If you’ve been meaning to finally pick up a set of Wera Joker wrenches or their fantastic Zyklop ratchets, you might want to hold of a little more for their new black edition tools.
That’s right, Wera has new black edition wrenches and ratchets on the way.
Wera and their distributors have been showing off new Joker wrenches in a matte black chrome finish.
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It looks like the finish is decorative but I imagine it cleans about as well as satin and polished chrome tools. Since they say the finish is still a chrome-plating, I wouldn’t expect the same feel – or frustrations – as with tools finished with a black oxide surface treatment.
The new black edition Zyklop ratchets look quite good.
The Zyklop Speed is a multi-functional ratchet with a locking swivel head, quick release button, screwdriver-type handle grip, and rotating hand sleeve that comes in handy when using the ratchet in its inline mode. They’re shorter than other ratchets, but well-suited for a wide range of tasks.
USA pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but hopefully these new limited edition tools won’t cost much more than the regular versions.
Update: KC Tool has prices for the Black Edition ratchets.
- Wera Zyklop Speed 1/4″ – $118.80
- Regular version 1/4″ – $90.49
- Wera Zyklop Speed 3/8″ – $129.36
- Regular version 3/8″ – $100.66
- Wera Zyklop Speed 1/2″ – $139.92
- Regular version 1/2″ – $110.82
A commentor (thanks Tony!) mentioned a listing for the 11pc wrench set, $419.76, which seems pretty steep compared to the regular version that’s selling for $301.51 at KC Tool.
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Robert
That black Zyzlop does look better than the normal color scheme. Though it’s only from one angle. Curious what the price premium will be.
Tony
I see one listing for about $420. That’s a pretty high premium. I own one of the older sets which cost a lot less than that.
https://chadstoolbox.com/wera-05020017001-6000-joker-black-edition-11-set-1-ratcheting-combination-wrenches-set/
will
Those wrenches are sexy as hell. Love the ratchet as well. Really wish i needed a wrench set and ratchets.
Wojtek
Sine when does “need” have anything to do with tool acquisition 🙂
Jared
Black is the new black when it comes to special edition tools, not that I mind.
Is black chrome really a kind of chrome? I know Stanley has some black chrome tools, but I assumed it wasn’t actually chrome – just marketing. Maybe I had that wrong.
Stuart
Quick internet search says yes.
Chrome plating is an additive surface layer, and there’s a lot of ways you can control the appearance. If it wasn’t a modified chrome plating layer, they’d have to call it something else.
Jared
Interesting, I definitely assumed it was just a different type of coating and the name was just to draw a comparison to chrome.
Mark M.
Sweet, so when it’s placed on a plastic cowling or dropped into an engine compartment it’s even harder to see. I try not to be salty on tool fads but black tools are beyond me.
Nate
Yeah, now if someone can come up with a hi-viz coating that’s as durable as chrome, I’m all ears.
I prefer canvas toolbags for the same reason. I want to let the photons bounce around in there so I can find what I’m looking for!
NoDak Farming
Williams used to offer hi-vis coating on come wrench sets. Maybe they still do. I remember red, yellow, and maybe bright green as being options. The “Cat” rebranded ones could be had in yellow, which seemed like a cool option. I was always tempted to get a set, but I just didn’t know how durable or long lasting the coating was. I also wish bright colors was something that would be offered on more socket sets. And I’m definitely looking forward to the day that impact sockets don’t have to be black. At least on the outside.
ITCD
Williams still has the red and yellow. Makes sense to have some hi-viz options, strange that more don’t do it.
There’s nothing really requiring the sockets to be black in particular, could just forego the protection the coating provides by buzzing it off and have a brighter tool (won’t be as bright as nickel chroming though). Could always add paint, pick one that has some flex to it. Genuinely interested in some sort of experimentation on how it holds up, not like it couldn’t be touched up easily enough though.
NoDak Farming
True about the sockets. I’ve thought of using an adapter, & spinning them one at a time in a drill press. And then using a Dremel with a brass brush wheel, to shine them up. Then clear coating them.
Nice to know Williams still offers the colors. I have the chrome, metric Williams Super Combo’s, and really enjoy using them. The yellow coated SAE set, may have to find a way to my toolbox someday. Still curious what they use for a coating. Maybe I’ll just start by buying a 9/16 wrench to try out for a while.
ITCD
Not really a Wera person myself but they sure do look slick. I can appreciate that they’ve kept their “Take It Easy” size color code scheme too, putting it on the fastener for the hold function part to get more of the black-out look.
Alex Berroa
That type of open wrench had some use, perhaps it is too thick or wide for multiple application, yes it do have a better grips, but presentation wise wrenches on chrome or starling steel, they look and perform better, that is my experience has a mechanics and tools dealer .