attaching a hex key to machines?

[danielbuck]

I have several tools/machines that I regularly use a hex key to either make adjustments or change tooling. I'm often misplacing the hex keys, and looking for a way to attach them to the machines.

Without using magnets or chains, any ideas on attaching a hex key to the machines? I'd love to find something similar to this, which I use to attach flashlights to vehicles/machines so that they can't accidentally be knocked out, but I can't find any small enough for say a 1/4" hex key or whatever. They work great for flashlights, good tight hold. I think if they were small enough, they would work perfectly for hex keys, but I can't find any.

McMaster-Carr

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[cvairwerks]

Maybe these:

WR10-B Black Allen Wrench Tool Holder For Guitar/Bass

www.guitarpartsfactory.us

 

[danielbuck]

hm, that's a bit more complicated, but would certainly work! I'll keep that as a plan-B. Thanks

 

[brothernov]

I use rare earth magnets

 

[danielbuck]

I use rare earth magnets

I like to avoid magnets if I can, they always attract metal shavings/splinters.

 

[neophyte]

There are hex key holders made for tool cords.
Most tool repair parts suppliers will have them, and industrial suppliers should as well.
Just glue on or rivet one to the tool, although brothernov ‘s suggestion of a rare earth magnet is probably just as good.

 

[Ballinator]

Harbor Freight used to have these hex keys on a keychain.
I bought several sets of them, take the keys I need for a specific machine off, put them on another keyring, and hang from something on the machine.

There's similar sets on Amazon.

 

[cvairwerks]

Use double face tape to hold them on instead of the screws. The big screws on there are just for securing the keys while the instrument is being played.

 

[RTM]

Our Allen keys come in slide through plastic packages. Take a piece of Delrin etc., drill the appropriate hole, stick to machine however you like, screw, tape, glue.



I use donut magnets on my WW machines, but can see the problems w swarf on metal working.

 

[kbuhagiar]

I have something like this on my drill press (albeit much cheaper & more generic):


The drill chuck key is attached with a couple of zip-ties to the end of the chain.
Been like that for thirty years and I've never had to fumble around for the chuck key.

I suppose you could do the same for a hex key/Allen wrench; same principal.

 

[PCustoms]

Magnet screwed to machine.

Edit: just read no magnets or chains.

 

[alinc100]

Velcro dot on the machine, mating velcro wrap on the wrench

 

[niget2002]

Step 1. Buy a 3d printer...

 

[JradM]

These are technically for pencils and pens, but if you put a hex key in one no one would know:

 

[JradM]

If the hex keys you're using are the right size, you could also just screw or glue one of these to the side of your machine and stick the short end of the key into it. That way you could just grab it an pull it out.

They only come in 1/4", 8mm and 1/2" though since holding a hex key isn't the original purpose. They're also available from Lee Valley (search "bit holder"), but are sold elsewhere too. There are even brass versions.

 

[isb cornbinder]

hm, that's a bit more complicated, but would certainly work! I'll keep that as a plan-B. Thanks

One of the simpletons at work failed to remove the chained chuck key when he started the drillpress. HIs hand got tangled. I would hazard a guess. That was the moment when he found out he could dance, but not sing

 

[Beerhippie]

That's for my chuck key, but you can make one any size you like. Retention By Gravity (tm).

 

[designer485]

McMaster Link:
Spring Clip

 

[RTM]

These are technically for pencils and pens, but if you put a hex key in one no one would know:

I have the magnet version of those, on my WW bench, and near my WW lathe. Didn't know they made adhesive backed.

Small hex keys may not stay as well as pencils, but they are a great addition.

Designers post above reminds me that one is holding my drill press key to the head.

 

[no704]

Rubber hose, like vacuum tube.

 

[danielbuck]

McMaster Link:
Spring Clip

Yes! Thank you! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Not sure why I wasn't able to find that on Mcmaster.

 

[Swervyjoe]

Rubber hose, like vacuum tube.

I use a piece of fuel line taped to the column on my drill press

 

[slowtwitch73]

Yup, just CA glue a section of rubber hose to the tool, insert Allen key.

 

[Steve_P]

I use tube clamps

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

 

[isb cornbinder]

I bought a black and gold Craftsman toolbox for $400. The seller was asking $250. I did offer him more, but ................. It is sad to see someone fall apart from substance abuse. He was a good mechanic.
It was filled with HAZET and other high end tools. Included was 2 ALBRECHT keyless chucks. I just Googled for a price., it was between $961cdn and $1165cdn.
No key needed, problem solved.

 

[LopezBart]

McMaster Link:
Spring Clip

Seeing these reminds me... slipping some hose (plastic or rubber) over the ends of the key makes it much more comfortable to torque down....

 

[no704]

 

[TurnipTruck]

My chuck key has been dangling from an old fuel hose on the drill press for twenty five years

 

[2ndGearRubber]

EKLIND 54960 - would that work for you?

Because the handle is shaped like a loop you can easily hang it from a screw or similar.

 

[bobg03]

I can't think of the actual name of the wire clip electricians use, it's a loop with a small hole for a screw. Available in different sizes, I had some mounted as a place to keep allen style keys (had 3 mounted) in my camper under the bed where my water and pumps were to set the valves for winterizing or normal use.

 

[scooby074]

This is what i use, but magnetic https://www.leevalley.com/en-ca/sho...34-standoff-magnetic-tool-holder?item=50K1801

 

[niget2002]

Thinking about this some more. My miter saw has a hole where a rubber grommet is inserted. The key for the blade arbor is held in the grommet.

 

[darkzero]

Certainly not an idea/suggestion but this reminds me of when I made some mods/upgrades to my belt sander, I bought a hex key to dedicate to the sander. Then wanted some way to keep it with the sander, magnet was out of the question for obvious reasons. I would have bought something or machined one if I had to but then I came up with the most simplest & cheapest idea. Descrete/hidden yet very easily accessible and it cost me nothing.

After my idea actually worked, I laughed & thought to myself, kinda cheasy but it works great & I like it. Still using it to this day. A few cuts, a couple of bends, double sided tape, easiest mount I have ever made. Lol

 

[Beerhippie]

Certainly not an idea/suggestion but this reminds me of when I made some mods/upgrades to my belt sander, I bought a hex key to dedicate to the sander. Then wanted some way to keep it with the sander, magnet was out of the question for obvious reasons. I would have bought something or machined one if I had to but then I came up with the most simplest & cheapest idea. Descrete/hidden yet very easily accessible and it cost me nothing.

After my idea actually worked, I laughed & thought to myself, kinda cheasy but it works great & I like it. Still using it to this day. A few cuts, a couple of bends, double sided tape, easiest mount I have ever made. Lol

I do something very similar--same stuff, different place--with my sacred 3.5 mm for our canning line. Think 10mm sockets disappear? Try a 3.5 mm hex key! I keep three in the shop and one hidden in the machine.

 

[hans109h]

Find a place to drill a hole on the machine or stand, insert rubber grommet. Done.

 

[johnre]

I use a hardwood block, with a hole drilled at a diameter slightly below the major diameter of the hex key, so it's a very tight fit. It has to be a good hardwood that resists wear very well. Then find a way to fasten the block to a part of the machine.

Here's my homemade Foredom H44T handpiece storage cradle mounted onto the motor hanger support column. It's provided with a hole to store the shaft lock and collet tightener right next to it for convenience. If I need to change a bit and/or collet, I can grab both the handpiece and this apparatus all in one hand and bring them both to me in a single motion.

Wood is Jatoba and hard maple; after several years of usage it still fits tight with very little wear. I grooved the block first, then glued in the maple insert with the shaft lock inserted so that it would be guaranteed to be tight.

 

[DGersic]

Yes! Thank you! That's exactly what I'm looking for. Not sure why I wasn't able to find that on Mcmaster.

Looks like 1/4” fuse clips to me.

 

[DGersic]

I can't think of the actual name of the wire clip electricians use, it's a loop with a small hole for a screw. Available in different sizes, I had some mounted as a place to keep allen style keys (had 3 mounted) in my camper under the bed where my water and pumps were to set the valves for winterizing or normal use.

Adel clamps?

 

[DGersic]

I have several tools/machines that I regularly use a hex key to either make adjustments or change tooling. I'm often misplacing the hex keys, and looking for a way to attach them to the machines.

Without using magnets or chains, any ideas on attaching a hex key to the machines? I'd love to find something similar to this, which I use to attach flashlights to vehicles/machines so that they can't accidentally be knocked out, but I can't find any small enough for say a 1/4" hex key or whatever. They work great for flashlights, good tight hold. I think if they were small enough, they would work perfectly for hex keys, but I can't find any.

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Mouser has these fuse holders.

https://www.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Keystone-Electronics/3536?qs=qOqV1E1P08Qs1c4P5DtmWA%3D%3D

Should hold a 1/4” hex key just as well as a 1/4” fuse. Trim off or bend down the wire tabs.



Probably need a few minutes with a Dremel to remove the end cap nubs too.

 

[bobg03]

Adel clamps?

That's the style but the ones I used were all plastic and came in various sizes, thinking maybe a telecom style for routing wires in a house. I had three mounted with small panheads on the inside walls of the bed in my RV, the bed tilted up on hinges to allow access to the water tanks, pumps and the valves to winterize the RV.