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Threaded #16: A mixed parcel of New Tools Day 

Hands-on with Wera’s latest cycling tools, fresh drops from PB Swiss, and some budget-conscious products from QiCycle and ZTTO.

Dave Rome
by Dave Rome 24.05.2024 Photography by
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It’s time to make space in the toolbox and wait by the window for the courier to ring the doorbell. Oh yes, it’s New Tools Day!

As with previous editions of New Tools Day, this high-res gallery (best viewed on a bigger screen) offers a close look at a handful of new tools to come across my workbench. Some are intended for professional use while others are specifically made for the everyday cyclist.

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Wera is a popular name in just about every industry that needs to drive fasteners, and a few years ago the company started offering bicycle-specific kits. Those kits were initially Wera’s standard tool offerings with new packaging, but recently the company has expanded into true bicycle-specific options.

The 9532 Chain Riveter Set is the latest example. The kit includes Wera’s commonly featured bit ratchet, a bit-based screwdriver handle, 10 89 mm length tool bits, and two shorter bits (5 and 8 mm hex). Additionally you get a bit-based chain breaker, a chain link holder (basically a bent piece of wire), and a set of chain quick link pliers.
Wera makes most of its tools within its own facilities in the Czech Republic. However, the chain link pliers and chain breaker are sourced from Taiwan, and so you may find similar tools sold by other brands.

This little chain breaker add-on is clearly made for Wera (as evidenced by the logo), but PrestaCycle and FixItStix have long offered very similar products. The function of these is pretty good if you consider it more a home-use or even emergency-type tool. It can be operated with any two 1/4″ bit-driver type tools and works with all modern chains (including SRAM Flat Top from the curved side). And bonus points to Wera for providing three spare pins. Yep, three! You can see it in action here.
Wera claims this kit is for the workshop, but I’d argue it’s more for the home workshop. Quite simply its function isn’t as smooth, light-action, or secure at holding the chain when compared to a number of dedicated workshop chain tools. Still, it’ll absolutely do the job for casual users or those looking for a more portable option.
Meanwhile the chain link pliers are almost identical to Birzman’s plier (not pictured), which is one of the better options out. They’re noticeably stiffer and stronger than the Pedro’s. They’re smoother than Park Tool’s MLP-1.2. And I like the spring closure clip that the otherwise good Unior pliers lack.

That all said, I’m still loyal to the Shimano TL-CN10 and SuperB’s equivalent which combine the opening and closing function into a one-handed operation.

Overall, this Wera tool kit has a lot to like and functions well. Still, when the company asks US$150 / AU$250 for such a kit, I’d like to see all pieces genuinely be Wera’s creation, or at least design. We’re still in the early days of Wera catering to the cycling market, and I am genuinely excited to see what will come if Wera designs its own cycling tools for the workshop.

As it stands, this kit would make a nice gift, but if it were your own money, I’d suggest getting the Wera bit ratchet and bits in a smaller set, and then buy the chain breaker and quick link plier from a specialist brand.
OK, let’s talk about some tools that show what Wera’s engineers and in-house manufacturing are capable of.

This is the new 7515 Kraftform Safe-Torque Speed Torque Screwdriver (say that three times). It’s a new torque wrench which introduces a simple thumb slide switch to change the torque setting faster than anything else on the market. There are some other special features, too.

Pictured at the back is Wera’s original (and still relatively new) “Safe-Torque” torque wrench. The Safe-Torque name refers to the clutch-like mechanism that allows the tool to infinitely click once the set torque has been reached – meaning the user can’t inadvertently over-torque a fastener after the tool has clicked.

The new torque screwdriver offers this same feature, and my testing has shown it works remarkably well at keeping the tool at a consistent torque no matter how many times you click it.

As tested, the 7515 version can be adjusted between 2-6 Nm (in 1 Nm increments) with the slide of the thumb. Wera also offers the 7510 version which spans 1-3 Nm (in 0.5 Nm increments). And while unlikely needed at these torque ranges, it does work in both clockwise and anti-clockwise directions.

This tool also offers a “locked” setting (shown) which allows you to tighten and loosen bolts without fear of damaging the torque mechanism.
Wera officially quotes +/-10% accuracy, but my testing (with a digital benchtop tester) showed it to be far more precise. Across the available 2-6 Nm torque range, the tool consistently hit the targeted figure or within an acceptable tolerance below it. For example, set at 4 Nm, the measured torque was 3.89, 3.86, 4.01, 3.82, and 3.81 Nm. In my experience that’s a good level of consistency for such a click-type tool.
It’s accurate, rapid to adjust, feels like a quality tool, and can also be used as a regular hand tool. So what’s not to like? Unfortunately that handle shape isn’t ideally suited to comfortably creating leverage at the upper 5 and 6 Nm settings. It’ll be fine for most home mechanics, but I truly wouldn’t want to have that strain on my wrist throughout the day, everyday.

The 1-3 Nm version of this tool makes a whole lot of sense to me, although it is less relevant to the cycling market. Meanwhile, the tested version is great when used at 4 Nm or under, but I’ve been happy to return to my larger-handled pre-set torque drivers for those common 5 and 6 Nm settings.
Wera offers its Safe-Torque screwdrivers as standalone tools or in sets. Pictured is the 7515/7 “Bicycle 1” set with six 50 mm-length bits. The bits are top quality and all useful sizes, but I wish they included a 6 mm hex bit, too.
Wera’s tool sets include the company’s great tool pouches. They’re easy to open, quick to get the tools out of, protective, won’t break if dropped, and are relatively space-efficient.
There’s one more new bicycle-friendly tool from Wera to talk about and I’m rather sold on it.
It’s the 838 RA ratcheting screwdriver which has quickly proven to be an incredibly intuitive tool in use.

As pictured between my thumb and index finger, the large ratchet direction switch is conveniently placed for easy changing. Better yet, the direction you turn the switch is the direction the screwdriver engages. That detail also means you can use the direction switch as a quick spinner to turn a fastener while keeping the tool handle set in your palm.
I’ve owned a few nice ratcheting screwdrivers over the years (such as this PB Swiss), but almost never used them due to the direction switch being reversed or too difficult to change versus what my brain wanted to do. Wera has overcome those complaints.
Wera currently has two handle size options for the new 838 ratcheting screwdrivers (shown with the green direction switch) which are impressively close in overall profile to the company’s fixed handle drivers (pictured with no direction switch).

The 36T ratchet mechanism is built into the handles and offers a welcomed low level of backdrag. There’s also a middle “locked” setting in case you don’t want the driver to ratchet.
The medium-size version (top) features the company’s Rapidaptor locking bit chuck, while the small version features a simpler magnetic bit holder. The medium retails for US$48, and the small is listed at US$31, although I bought mine for less online.
Like Wera’s other tools, the 838 RA screwdriver handles can be bought separately or as part of a kit. Pictured here is 838 RA S Set 1 (US$80) which includes 13 50 mm-length bits. Wera provided this kit as a test sample, but I liked the drivers so much that I’ve since bought my own.
OK, let’s change pace from premium German-designed tools to some budget things.

This internal cable routing kit from ZTTO cost me AU$14 (approx US$9) including shipping from China. I recently did a Threaded article dedicated to all things internal cable routing including some specialist tools and this is what I’d written about this exact kit (since updated with my findings):

“OK, so I haven’t yet tested this low-cost tool from AliExpress, but looking at the images, I suspect it will work similarly to the Pro Bike Tools offering. It’ll be more limited in usage options than the Park Tool, but for not much money, it’ll give you that useful housing/hose barb tool. I’ve now ordered myself one to know for sure.”
So what’s it actually like?

This ZTTO kit is most similar to the Jagwire tool previously covered in that it’s largely reliant on the use of magnets. There is an inner cable with a magnet provided, but the inability to attach the hose/housing barb or Di2 wire holder to it makes it of limited use compared to my preferred cable routing tools from Pro Bike Gear and Park Tool. It’s not useless, but it’s also not as useful as I first assumed.
A common sight on AliExpress, Chinese cycling brand ZTTO has trended to offer higher quality parts than when it began. I’ve now covered a number of tools from the brand and often with positive experiences (especially given the prices).

For over a year I deliberated over buying this comprehensive hub bearing tool kit due to the high shipping price, but eventually the nagging voice on my shoulder convinced me to spend the AU$120 (approx US$80) in order to have a hands-on opinion. I’ve already written in depth about tools for removing and installing cartridge bearings, so please check out those past articles for more on the topic.
The ZTTO kit merges (copies) characteristics from Noble hub bearing install tools (now owned by Abbey Bike Tools) with elements of the CeramicSpeed hub tool kit (left). For example, the guiding rods that keep the bearing drifts aligned is taken from Noble’s system, while CeramicSpeed was one of the first to offer receiver cups for pressing out captured hub axles.

However, while CeramicSpeed includes detailed instructions with its comprehensive kit, ZTTO provides absolutely nothing to help you understand what each of the pieces do.
Perhaps the most blatant of copied ideas is seen with the 17 mm trilobe shape to key into the obstructed backside bearing of Fulcrum freehub bodies (for easy removal). Pictured in the freehub is the ZTTO version, with Noble’s original concept beneath it.
A close look at the forced alignment concept. A stiff guiding rod runs through the bearing drifts and bearings to keep everything square between the opposing bearing seats in a hub. I was a big fan of Noble’s original design, so of course there’s lots to like in this kit.
All pieces are designed to work with the provided bearing press. That press uses a thin 1/4″ (6.3 mm) fine thread rod. The handles spin smoothly but unlike many high-end presses, this doesn’t offer any form of thrust bearing at the point of contact with the bearing drifts.

The kit includes two lengths of threaded rod, but you’ll still want to be careful to not bend these flexible lengths of steel as replacement parts aren’t easy to come by.
A closer look at some of the bearing receiver cups which allow for smooth removal of cartridge bearings that sit over shouldered axles.

It’s hard to argue that this kit represents incredible value for money. The quality is far beyond what you’d expect for the price, and there’s a good selection of common bearing sizes covered. Still, I can’t help but feel icky about the stealing of ideas from others. I think many who buy this kit will also significantly miss not having instructions, and the lack of spare/replacement parts is one to weigh up in your purchase decision.
The Noble Wheels bearing install kit. It’s where I first saw the concept of guided/aligned bearing drifts to ensure square bearing installs. Noble’s (currently discontinued) kit drives the bearing into place with a hammer, whereas the ZTTO kit uses a skinny press rod through the centre-aligning rods.
And back to the ultra-Gucci of tools. PB Swiss just introduced some ball-end versions of its hex bits and I simply couldn’t help myself. This is the mixed-length kit (PB E6.714 CN) spanning 2.5 to 6 mm hex sizes.

Made in Switzerland, PB Swiss bits have long been my benchmark for quality and durability. Still, at US$81 for 10 bits they’re surely not going to end up in everyone’s toolboxes.
PB Swiss is the manufacturer of my favourite seal picks which just seem to be stronger and last longer than anything else I’ve tried. The blue hard-handled versions are the original, and now PB Swiss has added the option of its grippy Swissgrip handles.
Like almost everything from PB Swiss, the picks can be bought as a set or individually. A complete five-piece set as pictured will set you back US$46, with individual picks priced at US$7-10.
I also bought myself another set of hex keys which included some micro-sizes I may never use. This is one of those times when it looked bigger in the photo.
The electric tyre inflator market is booming and barely a week goes past without me getting hit with a different Instagram advert for a familiar-looking inflator from a new brand.

QiCycle was a new name to me, but it turns out they’re a partner brand of the Chinese tech manufacturer Xiomi, and are the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) for a number of similiar-looking devices (such as those sold by RockBros and Fanttik). There’s a few options in the range, including the N3 (left) and the newer Mini (right).
I plan to do a Threaded edition dedicated to electric inflators, so for now, I’ll just cover some basics related to the QiCycle Mini (pictured at the bottom left next to my beloved Fumpa).
Retailing for US$60, the QiCycle Mini is a relatively compact option that is pared back in features compared to larger offerings from the company. It only offers pressure measurement in PSI and will default to the last pressure you set it to.

While technically small enough to put in a riding bag, the 384 gram weight and lack of water resistance has me viewing this type of inflator as a replacement for a floor pump or travel pump. If you’re keen on one for riding, then that’s what the NanoFumpa Nano or Cycplus Cube aim to offer (though I personally still use CO2 and/or a mini pump).
It offers USB-C recharging.
The angled valve head flips to provide compatibility with both Presta and Schrader valves. It’s noticeably quicker to use than the common thread-on Presta-Schreader adapters that come included with many of these electric inflators, still, I prefer the ease and speed of a press-on valve like that of a Fumpa inflator.
The QiCycle Mini has an auto-stop feature once the set pressure has been reached. My testing showed the gauge accurate to the nearest PSI. The battery is exceptionally efficient off a single charge (13 full 0-80 psi inflations of a 700x28mm tyre), and it runs at 5 decibels less than a Fumpa.

However, what I like most about the more expensive Fumpa inflator is that it tops up a tyre significantly faster than any floor pump. By contrast, this QiCycle is slower to attach and then almost glacial to inflate. A Fumpa inflates a flat 700 x 28 mm tyre to 80 psi in 24 seconds, whereas this QiCycle Mini took 1 min 28 seconds for the same task.

That speed difference may not seem like much, but in the same time it takes to thread the QiCycle into place and get it to top up an already inflated the tyre, I can use the Fumpa on both wheels and be onto the next task. Still, there’s a big price difference between the two, and the QiCycle does its job a little more quietly and with better battery management.
It’s no secret that I’m a fan of many of Enduro’s bearing tools, though one thing they’ve been missing is some form of quick-release to speed up the operation in a professional setting. It’s a feature that presses from Wheels Manufacturing, CeramicSpeed, Park Tool, Unior, Alt-Alt, and Abbey have started to offer in recent times.

The new PT-011 Zip Nut now solves that for anyone using Enduro’s newer Modular (BRT-050) or Linear (BRT-060) press kits. The 5/16″ ACME thread also fits with some of Enduro’s older presses (BRT-005), but you’ll then need a 15 mm spanner in lieu of the newer snap-fit handle design to tie the nut together.
On the left is the regular nut that comes with Enduro’s newer BRT-050/060 presses. The Zip Nut on the right offers a full steel construction but loses the low-friction thrust bearing (bushing).
The BRT-050/060 handle design snaps onto the Zip Nut which then locks onto the thread. See it in action here.
Don’t need the quick-release function for that job that requires the full length of the press? It can be used as a regular nut, too.
There’s a bit going on with the Zip Nut and so at US$55/AU$99 it’s not a cheap upgrade for what’s already a premium press kit.
Effetto Mariposa has been a premium name in the cycling torque wrench game for over 15 years, and its torque tools have remained relatively unchanged in that time.

A forced manufacturer change has led to two new and redesigned torque wrenches. Sitting at the top of the range is the new Giustaforza 1-15 Pro Evo. I only just got my hands on this unit to test, and early impressions are that there are some nice improvements but not wholly without compromise. Consider this a teaser for the next time New Tools Day rolls around.

Viral things

I’ll openly admit to spending a little bit too much time on social media (mostly Instagram). Sure, it helps me discover new tools and products, but the designed doom scrolling is rarely time well spent. Just as you’re about to shut down your device, the algorithm throws in a golden nugget to reward the spiral of time wasting. And so the cycle continues. Here are a few things that caught my attention recently.

If you like this gallery, I highly recommend catching up on earlier editions of New Tools Day. We’re in the thick of “new things season” and you can bet the tool world is a part of that. Expect another edition of Threaded x New Tools Day in the near future.

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