who does a larger set of Hex Bit Sockets?

[tommydog35]

He could even buy this Eklind 11mm key from Zoro and cut it to any length desired. And it is a whopping $ 1.81. It works much easier than trying to get a free replacement. And yes, I have done it many times at work, even with my Snappy hex sockets. https://www.zoro.com/eklind-hex-key-tip-size-11mm-16522/i/G4395912/

Sorry I did not realise that you could swap bits with FAM11E Are they held in by a grub screw, as I don't see anything on the snap-on drawing.

 

[T45]

The 'e' series bit sockets are friction fit, no screws and they take any straight gauge hex stock...so in a pinch yeah you can cut off an allen key or something. Or... remove the bit and trim it and re-insert it.

SO are pretty good about designing the replaceble-bit to fail before the socket, so I don't think any risk of the socket itself failing is reasonable to worry about. Only if you mess up the bit would you need to deal with warranty or replacement.

If it does break, its a defect IMHO and they would almost certainly cover it. The worst is they would maybe make you pick up the cost of the $10 snappy bit, which in the scheme of things seems not so bad.

Good luck whatever road you choose.

 

[tommydog35]

Do you know who else does sockets with replaceable bits apart from snap-on?

 

[Strouty]

The proto ones from earlier posts have a set screw that holds the hex in.

 

[bob15]

Proto and Bonney

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I have the SK set, had to add a 9MM from my mac set into it.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Replaceable bits: Bondhus, SK, Proto, Snap-On… really any of them that aren't 1-piece like certain Hazet (IIRC) socket bits. Just look at them, the bit will be a different color and hex profile meets the holder.

However some brands, the hex bit is "stepped" (SK for example). With SK 12 mm and smaller bits are stepped to 1/4 or 5/16" bit holder. 14 mm and larger are straight and the holders are unique to each size.

Downside of stepped bits is that they are "speciality", whereas straight ones can also be cut from regular hex keys. Stepped bits can be had from SK, Zephyr, Apex… probably others as well.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've never seen an 11, 15, 16, or 18mm hex. What are they used for?

11 mm brake caliper guide pins on some newer stuff

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I got the 7-piece SK set 6-19 mm and filled in with a 9 and 11 mm bit. I haven't had a use for a larger hex, but if it arises I'm sure I can source one. For the smaller stuff I usually don't need a socket bit (torque) and I'll use my T-handles (a lot for motorcycles) or hex key or individual bit if needed (T-handle won't fit).

 

[Wes J]

11 mm brake caliper guide pins on some newer stuff

7/16 should work and is easier to find.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I got the 7-piece SK set 6-19 mm and filled in with a 9 and 11 mm bit. I haven't had a use for a larger hex, but if it arises I'm sure I can source one. For the smaller stuff I usually don't need a socket bit (torque) and I'll use my T-handles (a lot for motorcycles) or hex key or individual bit if needed (T-handle won't fit).

I found the 9 on my mac set and put it in my sk set, but out of my sk, craftsman and Mac set, I have no idea 11mm. Where did you find yours? I think I'm missing a 13 as well?

 

[1foxracing]

Do you know who else does sockets with replaceable bits apart from snap-on?

Bondhus

Wright

 

[bob15]

Skip the Wright hex bits, unless you want to keep extra bits around.

Below is a Wright 3/16 and an older Armstrong 3/16 bit socket. Notice how I can loosen the set-screw on the Armstrong and remove the bit and replace it with any 3/16 bit, cut from a regular L key. With the Wright, i need to keep extra bits around, which to me is a pain. The Wright bits are also too brittle/hard for my liking.

 

[bob15]

You can also make your own hex bit sockets by getting a L-key set and cutting off the angle piece and just inserting them into the correctly sized socket. You can then put a dab of hot glue on the bit and install it into the socket. this will keep the bit from falling out. You could also put some epoxy on the bit, where it enters the socket to keep it place.

 

[dutchgray]

I have a really nice Sandvik Belzer set 1/2" drive 5 to 19 mm, straight press in bits.
Good luck trying to find a set now though.

 

[tommydog35]

I have to say I am liking the type where the bits can be changed for ones that you cut yourself to the desired length. As such, I am very tempted to buy Proto J5441-MA. This is a 10 piece set and includes sizes 6-19mm. The only ones that are missing that I want are 11mm and 16mm. For the missing 11mm and 16mm I think I will buy snap-on SAM16E and Snap-on FAM11E.

Somebody said the snap-on ones are held in place by friction and no grub screw. Does anyone know how difficult it is to change the bits on the snap-on ones? Is it necessary to hammer the old bit out with a centre punch, every time you want to put a new bit in? The reason I say this is I was planning to cut bits of different length, and wondered how easy they are to change on the snap-on?

 

[Wes J]

11mm = 7/16
16mm = 5/8

Don't over think it.

 

[bob15]

I have to say I am liking the type where the bits can be changed for ones that you cut yourself to the desired length. As such, I am very tempted to buy Proto J5441-MA. This is a 10 piece set and includes sizes 6-19mm. The only ones that are missing that I want are 11mm and 16mm. For the missing 11mm and 16mm I think I will buy snap-on SAM16E and Snap-on FAM11E.

Somebody said the snap-on ones are held in place by friction and no grub screw. Does anyone know how difficult it is to change the bits on the snap-on ones? Is it necessary to hammer the old bit out with a centre punch, every time you want to put a new bit in? The reason I say this is I was planning to cut bits of different length, and wondered how easy they are to change on the snap-on?

You smack them out with a small punch. When installing new bits, staking them typically helps keep them in place better.

 

[tommydog35]

You smack them out with a small punch. When installing new bits, staking them typically helps keep them in place better.

okay thanks. Think I have made my mind up on the proto set.

I just need to find a 22mm one now. Is there anyone who makes in 1/2" drive 22mm piece where the bit can be removed? It seems the Hazet ones are all one piece. The only removable ones I have seen are from Armstrong and Apex but these are in 1" and 3/4" drive, plus they are crazy money.

 

[davethorik]

Proto might make one. I got a 1/2 drive 3/4" hex bit from Zoro bc I had gotten a deal on a Wright set, but it only went up to 5/8 and they don't make anything larger.

 

[Fedwrench]

I seem to remember Genius Tools making a 22 mm.

Another option would be a drain plug tool.

You're probably not in the states but here ya go:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004W82PGS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00G7HOZKG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MVBDOO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RBGDJE0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tommydog35]

Thanks, I had been looking at those, but are you sure those titan ones can be removed? I don't see a grub screw or anything in the pictures?

 

[Fedwrench]

Thanks, I had been looking at those, but are you sure those titan ones can be removed? I don't see a grub screw or anything in the pictures?

They're press fit. flip em over and tap bit out. The bondhus one was just the bit.

 

[tommydog35]

They're press fit. flip em over and tap bit out. The bondhus one was just the bit.

Yes but if you look at the picture of the Titan one it looks like it is stepped. If I did tap the bit out are you sure I could put any 22mm bit in there?

 

[T45]

The bonhus bit is designed IIRC to fit in a normal 22mm socket. The benefit of that is you can choose what drive you want (eg, 3/4, 1/2, 3/4). The only downside is that it cannot be trimmed/shortened if you need to do that.

(If you cut it you have to do so from the business end, not the socket end, which may affetc chamfers and accelerate corrosion, and could alter the heat-treat unless you are methodical about all this stuff when you cut it.)

 

[tommydog35]

I was looking at the bonhus bit and it says "With ProHold button technology" Is there no need to use a bit of epoxy to hold them in? Does anyone else do bits like bonhus, because I guess with most bits you would need some epoxy or something.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I was looking at the bonhus bit and it says "With ProHold button technology" Is there no need to use a bit of epoxy to hold them in? Does anyone else do bits like bonhus, because I guess with most bits you would need some epoxy or something.

I head to epoxy my sk ones in that pulled out. Wish they all had the set screw or a roll pin.

 

[tommydog35]

I head to epoxy my sk ones in that pulled out. Wish they all had the set screw or a roll pin.

That's my thinking. I think that's why I am edging for the proto set, and will probably just go for the Hazet 22mm

 

[T45]

Never used the bondhus but someone here did a thread on them and liked them (at least in the normal 4-6mm type ranges). If you have a concern about FOD they are obviously part of a system that may not be ideal for that. Bondhus is nice (in theory) because its lack of storage footprint and cost effectiveness, so if those aren't interesting system maybe of limited uside. If you're looking for everyday use you might as well go for the full socket setup IMHO.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

7/16 should work and is easier to find.

Nothing hard, bought SK from tooltopia. I don't have any SAE socket hex bits, since 99.5% of my stuff is metric. For that 0.5% I just use my Bondhus SAE hex key set.

 

[Wes J]

I get that you are "all metric", but they're just numbers. 7/16 and 11mm are close enough to interchange. If I blind folded you you would not be able to tell the difference in use.

I don't understand why folks think it's so blasphemous to put a wrench labeled in inches on a bolt labeled in metric even if it's empirically the same.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Why buy a 7/16" when you can get an 11 mm? If you already have a 7/16" hex but socket, that's a different story.

 

[tommydog35]

Thanks for all your help guys. Just to let everyone know I went for the proto set in the end. I just love the way you can easily replace the bits. It was expensive, but I think it will be worth it.

I do agree that 7/16" is almost empirically the same as 11mm, but the inches equivalent for 16mm is a little off for my liking.