Table of contents

• Product test: quarter-inch tool sets 16 handy tool sets put to the test
• A.T.U Titan Tec nut box
• Car 1 industrial socket wrench set
• Gear Lock socket set
• Gear Lock socket wrench set
• Hazet Smartcase
• HI-Q Tools mini ratchet set
• HI-Q Tools T-screwdriver set
• KS Tools socket wrench set
• Kunzer bit set with finger ratchet
• Kunzer socket wrench set
• LUX Basic
• LUX professional
• Hein Gericke Performance ratchet set
• Proxxon precision mechanics replacement
• Rothewald socket wrench set
• Wera Bit-Check BR ​​30 universal

Herder

counselor

workshop

Quarter-inch tool sets put to the test

Product test: quarter-inch tool sets
16 handy tool sets put to the test

When things get a little tight, when slim fingers and a lot of feeling are required, then the big hour of the small tool from the ¼ inch league strikes. 16 handy sets were allowed to show their screwdriver talent.

Klaus Herder

October 13, 2011

Just remove the battery, repair the taillight for a moment, adjust the mirror in between – there is a lot of work on the motorcycle for which the very large tool caliber would be completely oversized. On the one hand, because the necessary sensitivity decreases with increasing ratchet length. On the other hand, because there is often simply not enough space to apply or operate the tool. ½-inch drives have no place under a 10 mm wrench size, but the 3/8-inch drive, marketed as an egg-laying woolly beast for motorcyclists, is still too big for real fiddling.

That leaves the good old ¼ inch rate that actually belongs in every screwdriver household. The offer ranges from under-ten-euro rooting table bargains to professional rates, which can be well in the three-digit euro range. In the late summer of 2011, MOTORRAD went shopping in the greater Stuttgart area and rattled off the relevant motorcycle accessory chains, various hardware stores and the automotive accessories trade and collected what could be of interest to the hobby mechanic. The certainly not representative, nonetheless offering a good overview of the market, counts 16 sets.

Sets that cannot necessarily all be compared directly with one another – which is why the final table that is customary for product tests was dispensed with this time – but which contain at least a ¼-inch ratchet and a basic range of bits (with a ¼-inch holder, the parts are called screwdrivers. inserts) have to offer. With the exception of the Wera set, all boxes are also equipped with socket wrench inserts. Said inserts have a hexagonal profile that is either classically applied to the edges or (more screw-friendly) to the flanks. Nuts with a wave profile are also available. These profiles, which are often marketed under imaginative proper names, have the advantage that they usually fit on screwed-up and often even on non-metric screws and nuts. However, this in turn has the disadvantage that the nuts do not sit perfectly and cause increased wear or, in unfavorable cases, can even tilt or slip. Unfortunately, everyone has to find out individually which profile shape comes closest to their own screwdriver habits. Please also note the details of the contents: the subtle differences between the Phillips and Torx sizes. PH stands for the Phillips cross recess, ie the “classic” cross recess shape; PZ, on the other hand, stands for Pozidriv, a cross recess which is rather unusual in metal and mechanical engineering. While the providers agree on the PH / PZ designations, there is a certain wild growth in the Torx sizes; because Torx is a registered trademark and using the correct name (e.g. T40) costs license fees. In the case of “tamper-proof” Torx screws (these are the ones with the pin in the middle), the abbreviation used in the table of contents is TR for “Tamper Resistant”.

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MOTORRAD was far more interested in the fact that the test candidates met certain minimum requirements than in the size specifications. And these are specified very precisely by the “German Institute for Standardization” and the corresponding DIN. A ¼-inch square drive must be able to cope with at least 62 Nm. Which is a lot for ¼-inchers and can be applied by hand with by no means all ratchets and without an extension. T-handles, finger ratchets or the very short ratchets only manage a fraction of them. The somewhat longer specimens, however, definitely achieve the values ​​that MOTORRAD determined on a torque tester. Runaway? KS Tools failed even before the DIN value, and LUX only weakened slightly above the minimum requirement. There were far more outliers in terms of dimensional accuracy, which MOTORRAD determined with the help of so-called “limit gauges”. Now, not every Phillips screwdriver that is not exactly dimensionally has to take care of screwed-up screws, but the specifications are not an end in themselves, and at least with frequent use, it will take revenge at some point if the tool and workpiece do not exactly match.

But nobody has to worry about that, if he takes the MOTORRAD buying tips to heart or, as a (semi) professional screwdriver, reaches for the sinfully expensive, but also really delicious test winner. Keyword buying tip: The outrageously cheap Proxxon box at just under 35 euros is the real surprise of this tool test. With the very sensibly equipped set, which is also well-made in detail, you are guaranteed not to go wrong and you can go anywhere. And if 55 euros are left over, it has to be the Wera set. There is simply no better way to screw with a ¼ inch.

A.T.U Titan Tec nut box

MPS studio

A.T.U Titan Tec nut box, 29 pcs.

providers: A.T.U Auto -teile-Unger, phone 09 61/30 60, www.atu.de;
price: 19.99 euros
contents: 29 parts in plastic box;
Reversible ratchet (154 mm); Plug-in handle; Extension 50 mm; T-handle; Universal joint; 12 hexagon sockets 4-13 mm; 12 screwdriver bits (4 Phillips PH 1/2, PZ 1/2; 3 slotted 4 / 5.5 / 7 mm; 5 hexagon socket 3-8 mm)

plus
Socket wrench inserts true to size; good ratchet length, practical power transmission possible; robust packaging
minus
Sockets unsecured (without inner groove); Release button on ratchet tw. hooky and ergonomically unfavorable; Ratchet tw. open (risk of contamination) and without fine toothing; Surface quality tw. streaky; Box without size information; Torx is missing

Conclusion
Not a delight for the hand or the eye, but absolutely okay as a basic set for beginners. Good value for money.

MOTORRAD verdict
satisfying

Car 1 industrial socket wrench set

MPS studio

Car 1 industrial socket wrench set, 35 pcs..

providers: Coparts Autoteile, phone 02 01/31 94 00, www.coparts.de;
price: 59.90 euros (paid at Martika Autoteile: 49.94 euros)
contents: 35 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (151 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (50/100 mm); Universal joint; 12 hexagon sockets 4-13 mm; 18 screwdriver bits (3 Phillips PH 1/2/3; 3 slotted 4 / 5.5 / 6 mm; 6 hexagon socket 3-8 mm; 6 Torx T10-40)

plus
All tools true to size; very solid box, perfect tool seat; very handy, easy to load ratchet; non-slip handles
minus
Unlocking button on ratchet ergonomically unfavorable; Profile lengths of the screwdriver bits tw. somewhat short; Soft foam insert sensitive to dirt and no size information

Conclusion
Practical equipment, solid design, quality accommodation, fair price – Car 1 leaves little to be desired.

MOTORRAD verdict
very good

Gear Lock socket set

MPS studio

Gear Lock socket set, 28 pcs.

providers: BGS Technic KG, phone 0 21 96/72 04 80, www.bgstechnic.com;
price: 34.21 euros (paid for Polo: 22.95 euros)
contents: 28 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (105 mm); Extension 50 mm; 9 multi-profile sockets 5-13 mm; Bit holder; 16 bits (4 cross recess PH 1/2, PZ 1/2; 2 slot 4/6 mm; 3 hexagon socket 3/4/5 mm; 7 Torx T10-40)

plus
All tools true to size, nuts processed very carefully; Multi-profile suitable for screwed up or inch screws; Ratchet with fine teeth; Tools well secured minus
Creak a little short, runs tw. somewhat unclean, unlock button ergonomically unfavorable; Box moderately processed and without size information, lid only closes with “emphasis”

Conclusion
Very compact pack size, well-equipped and fairly calculated. A good choice as a second and on-the-go box.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Gear Lock socket wrench set

MPS studio

Gear Lock socket wrench set, 39 pcs.

providers: BGS Technic KG, phone 0 21 96/72 04 80, www.bgstechnic.com;
price: 49.93 euros (paid for Polo: 59.90 euros)
contents: 39 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (147 mm); Plug-in handle; Extension 127 mm; Universal joint; 13 multi-profile sockets 4-14 mm; 22 screwdriver bits (4 Phillips PH 1/2 /, PZ 1/2; 6 hexagon socket 3-8 mm; 7 Torx TR10-40; 5 multi-tooth XZN M4-10)

plus
Tools true to size; finely toothed, handy ratchet, very fine barrel; Multi-profile suitable for screwed up or inch screws; Extension with “swivel range”; Cardan joint screwed; Box with size information
minus
Bits in screwdriver sockets partly skewed; Tool unsecured in the box

Conclusion
Great gun, good equipment, nice details; the somewhat negligent screwdriver bits thwart “very well”.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Gear Lock socket wrench set

buy from Amazon

Hazet Smartcase

MPS studio

Hazet Smartcase, 38 pcs.

providers: Hazet-Werk, phone 0 21 91/79 20, www.hazet.de;
price: 132.09 euros
contents: 38 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (116 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (55/102 mm); Universal joint; 10 hexagon socket wrench inserts 5.5-14 mm; ¼ inch adapter, bit holder, 21 bits (6 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 3 slotted 4.5 / 6.5 / 8 mm; 5 hexagon socket 3-7 mm; 7 Torx TR10 -40)

plus
All tools true to size and with a very good finish, perfect locking; finely toothed, absolutely round ratchet; Handles ergonomically developed; Cardan joint screwed; solid box with a perfect tool seat and very easy access
minus
Box without bit size information; price

Conclusion
A bargain for Hazet standards, but an expensive top tool for professionals and classy amateurs in the test environment.

MOTORRAD verdict
very good

Hazet Smartcase

buy from Amazon

HI-Q Tools mini ratchet set

MPS studio

HI-Q Tools mini ratchet set, 19-piece.

providers: Polo, phone 01 80/5 22 57 85, www.polo-motorrad.de;
price: 19.95 euros
contents: 19 parts in plastic box; Ratchet (106 mm) with swivel head (¼ inch and bit holder); 5 hexagon sockets 6-8 mm; 13 bits (4 Phillips PH 1/2, PZ 1/2; 2 slotted 4/6 mm; 7 Torx T10-40)

plus
Dimensionally stable nuts; Ratchet with fine toothing, proper concentricity; very compact box with size information
minus
Bits partially not dimensionally accurate, improperly processed and with a sensitive surface; the nuts have no inner groove, therefore hardly secured, ratchet a bit short and with ergonomically unsatisfactory “switching” (swivel head); 12 nut missing; Box with a very “plastic” style

Conclusion
For ten euros less, it would be a nice emergency kit on the go; so the price-performance ratio is unsatisfactory.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

HI-Q Tools T-screwdriver set

MPS studio

HI-Q Tools T screwdriver set, 48 pcs.

providers: Polo, phone 01 80/5 22 57 85, www.polo-motorrad.de;
price: 29.95 euros
contents: 48 parts in plastic box; Shift T-handle (90 mm); Bit holder adjustable in three lengths (40/70/100 mm); 10 hexagon sockets 4-12 mm; ¼ inch adapter, 35 bits (14 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 9 slot 3-6 mm; 5 hexagon socket 2.5-6 mm; 7 Torx T10-40)

plus
Tool true to size; Bit holder with effective magnetic lock; Box and bit receptacles with size information; good assembly
minus
Nuts without inner groove and unsecured, processing sometimes very unclean; strong fluctuations in wall thicknesses (11 and 12 sockets made from the same blank); only relatively small forces can be transmitted with the T-handle

Conclusion
Different is not better, classic ratchets can usually do more. And for five euros more there is a very good purchase tip.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

KS Tools socket wrench set

MPS studio

KS Tools socket wrench set, 46 pcs.

providers: KS Tools, phone 0 61 04/4 97 40, www.kstools.com;
price: 49.39 euros (paid at Martika Auto Parts: 41.10 euros)
contents: 46 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (140 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (52/103 mm); flexible extension 147 mm; T-handle; Universal joint; 13 corrugated sockets 4-14 mm; ¼ inch adapter; 4 Allen keys 1.27-2.5 mm; 21 screwdriver bits (5 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2; 3 slotted 4 / 5.5 / 7 mm; 6 hexagon socket 3-8 mm; 7 Torx T10-40)

plus
Tool lock; Box with size range.
minus
Ratchet defective after 60 Nm attempt (tooth sheared); Unlocking button ergonomically unfavorable; Wave profile helps with messed up screws, but tends to tilt; Screwdriver bits partly not true to size; Tool unsecured in the lower part of the box

Conclusion
The defective ratchet may be an isolated incident, but the rest of the case is not very convincing either. Lush equipping is not everything.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

KS Tools socket wrench set

buy from Amazon

Kunzer bit set with finger ratchet

MPS studio

Kunzer bit set with finger ratchet, 25 pieces.

providers: Kunzer, phone 0 81 21/22 00, www.kunzer.de;
price: 23.68 euros
contents: 25 parts in plastic box;
Reversible finger ratchet (33 mm) with bit holder; ¼ inch adapter; ¼ inch adapter with ext-
grain 50 mm; 6 hexagon sockets 5-13 mm; Bit holder with extension 47 mm; 15 bits (6 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 2 hexagon socket 4/5 mm; 7 Torx T10-40)

plus
Tool true to size; extremely compact ratchet; good tool security; Box with size information and good security
minus
Ratchet without fine toothing and with a little fiddly switching; only very small forces can be transmitted (less than 2 Nm); No 12 socket, no slotted screwdriver included; Soft foam insert a bit sensitive to dirt

Conclusion
Very limited area of ​​application (e.g. pre-screwing in angled corners).
For “tool collectors” it may be quite nice.

MOTORRAD verdict
sufficient

Kunzer socket wrench set

MPS studio

Kunzer socket wrench set, 54 pcs.

providers: Kunzer, phone 0 81 21/22 00, www.kunzer.de;
price: 54.62 euros
contents: 54 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (144 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (50/99 mm); flexible extension 149 mm; T-handle; Universal joint; 19 corrugated sockets 4-14 mm, of which 6 are long sockets with 6-13 mm; 4 Allen keys 1.5-3 mm; 24 screwdriver sockets (6 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 3 slotted 4.5 / 5.5 / 6.5 mm; 4 hexagon socket 3-6 mm; 8 Torx T8-40; 3 multi-tooth M5 -8th)

plus
Nuts true to size; very good ratchet grip; lavish, practical equipment
minus
Screwdriver bits tw. not true to size; Unlock button ergon. unfavorable; Tool in the box z. Partly unsecured; Corrugated profile inserts can skip at higher Nm values

Conclusion
Quite suitable for amateur screwdrivers, but quickly at the limit in somewhat tougher use. It can be done better – and cheaper.

MOTORRAD verdict
satisfying

Kunzer socket wrench set

buy from Amazon

LUX Basic

MPS studio

LUX Basic, 22 pcs.

providers: OBI, phone 0 21 96/76 01, www.obi.de;
price: 12.99 euros
contents: 22 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (140 mm); Plug-in handle; Extension 103 mm; 12 hexagon sockets 4-13 m; Bit holder; 6 bits (4 Phillips PH 1/2, PZ 1/2; 2 slotted 5.5 / 6.5 mm

plus
Tools on ratchet and in the box adequately secured; Box and bit holder with size information; practical ratchet length; relatively robust box
minus
Dimensional accuracy borderline; mostly bad processing, nuts partly off-center, surfaces e.g. Partly carelessly processed; 10 mm socket cannot be put on a ratchet (unclean edges, burr); Switching the ratchet cumbersome, no clean concentricity

Conclusion
Not cheap, but cheap. The Hein Gericke product proves that there is better quality for less money.

MOTORRAD verdict
inadequate

LUX professional

MPS studio

LUX Profi, 53 pcs.

providers: OBI, phone 0 21 96/76 01, www.obi.de;
price: 66.99 euros
contents: 53 parts in metal box; Reversible ratchet (145 mm); Plug-in handle; Extension 100 mm; Universal joint; 18 hexagon sockets 4-14 mm, of which 5 are long sockets with 6-10 mm; 6 external Torx sockets E4-10; 4 Allen keys 1.3-2.5 mm, 21 screwdriver bits (6 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 4 slotted 4-6.5 mm; 5 Allen 2.5-6 mm; 6 Torx T10-30)

plus
All tools true to size; proper processing of the inserts; handy and non-slip handles; lavish stocking; solid box
minus
The ratchet runs improperly, tends to jam and has no reserves (no longer switchable after 65 Nm test); cheap plastic insert, tools in the box tw. unsecured

Conclusion
The most important tool, of all things, is weak. It’s a shame, because the “rest” is done very well.

MOTORRAD verdict
satisfying

Hein Gericke Performance ratchet set

MPS studio

Hein Gericke Performance ratchet set, 12-piece..

providers: Hein Gericke, phone 01 80/5 22 95 22, www.hein-gericke.de;
price: 9.99 euros
contents: 12 parts on plastic holder; Reversible ratchet (158 mm); Extension 77 mm; 10 hexagon sockets 5-13 mm

plus
Tool true to size; good ratchet length, practical power transmission possible, proper concentricity, non-slip grip; price
minus
Nuts tw. off-center; Tool protection ineffective, as internal grooves are not worked properly; Ratchet tw. open (risk of contamination); missing box

Conclusion
Not a tool for continuous use, but quite suitable as a puristic starter set for the extreme saver.

MOTORCYCLE-verdict
sufficient

Hein Gericke performance

buy from Amazon

Proxxon precision mechanics replacement

MPS studio

Proxxon precision mechanics set, 36 pcs.

providers: Proxxon, phone 0 65 02/9 31 70, www.proxxon.com;
price: 34.50 euros (paid at Hein Gericke: 34.99 euros)
contents: 36 parts in metal box; Reversible ratchet (148 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (50/100 mm), one with a slide; Universal joint; 13 hexagon sockets 4-13 mm; 5 Allen keys 1.25-3 mm; 12 screwdriver sockets (2 Phillips PH 1/2; 2 slotted 4 / 5.5 mm; 4 hexagon socket 3-6 mm; 4 Torx TR20-30)

plus
All tools true to size and with a good finish, perfect locking; finely toothed, absolutely round ratchet; Handles ergonomically developed and with non-slip grip; very solid box with size information; price
minus
Tool unsecured in the box

Conclusion
This box actually belongs in every (hobby) workshop. Top quality at a real bargain price – best buy!

MOTORRAD verdict
very good

#image.jpg

Proxxon precision mechanics replacement

buy from Amazon

Rothewald socket wrench set

MPS studio

Rothewald socket wrench set, 46 pcs.

providers: Detlev Louis, phone 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de;
price: 19.95 euros (offer price temporarily: 14.95 euros)
contents: 46 parts in plastic box; Reversible ratchet (153 mm); Plug-in handle; 2 extensions (50/101 mm); flexible extension 149 mm; T-handle; Universal joint; 13 hexagon sockets 4-14 mm; ¼ inch adapter; 4 Allen keys 1.2-2.5 mm; 21 screwdriver bits (6 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 3 slot 4 / 5.5 / 7 mm; 6 hexagon socket 3-8 mm; 6 Torx T10-40)

plus
Tool true to size; finely toothed and cleanly running ratchet; Box and mat with size information; lavish stocking; price
minus
Ratchet tw. open (risk of contamination); Tool unsecured in the lower part of the box

Conclusion
Partly a bit mixed processing, but everything fits and works. The (offer) price is very attractive.

MOTORRAD verdict
satisfying

Wera Bit-Check BR ​​30 universal

MPS studio

Wera Bit-Check BR ​​30 universal, 31 pieces.

providers: Wera, phone 02 02/4 04 53 11, www.wera.de;
price: 54.74 euros (paid to Detlev Louis: 54.95 euros)
contents: 31 parts in plastic holder; Reversible ratchet (88 mm); ¼ inch adapter; Bit holder; 28 bits (11 Phillips PH 1/2/3, PZ 1/2/3; 1 slot 5.5 mm; 5 hexagon socket 3-8 mm; 6 Torx T10-40; 5 Torx TR10-30)

plus
All tools true to size and with an excellent finish; extremely handy ratchet with fine teeth and perfect concentricity; ingeniously made and very robust holder
minus
The very short, perfectly made ratchet can withstand loads of over 65 Nm, but in practice it can only be used up to around 25 Nm; Equipment quite one-sided and bit-heavy

Conclusion
Should have deserved “excellent”, but the limited suitability for motorcycles prevents that. A must for tool gourmets.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good

Wera Bit-Check BR ​​30

buy from Amazon

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