Wiha Tools has teased that they will soon be coming out with SoftFinish multi-drivers that are engineered in Black Forest Germany and Manufactured in Monticello Minnesota.
The new screwdrivers are said to include:
- 11-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver
- 6-in-1 multi-bit screwdriver
- conduit reamer
I am sure you are familiar with this type of screwdriver design.
Multi-bit x-in-1 screwdrivers typically feature a handle and reversible shaft that is loaded with double-ended screwdriver bits, and sometimes smaller reversible shafts with their own double-ended inserts.
This is a crowded space, and one with very strong and clear user favorites, such as the Klein 11-in-1 ($15 via Amazon).
It is unclear as to whether Wiha’s new screwdrivers will be any different in design or function.
Based on the very limited information available so far, I would say that Wiha’s screwdrivers could be compelling if they’re priced competitively. I own several Wiha SoftFinish screwdrivers, and although they’re no longer in my primary tool box, the handle design is comfortable and reliable, and their screwdriver tips are reasonably durable.
We do not know who will be manufacturing these screwdrivers for Wiha.
Wiha Tools’ USA headquarters is based in Minnesota, but to our knowledge their facility is only set up for product distribution and not manufacturing.
Bondhus, a USA tool brand that specializes in hex drivers and similar tools, is also based in Monticello, Minnesota, but there is no indication if they or any other USA-based OEM is working with Wiha Tools on the new products. Bondhus is the largest hand tool OEM in Monticello, Minnesota that we are familiar with, but there could be other smaller outfits capable of producing these tools for Wiha. (Update below.)
All they say so far is:
When it comes to your tools, trust is the bottom line. Introducing the comfortable, versatile, new SoftFinish Multi-Driver collection from Wiha. It’s the trusted companion for whatever comes your way.
At this time, it is unclear as to whether the whole products will be made in the USA, or just some of the components, such as just the handle or just the screwdriver bits.
We asked Wiha Tools USA for more information, and they said that there is no press or media information, but that they would be open to questions.
I asked:
How much will it cost?
Where will it be sold?
Is the product made in its entirety in the USA, or only specific components (such as the handle)?
WHY produce these screwdrivers in the USA?
Are there plans for future products of this nature?
Will there be strict limits on quantities, similar to the Veto Pro Pac special edition tool sets that were only available in small numbers?
Wiha USA has not yet responded to any of our questions.
It is possible that they are not planning for any press or media communications and that information will only be supplied to sponsored brand ambassadors and influencers as with their recent limited edition tool set launches.
Update: Wiha Tools USA responded with the following:
This will not be a limited edition tool run. We are adding it to our line for the foreseeable future.
Update2: Digging deeper, here’s an October announcement we were not made privy to:
Willi Hahn Corporation USA dba Wiha Tools and Aroplax Corporation are pleased to announce a strategic development partnership. The cooperation will focus on developing professional hand-tools for North, Central, and South American markets. The manufacturing and distribution of the product will be in Monticello, Minnesota.
The partnership expands Wiha’s global manufacturing footprint and creates additional opportunities to co-develop products utilizing Aroplax’s technical team and state of the art injection molding facility. The first products will be available at select distribution partners in December 2020.
This suggests that “Aroplax” is Wiha’s new USA hand tool partner, or at least for the plastic handles given the reference to their injection molding facility.
