Wera has launched a new Zylop Comfort ratchet, with a plastic-encased handle designed to deliver a “pleasant feel.”
The plastic-coated handle is designed to provide a warmer feel in colder temperatures, and can also provide some protection to work surfaces that might otherwise be damaged or marred by a typical all-metal tool.
The Wera Zyklop Comfort has a 3/8″ square drive with 80T gearing for a 4.5° return angle.
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It has a quick-release socket lock and a reversing lever.
US pricing and availability details are not yet available. I asked Wera Tools North America for this information, but have not yet heard back.
Discussion
Wera already has a similar VDE ratchet. It seems to me that the new model simply uses a different material, or maybe the same plastic material just in a different color scheme.
Composite-handle ratchets tend to be popular for their warmer feel in cold temperatures. Metal handles, due to their high thermal conductivity, will essentially wick heat from your fingers, which is why they feel cold in lower temperatures.
With plastic being a thermal insulator, heat transfer will be slower, and thus the ratchet won’t feel as cold.
The non-marring aspect is also worth keeping in mind.
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Hon Cho
I’ve been using a composite handled ratchet from Harbor Freight for a number of years. It is ergonomically comfortable and, as mentioned, thermally comfortable in cold temperatures. I didn’t pay much for it and while the mechanism has a lot of slop in it now, it still functions well. I like the bright Wera VDE insulated version, easy to see compared to the black HF one.
NoDak Farming
My 1/4 drive Harbor Freight composite ratchet has relatively low back drag, and has been very nice. And I do like it in the winter. I am thinking of putting together a 1/2 socket kit, for field work, and will maybe include Harbor Freights 1/2 drive composite ratchet. The ratchet mechanism possibly isn’t as smooth on that one. But coating a ratchets internals with anti-seize gives it an instant up-classed smooth feel.
Tad
I have a set of the Harbor Freight composite ratchets just for working on battery connectors. Cheap way to prevent sparks
Robert
Stuart, wouldn’t your VDE Wera ratchet have additional design features to make it VDE, beyond the yellow and red color material to make it VDE. That differentiate it in function also from this new comfort grip Wera Zyklop ratchet? I always wondered what they did on the VDE tools to mitigate 1000 volts.
Stuart
The color is a cosmetic property, and not functional one.
My understanding is that VDE qualifications are given to tools that satisfy testing requirements, certifying them as being able to insulate users from incidental electric shock hazards to an extent.
As the Comfort model is not VDE rated, it cannot be used around electrical work where there could be an incidental shock hazard.
The VDE model can be used for anything, although care has to be taken to not damage the insulating handle material.
A flashlight could be waterproof, but an IP rating certifies that it has been tested to withstand dust and water under certain conditions.
VDE certification is similar. The tools are designed to deliver to a certain safety standard.
The color is cosmetic. Sometimes it could be used as a wear indicator, but I’m not sure. Generally, I treat insulated tools as highly delicate since any damage could compromise the safety performance and VDE rating/certification.
There could be more to it, this is just how I understand it.
Jack D
Stuart, the amount of knowledge you impart in a simple answer never fails to impress!. Cheers!
Wayne R.
The Cementex system I’ve used has shrouding around the anvil/socket interface to isolate the bare metal there. Likewise around the direction switch.
I think they add protection to otherwise normal tools rather than designing the protection into the tool initially, but that’s just my take.
MoogleMan3
I have a couple of tekton composite ratchets and like them a lot. For me, the non-marring aspect is more important than the warmer feel in cold weather.
eddie sky
The composite Tektons are no longer made. Instead, there are the comfort grip models. Anyone use these? https://www.tekton.com/flex-head-quick-release-comfort-grip-ratchet-set-3-piece-srh99120
Joe H
I’ve used only the non comfort grips but I’ve no complaints on the ratchets. The comfort grips are slightly fatter than the standard ratchets in the grip area going by their graphics showing dimensions.
Harry
Not sure if the Tekton composite ratchets are no longer being made. Tekton has the three piece set and individuals listed for sale in the outlet section of their website: https://www.tekton.com/composite-ratchet-set-srh94102
ITCD
The outlet section is specifically where the discontinued items go to clear them out of their warehouse. It’ll likely say in the description that they’re discontinued.
DRT42
Well, you should buy a set while you can. The Tekton composite ratchets are pretty good. Actually, my favorite ratchets right now.
Greg
Harbor Freight has a composite ratchets that looks suspiciously similar to the tektons, only different colors and brand name https://www.harborfreight.com/38-in-drive-composite-quick-release-ratchet-70165.html
kri
the dip the vde tools in oil bath thats 10000volt
Tested to 10000V. KNIPEX VDE tools
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM2PJ8_TV84
kri
wiha explains vde standard certif
https://www.wihatools.com/blogs/articles/what-are-vde-certified-tools
Nick @ KCT
Hi Stuart, just wanted to drop in to let you know these are actually available now!
https://www.kctool.com/wera-005540-8010-b-zyklop-comfort-ratchet-reversible-3-8-drive/?rfsn=5802283.d413ea5
Jared
That quick release and direction switch setup makes the ratchet look very tall.
James
I noticed this too. I want to carry the lowest profile ratchet I can.
Harry
Absolutely, it looks almost too tall to use in automotive applications. Autozone has a composite Duralast ratchet that has an almost Gearwrench thin head on it.
Grokew
I just took a look at their website, and the new spring 2024 products look quite interesting.
Patrick T
You’re right. A lot of cool stuff coming. While I don’t have a need for them, their new torque wrenches look really interesting. I’m really looking forward to the wrench and screwdriver “racks”. They look a little nicer than a lot of the hanging options I usually see.
As simple as it seems, I’m also really excited for the extra long bit driver. That would be perfect for my needs.
Grokew
I’m interested in the the textile cases for the KK-70/71. Anything to get rid of hard plastic bit boxes.
Andy
The new insulated version should cost less than the VDE since the handle insulation performance doesn’t need to be tested / certified. Using their existing ratchet handle / insulation design is a smart way to keep the design / production costs down.
One benefit of a composite design is that they tend to not be as slippery as a chrome finish ratchet when your hands are covered in grease / oil.
Chip
I have the Zycklop and it’s one of the few tools I dislike.
It is 3/8 square and 1/4 hex which is nice for edc,and low back drag.
However it’s extremely thick,and the tooth count is low.
Honestly am done trying European ratchets for daily use.
James
Yup I flip flopped all kinds on that thing, and then it fell apart. I glued it together but somehow the bit holders nest inside the handle so my glue job means the thing won’t close now. I have a warranty claim open but so far crickets. Features are excellent but quality not matching the price. Sorry Wera.
James
Wera just replied to my warranty claim and are shipping out the new tool. I really want it to be my EDC and I’ll give it another go. Time will tell……