(I know this is an old topic but I don't think my post warrants a new one and this topic comes up in many searches on tweezers)
I was looking for reverse-action tweezers. For my daily tweezers I use quality ones from Ideal-tek and Vomm but I did not think reverse-action tweezers to be important enough to go for the top brands. So, I purchased a few no-name reverse-action tweezers from Amazon but these turned out to be a major disappointment. Weak clamping force, imprecise and blunt tips made them rather frustrating to use.
After seeing pictures by member
eliocor of Lindström TL SM100-SA and TL 7X-SA reverse-action tweezers, I really wanted to have some of these. But, I was not looking forward to paying Lindström prices and even if I wanted, I couldn't find the tweezers for sale. They appear to be out of stock everywhere with no indication of lead time.
In the meantime I learned that Ideal-tek is the OEM of Lindström, but I couldn't find the Ideal-tek version of the TL SM100-SA.
Then by coincidence I found a picture of a pair of tweezers that looked virtually identical to the Lindström TL SM100-SA: The Wetec SM100.SA. I had never heard of
Wetec but apparently its the house brand or affiliate of
Dönges, a large German retailer (of which I had not heard either). When inspecting other Wetec tweezers I discovered that many look identical to the Ideal-tek/Lindström offerings. Wetec also states "Swiss made". My confidence started to grow that these Wetec tweezers were also made by Ideal-tek. Best of all is that the prices are considerably cheaper than Ideal-tek and Lindström. So, I decided to order a few including the SM108.SA which I already had from Ideal-tek for comparison (I purchased from the
Dönges eBay shop as shipping was much lower but that may differ from country to country).
I really didn't need another one, but last week I scored a lightly used Lindström TL SM108-SA from eBay which would make the comparison complete.
Pictures of the
Wetec SM108.SA, Ideal-tek SM108.SA and Lindström TL SM108-SA:
The Wetec tweezers come with the same ribbed silicone tube tip protection as Ideal-tek and Lindström.
At first glance all three look identical. They have the same satin (sand blasted?) finish and rounded edges.
Wetec left, Ideal-tek middle, Lindström right. A close-up of the tips when closed. The tips were held closed for the picture by using a header but I didn't do a good job with the Ideal-tek. I did not notice until after making the pictures that it was not fully closed. In reality it is just as good as the Wetec.
Wetec left, Ideal-tek middle, Lindström right.
Wetec left, Ideal-tek middle, Lindström right. Holding 0603 capacitors.
Judging by these pictures the Wetec and Ideal-tek look virtually identical but the Lindström seems to have a slightly more accurate tip shape. Keep in mind these tweezers are all hand-made so some variance is normal. There is no difference in how they "feel" when handling small components.
Anyway, this confirms the Wetec tweezers are genuine rebranded Ideal-tek tweezers. They are still relatively expensive, but cheaper than Ideal-tek and a lot cheaper than Lindström. So they might be a good option for them who want to up their game but not pay full prices.
Here are a few pictures of the Wetec
7X.SA,
2AX.SA,
3X.SA and
SM100.SA reverse-action tweezers:
From left to right: Wetec 7X.SA, 2AX.SA, 3X.SA and SM100.SA.
From left to right: Wetec 3X.SA holding 0603 capacitor, SM100.SA holding 30AWG patch wire, 7X.SA holding 0603 capacitor and 2AX.SA holding 3528 LED.
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with Wetec or Dönges, I only compared tweezers I was interested in so other models may come from different manufacturers, and it is possible Wetec gets "second grade" or rejects from Ideal-tek but from my small sample set they seem to be just as good as the Ideal-tek ones.
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