps for one-a-day countdowns for those that are inclined.
Joatman
I was curious about this too until I bought two 2019 Advent Calendars. You open one flap every day leading up to Christmas as mentioned above. Behind each flap is one piece of the tool set.
Dan
I was surprised as to just how big these calendars are – something like 3’ x 3’. Light on the packaging they are not. Good fun though not as tasty as the chocolate ones.
mikedt
I’ve got the 2017 Advent package and it has proved quite useful. It stays in my daily carry bag and I use it at work just about every day. This one I’d pass on since I don’t need any more precision screwdrivers.
GMA15R
I just ordered the 2021 Advent calendar; it’s become a tradition to get one for my son-in-law and daughter who bought their first home four years ago. A good way to build up a good collection of tools. One note of caution, when applying the ToolGuyd discount, it reduced the price by 10 % ($7.61) but added $12.00 plus in shipping. Without discount, free shipping was available. So unless you want to order more items, be prepared to pay $5 for the discount.
Craig Wiener
I Bought 3 of these from Amazon.DE in Germany. I had them shipped to my son who is living in Germany right now. I picked them up last week when I went for a visit.
Things that I can’t get in the US i buy there and either I pick them up or he ships them to me. This trip I also got some Bosch pieces that are not available in the US.