Wera Tools was founded in 1936 by the Werner brothers in Wuppertal, Germany with the goal of producing the world’s best tools. For over 80 years, Wera has stayed true to its founders’ philosophy that the perfect interaction between functionality, resilience, and design creates trust in tools.
At Wera, we believe that tools should fit the task, user, and environment seamlessly. Our tools embody relentless innovation and customer-driven design to empower professionals to complete projects efficiently, comfortably, and safely. We collaborate closely with tradespeople to create tools that anticipate their needs on the job. The result is a range of products defined by their practicality, longevity and aesthetics.
Our History
The Werner brothers were experienced metal workers when they launched their company prior to WWII. In the late 1930s, Wera patented the Zyklop metal ratchet mechanism that established their reputation for tool innovation. The patented ratchet provided more strength and higher torque than conventional mechanisms. Its success positioned the fledgling company to weather the war and lay the foundations for future growth.
In the post-war years, Wera invested heavily in state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities capable of producing precise, high-tolerance tools in large volumes. By 1957, the company had 500 employees. Rapid growth continued through the economic boom of the 1960s.
Wera became renowned for its German-engineered wrenches, screwdrivers, and ratchets. The company expanded internationally by forming partnerships with distributors in Europe, Asia and the United States. Key innovations like the 1958 Zyklop ratchet prototype with exchangeable heads reinforced Wera’s industry leadership.
By the 1990s, Wera had grown into a global enterprise with 700 employees generating over $100 million in annual sales. In 1997, Wera introduced an ergonomic screwdriver series with multi-component Kraftform handles. The launch of this revolutionary product line demonstrated Wera’s commitment to continuous innovation rooted in understanding user needs.
Over the decades, Wera has earned the trust of professional tradespeople through the reliability of tools optimized for effectiveness and ease-of-use. Today Wera stands among the world’s leading providers of hand tools with a distribution network spanning more than 90 countries. Our growth has always come from a foundation of integrity in both our products and service.
Our Products
Wera develops and manufactures over 3,500 tools optimized for professional applications in trade, industry and home improvement. We continually refine and expand our product line to equip professionals with the right tools for every task.
Our tool Categories include:
- Screwdrivers: Innovative bit ratchet, torque and quick-turning screwdrivers featuring ergonomic multi-component Kraftform handles. Products range from compact ESD screwdrivers to high-torque options for industrial applications.
- Wrenches: Durable, precision-machined Zyklop ratchets, sockets, and accessories masterfully engineered for optimal access and torque in tight spaces.
- Pliers: Robust, slip-joint, water pump, combination and long-nose pliers designed for pulling, pressing, bending and cutting.
- Hammers: Ergonomic, shock-absorbing anti-vibration hammers that drive nails comfortably while protecting joints and muscles. High-carbon steel heads provide unmatched durability.
- Hex Keys & Bits: Durable, precision-fit HEX-PLUS bits and long-reach hex keys that resist rounding out and slipping. Hardened S2 steel bits provide extra longevity.
- Striking & Chiseling: Professional-grade chisels, punches, pry bars and striking tools hardened for strength, edge retention and impact resistance.
- Tool Storage: Innovative cases and kits optimize portability, organization and access to tools. Features like the Rack System guarantee custom configurability.
Every Wera tool is thoughtfully designed and rigorously tested to enable professionals to complete projects efficiently, comfortably and safely. Our tools embody the Wera trademark – resilient, practical and refined products that feel good in the hand. We stand behind the quality of our tools with our lifetime guarantee.
Our Approach
Wera takes a user-centric approach to product development. Our designers regularly visit professionals on jobsites to observe how they select, handle and utilize tools. These insights inform the constant refinement of existing products and development of new innovations that solve problems and anticipate needs.
We collaborate with tradespeople, academics and physicians to rigorously test prototypes. Their feedback helps optimize features like handle diameter, reach, accessibility and torque limits. Our user-focused design process ensures that Wera tools perform critical tasks capably and comfortably.
Ergonomic Design
A tool should feel like an extension of the hand. Wera handles are engineered to match the shape and biomechanics of the human hand. Our screwdrivers feature patented Kraftform handles with soft zones for comfort and hard zones for twisting power. The refined ergonomic handle shape minimizes wrist torque while providing relaxed grip.
Kraftform’s unique synergistic effect between handle and hand allows precise tactile work even at high torque. The resulting reduction in hand fatigue enables extended periods of comfortable use. Kraftform handles exemplify Wera’s continual refinement of product designs based on user experience.
Innovative Functionality
Wera regularly introduces design innovations that enhance tool functionality, durability and ease-of-use. For instance, our Zyklop ratchets feature exchangeable heads that adapt the tool for different applications. The Ratchet-Clip provides quick access from a belt while preventing loss.
Bit ratchet screwdrivers allow rapid one-handed bit changes using only your thumb. The Rapidaptor quick-release chuck saves time switching between drill and screwdriver modes. Joker wrenches incorporate multiple functions into a single streamlined tool. These innovative features demonstrate Wera’s commitment to optimizing tools for real working conditions.
Precision Manufacturing
Wera manufactures tools to precise specifications that guarantee high performance and longevity. We carefully select steel alloys and treat them via processes like ice-hardening and laser-welding optimized for durability and corrosion resistance.
Automated machining and laser etching produce components within microns of design specifications. For example, our Zyklop ratchets deliver up to 80% greater torsional strength through state-of-the-art manufacturing. Precision manufacturing enables us to produce slim, elegant designs without compromising strength.
Stringent Testing
Extensive testing under real working conditions ensures that Wera tools perform reliably in the field. We utilize an array of analytical methods including FEM simulations, electronic microscopy and metallography to evaluate factors like abrasion resistance, hardness and molecular structure.
Wera tools undergo rigorous mechanical stress tests to guarantee they withstand years of heavy use. For instance, we check the resilience of our drill bits by driving over 4,600 screws per bit. We also field test prototypes with professionals to confirm grip comfort, accessibility and real-world durability. This exhaustive testing regime instills confidence in the quality of our products.
Our user-centric design philosophy integrates continuous feedback from tradespeople into tools optimized for effectiveness and ease-of-use. Precision manufacturing and stringent testing uphold Wera’s high standards for performance and longevity across all product categories. The result are tools professionals trust their livelihoods with everyday.
Our People
Wera employs over 1,200 people globally across our headquarters in Wuppertal, Germany and nine international subsidiaries. Our diverse, multidisciplinary team unites dedicated professionals with expertise spanning engineering, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service.
While our global team represents a broad range of backgrounds, we share a common passion for creating tools that empower professionals. Our employees’ specialized skills and fresh perspectives drive Wera’s spirit of ambition and innovation.
Craftsmen at Heart
We take pride in carrying on the tradition of meticulous German craftsmanship passed down by our founders. Our master toolmakers draw on decades of experience to continuously refine designs and production processes. Though Wera now utilizes cutting-edge automation, each tool still passes through skilled hands.
This blend of human craftsmanship and technology allows us to maintain our high standards for precision and quality. Our employees’ shared commitment to satisfying customers unites our global team across functions. Wera continues to cultivate craftsmanship both through our people’s specialized skills and their attention to detail.
Culture of Collaboration
Engineers, designers and production specialists collaborate closely across teams. Every new product progresses through an extensive development process that incorporates insights from employees throughout the company.
Our flat organizational structure encourages interdisciplinary collaboration critical to innovation. Regular exchanges with end-users also guide products to best serve professionals’ needs.
Teamwork does not end when a product launches – we continually collect feedback that inspires refinements and future products. Our culture of collaboration motivates constant improvement.
Individual Development
Wera supports our employees’ ambitions to grow their skills and experience. Workers across departments receive training to advance their technical expertise. We offer apprenticeships in areas like toolmaking, industrial management and warehouse logistics.
Experienced staff mentor new hires to pass on essential skills. Employees receive opportunities to gain international experience at our locations around the world. By investing in personnel at all levels, we nurture the passion that defines our team.
Our blend of seasoned specialists, ascending apprentices and global collaborators drives the innovation at the heart of the Wera brand. The insight and care of our people ensure we deliver the extraordinary tools that professionals trust.
Our Service
Providing reliable, responsive support is essential to earning customers’ trust. Wera teams work diligently to ensure every interaction with our brand is straightforward, personalized and constructive.
Our global distribution network delivers products efficiently while providing guidance on selecting optimal tools. We assist professionals in configuring customized kits tailored to their trade and tasks. Our sales staff draws on in-depth technical knowledge to clarify product benefits and usage.
When questions arise, Wera’s customer service team promptly provides comprehensive solutions. We handle repairs and replacements efficiently thanks to our global infrastructure. By matching professionals with ideal products and supporting their needs, we build loyalty to the Wera brand.
Our commitment to service also motivates us to design tools that maximize convenience and transparency. Features like color-coded screwdrivers and stamped size markings simplify tool selection on the job. Ergonomic handles marked with grip zones provide intuitive guidance. Our aim is for Wera tools to enhance professionals’ efficiency through both quality and usability.
Service means understanding the challenges professionals face. We gain insights into improving existing products and developing new innovations by continually engaging with end-users. The open exchange of ideas and feedback drives our evolution.
For over 80 years, outstanding service has enabled Wera to help professionals accomplish excellent work. Our dedicated staff are driven by a respect for tradespeople and a desire to equip them for success.
Looking Forward
As a fourth-generation family-owned enterprise, Wera maintains the same dedication to quality and service instilled by our founders. Their entrepreneurial spirit motivates us to always refine the best and conceive the new.
We will continue introducing breakthrough technologies that exceed the ordinary, like our groundbreaking Zyklop Speed ratchet system. Our invented hex geometry and tough Lasertips set the standard once again.
We aim to equip professionals across all fields with tools engineered to excel at their work. We will expand our offering to cover new applications while refining successful product lines. Our Insulated VDE tools demonstrate our capacity to adapt to growing demands.
We are committed to upholding consistently high standards across our expanding global footprint. We will continue investing in our facilities and technology to increase efficiency and environmental sustainability. Our Canadian and Asian facilities exemplify the modernization integral to our future.
At Wera, we know remaining the world’s leading brand means never being totally satisfied. The drive to enhance productivity and safety by perfecting tool design will always motivate us. We will continue to earn professionals’ trust through relentless innovation rooted in understanding their needs.
Wera looks forward to the next 80 years of helping tradespeople accomplish excellent work.
