Over the weekend, a couple of readers forwarded a Wiha USA marketing newsletter, where they teased that Something BIG is Coming.
Monday morning at 8:00 AM CST, we’re launching something incredible.
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Well, it’s Monday morning, and here’s their big reveal: Wiha USA has launched the:
“ultimate limited edition tool and tool storage set imaginable.”
There will be 100 limited edition tool kits available, and here’s what it comes with:
- Veto Tech Pac Backpack Tool Bag
- 7 Insulated SoftFinish Screwdrivers
- 3 Insulated Cushion Grip Pliers/Cutters
- 6 Color-Coded Magnetic Nutsetters,
- 22 Color-Coded Hex L-Keys
- 7 Terminator Impact Bits
- 3 Classic Grip Pliers/Cutters
- 7″ Classic Grip Wire Strippers
- Slotted 8mm SoftFinish Extra Heavy-Duty Screwdriver
Wiha puts the tool count at 50.
If you consider the screwdriver bits as 1 bundle of 7 bits, and the hex key sets as only 2 tools, that count is reduced to 22 tools and a tool bag for $400.
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Here’s the full list:
- Veto Pro Pac – Tech Pac Backpack Tool Bag
- Classic Grip Wire Strippers and Cutters 7″
- SoftFinish X Heavy Duty Screwdriver | Slotted 8.0mm x 150mm
- 7 Piece Insulated SoftFinish® Cushion Grip Screwdriver Set
- Slotted 3.5mm, 5.5mm, 6.5mm
- Phillips #1, #2
- Square#1, #2
- 3 Piece Insulated Cushion Grip Pliers and Cutters Set
- Insulated Industrial Lineman’s Pliers 9.5″
- Insulated Industrial High Leverage Cutters 8.0″
- Insulated Industrial Long Nose Pliers 8″
- 6 Piece Color-Coded Magnetic Nutsetters Set | SAE
- 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″, 7/16″, 1/2″, 9/16″
- 9 Piece Color-Coded Hex L-Keys Set | Metric
- 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm
- 13 Piece Color-Coded Hex L-Key Set | SAE
- 0.5″, 1/16″, 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″, 5/16″, 3/8″
- 7 Piece Trial Terminator Impact Bit Buddy Set
- 2 x Phillips #2 | 2 x Square #2 | 2 x Torx® T25 | 1 x Torx® T30
- 3 Piece Classic Grip Pliers and Cutters Set
- Classic Grip Auto Pliers 10.0″
- Classic Grip Adjustable Pliers Box Type 7″
- Classic Grip End Cutting Nippers 8.0″
The Veto Pro Pac tech backpack has 46 pockets.
Price: $400
Discussion
Wiha’s tool sets tend to be expensive, but this set seems a little better priced in comparison, although the screwdriver bits throw things off a little bit. Their 54+ Master Electrician’s set ($623 via Amazon), for instance, contains a set of precision screwdrivers instead of insert bits. I say 54+ because that particular set is described as a 54pc set, a 56pc set, and a 59pc set, depending on where you’re looking.
This set comes with a mix of insulated and non-insulated screwdrivers and pliers and cutters.
If the Veto Pro Pac is identical to the Veto Service Technician tool backpack, its retail value is going to be the majority of the cost of this kit. The backpack – if it’s the same one – is priced at $290 via Amazon.
At the time of this posting, around 10:30am ET, the tool kit is still in stock.
I can’t help but feel that if this were a marketing move by Wera or Knipex, all 100 sets would have flown off the figurative shelf by now. Maybe it’s the mix of insulated tools that’s dulling the appeal a little bit?
If you want that Veto tool bag, assuming it’s regular Veto quality and comparable to the Service Tech bag, and at least half the tools in this assortment, you should be getting your money’s worth, and then some.
What’s the intent of this promo though? To drive up “viral” interest with newsletter blasts and social media hype only to sell a maximum of 100 kits? Maybe they’re testing the water with a Veto Pro Pac tool bag collaboration?
Wiha’s distributors seem to be cut out of the loop on this one, as this is a Wiha USA-direct promo.
It’ll be interesting to see how long this limited edition sale lasts for, and what the move might lead to later.
fred
I had gotten the email from Wiha and speculated about what something “big” might be. While this kit seems like its well priced – it certainly not up to the hype. I’d also have thought they would have included a handle for the nut driver bits in keeping with the “hand tool” orientation of the kit.
On 7/10 I posted about this Wiha screwdriver kit:
https://www.wihatools.com/insulated-slimline-slotted-phillips-square-screwdrivers-6pc-set
WIHA USA had it on a flash sale (now expired) for 1/2 off list price – with free shipping – that put it at about $35 below the price on Amazon – so it was another good deal.
Maybe Wiha USA sees sales slipping compared to the competition (like Knipex and Wera) – hence the promotions to raise brand awareness.
Wayne R.
If I was a newbie and was given this at a new job, I’d probably be pretty happy.
Until I realized that the insulated screwdrivers aren’t the SlimLine versions…that would (has been) a problem.
I’ve never seen a good reason to have nutsetters when nutdrivers cover so much more ground. That would be (has been) frustrating at just the wrong moment too. And why no handle for them?
And yes, why would this be “partially insulated” anyway?
As much as I like Wiha tools, I’m pretty meh about this collection. But introducing a new guy to the Veto bag (and these tools) would be a huge step up from the usual bag/box a new guy has…
Frank D
It is a mixed bag, because most of us have already invested in storage and tools; and it includes expensive duplicates of things we already own, has things we may not need / want and lacks things that we’d substitute in.
I don’t know what the individual retail of every single thing is and what it all would add up to, but this does not strike me as a big thing, and $400 does not strike me as a sale …
TheTool
It’s a Wiha ripoff is what it is.
Reno
Price is way to high for pliers and screwdrivers must be an expense back pack
and why would you carry these few tools in a back pack
Just a other over priced bad idea
Dt
That Veto Tech Pac runs $300 by itself.
Jim Felt
I wonder if premium European and maybe even Japanese brands are starting to see a slide in sales as a direct result of the pandemic?
Obviously a future standalone topic if it’s not too negative a story.
But it is an economic reality for many.
fred
It rather anecdotal – but I think that I’ve noticed less in the way of promotional emails offering significant price reductions from retailers like Acme and ToolUp. Father’s Day often brings these out – and this year they did not seem to appear in the usual profusion. Maybe supply chain issues put a lid on things – or perhaps retailers wanted to hold on to mark-ups rather than try to promote higher sales volumes. I think that I saw that Lee Valley said that they were having to struggle to fulfill the volume of orders they were getting while meeting COVID restrictions being placed on them.
I’m concerned that we may be moving into a period of stagflation like we saw in the 1970’s. The immense government spending to blunt the hardships of Covid-related job loss and economic turndown will need to be paid back and that will mean less money in our pockets going forward.
Jim Felt
fred.
I have a memory of too many “recessions” in my career. Almost all (but this one to be) were only accurately predicted in hindsight.
“Those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
And yes this particularly applies to this benighted time.
Stay safe.
Adam
I thought they sold out relatively fast. I saw them at 17, then 5, then 2, 0. That was in a matter of minutes.
Seemed decently priced, but if you already bhave tools you like that would be duplicates, it was harder to justify. I just picked up the Wiha nut setters 2 months ago, and l have insulated drivers unlike, so was a harder to pull to swallow for some.
Don’t forget you got a Wiha patch sewn on the backpack!
TheTool
“Don’t forget you got a Wiha patch sewn on the backpack!”
So? You think it’s worth hundreds more over the original? And don’t tell me there’s hundreds of dollars of tools there.
928'er
I suppose this might be a good deal if you don’t have any tools, but it, basically duplicates things I already have – except for the (over priced) Veto backpack, but my old McQuire-Nicholas TuffWear bag suits me just fine.
Don’t know who this “deal” was aimed at. Seems a lot of folks agree.
Mike47
Looks like it is aimed at people who repair street clocks… and you must notice the great numbers of those around these days.
les
It was gone by 2PM in the afternoon
Plaingrain
I think I would purchase a cheaper tool bag, and replace it more often.