Hinged hex keys?

[Stuey]

What do you guys think about these Gearwrench flexible/hinged hex keys (http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/bit_sockets/hex/)?

I prefer to use key sockets or t-drivers before referring to L-keys, but these look like they could be of use. My only concern would be how much torque they can handle, but the construction looks similar to that of a breaker bar.

The 6 piece metric set is available via Sears for $30. $5 a piece seems a bit high, but I can wait until a 10% off and free shipping promo comes around.

[Uncle Buck]

I noticed them too, they did have a novel look about them. I have no burning need for them and have a few other bits and pieces in mind but they looked good if that is all you need. For me I liked the look of the set of three pliers that bent or hinged over on their side on the handles. Those will be high on my list!

[Danglerb]

I've got 6mm hex head bolts that hold in my seats, which are currently all the way down and without power. It might be possible to fish one of these under the seat and get to the bolt, but WOW, not sure how much torque could be applied under those conditions.

I'm not sure when it would have an advantage over my bit holding wrench? (three styles of ratchet handle with angles to head)

[OctaneMotorsports]

Those look cool. I work on race karts every day (almost entirely 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8mm hex) and I already have four different tools to take out any given fastener. I may have to add these hahaha

[Stuey]

I noticed them too, they did have a novel look about them. I have no burning need for them and have a few other bits and pieces in mind but they looked good if that is all you need. For me I liked the look of the set of three pliers that bent or hinged over on their side on the handles. Those will be high on my list!
Are you talking about these SKs (http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sk89103.html)?

I'm also liking GW's new compound pliers (http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/pliers/double_x/) - they look like they would be great for tight quarters.

I've been browsing over Craftsman's 2008-2009 catalog, and it seems like they added a lot of other branded products in there.

[Uncle Buck]

Are you talking about these SKs (http://www.sjdiscounttools.com/sk89103.html)?

I'm also liking GW's new compound pliers (http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/pliers/double_x/) - they look like they would be great for tight quarters.

Yes, also the GW version you noted as well but I forgot to mention them. :thumbup:

[MAD]

I have a set of those flexible hex keys. Duluth trading was selling them a few years ago before they were branded Gearwrench. I like them. It is nice to be able to crack the fastener loose and then flex it straight to spin it off fast with your finger tips. There have been a few times when I had wished I had gotten the metric set instead of the standard fractional set though. Most of the standard Allen type fasteners that I encounter are pretty easy access. There are one or two metric ones on the cars I own now that the low profile flex nature of them would really be an asset.

[eschoendorff]

I'm also liking GW's new compound pliers (http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/pliers/double_x/) - they look like they would be great for tight quarters.


I have those... they are about the coolest Chinese tool that I own.

[Jononon]

I can't say I 'need' those, but they do look useful.

I have those... they are about the coolest Chinese tool that I own.

Me too. Very handy :thumbup:

Much as I might want to dismiss them as Chiwanese rubbish, I can't fault any of the Gearwrench tools I own or have tried. The state of the wrench I recently dug out from a flowerbed, where it had been lying for over a year :o, is quite a good advert, too.

[Moose-LandTran]

The felxy hex keys do seem like a good idea, and of course something else nice to have. but i can't help but feel they'll often be surplus to requirments. only once or twice have i needed something like that. the rare occasion when there's no space for a full turn and you have to keep repositioning the hex key.

will i buy a set? Yes, probably..

[kidney]

Hmm..I like those too. They would have saved some time from cutting and bending old hex keys for tight spots.

[83diesel]

From what I've seen of the new GW line and the hex keys, I would go for them, they are heavy duty and are warrantied. Being that they pivot, they would keep your knuckles from scraping against objects since you go past 90 degrees, and as mentioned before you can use them as a hex speed handle. Much better than the cheap Allen L keys.

[kidney]

After looking around, it looks like KD tools makes something similar. It would be nice if they are USA made, but I can't find that info.

LINK (http://www.toolsource.com/metric-flexible-p-101589.html)

[Stuey]

After looking around, it looks like KD tools makes something similar. It would be nice if they are USA made, but I can't find that info.

LINK (http://www.toolsource.com/metric-flexible-p-101589.html)
I am fairly certain that that KD set is the same as the GW offering. Danaher owns both companies, so maybe these tools are cross-branded. I've seen many other KD/GW cross-branded products in the past.

[MAD]

The gearwrench line was marketed as part of KD Tools until recently. I think some tool sellers do not use the Gearwrench name so that people will assume that they are selling a U.S. made tool. In any case those hex keys are the Gearwrench ones.

[Sticky]

MSC has the Gear Wrench ones on special this month.

[Stuey]

MSC has the Gear Wrench ones on special this month.
MSC has the 5 piece SAE set for $32, 6 pc metric for $36, 6 pc Torx for $40 as per their March flyer, but Sears has the SAE (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944685000P)and metric (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944686000P)sets for $30, and the Torx (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944687000P)set for $35 before 10% discount (but not incl. shipping) or all three sets (http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00944549000P)for $80.

[creatureofthewheel]

i have the hinged keys from griot's garage, i was just lookin at them today. i use hex keys all day every day at my bike shop. the hinged ones seem to work okay but i would reccomend a good set of bondhus or wiha hex drivers in addition to standard L-keys from either of those manufactures. the bondhus wears well but the fit is tempermantal. the wiha stuff is awesome, and they have a lot of choices for hex and torx stuff. it would seem the hinged stuff cant be trusted in "critical" situations. i dont know. also stahlwille make great 1/4 hex bits that are single piece not a bit bonded to a socket. the fit is soooooo nice too.