Ball type hex socket bits.....

[transittech]

I like this thread, especially the varied answers. Seems like the Asian quality is all over, while SO is still the best.

I bought a Gearwrench set for a song from Cripedistributing and have used one bit twice. Its already looking haggard.

I generally refuse to use them, due to bad experiences from previous jobs. Never had the ball end break off, but I've had to deal with fasteners after other mechanics have rounded out the head.

 

[jc5205]

I agree with Snap On being the best......if you can justify the cost

 

[ttpete]

I only swear by ball hex from Bondhus or Snapon. I am going to try out a set of 1/4" dr ball hex from Wera (or Wiha can't remember) because Snapon doesnt make a 1/4" dr ball hex standard length.

Our machines have 90% hex drive bolts.

I have some in metric. TMABM3E, 4E, 5E, 6E. They were part of a set that also included 3/8 drive for the larger ones. You might look for the inch equivalents in a set.

Edit: The inch ones are TMAB.

 

[arms1970]

Why would I waste my time putting a joke on here?
I'm in the market for looking for some long and short ball type hex sockets....
But don't wanna spend the stupid amount of money from SnapOn when I know the cheaper stuff works just as good for what I'm gonna be doing AT HOME on my PERSONAL projects....

So go buy a cheap pos harbor freight set and bust some knuckles and be done with it.

 

[genevabuck]

VIM makes some nice ones.

 

[Outlawmws]

So go buy a cheap pos harbor freight set and bust some knuckles and be done with it.

This was a helpful comment...

 

[chris142]

I bought some from the cornwell guy. They were garbage. I got so fed up with them that i trashed both sets

 

[bsaint]

I have some in metric. TMABM3E, 4E, 5E, 6E. They were part of a set that also included 3/8 drive for the larger ones. You might look for the inch equivalents in a set.

Edit: The inch ones are TMAB.

Yea I saw that set but it doesn't go small enough. I need down to 2mm.

 

[ttpete]

Yea I saw that set but it doesn't go small enough. I need down to 2mm.

Found some in Wiha. http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/717_ballhex_sockets.htm

 

[SpannerMonkey]

Bondhus ftw. I have used a ball end hex key to loosen a tight gearbox bolt. My cheap Sealey bit had started turning in the head without the bolt moving but Bondhus saved the day.

 

[KAOTIK Motorsports]

Thanx guys I'll definatly check in on the SnapOn stuff and the bondus stuff for sure

 

[basspro]

I dont own any but have used the Snap-On gold many times, I do feel they are the best. I own Craftsman and have busted a fair share, its hit and miss. Ive replaced many of mine with SK and Proto, which I also feel are very good for the $$$. The full grey Masterforce ones, not the chrome versions, that Menards sells are top notch as well, they handle alot and are cheap!

 

[ttpete]

I like to crack the tough ones loose with a conventional allen wrench if possible before using a ball end to finish the job. Saves breaking them.

 

[not-required]

Been using the Husky long 5mm ball hex for intake air heaters on 6.6 duramax at work for a while now. Not the tightest fasteners but havent had a problem yet. Its ~$20 for the metric set and ~$20 for the standard set.

 

[crewchief888]

i have 2 ball end allens
3/16" & 4mm 1/4" dr

both SO

not something i have a use for in other sizes

 

[mikebramel]

i have 2 ball end allens
3/16" & 4mm 1/4" dr

both SO

not something i have a use for in other sizes

Probably don't break too often on valve end caps???

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I find that ball hex drivers are something i only use when needed and for low-torque applications. I have a few, no complete sets, and all are for specific puposes. (Some i've "made", some VW dealer ones, Snap-on ones etc.) They're only used when nothing else will work easily, in space or time constraints. Cheap/soft ones will break off in the bolt, expensive-hard ones can strip or spin in the head under load.

Not really a fan of them, but they do work when needed in most cases. Mine get more use to spin bolts on/off fast when loose.

There are times when you can't really use anything else. I have a 1/4"-drive long 4mm Snap-on one i put together specifically for doing some VW crank position sensors. They're in an awkward location and nothing else will fit in there.