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Ball hex question
- Thread starter Mojave888
- Start date
Mohawk Dave
Well-known member
I definitely use them on an angle all the time. And I've cranked on them, because, well, need to get them tight or loose and a straight one won't fit.
Bondhus and Snap on for me.
Bondhus and Snap on for me.
cmandp
Well-known member
Yeah sometimes you have to use the ball end to break things loose. I've used some of my small Bondhus ones to really crank down (as in with a small cheater)on small caps screws like 4-40 and they didn't break.
They will last longer without doing that though.
They will last longer without doing that though.
Empty Pockets
Well-known member
I have an older set of ball hex drivers with screwdriver type handles (CM by Western Forge). They are sure handy when you have to come at a fastener at an angle. I love them
rlitman
Well-known member
Yes, the ball is meant to be used as a wobble. It is no stronger or less likely to damage a fastener when used straight on, then it is at an angle.
However, if you really need to crank on things, a ball hex may not be appropriate, as a straight hex is stronger.
However, if you really need to crank on things, a ball hex may not be appropriate, as a straight hex is stronger.
bradleykd
Well-known member
The best part about the ball end is how fast you can spin a cap screw out with you thumb on the short end.
The worst part about the ball end is trying to get the broken ball out of a cap screw in a spot that was so tight you had to use the ball end.
The worst part about the ball end is trying to get the broken ball out of a cap screw in a spot that was so tight you had to use the ball end.
Dave455
Well-known member
Yes, designed to be used that way. I've seen some of the manufacturers promotional material from firms such Bondhus and PB Swiss over the years, and some of it shows what angle you can work at!
Yes, sure, the ball ends are not as strong as regular, which is why I like to have both on my bench! I guess that's a very 'Garage Journal' way of doing things!
Yes, sure, the ball ends are not as strong as regular, which is why I like to have both on my bench! I guess that's a very 'Garage Journal' way of doing things!
Robert058
Member
I used my 5mm Bondhus ball in a daily production setting for two years straight before it finally wore out - great tool!
Robert Taylor
Robert Taylor
Diesel Mercedes
Well-known member
Having the gone through the horrible experience of removing the intake manifold on a 300SDL, the ONLY way to remove the intake manifold bolts is with a ball end hex.
And I had to put a long piece of pipe to break open those bolts that hadn't been moved in 31 years.
An amazing tool honestly.
And I had to put a long piece of pipe to break open those bolts that hadn't been moved in 31 years.
An amazing tool honestly.
Doug Arthurs
Well-known member
The best part about the ball end is how fast you can spin a cap screw out with you thumb on the short end.
The worst part about the ball end is trying to get the broken ball out of a cap screw in a spot that was so tight you had to use the ball end.
Been there broke the ball off too. Almost impossible on a small one to get the ball back out.