Ball Hex Driver Brand Preference

[Stuey]

I have a half set of Bondhus ball ended drivers in the SAE styles I use for smaller fasteners and love them. I'm thinking of getting a set of metrics as well, but I'm not sure about what brand I want to go with.

When I first bought the Bondhus drivers, it was because I couldn't find any others and broke a few Craftsman "precision" ones. But now Craftsman came out with a set (I don't think it's selling well at all), and Sears is also selling Allen sets as well. I was thinking of picking up a set of Wihas, but might just try the Allens out.

I can get gift cards to Sears using credit card rewards points, but on the other hand Wiha's drivers aren't that costly. I really like their handle style, but am also fond of my Bondhus. Which to choose!!!

What do/would you guys use?

I want a few metric sizes for speed and ease of use, I have L keys and a metric T driver set and have been happy with them thus far. I seem to be using my 4 and 5 mm drivers a lot, but the T handle part on the bondhus are narrow to avoid overtorqueing and breaking the driver. Given that they're so narrow, I think I would prefer a screwdriver handle for at least those sizes.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I have a full set of the Bondhus drivers as well and I too enjoy occassionally using them. I would try to get the Bondhus in metric if they are available.

 

[Danglerb]

I kind of like the Wiha, they have spring ring on the ball that holds a fastener pretty well, and generally haven't failed me.

 

[D2002]

I have a set of the Bondhus too and have no issues. I thought they were fairly easy to find. I think they have an option called ProGrip or ProHold that will keep the fastener while positioning.

 

[Coach James]

I've got Craftsman, Bondhus, Eklind and OEM. All four work good for me.

Coach

 

[dxdexter]

I've had Eklind for quite a few years and can say nothing bad about them. I have never bent or broken any, but I have lost a few.

 

[MXtras]

Bondhus here. Several sets of each metric and english.

Scott

 

[Merkava_4]

I was trying out one of those new Bondhus ball hex drivers with the soft grip screwdriver handle at the local hardware store one night. Extremely comfortable! I didn't want to let go of it. If they made screwdrivers with that handle on them, I would buy them! But they just have the handle for the hex drivers.

 

[swgray]

I have 3 sets each (metric and standard) of Bondhus balldrivers as well as a couple fold up styles. I use them everyday. I would never buy an Allen brand. They seem soft as they round off rather quickly.

A set of these can be found all the time for about $20.

I also have a Wiha t-handle set(334 98), which I also like really well.

 

[Jononon]

I kind of like the Wiha, they have spring ring on the ball that holds a fastener pretty well, and generally haven't failed me.

The Wihas Stuey linked to aren't 'Magic Ring', they're standard ball hex.

This is the Magic Ring selection.

Wiha is my brand of choice for anything with a screwdriver handle, I've no complaints and I've very rarely heard any from anyone else. Unfortunately Sears only carry their L-keys.

 

[nissan_crawler]

I'm pretty sure aktoolsonline.com can get any Wiha product, if you ask for it.

 

[eschoendorff]

What? No Snap On?????

Seriously, either the Wiha or Bondhus are gonna serve you well. Which is cheaper?

 

[Stuey]

I think the Wiha or Bondhus might be cheaper. I was hoping that you guys would have good things to say about Allen b/c then I wouldn't have to spend out of pocket cash. I guess I'll wait a bit and then maybe get a few Bondhus and Wiha drivers.

I mostly use 4, 5, 6 mm.

Bondhus sets are sometimes pretty cheap via Enco or Amazon, but Wiha's prices are comparable. When it comes down to it, I might just go for Bondhus for the USA stamp as opposed to Germany.

If only Bondhus made regular screwdrivers as well. Sigh.

Yep, no Snap-On. Too rich for my poor wallet.

 

[Elroy]

What ever you do make 100% sure you get the ones that have the 14K gold plate.

Elroy wants to know: What the hell is that for??

If you use them they won't rust anyways.

 

[Jononon]

What ever you do make 100% sure you get the ones that have the 14K gold plate.

???