KC Tool sent a heads-up that they’ve got the new Wera 2024 advent calendar in stock.
Every year, Wera launches a new advent calendar tool set featuring a varied selection of tools, accessories, and a collectable or two. This year’s no different.
Yes, it’s a bit early for this, but that’s the case every year. One thing to keep in mind is that Wera’s advent calendar tool set tends to sell out every year. You don’t have to rush to buy it right away, but supplies do tend to be finite.
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The main part of the tool kit is a screwdriver handle with a bunch of bits, and yes that’s a 1/4″ hex ratchet head attachment to go along with the trio of metric sockets.
Thus, it’s part screwdriver handle, part bit ratchet.
Everything stores away in a compact mini Tool-Check case.
Price Check: Wera Tool-Check Plus (Metric) via Amazon
As for the collectable part of this year’s set, you get a compact bottle opener and… what are those, stubby screwdriver handles? No, they’re salt and pepper shakers, complete with a soft carrying case.
I keep my screwdriver handle-style Wera bottle opener in the kitchen cabinet. I’m not sure I’d carry Wera stubby-style salt and pepper shakers around, but I’d likely bust them out during any get-togethers.
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Here’s the full list of everything the advent calendar tool set comes with:
- 1/4″ Hex 60-tooth reversible bit ratchet (9544)
- Magnetic bit-holding screwdriver (815/1)
- Universal bit holder 1x 1/4″x50 mm (899/4/1)
- 1/4″ square to hex adapter (870/1)
- 1/4″ sockets: 8, 10, 13mm (8790 HMA)
- 2″ screwdriver bits
- Phillips: PH1, PH2 (851/4)
- Pozidriv: PZ1, PZ2 (855/4)
- Slotted: 5.5 mm (800/1)
- 1″ screwdriver bits
- Torx: T10, T15, T20, T25 (867/1)
- Hex: 3, 4, 5, 6mm (840/1)
- Mini Tool Check plastic case
- Salt (9542) and pepper (9543) shakers
- Zyklop bottle opener (9501)
- Textile case for salt and pepper shakers
The bit driver, bit holder, and screwdriver bits are made in the Czech Republic, the ratchet and sockets are made in Taiwan, and the cases are made in China.
Price: $84.99
Model 136609
Thank you to everyone who wrote in about this!
While we’re talking about KC Tool, be sure to check out their tool deal of the day.
Should You Buy it?
Aside from this including a very compact version of Wera’s Tool Check, here’s what’s unique about the 2024 advent calendar tool set:
9544 1/4″ hex Zyklop Mini ratchet head
Salt & pepper shakers
Mini bottle opener (correction – this was also included in Wera’s 2021 advent calendar)
Unless you’re really into the salt and pepper shakers, or collecting bottle openers, I think the Zykop mini bit ratchet is going to be the biggest new attraction.
How badly do you want it?
Will There be Deals or Discounts?
Based on what we’ve seen in prior years, it’s extremely unlikely that you’ll be able to find the holiday tool set at lower pricing.
Joe R.
Definitely need the salt & pepper shakers and (another) bottle opener (lol)!
Recently while replacing the fuel pump driver module on my older Escape Hybrid the very small 1/4 in ratchet came in handy for an extremely tight space. Though these Advent Calendar tools are seldom used they can be useful. So yes I placed my KC Tool order. It’s only once a year.
Dan
Third paragraph, first sentence: missed an in every year.
Thanks for posting interesting articles. I enjoy learning about new tools and such
Stuart
Thank you!
Jason
The mini ratchet looks great. However, that really all I’m interested in. However, I’m going to pass this year because it’s not worth it for just that one item.
I have enough novelty bottle openers to put one in ever drawer of my house. So that’s a non-starter.
fred
I’m guessing that as a gift this would be nice to receive. But I’ve already given this type of set to the folks I usually buy stocking-stuffers for – so, I’ll pass. I like the Wera mini bit ratchet that I have – but this set adds other pieces and costs. If you only want a mini ratchet – a separate purchase might be better. But I don’t see the style offered in this set. The older style sells for about $31
https://www.amazon.com/Wera-Square-Drive-Ratchet-Teeth/dp/B004ISLNRE
Jim Felt
Hah. I have one drawer with nearly every tool branded “novelty bottle opener”!
Jim T
the Mini Tool Check case is also new (you should add to the list of “new things” at the end of the article), and that’s the reason I’ll pick up a couple. I already love the normal-sized Tool Check, and this new smaller form factor is even better for my needs.
Pat D
I agree the mini Check case is appealing to me. I also love the full size cases and use them at least weekly in both SAE and Metric. I have so many spare Wera bits and sockets that I could fill it up with my spares. I believe the 711 leatherman ratchet fits in any 1/4″ hex holder snuggly. It won’t be as good as the quality of the Wera but the small form factor ratchets never have any heavy duty use anyway.
MM
I like the mini bit ratchet, that’s a pretty cool idea. It reminds me of the special ratchet with wrench attachments that Hazet had in their 2021 Advent calendar, I thought that was a really cool idea too and I wish they had made a larger set with that concept. I think that is a recurring problem with many of these Advent kits: it’s a neat idea that could have been even better if the sets weren’t so limited. This one is actually quite practical but there’s still the puzzling question of why they only included three sockets with it. Space is a constraint with some sets but in this case there’s room for at least two more, possibly even three, depending on size. 12mm is a very common size, it’s strange that was left out.
Adam
I just pulled out an older Advent set that helped me out after a different 12mm rolled away from me this weekend, and sure enough another 13mm in that set. Really not much use working on a Toyota. Give me a 12 or 14, or on a North American special, offer some SAE sizing one year.
Of course I’ll still likely buy this one, and 2022 if anyone has a spare
MM
I think there’s enough space to fit both a 12 and a 14 in there, it would be simple enough to add them, though you’d need a pair of mounting clips. It’s probably possible to get a couple of those from Wera, and if that doesn’t work it’s probably possible to scavenge a couple of clips off a 3rd party rail or make them from some metal strip.
Grokew
If you like that mini ratchet, check the 711L bit ratchets or the RTW HSS Bit ratchet. 711L offers it with various different handles, and also with 4mm drives, while the RTW has the same handle shape as the one Wera is offering. They both use the High-five/Reverse Gear mechanism. If I get one, I will use my 813R as the handle.
Grokew
Sorry, this was meant as a reply to @Jason, but it seems like I touched somewhere else on the screen.
Stuart
(When that happens, make a duplicate comment or a “placeholder” comment – I can easily move things around in the backend.)
Grokew
Thank you, Sir.
Josh R
I’m honestly kinda disappointed. I look forward to these sets every year, but the only thing I’d really use out of that set is the mini ratchet head.
Stuart
You could always gift everything else to a friend or family member. Personally, I think it’s neat, but I don’t want it badly enough. Maybe Wera will eventually launch it as a regular item.
Dennis
I have quite a few bottle openers from these sets over the years. So that is the least exciting part of the set.
But I can’t find the 9544 1/4″ hex Zyklop Mini ratchet head on it’s own anywhere else, including Wera’s webite. If nothing else they should bring that product to market. I’m guessing it would be super popular with the EDC crowd. Might have to spend the $85 to get the tiny ratchet alone.
And maybe the salt and pepper shakers. If they come out with a fork and spoon I’ll be well on my way to a complete Wera place setting.
mikedt
I was psyched for it until I realized those “handles” were S&P shakers and I have no use for S&P shakers. That and the fact that I can get the much more spec’d out Wera Tool-Check Plus for $70 on amazon right now.
Rob H
I’m not going to lie…I like the salt and pepper shakers. I passed on the kit last year but I’m tempted on this one for the mini tool check and shakers (and tools of course…) I surely don’t have need of another bottle opener though.
Aaron
Temped for two reasons.— the mini Tool Check could be the perfect size for keeping with the bike, and the fact that the shakers lock closed makes them handy for camping trips. More useful than usual for my purposes.
Plain+grainy
Lots of tool related collectibles! These Advent Wera sets, all the Leatherman multitools, the Woodpeckers One-Time tools to name a few.
Jared
I feel like the tools selected for this year’s kit is better than usual – in the sense that Wera’s advent calendars come in nice cases to contain everything, but are rarely a “set” of tools I could actually use in that configuration.
This time it’s basically just a bit driver set with a screwdriver and ratchet handle. Sure, there are three sockets, but those are useful-enough sizes that they might be handy to have on-hand.
Last year’s calendar was also a decent selection, but for the opposite reason: i.e. no real reason to keep it together as a kit.
MM
This does feel like a more practical set compared to some of the earlier ones. Quite often these Advent sets feel like a random assortment but this is a practical, albeit small, version of the Tool-check. The Hazet 2021 was similar in that regard.
I think the most practical set like this I’ve seen is the Wera one from 2017. There are no “fluff” or novelty items at all in that set–no bottle opener, no salt and pepper shakers, just a really nice mini tool kit.
928'er
To me, it seems like a lot of money for not much content…
John Blair
Most years I have bought the Wera Advent. The first one I bought was in 2017 and everything fit in an amazing case. Every year since has been less amazing. 2018 was good because I love any VDE tool but the case was sloppy. 2019 I bought just to continue the streak. But every year since I’ve skipped because it wasn’t up my alley, I already had most of the tools or the case didn’t look great.
Bring back a case and selection like 2017 and I’d be giving them as Christmas presents. But no, I’m not enough of a fanboy to think “I must have Wera salt shakers.”
For that price, I’d rather give Wera 073645 9 Bit Ratchet (Zyklop Mini) Set for $41, and Wera 056375 Bit-Check Set with Rapidaptor for $25 and a 20 dollar gift card. So yes, I will be skipping the salt shakers and weird ratchet head.
Sky
I bought 2 sets of these. The ratchet head can be placed into the extension to be a form factor similar to the original Bit Ratchet. I will be trying to add a 7mm socket to the bottom of the set. Also, switch Pz to standard length 1 and 2 Ph. Likely get a normal flat head to replace the extended version as well.
With all of that, it will function as a more condensed ToolCheck Plus for me.