In this article I will review the Wera 950-9 Hex-Plus L-Key set in BlackLaser finish and with holding function. I will compare it with the PB Swiss Tools 212LH-10 RB is PB Swiss Tools rainbow color coded hex key set that I’m using for 20+ years. I also use a set of Stahlwille hex key set (and Torcx key set).
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key features Wera Multi-colour 950-9 Hex-Plus L-Key set in BlackLaser finish with holding function
On the product page of the Wera 950-9 Hex-Plus L-Key set with Holding Function you can read the following product description:
High quality L-key set with colour coded, convenient plastic sleeve. This ensures that the tool is quickly to hand and the ergonomic and pleasant handle is easy on the hands even at low temperatures. The wear-resistant clip material ensures secure storage of the L-keys as well as simple removal. The Hex-Plus profile offers a greater contact surface in the head of the screw. The notching effect is therefore reduced to a minimum and damage to the screw head more or less eliminated. The ballpoint on the long arm allows dependable working even in difficult installation situations. The holding function holds screws securely on the tool. The BlackLaser surface treatment provides outstanding surface protection, even against corrosion, and a long service life. Laser-engraved and thereby wear-resistant size markings on the L-keys for rapid accessing.
Every cyclist needs a good set of hex L-keys and a good set of Tocx L-keys (at least a set of Torcx bits in combination with a proper bit holder. My girlfriend needed these tools and given my experience with both Wera Tools (and PB Swiss Tools), I’ve opted to go for the Wera 950-9 Hex-Plus L-Key set because it has a couple of interesting capabilities. I will cover the two most differentiating ones.
Wera Tools – Hex-Plus Profile
“The Wera Tools Hex-Plus profile significantly reduces notch effects in hexagon socket screws. Enlarged contact surfaces protect the screw head – and the tool as well. The result: noticeably less wear, higher load capacity, and exceptionally long service life.”
When you look at the frontal hex surface of Wera 950 L-keys you see that the shape is different than the traditional hex shape. It might look a bit like star-shaped but it comes down to contact surface in the edges of the hex bolt head, and some spring like behavior in between. In theory it should provide a bit of torsional flex.
On the other hand I own two sets of PB Swiss Tools 212LH-10 RB – Rainbow long hex key sets with the traditional shape. In the 25-30 years that I’m using both sets, you hardly see any tool wear after the use and abuse. I have not been testing the Wera 950 L-keys long enough to find out differences in tool life yet. But both are quality brands.
Wera Tools – Holding Function
The clamping of the screw is achieved by a flexible locking ball. The holding function is especially helpful in confined, hard-to-reach spaces, where there is no room for a second hand to secure the screw on the tool.
Basically this holding function is very similar in construction to the locking mechanism on a Wera Zyklop 8000 ratchet. On the head of the long leg of the Wera 950 Hex-Plus L-keys you can see the locking ball. But it is a helpful function to have, especially when you are operating in hard to reach places or when you need to work slightly single handed.
Other things to know about the Wera Tools 950 Hex-Plus L-Key set
When I compare the differences in storage clip, I prefer the simplicity of the PB Swiss Tools 212LH-10 RB. Opening and closing the locking mechanism of the Wera clip provides a less stable construction. But to be fair, the clip does what it needs to do. 😉 Just the inserting and removing of L-keys works better with the PB Swiss Tools clip.
Each of the nine Wera Tools 950 Hex-Plus L-Keys has a “colour coded, easy-to-grip plastic sleeve, even at low temperatures“. The sleeve gives a nice grip and the color coding is simple and works. I will need to check-out how the BlackLaser finish will hold up after a winter in the garage. I hope it will stay as corrosion free as the 30 year old PB Swiss Tools hex-keys with chrome vanadium finish.
Concluding thoughts and wrap-up
The price-point of the Wera 950-9 Hex-Plus L-Key set in BlackLaser finish and with holding function is around € 28,00 which is a very fair price point for the quality you get. Please note that the price point of the PB Swiss Tools 212LH-10 RB long hex keys is € 55,00.
- What do you think of the innovative features of this Wera Tools Hex-Plus L-Key set?
- Have you used other Wera Tool Rebel products? Which models and why?
- Are you using another brand of long hex-keys? Please let me know in the comments which you are using?
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Other Wera Tools product reviews on cycling-review.net: