1/4" metric Hex Bit Sockets with set screw - does anyone sell these?

[tommydog35]

Following recommendations on this forum I purchased a set of Proto hex bit sockets in 1/2". I really like these as the holders have a set screw and are of a unique size, so as to take straight hex stock. This means I can cut my own hex to size and easily switch bits with the set screw design. When I looked at other manufacturers I did not like their design as much, such as in the case of Snap-on they don't have a set screw and the bits are pressed in. Other manufacturers have a standard size holder, so all the bits are stepped. This means it's not as easy to cut your own bits from any stock.

As I really love the proto design, I set about finding a small set from 2mm - 6mm in 1/4" drive but can't find anything in metric which has a set screw and is unique size to allow the usage of straight stock. I would even consider 3/8" but can't find anything in that either. Did anyone ever make such a thing in smaller sizes (2mm - 6mm), either currently in production or in the past? I have checked most American and European brands put am having no luck.

 

[alfazer]

I have a 1/4" set of metric hex and torx that are held in with set screws.
Okay, so they aren't unique sized as you ask for, but they hold standard 1/4" hex bits which are very easy to source and replace, in pretty much any brand you want.

Mine are Draper Expert brand which is very common over here in UK. Formerly English, they are now more like Asian (no surprise) I'd say they are a mid-range brand but their Expert range has life guarantee as far as I know. They also distribute Knipex and Elora.

 

[tommydog35]

Thanks for your reply but I am looking for unique size. The only thing I have found so far in smaller sizes is:

TEKTON 1363 3/8-Inch Drive Extra Long Hex Bit Socket Set, Metric, 3 mm - 10 mm, 7-Piece
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001NT2LK4/?tag=atomicindus08-20


or Trident T121400

or Sealey AK62253 (in UK)

To be fair I am not keen on any of these. I have never heard of Trident and the Tekton set get some bad reviews about the set screw not holding the bit in. I think they are probably just rebranded Chinese junk. I prefer to buy genuine American, European or Japanese, although some of the Taiwan stuff seems okay.

 

[dutchgray]

I would not worry about unique sizes in the 1/4" drive range since 1/4" hex bits are so common and cheap, not as cheap as cut up hex keys but its not a major expensive replacing them even with a top brand. You should probably be using screwdriver or T handles for everything you can as well.

 

[bob15]

I doubt anyone makes a hex bit socket in the 1.27, 1.5, 2mm sizes, those would probably be either a hex key or screwdriver-style hex wrench.

See what Bondhus has to offer. I believe their sockets go to 3mm, but isn't part of their set. http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/index.html

 

[SantaAna12]

I own Mac 3/8 hex that use a set screw. Yes, the ability to replace easily is a plus.
Not for torque, but that is less of an issue on the 1/4 drive.

 

[jeremy v]

I have Proto 3/8 drive set screw sockets that take straight stock. The part numbers are stamped on them. They are 4990-4M (4mm), 4990-5M (5mm), and 4990-6M (6mm). I don't know if they make a Proto 2mm or 3mm in 3/8 drive. If you want them all in 1/4 drive instead, use 4770 as the main part of the part number instead of 4990. You can get the full range you are looking for (2mm-6mm) in 1/4 drive, they even make a 2.5mm bit socket(4770-2.5M).

For reference purposes, I noticed recently that Proto is often adding a "J" to their part numbers now. 4990-4M might help you find a used 4mm bit socket on Ebay, but J4990-4M will probably be the part number you need to find that same socket new.

Be a little careful when buying Proto, because in the past Proto has made bit sockets with set screws, roll pins, press fit bits, and with the larger shanks that slim down at the tip, so try to look at an actual picture if possible before purchasing.

 

[tommydog35]

I would not worry about unique sizes in the 1/4" drive range since 1/4" hex bits are so common and cheap, not as cheap as cut up hex keys but its not a major expensive replacing them even with a top brand.

It's not just about cost, its about the flexibility to cut your own lengths and easily change. I am sure I definitely want unique sizes with a set screw.

 

[tommydog35]

Be a little careful when buying Proto, because in the past Proto has made bit sockets with set screws, roll pins, press fit bits, and with the larger shanks that slim down at the tip, so try to look at an actual picture if possible before purchasing.

I take your point because all the part numbers you posted there are none with set screws for the smaller sizes. If you look on Proto website the don't mention anything about set screws for the smaller sizes, but for the larger sizes they use it as a selling point. I also checked those numbers for the smaller sizes on Ebay and I could see no smaller Proto sizes with set screws.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Some of the older Allen, Armstrong and Craftsman used set screws to hold in the bits.
Older Williams,SK and Snap On did as well.
I have been picking up any decent brand bit sockets I find at the Flea markets and pawn shops reasonably priced.

 

[DeliveryGuy]

Gray Canada Tools makes them with the set screw that holds the bit. The smallest is 4mm, which makes no sense because they go down to 1/8" in SAE. I have the Torx, SAE long and regular length, and they're great sockets. The bits are very tough, and won't snap.

The also make these ball end bit sockets with a magnetic end. Cool concept, but I've never seen them in person.

 

[kblee27]

Every time you have a set screw, the screw is liable to be loosened and the bit drops out.

 

[bob15]

Every time you have a set screw, the screw is liable to be loosened and the bit drops out.

A drop of removable loctite would fix that.

 

[jeremy v]

Every time you have a set screw, the screw is liable to be loosened and the bit drops out.

Removable loctite helps, and so does notching the side of the hex stock before putting it into the socket. Put the hex bit into the socket with a little bit of Sharpie marker ink along the side of the hex. Tighten the set screw lightly against the bit to make a small friction mark in the Sharpie ink. Pull the hex stock back out, grind a little dimple or notch where the mark is, and reinstall the bit with removable loctite on the set screw. Now if the set screw loosens up a little bit over time, the hex bit will still be mechanically prevented from falling out. This quick mod allows you to notice the bit getting loose/wobbly in the socket during use (so you are reminded to tighten the set screw) well before the set screw backs out a complete revolution or so and the bit does fall out.

 

[tommydog35]

Every time you have a set screw, the screw is liable to be loosened and the bit drops out.

That has not been my experience with the proto set I just bought, but I like Jeremy's idea below:

Removable loctite helps, and so does notching the side of the hex stock before putting it into the socket. Put the hex bit into the socket with a little bit of Sharpie marker ink along the side of the hex. Tighten the set screw lightly against the bit to make a small friction mark in the Sharpie ink. Pull the hex stock back out, grind a little dimple or notch where the mark is, and reinstall the bit with removable loctite on the set screw. Now if the set screw loosens up a little bit over time, the hex bit will still be mechanically prevented from falling out. This quick mod allows you to notice the bit getting loose/wobbly in the socket during use (so you are reminded to tighten the set screw) well before the set screw backs out a complete revolution or so and the bit does fall out.

 

[tommydog35]

Gray Canada Tools[/URL] makes them with the set screw that holds the bit. The smallest is 4mm, which makes no sense because they go down to 1/8" in SAE. I have the Torx, SAE long and regular length, and they're great sockets. The bits are very tough, and won't snap.

I have not heard of Gray Canada before, but looking at some reviews they look like really nice tools. It's a pitty they don't do anything smaller than 4mm, I wonder if they will? As I would be very tempted to buy. Do you know if they do any metric hex bit sockets in 1/4" as I could not see anything on there?

 

[kblee27]

That has not been my experience with the proto set I just bought, but I like Jeremy's idea below:

I have the Tekton set and the bit fell out, bcuz the set screw came loose, when I was working with it.

Now, I put epoxy on all of them.

Why would anyone wants a set screw to hold the bit ?
Is it to change out the bit ?
If not, I don't see the point of a set screw, which is why I glued it dead.

 

[bob15]

I have the Tekton set and the bit fell out, bcuz the set screw came loose, when I was working with it.

Now, I put epoxy on all of them.

Why would anyone wants a set screw to hold the bit ?
Is it to change out the bit ?
If not, I don't see the point of a set screw, which is why I glued it dead.

Ease of changing bits. If you break it, loosen the set screw put in a new hex key of any length desired and move on. The set screw will typically give better holding than a friction fit bit.

 

[pi_guy]

I have a MAC set from 30 years ago that has set screws, have plans to put longer ball hex sockets in them. The 1/4 inch mm set goes down to 1.5mm

 

[wafrederick]

Snap On had problems with the roll pin coming out with their hex bit sockets.Now a press in fit.SK still uses a roll pin,I had to replace the roll pin in my T50 Plus torx bit socket several times.Broke when removing the bolts holding on the bell housing in the 4L60E with the 2 piece case.

 

[tommydog35]

I have a MAC set from 30 years ago that has set screws, have plans to put longer ball hex sockets in them. The 1/4 inch mm set goes down to 1.5mm

Thanks for this info, what is the model number of the set? Do they use straight or stepped bits? Do you have a picture of them as I would like to see them.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Snap On had problems with the roll pin coming out with their hex bit sockets.Now a press in fit.SK still uses a roll pin,I had to replace the roll pin in my T50 Plus torx bit socket several times.Broke when removing the bolts holding on the bell housing in the 4L60E with the 2 piece case.

Did the 4L60-E start out using Torx Plus 50, and then later go to Mortorq-4 ?
Do the bolts interchange?

I have an Torx Plus 50 I want to hang onto if so.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Ideal SK is a press fit also.
They have used setscrews in the past.

 

[pi_guy]

Thanks for this info, what is the model number of the set? Do they use straight or stepped bits? Do you have a picture of them as I would like to see them.

The bits are straight.
no idea on set part number
Will try to take a picture but no promises in the middle of a bunch of things.
Had a MAC dealer 30 or more years ago he died suddenly and never seen once since.

 

[tommydog35]

Thanks for the info Pi. How have you found your MAC set, do the bits fall out much?

 

[DeliveryGuy]

I have not heard of Gray Canada before, but looking at some reviews they look like really nice tools. It's a pitty they don't do anything smaller than 4mm, I wonder if they will? As I would be very tempted to buy. Do you know if they do any metric hex bit sockets in 1/4" as I could not see anything on there?

They don't make 1/4 drive bit sockets. Your best bet may be to buy hex insert bits, and a 1/4 drive bit holder for your ratchet. I have this Wera one. It works well, but I rarely use it. It only accepts 1" insert bits, though.

The most expensive option would be the Snap On 106ETMAMY set. It doesn't use set screws, but the bits aren't tappered, so you could tap in a new one made from hex stock.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

the problem with 1/4" size set screws, is that they are so small they easily strip, and since the broach is large enough for a hex key to slip into, they strip easier.

That's why Snap on (the one brand I have) did away with the set screw and now they are just pressed in and punched out.

I went through this same dilemma.

I thought I could get away with punching out some old Wright (IIRC) hex sockets and putting my own longer hex in there, but the hex would not come out. It's as if it was flaired at the bottom and thus making it consumable.

I finally gave up and just got all Snappy for 1/4" stuff.

(When I was researching, only Tekton had the set screws for a decent price, but they are 3/8" drive)

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have a MAC set from 30 years ago that has set screws, have plans to put longer ball hex sockets in them. The 1/4 inch mm set goes down to 1.5mm

I did this as well on my 3/8" set from extra keys I had. I would like to buy new Bondhus sets of keys ($21-ish) and have them all the same length and gold because looks matter.

 

[Mickey O]

Big fan of the hex bits with the set screws, I grind little recess in the hex and use red Loctite (on the hex, not the set screw, blue on the set screw) so they don't fall out, a little heat gets them out when needed. There are ones that use a roll pin through the bit to hold them in (I think older Snap-On, Armstrong and others), with those I drill and tap them for set screws.

You might try making your own using some 6 point thicker walled impact sockets.