Definitely some upgrades there and possibly a new size of ratcheting driver. Love the low backdrag, love the direction switch. But just wish the whole Rapidapter design could lose a little play or wobble. Great video, loving all this new content on Wera stuff.
I agree. The Wiha CentroFix mechanical bit holders are the best bit holders that I own. The PB Swiss bit holders are equal in stability; however, I only own PB Swiss racheting bit holders.
I have a few ratcheting drivers. My first one was from Teng Tools (purchased 15 years ago). It's been used and abused. There is some play in the driver, but it's still my favourite out of everything I own. It feels different. It sits the hand right, it always does the job nicely, the magnet is deep and it's been reliable for all these years. So just becuase there's play in the shaft doesn't mean the drivers bad. The shallow magnet is another story.
the less play in the locked position there is, the stiffer the ratcheting mechanism, meaning greater backdrag. And vice versa. PB Swiss chose to go with high stability, but when it comes to backdrag, they are kind of terrible. And since having as little backdrag as possible is one of the most important factors for ratcheting drivers, i would take more play. Because why wouldn't you just use a normal fixed screwdriver at this point?
Thank you for getting these and sharing features and comparisons with a good range of other products. As a result I immediately ordered the larger bit locking one. One thing that your review didn't highlight is that compared to other ratchet mechanisms that have three positions with stops and either end, this new mechanism doesn't stop when you select a direction. It'll take some getting used to I think, perhaps more than the fact it switches in the direction of turn. I really appreciate that you included whether the smaller one could fit in the ToolCheck+ (shame it doesn't!) as it was just what I was thinking!
Great presentation. I like the tools. I have the older version of this tool, but actually I don't mind that the selection ring is working in the opposite way, compared to this one. The low back drag is nice to have on this tools. The rapidaptor will always be more wobbly, but not a problem for me. Maybe they will launch one with bit storage in the handle. 👍👍👍
Regarding with bit storage..the older one seems very bulky in my opinion…whet I was after also is what you said on board storage and also retractable bit holder that would be a perfect EDC in a smaller handle. Also to add the older one with storage the handle is just like plain plastic not the grippy type one you’ll find in there other handles.
@@richmondstar4354 All the handles with bit storage are a little bit bulkier. The retractable bit holder and bit storage cannot accommodate the handle at the same time,or maybe with fewer bits. I have the pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver with storage, and the straight one without. The one with the storage is indeed made with harder plastic, because the it is hollow, I think is also fiber glass reinforced.
@@fuloplehel yeah just saw some video explaining also the handle…shame though as it is slightly bulkier you would thought it would still grippier for good grip…but hey there’s always a gloves I think😀 yeah with fewer bits would be cool like just your basic, Phillips, pozi, slotted size….but Im confident that they can still knock it off with a retractrable, ratcheting and bit holding design…Klein does a lot of design lately and mostly a positive design.
It’s on my Amazon basket a few weeks ago but thought will wait for some review😅 This is perfect…around £40 here in U.K. for the 2😊 by the way is the handle is similar to the one the comfort or grippy type handle? Not the plasticky one like in the one with bit holder?
Nice video. I have the rapidaptor version of this new tool. You forgot to showcase the “free spinning” function that lets you take up all of the slack in loose screws as you’re working them in! That’s one of the best features of this tool. 👍
I am getting the new rapidaptor version, the free spinning function is what made me interested So cool! All what it needs now is a place inside the handle for all the bits, I wonder if that'll be next,
@@Scampi95 Good deal, friend! 👍 It’s a terrific tool and I can’t tell you how handy that free spinning function has been for me! By the way, I think you’re onto something, I bet they’ll come out with a version that has onboard bit storage very soon. Cheers! 🥃
Great videos, love all the in-depth testing. Would be good to test the Wiha double sided bits in these smaller EDC style bit holders. The Leatherman bits and tiny Steinwhale double sided bits would also be awesome to test.
I like the Wera line, but I hate the wobble. I think Wera has some great designs. I still prefer Wiha and Hazet bit holders because there is less wobble, if any at all. Also I like the slightly narrower Wera yellow EDC handle, but find the larger handles a little uncomfortable. Excellent review.
regarding timestamp 3:25. I am wondering if it might fit in the 2024 advent calendar tool check that utilizes the slightly larger 815/1 bit handle? Cheers!
I current own only two brands of screwdrivers and bit drivers. My screwdrivers are PB Swiss exclusively. My bit drivers are Wiha CentroFix and PB Swiss. Both Wiha CentroFix and PB Swiss bit holders have absolutely no wobble.
If you put the Wera rapidaptor in something like a Wiha stubby...would it still wiggle? i think I am understanding that the wiggle is from the driver not the adaptor. Is this correct? (sorry if this is a silly question)
Would have preferred the RA-S to have a similar bit depth to the 813. Why would they make it shallow like this? Seems like it just adds wobble to longer bits for no reason.
Idk for sure but from my understanding they're the same size but they've updated the ratcheting mechanism. I'm also torn between the two. Seems like the 838 is currently a few dollars more depending on where You're buying from
the problem with Wera's handles is that there are no corrugations or flutes. It is smooth and round. When you turn something tight, you can slip. It is not terrible, sure. But it would be better if the handle had some shape to it that you could grip.
Regarding the direction selector, its the reverse of what is natural: hold the handle with your driving hand. Hold the selector with you other hand. Turn your driving hand in the direction you want to turn. This will shift the selector appropriately. As far as the Rapidapter is concerned, its the worst bit holder in the market: too much wobble, too bulky, C style bits go in too deep while E style bits don't go in deep enough.
I wish Wera tools where more modular and not have two versions with each a big compromise like small with rapidapter or big without rapidapter. like make the grip and adapter seperate and interchangable. I love my Kraftform Kompakt 20 but wish it had the ratchet of the stubby magazin RA. The Kompakt 27 RA exists but lacks the interchangable rapidapter... This keeps me from buying more Wera stuff, too many compromises
I think 838 RA S CAN Fit in Mini Tool-Check from Wera Advent Calendar 2024. It would be nice vid about that)))
Yes it can. I have a video up now too. th-cam.com/video/ZOeXPOkjGZ8/w-d-xo.html
Definitely some upgrades there and possibly a new size of ratcheting driver. Love the low backdrag, love the direction switch. But just wish the whole Rapidapter design could lose a little play or wobble. Great video, loving all this new content on Wera stuff.
Ah! Thanks for the quick size comparison right off the bat! That smaller one looks super compact! Great for saving bag space!
That wobble is unacceptable for Wera and at their price point.
I agree. The Wiha CentroFix mechanical bit holders are the best bit holders that I own. The PB Swiss bit holders are equal in stability; however, I only own PB Swiss racheting bit holders.
I have a few ratcheting drivers. My first one was from Teng Tools (purchased 15 years ago). It's been used and abused. There is some play in the driver, but it's still my favourite out of everything I own. It feels different. It sits the hand right, it always does the job nicely, the magnet is deep and it's been reliable for all these years.
So just becuase there's play in the shaft doesn't mean the drivers bad.
The shallow magnet is another story.
the less play in the locked position there is, the stiffer the ratcheting mechanism, meaning greater backdrag. And vice versa. PB Swiss chose to go with high stability, but when it comes to backdrag, they are kind of terrible. And since having as little backdrag as possible is one of the most important factors for ratcheting drivers, i would take more play. Because why wouldn't you just use a normal fixed screwdriver at this point?
Lol are you some kind of nerd?
@@XS69 You are correct. There are numerous tests of this available on TH-cam, including from Project Farm, if anyone is curious.
Great review! You gave me answers too all of my questions about these two new Wera models - Thanks!
mine just arrived and its beyond my expectations
it fits my hand perfectly and spinning the ratchet with my fingers is very easy
Thank you for getting these and sharing features and comparisons with a good range of other products.
As a result I immediately ordered the larger bit locking one.
One thing that your review didn't highlight is that compared to other ratchet mechanisms that have three positions with stops and either end, this new mechanism doesn't stop when you select a direction. It'll take some getting used to I think, perhaps more than the fact it switches in the direction of turn.
I really appreciate that you included whether the smaller one could fit in the ToolCheck+ (shame it doesn't!) as it was just what I was thinking!
I was looking to get one of these but I up most hate the wobbling in screw driver or anything in that matter.
U have answered to all my questions by this video. Thank you.
Gotten the Hazet 810 BHK because of your recomendations.
Wiha centrofix is slightly bigger for my needs and it's quite expensive.
Thank you.
Great presentation. I like the tools. I have the older version of this tool, but actually I don't mind that the selection ring is working in the opposite way, compared to this one. The low back drag is nice to have on this tools. The rapidaptor will always be more wobbly, but not a problem for me. Maybe they will launch one with bit storage in the handle. 👍👍👍
Regarding with bit storage..the older one seems very bulky in my opinion…whet I was after also is what you said on board storage and also retractable bit holder that would be a perfect EDC in a smaller handle. Also to add the older one with storage the handle is just like plain plastic not the grippy type one you’ll find in there other handles.
@@richmondstar4354 All the handles with bit storage are a little bit bulkier. The retractable bit holder and bit storage cannot accommodate the handle at the same time,or maybe with fewer bits. I have the pistol grip ratcheting screwdriver with storage, and the straight one without. The one with the storage is indeed made with harder plastic, because the it is hollow, I think is also fiber glass reinforced.
@@fuloplehel yeah just saw some video explaining also the handle…shame though as it is slightly bulkier you would thought it would still grippier for good grip…but hey there’s always a gloves I think😀 yeah with fewer bits would be cool like just your basic, Phillips, pozi, slotted size….but Im confident that they can still knock it off with a retractrable, ratcheting and bit holding design…Klein does a lot of design lately and mostly a positive design.
It’s on my Amazon basket a few weeks ago but thought will wait for some review😅 This is perfect…around £40 here in U.K. for the 2😊 by the way is the handle is similar to the one the comfort or grippy type handle? Not the plasticky one like in the one with bit holder?
Been waiting for a review of these two new ratcheting Wera bit drivers…thanks for your video
Thank you! I was waiting for your Review! Great review! Good to see improvements in the ratchet! 👏🏻👏🏻
Nice video. I have the rapidaptor version of this new tool. You forgot to showcase the “free spinning” function that lets you take up all of the slack in loose screws as you’re working them in! That’s one of the best features of this tool. 👍
I am getting the new rapidaptor version, the free spinning function is what made me interested So cool! All what it needs now is a place inside the handle for all the bits, I wonder if that'll be next,
@@Scampi95 Good deal, friend! 👍 It’s a terrific tool and I can’t tell you how handy that free spinning function has been for me! By the way, I think you’re onto something, I bet they’ll come out with a version that has onboard bit storage very soon. Cheers! 🥃
Looking forward to the new one coming that takes the kraftform vde blades
Wait, does the rapidaptor here retain Japanese bits (without being able to pull them out)?
Great videos, love all the in-depth testing. Would be good to test the Wiha double sided bits in these smaller EDC style bit holders. The Leatherman bits and tiny Steinwhale double sided bits would also be awesome to test.
I'm glad I got mine last night their almost out.
Good stuff id say👍
I like the Wera line, but I hate the wobble. I think Wera has some great designs. I still prefer Wiha and Hazet bit holders because there is less wobble, if any at all. Also I like the slightly narrower Wera yellow EDC handle, but find the larger handles a little uncomfortable. Excellent review.
What's a good bit set for these? thanks
Would have been the best tool if there was no wobble :(
How does the 838 RA S thickness compare to the Hazet 810 BHK? I have the Hazet but am looking for a slim ratcheting driver. Thanks!
regarding timestamp 3:25. I am wondering if it might fit in the 2024 advent calendar tool check that utilizes the slightly larger 815/1 bit handle? Cheers!
Ooo! Good question! Yes it does! I'll post a photo on my TH-cam community page and on Instagram. It is just slightly longer but it works.
Why would you choose one over the other?
I current own only two brands of screwdrivers and bit drivers. My screwdrivers are PB Swiss exclusively. My bit drivers are Wiha CentroFix and PB Swiss. Both Wiha CentroFix and PB Swiss bit holders have absolutely no wobble.
I had to buy them all to know the difference Wera/Facom/Hazet/Wiha/PB SWISS/VESSEL/FUJIA :)
If you put the Wera rapidaptor in something like a Wiha stubby...would it still wiggle? i think I am understanding that the wiggle is from the driver not the adaptor. Is this correct? (sorry if this is a silly question)
Awesome review!!!
can you compare with more ratchet drivers? ltt has very low back drag about 9gram how about this?
Would have preferred the RA-S to have a similar bit depth to the 813. Why would they make it shallow like this? Seems like it just adds wobble to longer bits for no reason.
So, the bigger one is the same as the 816 RA just with a different direction selector?
Idk for sure but from my understanding they're the same size but they've updated the ratcheting mechanism. I'm also torn between the two. Seems like the 838 is currently a few dollars more depending on where You're buying from
unfortunately, I am not a fan of the small bit holder 838 RA S. Ended up returning it. Went with the pb swiss instead.
Can you please do a 813 vs 838 vedio please for size and fucalatly I am toun between the two
10° ratchet is crazy 🤯
Dang you. You just cost me another $33.
Have rapidaptors always accepted Japanese 13mm bits? For some reason this was surprising to me but you seemed unfazed.
the problem with Wera's handles is that there are no corrugations or flutes. It is smooth and round. When you turn something tight, you can slip. It is not terrible, sure. But it would be better if the handle had some shape to it that you could grip.
Regarding the direction selector, its the reverse of what is natural: hold the handle with your driving hand. Hold the selector with you other hand. Turn your driving hand in the direction you want to turn. This will shift the selector appropriately.
As far as the Rapidapter is concerned, its the worst bit holder in the market: too much wobble, too bulky, C style bits go in too deep while E style bits don't go in deep enough.
Very nice
Wiha! No play. Although I love my zyclopes
which way to twist? clockwise. Which way should I unscrew? at the same time. That's why girls drive and confuse left with right.
I wish Wera tools where more modular and not have two versions with each a big compromise like small with rapidapter or big without rapidapter. like make the grip and adapter seperate and interchangable. I love my Kraftform Kompakt 20 but wish it had the ratchet of the stubby magazin RA. The Kompakt 27 RA exists but lacks the interchangable rapidapter... This keeps me from buying more Wera stuff, too many compromises
Seems to me like the smaller one doesn't really accept Japanese bits. Too much wobble.
I ordered the bigger one.
If it does not have rolegear I don’t see the point of other ratcheting screwdrivers. Just my view. O
My Hazet made me hate all my others.
I haven‘t been impressed with their older ratcheting drivers, these seem significantly better.
$72 ???
Don’t see the point these are like going back in time
After using Japanese bit drivers, my wera drivers disappoint me with all the wobbling