Bits instead of Allen keys

[jlrut]

What’s the opinion on the quality of these guys

Railer Allen bits on Amazon

With a mini ratchet, these seem to replace Allen keys, but will they hold up? Any better suggestions?

 

[tamaraw]

What’s the opinion on the quality of these guys

Railer Allen bits on Amazon

With a mini ratchet, these seem to replace Allen keys, but will they hold up? Any better suggestions?

I have never heard of that brand myself but it is a pretty common item.

Those particular ones are designed for use in an impact gun but there is no reason that you couldn't use them with other 1/4" hex tools like a screwdriver, T-handle, bit ratchet, etc.

Not really a replacement for L-keys, just another option for other situations. Vessel, Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss, etc. all make decent bits.

Edit: Even if they those particular ones aren't fantastic, it's hard to go wrong at that price if you need all of those sizes.

 

[jlrut]

I have never heard of that brand myself but it is a pretty common item.

Those particular ones are designed for use in an impact gun but there is no reason that you couldn't use them with other 1/4" hex tools like a screwdriver, T-handle, bit ratchet, etc.

Not really a replacement for L-keys, just another option for other situations. Vessel, Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss, etc. all make decent bits.

Edit: Even if they those particular ones aren't fantastic, it's hard to go wrong at that price if you need all of those sizes.

Right, seems fair. Not sure how S2 tool steel holds up.

 

[superspec]

Thanks I ordered one

 

[jlrut]

Thanks I ordered one

I have a set, not sure how much I can abuse them.

 

[superspec]

I have a set, not sure how much I can abuse them.

For me they will be used in an impact up to 5 mm. I use them in car electronics so not much abuse on my end plus I can stop dragging around blow molded matco cases.

 

[larry_g]

I think your title should be " Bits in addition to hex keys?" When I worked in industry where a majority of the fasteners were socket heads. I had at one time 17 different sets of tools for turning socket head fasteners. They each have their place.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jeffmoss26]

I mostly use hex keys to assemble padlocks. T handle keys work best, there is usually not enough room for a bit.

 

[NoahG]

There’s a time and application for every flavor of hex key, but if I was forced to only have one id pick a classic L set.

 

[bscman]

There’s a time and application for every flavor of hex key, but if I was forced to only have one id pick a classic L set.

This.
The bit sets are nice and often faster... as are a good set of T handles, but why WOULDNT you have a decent set of L-keys

I just bought my (15th?) set of Eklind USA L keys from ace hardware for under $3. An 11 piece set with a holder. I've got an SAE and a metric set in every tool box and every vehicles glovebox. Too often I've found only an L key will work.

 

[jlrut]

This.
The bit sets are nice and often faster... as are a good set of T handles, but why WOULDNT you have a decent set of L-keys

I just bought my (15th?) set of Eklind USA L keys from ace hardware for under $3. An 11 piece set with a holder. I've got an SAE and a metric set in every tool box and every vehicles glovebox. Too often I've found only an L key will work.

I have lots of Allen keys, don’t plan on tossing them. I’m thinking these probably
won’t take abuse like Allen keys, but hopefully wrong.


This was very convenient today. Wayyy faster than the Allen key that was included with the cabinet.

 

[tamaraw]

L-keys are nice for being compact and having both ball and normal ends on the same tool. Fine for most low torque applications but it is hard to apply much force on the thin handle with your hand and they can flex.

If I need to apply serious force or I have limited clearance, I move up to a bit/bit socket and a ratcheting tool or breaker bar.

 

[subroc]

In addition to, not a replacement for.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

/\ - this

 

[ronkz650]

L keys go along the lines of carbs and points. Things that I never want to ever deal with again. I don't need or want them ever again.

 

[Blind1]

I use keys on indoor stuff/bikes/furniture/etc.

Bit sockets and hex bits for outdoor/automotive.

On occasion there is some crossover. It’s nice to have both.

 

[redwrench60]

Gotta have L-keys and bit sockets. Allen cap screws are lurking everywhere in places you don’t think of like faucet handle hardware or circular saw blade spindle screws.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

For higher torque locking pliers or pliers on L-keys may work. Need to purchase bit sockets.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I prefer using inset bits or power bits in a magnetic/collet screwdriver. It's a good blend of torque and control, and ease of use. If I need more torque, then a bit ratchet is the way to go.

Wiha bits, Malco Connext1 driver handle, and either a Klein 65200, or Titan 11318 (or both!) are all good choices and will make life easier.

 

[Odd-job]

A variety of bits and L keys (from stubby to long) are both nice to have along with T handles and drivers. I think the key with bits is to have a good variety of tools to drive them whether it be high tooth count flex head ratchets, m12 ratchets, wobble extensions, powered screwdrivers, etc.

Not sure how people assemble Ikea furniture with the included L keys with a 100+ allen cap screws. No wonder there is demand for Ikea furniture assembly services...

 

[roofdweller49]

What are good standard 1/4" hex drive hex bits? The Wera, Wiha, PB Swiss are nice, but are there less pricey alternatives?

 

[tarbellb]

$15 for a nice set of Bondhus L keys- done

 

[no704]

I’ve been known to chop a length off of a l hex key and use electric tape to hold it into a 6 pt socket! For larger sizes like the jaws on my big vice I’ll get a coupling nut and call it a tool with a combination wrench.

 

[William Payne]

In the tool and die world socket head cap screws are used everywhere. I personally use koken brand allen sockets. They have a reputation for being one of if not thee strongest.

 

[F-22]

the thin handle with your hand and they can flex

Often overlooked feature of the Wera sets - the round handle is a lot thicker than the all-hex handle, and those do not flex. Some other brands also sell such thicker allen L keys.

 

[KnurledNut]

Ive grown fond of bits and prefer those over keys, depending on application.
Especially long ones:

 

[lardy1]

Ive grown fond of bits and prefer those over keys, depending on application.
Especially long ones:
View attachment 1824222

I like them also although not necessarily for impact. My problem is that, other than Bondhus, I can't seem to find a lot to choose from that I trust the quality. The Germans don't seem to offer much in the way of fractional and I buy things like this in sets usually.

Any sources I'm overlooking?

 

[NoahG]

Often overlooked feature of the Wera sets - the round handle is a lot thicker than the all-hex handle, and those do not flex. Some other brands also sell such thicker allen L keys.

Oh yeah, those Wera keys are super comfy.

 

[superspec]

I got mine in today. Initially I was very impressed and grabbed them at the first opportunity. Then it came time to get the bit out that I wanted. It’s pet snug. I used something to push it from behind. I’m sure the rail will break in with use. I’d also like to see the size label outside the rail.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

In the tool and die world socket head cap screws are used everywhere. I personally use koken brand allen sockets. They have a reputation for being one of if not thee strongest.

I literally have 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 metric and SAE straight and ball-end hex bit sockets. I have them in stubby, regular, and long lengths. Then I have the hex L wrenches, straight, ball-end, double ball-end, stubby, extra long, and Wera hex plus sets. Plus I have screwdriver sets in the exact same stuff. It's crazy how much I use them too. I got by with just the standard hex wrenches until I got into machining and now I can't seem to get enough of them.