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Having used these tools for just over three years, I can attest to their high quality and long service life. Wera’s patented Hex Plus design reduces bolt head damage, which is great news for many home mechanics. The plastic sleeve has started to slip, which is easy to fix but a shame for a premium tool.
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There are two kinds of mechanics in the world: those who are patient and those who are constantly breaking something. I am more than happy to admit that in many cases I fall into the second category, which can come in handy when reviewing bikes and equipment as this approach is more likely to uncover potential pitfalls for future owners.
One of the pitfalls of an impatient mechanic is button bolts, and since bike testing involves installing new machines every week, this is something I’m well aware of, especially since some brands prefer to build their own designs with different mounts placed in unfamiliar places. . inaccessible corners. See also: Bolt heads made from cheese.
The Wera Hex Plus L keys are specially designed to provide a larger contact surface in the screw head. While some tool manufacturers aim for perfect tolerances, Wera has patented “Hex Plus” which provides a large contact surface between tool and fastener. Purists may disagree with this idea, preferring perfect bolt and tool head tolerances, but as far as I’m concerned, it works. In fact, I’ve been using these tools for three years and honestly don’t remember ever rounding a bolt with these colored sticks.
Not only does the Hex Plus design reduce the chance of bolt head warping, Vera says, it also allows users to apply up to 20 percent more torque. The kit covers all the sizes I need to service my bike (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10), the handles on larger tools are longer for the expected required torque.
Made from chrome molybdenum steel (chrome molybdenum steel) and equipped with a ball tip, these hex wrenches are great for working in tight spaces or tricky turns.
Each key has what Wera calls a “black laser” coating, which is reported to increase durability and reduce corrosion. This steel has truly stood the test of time to this day.
However, the keys are encapsulated in thermoplastic sleeves that are color-coded for quick and easy identification. This plastic is not as strong as the most important metal. The most commonly used keys (4 and 5) now slide out of the plastic sleeve when removed from the holder. This is something I can fix with a drop of superglue, but it seems like a shame for a good quality build. Numbers also wear off with use, but at this point in our relationship, color coding is ingrained in my head.
The Hex Plus L keys are housed on a stand with a flexible plastic hinge mechanism and a clasp that holds them neatly in place. This smart bag really greatly increases my chances of keeping them together and makes it easy to toss them into my bag before posting events or competitions. The set is not light (579 grams), but the extra weight is worth it considering the quality of the tools provided.
At £39, these are far from the cheapest hex wrenches out there. However, aside from the glitches of the plastic bushings, they offer excellent quality – it’s better to buy a tool once that works than three times a tool that doesn’t work.
Michelle Arthurs-Brennan is a traditional reporter who began her career at a local newspaper, highlights of which included an interview with a very irate Freddie Star (and an even more irate theater owner) and “The Tale of the Stolen Chicken”.
Before joining the Cycling Weekly team, Michelle was the editor of Total Women’s Cycling. She joined The CW as an “SEO Analyst” but couldn’t tear herself away from journalism and spreadsheets, eventually taking on the role of technical editor until her recent appointment as digital editor.
A road racer, Michelle also loves track riding and occasionally races against the clock, but has also dabbled in off-road riding (mountain biking or “gravel biking”). Passionate about supporting grassroots women’s racing, she founded the 1904rt women’s road racing team.
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