School me on hex tools and torx tools. Help me wade through the options

[Tynee]

Morning, all. I've been wanting to upgrade from my current bankers bag full of random hex keys with a smattering on mismatched hex, torx, and tamper-proof torx sockets. But there are a lot of options when it comes to hex and torx tools. I'd like some feedback on pros and cons of the different options. Are there specific uses when L-shaped keys are better? T-handles? Bit sockets?

What brands do I want to stick with for each of those options? I've seen good things about Snap-On and Williams bit sockets, but that may be out of my price range? What are good brands in the keys and T-Handles, and is this a tool that needs to be USA made, or will a Taiwan tool serve just as well? Are there differences in steel alloys used between brands, or do the manufacturers figure these are a wear tool meant to be replaced more often?

I've been close a couple of times to pulling the trigger on a couple different sets of long L-shaped hex keys (I think I had settled on Ecklind) with ball-ends on the long end and standard end on the short side, both metric and standard sizes. This seems like the most versatile setup. Wondering if I want to go this way for torx as well?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

You will find a use for all of them. I bought the master set of Torx, Hex and long and short bit sockets and inverted and everything from Capri tools. Very good quality I’m using it everyday. For Allen keys I have a variety most of mine are Craftsman USA don’t use the actual keys a whole lot for automotive. Then the l shaped most are Craftsman and Elkind for mine too. Use those a good amount. Bondhus also makes nice ones as well. At the current moment I don’t have but one or two ball Allen’s that are L shaped ones never have used those yet. The Snap-on are nice but honestly I saved money and got the Capri.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I have had long arm Craftsman "L" hex keys forever. This covers 75% of my needs. Over the past couple of years I have added 1/4" and 3/8" drive Craftsman hex and Torx. Don't over think this. The fancy extra long keys with handles are not worth the cost.

The ball end hex keys are very handy in tight space.

The most USEFUL thing I have in this category is an ancient Craftsman screwdriver that stores 4 Torx bits in the head.

 

[JradM]

I never use L-keys anymore. T-handles, bit sockets and hex bits in my bit driver.

If you don't have a bit driver - get one! They're awesome and do the same thing as an L-key except they ratchet and have a lower profile. I recommend the Wurth and the Titan micro swivel-head, but just having one is the most important part. Bits are cheap, so you can replace them if they show any wear. I'm not that picky about brand - but Bondhus is arguably the best (pretty sure that's who makes Snap-on's too, but correct me if I'm wrong).

Bit sockets are useful too, when you need some more oomph. I have Williams torx and hex, but I have some Taiwan stuff too. Bondhus also makes these, but they aren't cheap. They do make a neat set of "pro-hold" bits that you can use with sockets. You can buy just the bits, or bits with sockets. I almost went this route, but the cost scared me off.

Bondhus is the easy recommendation for T-handles too. You can get a set for ~$50. I've used them, but I don't own them. I bought Eklind instead - which is also good. Bondhus are supposed to be the toughest of all, but Eklind is worth price-comparing. I like the cushion grip handles and they're made in the USA too.

So Williams, Bondhus, Eklind, Proto, etc. all the reputable brands seem good to me and I would choose by whether you need the best-of-the-best and are willing to pay for it, or if you have time to shop around and look for deals.

Edit:

You should consider whether you want anything special too - like gripping Torx, Mac/Proto RBRT, ball-head hex, etc. Also Craftsman V-Series is coming out with some bit sockets and T-handles that have what looks like half-RBRT to me. Might be worth a look!

 

[speed bump]

I like bondhus and Eklind for hex keys. PB Swiss is also popular around here and supposedly superior.

I have bondhus Torx bits and long hex bits. They have been great thus far.

I haven't used them much but I bought a complete set of regular length Vim hex bits based on recommendations here. For the price (I think it was $85) it's definitely worth it.

 

[shawhite]

People still used l shaped hex keys?

 

[Dave455]

The standard L shaped hex keys have their uses, and decent ones are not costly, so I see no reason not to have a set. In the U.S. Bondhus and Eklind are pretty much industry standard so I’d go with those.

I have some, also Wiha, Wera and PB Swiss. All are good. Wiha make superb Torx, Wera are best on damaged heads, PB Swiss probably the overall highest quality.

You may need more options at times, either for reach or leverage. In 1/4” drive I find it best to use a bitholder and 1/4” hex bits. Choose any bitholder you like, but if it’s magnetic, get a decent one with a strong magnet. PB Swiss are the best bits by far, Zephyr close I think (but I have few of these). Wera / Wiha are o.k. but not as good.

You will probably use 3/8 drive hex or torx the most. You mentioned U.S. made or Taiwanese. That’s a very restrictive choice as the very best are neither. I have Koken, Stahlwille, Hazet and Snap On. I use the KoKen the most.

Screwdriver’s with hex / torx tips, or T Handled drivers, will fit where other tools don’t so are useful. I use drivers in the small sizes, T handles in the larger. Bondhus offer superb T handles and I have both inch and metric on my bench, but some of their screwdriver handles are far too small.

For screwdriver handles, Snap On alone seem to realise that even when I’m using a small hex or torx tip, my hand remains the same size, and their handles reflect this. Wiha are probably next closest.

 

[four.cycle]

People still used L shaped hex keys?

No matter how many bits, tips, T-handles, or other fancy-schmantzy types of "hex" keys you own, sooner or later you're going to run into a deal where the old "L-shaped" hex wrench is the only way to get that handle off that Moen shower faucet.
So feel free to spend lots of money on bits and attachments and all that stuff, but do not toss out that crappy old hex key set in the tattered vinyl roll-up pouch, because some day you're going to need it.

 

[Wakefield]

Is Mac "RBRT" or whatever it is called a game changer?

 

[Alpine4x4]

I use the Snap-On T handles all the time. I find they're my most used Hex tool honestly. I also use bits at times as well as bit sockets. A 6mm long bit socket was the best way to remove the oil drain plug from my wifes Audi Q7. I have the long bit sockets in standard and ball from Snap-On to suit all needs. You will always find a use for L keys so keep them around. Furniture especially makes use of hex in places only L keys fit. Torx I have the same as hex, T handles and bit sockets, but I also have screwdrivers from Snap-On and enjoy using them.

 

[larry_g]

I worked in industry for years and a large majority of the fasteners were hex socket head. The goto was an L wrench as it was always in my pocket, a Bondus set. In my tool box one time I counted 17 different sets of hex tools. At times the different sets were the one needed to get the job done. What YOU are working on should dictate what you need in your tool box. My shop now see's anything from a grandson's RC car to a son's excavator and my bulldozer. Hex keys range from .028" to an inch or more. Some L keys, some T handles, some screwdriver handles and some square drive sockets.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Catcher1984]

Bondhus Allen Keys for price, quality/strength, and USA Made.

With Torx Keys I have Pb Swiss and they have never let me down.

For bit sockets and bits Vim is very affordable and they offer pretty complete sets. If you’re using them a lot I would get all of them. If a hobbyist or DIY’er I would stick with the bondhus and be happy.

 

[JradM]

The Garagejournal effect is strong with this thread. The fellow says Williams seems nice but might be out of his price range and then many of us proceed to recommend PB Swiss and Snap-on.

For what it's worth, I have Williams bit sockets and I think they ARE nice. They can be had pretty cheap if you shop around (maybe check Cryer tool?).



I don't think the gap between Williams and Gearwrench or Tekton is likely to be make-it-or-break-it either. I would probably pick and choose which options (e.g. T-handle, bit socket, loose bits, etc) I would use most and spend some extra money for quality there - then made do with mediocre brands for the less-used stuff.

Seriously, check out that new Craftsman V-Series bit socket set. It's not as full-on extreme as Mac RBRT, but it probably won't cost >$300 either.



T-handles? Bondhus or Eklind - only pick something else if you find a deal (or have some sort of weird special need).


I don't personally spend much money on loose bits. I seem to have collected tons over the years and just use them interchangeably until they show wear. I could see buying a nice set if this was something you used often.

Also, for bit sockets, you could do worse than to just buy a big kit. Capri like Blake recommended seems pretty good. You can find kits that have metric/SAE hex and torx and span big ranges (e.g. from 2.5mm-19mm, or T5-T60).



You might even just buy a sliding 3/8ths t-handle and use an extension with the socket bits (although LONG bit sockets would be better in that situation for clearance).



Not blowing all your budget on a high-ticket choice might give you other options too - e.g. buy a set of ball-drive for off-center driving and a set of regular hex for max strength.

 

[matt_i]

My current faves, Wiha color coded ball end allen keys, Eklind T-handles, and snapon hex bits.

I was sad about the PB Swiss sae hex key set not having a 3/8" key...dangit thats the one I seem to use 2nd most....

I carry a set of metric keys in my pocket every day. That's not easy to do with T-handles

 

[Kscardsfan]

I like bondhus and Eklind for hex keys. PB Swiss is also popular around here and supposedly superior.

I have bondhus Torx bits and long hex bits. They have been great thus far.

I haven't used them much but I bought a complete set of regular length Vim hex bits based on recommendations here. For the price (I think it was $85) it's definitely worth it.

You like the VIM bits?

 

[MarvinBerry]

I use L keys more then anything else. Most of what I'm working on is small... guitars & electronics and T handles don't come in sizes like 1.5mm & 1/16

Ball end can be good for weird access angles but aren't as strong as standard end. I've snapped more then a couple balls over the years.

I have 3/8 bit sockets... Got torx, sae & metric Kobalt rails on clearance for $10 each but don't think ive used em. Maybe the torx a few times.

T handles are good for times I really gotta wail on something. Also speed! Big handle is sweet for things like Ikea furniture with 3 dozen 4mm screws to drive.

IMO keys are a consumable. Good ones last longer but even cheap Stanley or Husky grade are totally usable. I've gotten fair use out of a cheapo no name wally world set I bought in a strange town years ago, still fit things just fine.

 

[gatewaysysop]

I find myself using L keys more often than other hex tools. I don't own a single t-handle for either hex or Torx. I've never really liked them, but that's just personal preference. I've also got hex sockets, but rarely use them for what I do as a hobbyist. Same with Torx sockets, I am glad to have them when I need them, but it isn't terribly often.

What I do find helpful is having a variety of L keys to choose from. Here's a sampling of my SAE sets, I have their metric cousins as well, just for the sake of completeness:



The longer Wiha L-keys on the left have saved me more than once. The Craftsman in the center have done the lion's share of what I needed for at least a decade now. The shorter Eklind set on the right has come in handy a few times, but if you've got to prioritize, I'd say get these are more a nice to have than a need to have.

On the Torx front, these are my go-to:

 

[German Satin]

Bits/bit holders, bit sockets - stubby, long, ball-end ... L keys - long, short, ball-end, stubby offset ... folding key sets ... Screwdrivers, T-handles etc etc. They all do the same thing but one form might have an advantage over another, for example a T-handle may provide a bit more torque than a screwdriver when faced with a stubborn fastener. You could make an argument for needing all of these configurations of drivers. Personally I don't own any L keys but if I did they would probably be PB Swiss. It's preference really more than anything. I buy tools mainly on the basis of what I think i'll need, not necessarily buying sets of stuff. I would buy L keys because your used to them - ball ends standard length. Definitely get some screwdrivers, maybe just torx at first. A set of 1/4" bits is a must as they are so versatile. I have one set coupled with 1/4" and 3/8" drive bit holders to go on the ratchet. Of course these bits can be used with a drill, bit holding screwdriver etc.

 

[charbar]

Wondering if I want to go this way for torx as well?

If you are comfortable with their hex then I cant really see how their torx could be much different.

I use things to their limit and use the **** of of anything I have that is torx and hex. I run Snap On though and I know you said that is out of your budget so I cant make a good recommendation on some of that, BUT, I do keep a set of Snap On 'L' shaped keys (metric and standard hex and torx) in my road box and Ive read that Bondus makes these for Snap On. Ive been pretty impressed with them. If Bondus actually does make/is the same as the Snap Ons then I would have no problem going that route. Ive seen the Bondus brand keys locally in Bomgaars (small 'farm/ranch' type store) for a third of the price of my Snap Ons. They sure LOOK the same to me.

Heck I keep a full set of Neiko (or whatever that brand is, bought off of Amazon) hex sockets (1/4, 3/8 & 1/2) in my road box and they have yet to let me down.

 

[Tynee]

I think reading all of this has confirmed my choice. I'll likely look around for my best pricing on Bondhus or Eklind long L keys with ball on the long and standard on the short, metric and standard. Looks like the size ranges are relatively standard. I've got a pretty comprehensive set of torx sockets, at least in standard length, with an old set of craftsman torx screwdrivers in very small sizes.

As I think back on it, I've never really run across a hex or torx fastener I couldn't find a tool that fit the need, I'm just tired of digging through a bag of L keys with no organization every time I need to turn a hex fastener. The price of the Bondhus or Eklind sets would be worth the money to get myself organized. Then I can donate the bag of old keys to one of the kids.

Thanks as usual for all the feedback, gentlemen.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have some old school craftsman L style ball heads and bit sockets. I have broken a small torx by attempting to tighten a hf flex head ratchet of all things. I like the set but the range of sizes could be bigger and it came with there junk ratchet. My first bit sockets were hex ones from kobalt and stanley. My advice is just to buy a name brand in that category. I never had a quality problem with the kobalt or stanley, i was just looking for torx bits and found a whole set so they ended up in my junkyard tools and the craftsman in my garage

 

[JradM]

If you're going with L-keys, something like this might be worth your time.

 

[VolvoRyan]

People still used l shaped hex keys?

Yup. I even have/need them in normal and stubby (the short end is real short).

-Ryan

 

[Tynee]

Anybody ever use the Bondhus HexPro Pivot Head Wrenches? Those look handy, don't they?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMILM8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

HexPro™ Pivot Head Wrenches

intl.bondhus.com

 

[bassJAM]

I have a Bondhous round-tip T-handle set that gets a ton of use, otherwise I prefer the sockets I have for hex, torx, and tamper proof torx. They're Craftsman, likely the last of them that were made in the US still.

I do have a couple Tekton L shaped sets. One set stays in my gun room, I like them for mounting scopes. The other is in the garage and is nice when I'm not 100% sure what size I need and can just take the entire plastic holder to where ever I'm working and find what I need. Yeah, they're slower than a T-handle or socket but I'm not earning money with my tools.

 

[JradM]

Anybody ever use the Bondhus HexPro Pivot Head Wrenches? Those look handy, don't they?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LMILM8S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

HexPro™ Pivot Head Wrenches

intl.bondhus.com

ToolGuyd: Hexpro Flex-Head Hex Keys

 

[dstblj52]

Is Mac "RBRT" or whatever it is called a game changer?

a game-changer no it seems a lot like snap-on rounded engagement a clearly superior tech which everyone will clone in 20 years once the patent runs out until then pay extra or deal with more stripped hex and torque bits, btw it pays to price proto and facom along side mac for rbrt hex bits

 

[Catcher1984]

If trying to save money, a bondhus L key set and a L-key type breaker bar would fill most needs. The Wise power up handle has been recommended before and I use it pretty often, especially with travel kits. Saves space and allows you to use it instead of a t handle.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

ToolGuyd: Hexpro Flex-Head Hex Keys

I have a set in torx, haven't run into a need for them yet though - usually end up using a torx driver or 1/4 bit ratchet.

In general, you're not going to find a master set that has the best of everything in torx or hex. I would think about what you anticipate using them on and look for individual sets. If you are hellbent to get a master set, I would go with VIM.

 

[FMB4]

Allen brand hex keys and bits have done me well for many years. Old school as that may be. I have no need for fixed T-handle h keys (I'm retired). A sliding T-bar coupled with a good hex bit does it for me.

 

[LeeG]

I have the Klein Journeyman set of Torx and SAE+Metric hex.

 

[kanai]

The Ko-Ken option in 3/8"

 

[speed bump]

You like the VIM bits?

They have been fine for everything I have needed them for. Granted I'm using them every couple of months in a homeowner setting so harbor freight would probably do most of the time.

 

[Kscardsfan]

They have been fine for everything I have needed them for. Granted I'm using them every couple of months in a homeowner setting so harbor freight would probably do most of the time.

But what’s the sport in paying $12 when you can spend well over 75 for your weekend projects?

 

[Odd-job]

Might have more options than average. Seem to use hex a lot. Here’s my 4mm options not including bits.

 

[gahrajmahal]

In my old tool box I have one of those terrible fold out sets where the metal housing is the handle. Those hex keys are hard as can be and show no wear at all. But in an emergency even that set will do the trick!

 

[ManUpOrShutUp]

They all have their uses. I have a set of Craftsman hex bit sockets that I couldn't live without in my line of work. I have been using them for years on 85% of the jobs I do and they have held up well despite being the cheapo modern day Craftsman. However, sometimes I need a really small bit that the set doesn't cover. In those (fairly rare) cases I reach for the old hex keys.

 

[RoninB4]

Everybody has a favorite that's usually associated with what they intend to use them for. Home owners, week end projects, and occasional wrench spinners don't have the same requirements that full time mechanics, machinists, and millwrights do. One vocation is not better than another, just different requirements. I was a tool and die maker for Eklind Tool and spearheaded the ball driver project in the mid 90's. Back then I preferred the Unbrako brand when Eklind dropped the Rc in heat treating to avoid potential frivolous lawsuits from opportunists and ambulance chasers. I still have dozens of hex key sets from them but the injection molder I now work for bought Wiha and they've held up well. I consider hex keys to be perishable tooling but that's because daily use for industrial applications will tear up about anything sooner or later and most of us that put tooling into severe service know not to get too attached to them. My opinion? Buy good quality sets and you'll likely be happy with them. Ball drivers are NOT meant to be used for anything but spinning the fastener out. The reduced cross section of the "neck" will break off the ball when you least want it to on stubborn fasteners. I have socket drivers, T-handles, L keys, and fold-up sets. I use all of them sooner or later as it's the right tool for the application. Your results/requirements may vary.

 

[Al Borland]

I've got the "L" keys, the bit sockets, the T-handles, sets with screwdriver handles, and a couple of the fold-out pocket sets. I've used them all and they each have their place. Only the folding sets are in the day-to-day kit. There's a limit to how much **** I can cart around with me.
And Ball drivers ****. They exist to strip out the heads of the screws. Or like Ronin says, the ball tips break off and won't come out of the hole.

 

[Qualitytools]

I find myself using L keys more often than other hex tools. I don't own a single t-handle for either hex or Torx. I've never really liked them, but that's just personal preference. I've also got hex sockets, but rarely use them for what I do as a hobbyist. Same with Torx sockets, I am glad to have them when I need them, but it isn't terribly often.

What I do find helpful is having a variety of L keys to choose from. Here's a sampling of my SAE sets, I have their metric cousins as well, just for the sake of completeness:



The longer Wiha L-keys on the left have saved me more than once. The Craftsman in the center have done the lion's share of what I needed for at least a decade now. The shorter Eklind set on the right has come in handy a few times, but if you've got to prioritize, I'd say get these are more a nice to have than a need to have.

On the Torx front, these are my go-to:

I have set of red handeled WIHA Torx drivers like the one you have showing.