Snap On Hex bit set

[SC-AW11]

Ive read that among things like flare wrenches, hex bit sockets are something Snappy makes one of the best. And people recommended to get them.
Referenced from a few places including: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129888

My question is which set to get?
3/8" or 1/2"?

I was looking at 3/8,
they have a set from 4-10 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674859&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

and 4-14 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674859&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog


And theres also a set of 1/4 / 3/8 in the same set, of 2-10 http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674859&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

And also a Ball hex set 3-10 (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674866&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all)

Usually hex stuff is 8mm on the japanese, and some 5 and 6 on a Jetta Im on right now. Is bigger than 10 really needed? If so, any examples?

 

[Snapped-off]

17mm hex for some transmission plugs.

 

[SC-AW11]

Ah Ok very good. Thats prolly the same size and some of those big cooling jacket plugs?
Good example, because even in the 10-14 part of the set, wouldnt include the 17 so would have to buy separate.
I guess Im trying to see if 10-14 is used regularly at all. the 4-10 set is $75 and the 4-14 is $155, with student discount. I could really use them on jetta. 4 extra bits for $80 is hard to justify if not used a lot though.

 

[CWP1616L]

Don't get the ball set you have listed. Whenever you need a ball driver, it's for going in at an angle; and in that case, you'd need an extra long ball driver.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

Not sure if you work on MB's but they are everywhere... From old M119 engine coils to differential drain plugs to the transmission to the steering wheel... Etc.

I have a Bondhus set. I have almost all the sizes I need commonly. For smaller stuff ill grab hex keys, I have an older Craftsman set that's holding up fine.

 

[SC-AW11]

Don't get the ball set you have listed. Whenever you need a ball driver, it's for going in at an angle; and in that case, you'd need an extra long ball driver.

O ok good advice. so get a regular short straight set, and get a long ball set? how often do you use the ball set?

Not sure if you work on MB's but they are everywhere... From old M119 engine coils to differential drain plugs to the transmission to the steering wheel... Etc.

I have a Bondhus set. I have almost all the sizes I need commonly. For smaller stuff ill grab hex keys, I have an older Craftsman set that's holding up fine.

Mercedes? Well they might be a possibility later on. Right now Im in school. Doing a couple side jobs with a buddy, like a Miata and Jetta Headgasket right now. And small stuff like oil and brakes to make some quick money on weekends.
When you say they're everywhere, what exactly do you mean. hex in general, or the bigger sizes. 10-14 or 14+? I would want a 17 as someone stated.

What sizes are your Bondhus set? and/or what do you use mostly?
Ya I like reg hex keys too, I think Im gonna get this set as well:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675036&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Its only 35 for students

 

[Guns R Tools]

Some brake caliper's use larger hex, unsure of size. Some use large Torx.
Subaru diff drain 17mm, IIRC.
European crank bolt is large hex.

 

[turdferguson13]

I work on European cars and I occasionally have to borrow 12 and 14 mm hex sockets because I bought the set that only goes to 10 mm. Only problem with the set that goes to 14 is that I can't think of any uses for the 11 and 13 mm.

So if I were you I would get the set up to 10 then buy larger sizes as needed.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

O ok good advice. so get a regular short straight set, and get a long ball set? how often do you use the ball set?



Mercedes? Well they might be a possibility later on. Right now Im in school. Doing a couple side jobs with a buddy, like a Miata and Jetta Headgasket right now. And small stuff like oil and brakes to make some quick money on weekends.
When you say they're everywhere, what exactly do you mean. hex in general, or the bigger sizes. 10-14 or 14+? I would want a 17 as someone stated.

What sizes are your Bondhus set? and/or what do you use mostly?
Ya I like reg hex keys too, I think Im gonna get this set as well:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...675036&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Its only 35 for students

Hex in general, you'll need a thorough set of hex bits, sockets, and keys. You'll need all the sizes from 3mm to 19mm, that I can think off from the top of my head. Common sizes on an MB...? I'd say all of them. Off the top of my head... 3/4mm for door handles, 5mm on the transmission, 6mm on older M119 coils, 7mm on the newer C class brakes... See where I'm going? They are everywhere and you'll need ALL of them. Just hoard as much tools as you can... Including torx.

I'm on my phone but I'll find that amazon link... I recall it was a 9 piece set... Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SW9OA0/ref=aw_2nd_sims_1?pi=SS115


The smaller sizes are 3/8 and the bigger sizes are 1/2. Oh and they ARE impact rated. Not sure if the Snap-On bits are impact rated.

 

[SC-AW11]

Some brake caliper's use larger hex, unsure of size. Some use large Torx.
Subaru diff drain 17mm, IIRC.
European crank bolt is large hex.

Ya brake calipers are a good example Ive experienced myself. mainly american huh? Ya torx too, but might have to wait on those. Looks like thats gonna be a whole nother thread lol, 207EFTXY Vs 212EFTXY.

Another vote for 17, very cool. Ill for sure wanna get that one. Any Idea what size those crank bolts are?
If there are infact bigger ones in common use as you guys confirmed, would I just be better off getting the 1/2" 6-19 set? http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674910&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
or just get a 3/8 set with singles of the bigger ones I need as I go along?

I work on European cars and I occasionally have to borrow 12 and 14 mm hex sockets because I bought the set that only goes to 10 mm. Only problem with the set that goes to 14 is that I can't think of any uses for the 11 and 13 mm.

So if I were you I would get the set up to 10 then buy larger sizes as needed.

Ah ok perfect kind of advice I was looking for as well. Thank you!
(You havent needed any other bigger ones other than a 17? wondering if the 1/2" 6-19 set would be better)

 

[CWP1616L]

O ok good advice. so get a regular short straight set, and get a long ball set? how often do you use the ball set?

For tight areas involving hex head screws, what you can do is break it free with a long (stubby end) hex key, and then spin it out with an extra long ball hex T-handle driver:

 

[Fedwrench]

I think snap on is known more for their heavy duty torx bits than their hex bits but, that's just me.

I prefer the shorter one piece impact grade types from vim or blackhawk. when you get into the larger sizes over 10mm, there isn't often room for the regular two piece type. Some caliper bolts are fairly tight and I don't see you having much success with a reular allen type wrench or t handle but, that's just me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWYWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWXEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[genevabuck]

I am far from a Snap On choir boy, but in this case buy the 3/8 set. Most brake applications are 3/8 and 8mm. These Snap on sockets have never done me wrong and are as heavy duty as any. If you wants keys, go with Bondhus. As far as other tools, check the monthly sales, and stay away from MATCO. They are way overpriced. MAC has the best deals, just don't buy the soft handled ratchets and screwdrivers. Other than that, MAC is the best bet.

 

[turdferguson13]

Ah ok perfect kind of advice I was looking for as well. Thank you!
(You havent needed any other bigger ones other than a 17? wondering if the 1/2" 6-19 set would be better)

I may have used a 19 once but I can't remember right now. That 6-19 set would be perfect if it was 3/8" up to 10 mm then 1/2" for the larger sizes. I prefer 3/8" for those sizes but that's just me.

 

[SC-AW11]

Hex in general, you'll need a thorough set of hex bits, sockets, and keys. You'll need all the sizes from 3mm to 19mm, that I can think off from the top of my head. Common sizes on an MB...? I'd say all of them. Off the top of my head... 3/4mm for door handles, 5mm on the transmission, 6mm on older M119 coils, 7mm on the newer C class brakes... See where I'm going? They are everywhere and you'll need ALL of them. Just hoard as much tools as you can... Including torx.

I'm on my phone but I'll find that amazon link... I recall it was a 9 piece set... Here is the link:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002SW9OA0/ref=aw_2nd_sims_1?pi=SS115


The smaller sizes are 3/8 and the bigger sizes are 1/2. Oh and they ARE impact rated. Not sure if the Snap-On bits are impact rated.

haha ya I see where youre going. Ya as much as I can, I will try

For tight areas involving hex head screws, what you can do is break it free with a long (stubby end) hex key, and then spin it out with an extra long ball hex T-handle driver:

Good advice, thank you. once free, the ball can get in angles like the one pictured? Ive used a ball type a couple times but didnt seem like theyd angle that much. I never really had the desire for T handles, maybe I should consider a set.

I think snap on is known more for their heavy duty torx bits than their hex bits but, that's just me.

I prefer the shorter one piece impact grade types from vim or blackhawk. when you get into the larger sizes over 10mm, there isn't often room for the regular two piece type. Some caliper bolts are fairly tight and I don't see you having much success with a reular allen type wrench or t handle but, that's just me.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWYWU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YSWXEO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I am far from a Snap On choir boy, but in this case buy the 3/8 set. Most brake applications are 3/8 and 8mm. These Snap on sockets have never done me wrong and are as heavy duty as any. If you wants keys, go with Bondhus. As far as other tools, check the monthly sales, and stay away from MATCO. They are way overpriced. MAC has the best deals, just don't buy the soft handled ratchets and screwdrivers. Other than that, MAC is the best bet.

For the limited access caliper bolts, wouldn't the long hex bits be good?
Woah I like those 1 piece bits. Never seen those before. How is the warranty for Blackhawk? If I got a set of impacts, I wouldnt need a chrome set huh? that would be nice.

 

[davesnothere]

Get the bigger set. When you need them, you ewally need them. Just used the 14mm on jeep commander front diff drain and fill plugs yesterday.

 

[CWP1616L]

Good advice, thank you. once free, the ball can get in angles like the one pictured? Ive used a ball type a couple times but didnt seem like theyd angle that much. I never really had the desire for T handles, maybe I should consider a set.

Yes, the ball tips are not for breaking a screw loose; they don't have enough contact surface. The ball tip is for going in at an angle and spinning the screw out after you break it loose; and since a longer hex shaft can absorb more angle than a shorter hex shaft, the extra long T-handle shaft is the way to go.

 

[SC-AW11]

Get the bigger set. When you need them, you ewally need them. Just used the 14mm on jeep commander front diff drain and fill plugs yesterday.

for sure. What do you say about the regular or smaller 3/8, 4-10mm, with this 1/2 6-19mm set:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674910&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Its 120 for students, plus the 3/8 for 75; both sets for less than 200 is pretty good.
Metric is gonna cover the majority Im sure. Prolly jus need a single 3/8 for some calipers?

Yes, the ball tips are not for breaking a screw loose; they don't have enough contact surface. The ball tip is for going in at an angle and spinning the screw out after you break it loose; and since a longer hex shaft can absorb more angle than a shorter hex shaft, the extra long T-handle shaft is the way to go.

Ya, gotcha. I vaguely remember someone breaking a ball off one lol. Ah the extra long shaft is what does it

 

[Chadwilliam1]

there is an Armstrong set on cripe that is worth a look. I know you have your heart set on snap on but this might make a good filler or back up set.

www.cripedistributing.com/new-produ...impact-hex-bit-set-3-8-1-2-metric-usa-ro.html

 

[mattmankow]

With the student discount, you'd be doing yourself a disservice to get anything other than SO. Everyone complains about SO pricing, you have a legitimate way to get new SO at a great price...DO IT,

 

[MattPersman]

I actually like that short ball set you referenced from snap on. I did get by with out them for many years. But one model of vehicle I work on the 8mm ball end has been fantastic.

There is limited use of sizes above 10 and usually a lower $ one would work just fine.

So in short get a nice snap on 4-10 in standard, 4-10 in the ball set, and your choice of brands on the big stuff even autozone is ok like these http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...25f3?itemIdentifier=914074&_requestid=1326104

 

[sberry]

Matt makes a good point. Buy small sets in the hi stress stuff and add to it from the parts store when needed. It can be nice to have everything they even invented but I don't think I would do it again if I didn't have to. I have a small set of premium wrenches and after about 9/16 or so it wouldn't matter and even then only one in 100 that a $ wrench not suffice.

A master that helps me has premium small sockets in his own box , his 1/2 are cman. Personally would get all that stuff from Walmart and as I busted it or found myself in a production environment would further tailor the specific tools. A reality about warranty,,, guy buys big set and uses 10% .