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1/4" drive hex bits

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928'er

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I recently picked up a new (to me) carbon fiber bike which has lots of small allen head fasteners with very precise (and low) torque spec's.

I have a nice SO 1/4" torque wrench, but all my hex sockets are either 3/8" or 1/2" drive. Can anyone recommend a decent set of hex sockets in 1/4" drive?

I suppose I could just use a 1/4" to 3/8" adapter, but where's the fun in that...?
 
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bob15

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Snap On sockets. They aren't necked down so it you break one, just use a regular hex key to replace it.

Set: 110ETMAY (sae) or buy what ever sizes you need.

See e-bay for lowest prices.

Buy this style:

kamtra52-img600x584-1439517300szy9sm17786.jpg





Not this style:

412066.png
 
S

Starterwrench

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bob15 said:
Snap On sockets. They aren't necked down so it you break one, just use a regular hex key to replace it.

Set: 110ETMAY (sae) or buy what ever sizes you need.

See e-bay for lowest prices.

Buy this style:

kamtra52-img600x584-1439517300szy9sm17786.jpg





Not this style:

412066.png
Click to expand...

What problems are associated with the Sk bit adapter type? I have one of these since I did not want to spring for a whole set of hex sockets. Thanks.
 
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bob15

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Starterwrench said:
What problems are associated with the Sk bit adapter type? I have one of these since I did not want to spring for a whole set of hex sockets. Thanks.
Click to expand...

If that bit snaps off, you need to find a replacement. Example: that bit is 1/8 Allen and it snaps off. now you must find an 1/8 hex bit, with a 1/4 hex driver.

Take the Snap On (older Bonney & Proto's were similar style): That same 1/8" bit snaps off. Remove broken piece, take an Allen wrench, cut the "L" off it and insert back into the socket and you are back in business.

With the Snappy style, you can also custom size the length if needed as well. Can make super stubby or extra long. Cannot do that with the stepped down bits.
 
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rodsnratfinks

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Re: 1/4" drive hex bits

928'er said:
Trek Madone 5.2 with Velocity A23 rims laced on White Industries T11 hubs. ;)
Click to expand...
That's a fairly bulletproof training wheelset. I have the same thing except with Dura Ace hubs, which I like because they're quieter. The white industries hubs though, are awesome. Is your bike equipped with Ultegra?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
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928'er

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Re: 1/4" drive hex bits

rodsnratfinks said:
Is your bike equipped with Ultegra?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Click to expand...

Yeah, full Ultegra. Just replaced the Bontrager saddle with a Fizik Arione.

My old road bike is a Mikkelsen SL/SP custom frame that I built out with the original Dura Ace back around '86.
 
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rodsnratfinks

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Re: 1/4" drive hex bits

928'er said:
Yeah, full Ultegra. Just replaced the Bontrager saddle with a Fizik Arione.

My old road bike is a Mikkelsen SL/SP custom frame that I built out with the original Dura Ace back around '86.
Click to expand...
Wow. Mikkelsen's no slouch either! Do You still have that frame?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
 
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454ragtop

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I have a set of SAE in 1/4 dr., no markings on them, but they seem very well made, and very compact. Funny part is, I bought them used from an old timer who has since passed but they were missing a few. Found another incomplete set at a swap meet, that had the ones I needed, and a few spares.
Jim
 
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928'er

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Re: 1/4" drive hex bits

rodsnratfinks said:
Wow. Mikkelsen's no slouch either! Do You still have that frame?
Click to expand...

Oh yeah, they'll have to pry it out of my cold dead hands. It's a real fillet brazed work of art.

I'd been thinking of up-dating it for years, but decided to keep it old school and just get a new bike with all the modern bits.
 
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scooternut

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If you have nice hex drivers already, why not just run a 1/4 to 3/8 adapter. That is what I run on my carbon bike. I have the teeny gearwrench beam inch lb torque wrench (made in the USA also, bonus) and just run my drivers with the adapter.
 
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Fugio

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There's just something about a brazed bike.

You guys are making miss my old Kleins!
 
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hautpot

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I use this adapter.
HEoPpnJ.jpg


I disagree with the opinion that the neck down is inferior to the straight hex. But you should own both regardless.
 
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rice rocket

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Doh, I missed the part about the torque wrench.


You should still get the Betas, but maybe some Snap-On sockets to match. ;)
 
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MrPretty

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928'er said:
Trek Madone 5.2 with Velocity A23 rims laced on White Industries T11 hubs. ;)
Click to expand...

I've got a set of Blue T11s laced to A23s too, its been a great set of wheels.

I would have to 2nd the PB Swiss bits, I've been using their bits and sockets for a while now. One thing that is nice about their sockets (or the style of the snap on ones posted above) is that since they are a bit longer they can give you some extra clearance.

An Example: when adjusting the stem bolts on a TT bar setup it can give you some space from the elbow pad/extension bars, which are usually mounted on the main (base) bar.

bonneyman said:
I'm hearing good things about White Industries stuff.
Click to expand...

I've got a pair of White Industries Tracker hubset (from the 90s I believe) and they are still working great. I've replaced the bearings a couple of times but otherwise I don't have anything bad to say about them.
 
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rice rocket

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I had the WI ENO hub back in the day when fixies were cool. Now, I'm just like any other roadie, with carbon just about everywhere possible.
 
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shockwave

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Sunex makes a really nice kit with a wide variety for about 20-30 bucks

But for precision look at the single piece 1/4 from vim (called half cut too)
I have a blue point set that has about 40 pieces 2-10mm,1/8-3/8 hex p1,p2 slotted 5/16 and 3/8 t8-t50 torx and 4-10 xzn (triple square)
 
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