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Threaded #16: A mixed parcel of New Tools Day
Tech reviews

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 May 24, 2024 More from
Dave Rome +

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.

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