Wiha launched a new limited edition screwdriver set, and it looks to be a pretty good deal.
The set comes with Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers in 8 sizes, plus a bottle opener. Some online retailers are describing this an 8-1/2 piece set.
Sizes include:
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- Slotted 3.0, 5.5 mm
- Phillips #1,#2
- Torx T15, T20, T25
- Square #2
The set, model 85850, features handles with a grey and black color scheme, compared to the typical red and black.
The color actually matches the first Wiha screwdrivers I bought around 18 years ago. I bought Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers after that – similar to the ones in this set – and they have held up well over the years.
My taste in screwdrivers has changed, and I’m not sure I would buy a Wiha set today at regular pricing. The 8pc set plus bottle opener, however, is priced considerably lower than their regular red-handle SoftFinish screwdrivers.
I think it’s a good value.
According to online product descriptions, the tools are made in Germany.
Price: $30
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Should You Buy it?
I think the driver style and size selection is appealing, I’ve had good experiences with Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers and Wiha screwdrivers in general, and I think the price is very good for what you get.
Objectively speaking, and based on my experiences with similar tools, I’d say this is a great quality tool set at a fantastic price.
Subjectively speaking, I am far less enthusiastic about the Wiha tool brand than I was 5+ years ago, but I’d likely buy this if I needed a higher-grade screwdriver set on a $30 budget.
MM
Wiha Softfinish are nice quality but they’re nothing all that special these days. Also, I only like them for ‘clean’ sorts of jobs like working on electronics. The soft-finish handles are not very good if there is any sort of dirt or grime involved. The handles get slippery if your hands are sweaty, dust sticks to them, they love picking up metal filings from the workbench, and they’re not very durable. They’re great if you’re a technician working on clean stuff, they’re not very good if you’re working on industrial machinery.
That said I am a huge fan of the Wiha MicroFinish screwdrivers and cannot recommend them highly enough. Those are fantastic. Those handles are hard so they won’t attract dust or get chips and filings embedded. The texture is amazing and offers a very good grip even if your hands are wet or oily, and they are very strongly built with hex bolsters & striking caps.
Chris
I gave up on WIHA after they discontinued the black handled versions of the micro finish grips. They’re one piece material handles that are so hard/rugged, you could drop it off a 40′ lift and they would bounce 20′ trying to get back to you.
The one piece mold also didn’t have the stupid seam that you can’t help but feel on the purple micro finish handles.
Maybe they’ve improved, but when the purple handles first came out (~12 years ago if I remember correctly) the gaps in the seam is probably were Tesla learned how to put their car panels together.
MM
I haven’t tried the purple handle ones, mine are all the black handle. Some are the original design 20+ years old, the others are the later design with the more rounded handles. I wasn’t aware the black style had been discontinued. I still see the black ones shown for sale so maybe that’s old stock floating around? Or just lazy vendors not updating their photos? It would really suck if the black ones are no longer available.
eddiesky
I have sets of Wiha nut drivers and ESD torx. I find the handles uncomfortable on some use, along with the ability to roll away when put down. Wera also tend to roll away if not put immediately in a pouch or tool holder while working.
Yeah, the micro finish was nice on the all-black HD drivers but now they are 1/3 purple and black.
Jared
Like MM mentioned, these look like delicate/clean work-type screwdrivers. That’s not a dig if it fits the work you’re doing though.
I prefer at least a through-hole at the top, so I can T-handle my screwdrivers in a pinch, but most of my screwdrivers are meant for heavier-duty and dirty work.
I have a Wera set that looks a lot like these, but mostly I use Proto, Irazola, Urrea & Felo. However, I use my Wera set when I need a skinnier shaft. This Wiha set looks like an inexpensive option for that role.
Dennis
Hey Wiha (and for that matter Wera), what’s with all the bottle openers? Whenever there is some sort of special set release there is always a bottle opener. We get it you’re German, you like beer. But I haven’t worn out my last 10 bottle openers you “gave” me. How about changing it up every once in a while?
Stuart
Lots of tool folks collect bottle openers, especially limited editions; that’s going to be the shove off the fence for a lot of people.
Jim Felt
I may be among them. No idea when it started but I’ve now at least a dozen residing in a tool chest drawer. Never used a single one but maybe some day?
Harry
isn’t that screwdriver set the 85th anniversary set without the 85th anniversary logo?
Too many skinny flat tips for me.
Stuart
They say this is the 85th anniversary set. They don’t show a logo on the handles, just the cardboard box.
ITCD
There’s a logo on the handles on the opposite side.
Josh
FWIW Acme tool has a 15% sale on hand tools today that applies to this screwdriver set.
blocky
Would love if tool-handle bottle openers also had the profile of the pbswiss coin driver.
Wayne R.
That makes a lot of sense.
Bottle-openers are always the goofy add-on feature to so many other things, so why are they single function when they’re the headliner?