Can anyone top Bondhus?

[sweet victory]

I recently sold off all of my asymmetrical t handles, as the more I used them, the less I liked the bit that protruded out of the handle. That’s not to say I dislike t handles that allow you to use the long end for more leverage like the Beta or PBswiss designs. (They are still a symmetrical handle) I found in tight clearance/interior work, I found the asymmetrical style handles interfering with stuff.

With all of the various European and Japanese brands showing up more and more in the limelight, I figured I would consult the garage journal hive mind before going with Bondus t handles. Here’s what I’m looking for: Symmetrical or sliding handle design, offered in SAE/metric/torx, and nothing made in China.


Any suggestions are welcomed and appreciated.

 

[dnschmidt]

I have all of those Bondus T-handles and I like all of them. Stop fretting and just do it. What I particularly like about them is that the t-handles, particularly on the larger sizes are quite large enabling you to apply quite a bit of leverage.

 

[Bubba Fett]

Eklind.

But that's debatable.

 

[putergod]

Eklind.

But that's debatable.

Eklind is great, but Bondhus is #1.
I saw a comparison test once (fairly recently) between Bondhus, Eklind, and several foreign makes. In every single test (of different size wrenchs), Bondhus held the most torque before snapping - Eklind was a close second on some, and a distant second on a few.

That sold me on only buying Bondhus allen wrenches from then on out.

 

[designer485]

I recently updated all of my USA Craftsman T handles to Eklind. I like the handles on the Eklinds better than the Bondhus. The only thing I would do differently is get the 6in versions of the metric and US like I did with the torx set. The 9in are a bit long, but they work well.

I also have a set of Sliding T handles from Beta or PB Swiss on the radar. I have wanted a set for the longest time, I just haven't pulled the trigger. The sliding T handles will also take up much less room in the tool box. T handles are awesome to use, but they just take up so much room in a drawer.







5mm Craftsman (USA), Wiha (Germany) and Eklind (USA) shown here.

 

[sweet victory]

Eklind is great, but Bondhus is #1.
I saw a comparison test once (fairly recently) between Bondhus, Eklind, and several foreign makes. In every single test (of different size wrenchs), Bondhus held the most torque before snapping - Eklind was a close second on some, and a distant second on a few.

That sold me on only buying Bondhus allen wrenches from then on out.

This might be what you're thinking of. Sharing for others

Competitor Comparisons

intl.bondhus.com

 

[Tools4Me]

The Bondhus T-handles are very good quality. I use Bondhus for almost all my hex needs. A note of personal preference that might matter to some. I don't care for most brands of T-handles (including Bondhus) when talking about the smallest hex sizes. The shanks are quite thin, so twisting on the T-handle will cause 30 degrees or more of spring loading on the shaft when trying to break a tight/stuck small fastener loose. The spring loading makes everything feel very spongy. Once you get up around the size of 5/32" or 3/16", the springiness disappears quickly and the T-handles begin feeling completely solid. The longer the shaft is the more springiness there will be, so if you don't need the extra length go with the shorter shafted Bondhus set.

It's entirely a personal preference thing. If you instead buy T-handles with thicker shanks that neck down only at the tip, they feel more solid but they don't fit tight areas as well and you can usually only shorten the tip with a grinder once or twice to re-establish a new hex as the tip wears.

I ended up selling off the smallest sizes in my Bondhus T-handle sets. I now solely use hex bits or regular L-wrenches for the small stuff. I don't miss my small T-handles, because small hex sizes are usually only encountered one at a time here and there as set screws, so using an insert bit or L-wrench to pop them loose is not a big deal. When you get up into the medium and larger hex sizes, you start encountering equipment with socket head cap screws, and you often need to remove/install a bunch of them at once to fix a problem. That's where T-handles shine.

 

[putergod]

This might be what you're thinking of. Sharing for others

Competitor Comparisons

intl.bondhus.com

The data may be the same ultimate source, and I don't recall where I saw it, but I'm fairly certain it wasn't on a manufacture's website (as I don't tend to buy into what a manufacturer says - biasness and all). But the charts do seem to line up with what I vaguely remember seeing - and that was Bondhus absolutely being the strongest allen wrench made. It also doesn't hurt that they are cheaper than Eklind.

 

[Firebrick43]

As an industrial user, I use the piss out of allen wrenches. While cnc equipment does have nuts there are virtually no hex head bolts, all allens. And for some odd reason, one of the tools that the companies I work for provide is the allen wrenches. Previous employer used bondhus and current one pbswiss/wera.

I definitely like the wera holders much better but bondhus was every bit the equal for strength and a real reasonable price.

As for T handles, why not use allen sockets. I hated to use t handles of any kind because of the wind up and resulting snap to your hands when the fastener broke free.

I used a 12 or 18 inch extenstion, first on a ratchet but now almost always on a 1/4" hex impactor now to save my hands more than anything

 

[fsae0607]

Bondhus, hands-down. I have all of them: the ball-end, short & long straight ends, fractional & metric. Also have their Torx set. It's fun to collect them all Never had one strip on me.

 

[KnurledNut]

I dont have these but would love to try a set.
They are pricey.
I would imagine the design eliminates a lot of the twist of normal t-keys.
And i love the idea of replaceable bits.
A negative is that the shank may not fit in all recesses.

https://bti-tool.com/

https://www.mscdirect.com/FlyerView...01381458&contentPath=/sales-catalogs/big-book

 

[4xdog]

I've been using some Bondhus acetate-handled hex-ball drivers for almost forty years, and they've been terrific. I'd be happy to have T-handles from them.

My (limited) collection of FACOM T-handle hex wrenches are super -- my favorites. I reach for these every time.


Here's an example. They make a sliding bar version, too. Mine are made in France (as any good FACOM should be ).

 

[bsaint]

I've been using some Bondhus acetate-handled hex-ball drivers for almost forty years, and they've been terrific. I'd be happy to have T-handles from them.

The limited set of FACOM T-handle hex wrenches are super. I reach for these every time.


Here's an example. They make a sliding bar version, too. Mine are made in France (as any good FACOM should be ).

I have a beta version of these. Somewhere...

 

[vwpieces]

I used Bondhus in industry adjusting machinery daily. Carried a 3/16 and 5/16 in my back pocket for 25+ years. They never broke or showed wear on the ends. Some were shiny silver from carrying and such but they were always the best. Elkind were purchased once and the boss got an ear full. They wore on the tips rounded bolts and some 3/16 were twisted like twizlers. Bondhus 3/16 and 5mm long T handles were also used frequently and lasted without turning into Twizlers.

Bondhus are what I use in my own shop. Red, yellow and green packs of L style and the Metric T handles in ball and straight tip hex.

 

[KnurledNut]

I used Bondhus in industry adjusting machinery daily. Carried a 3/16 and 5/16 in my back pocket for 25+ years. They never broke or showed wear on the ends. Some were shiny silver from carrying and such but they were always the best. Elkind were purchased once and the boss got an ear full. They wore on the tips rounded bolts and some 3/16 were twisted like twizlers. Bondhus 3/16 and 5mm long T handles were also used frequently and lasted without turning into Twizlers.

Bondhus are what I use in my own shop. Red, yellow and green packs of L style and the Metric T handles in ball and straight tip hex.

At some point Eklind changed their heat treatment. Their older stuff was better. I have a vintage set of their T-handles.

 

[Stuart in MN]

...And Bondhus is a US company, they're in Monticello, Minnesota.

 

[sweet victory]

I dont have these but would love to try a set.
They are pricey.
I would imagine the design eliminates a lot of the twist of normal t-keys.
And i love the idea of replaceable bits.
A negative is that the shank may not fit in all recesses.

https://bti-tool.com/

https://www.mscdirect.com/FlyerView...01381458&contentPath=/sales-catalogs/big-book

We had a set of these at work. We needed them for an extended reach application. Ordered them through McMaster. They were certainly beefy and heavy. A little too heavy handed for the type of work I would probably be using these on at home. T8 torx, 4mm hex, and 2.5mm hex are my three most common sizes.

 

[Firebrick43]

Where I worked for some silly reason they never maintained open stock wrenches. People would always loose a wrench or two and get a new pack. I would collect the 5/16-3/8 and 8-10 mm ones, cut the L and ball off with an abrasive saw and then hard turn with carbide one end to a short 3/4" long starter punch. Extra long shank and the best steel ever! I would do 1/8 to 3/8 in 1/16 steeps, have several punch sets and have had to dress a tip every now and then but never bent one.

One job we had to drive 180 spring pins out of rollers that were 3/16" diameter, 1.5" long and in water based coolant. They would go through a dozen or more pin punches. After making a starter punch and getting the pin moving I would use one or maybe two pin punch for the job.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I’m not the biggest fan of Bondhus. Sure they are better than most, but I’ve worn a few sets of them out. I have a full set of the PBSwiss ones that are going on a decade old and the tips still look new. They are damn near indestructible! Only gripe is I wish they either labeled the ends or color coded them


However I seem to use those less and less these days. What I have found that works more efficiently for me is a set of the PBSwiss ball end hex screwdrivers for general assembly. I then switch to using the PBSwiss hex sockets with a torque wrench for final torque. I also use those with a good quality ratchet for disassembly. Same is true for torx fasteners.

For what it’s worth all of my hex and torx sockets are either PBSwiss or Snapon. The PBSwiss ones make the Snapon version feel like cheap imports in comparison. I bought a set of the wera sockets and sold them as I hated them due to how much chunkier they felt and the tips where way softer.
I have full sets of the PBSwiss Lkeys in both metric and SAE, but I almost never use them. In the top of that drawer is a set of the Wera Stainless Lkeys and the unique shape of their tips makes them grab bolts that I come across where someone striped the heads on better than anything else. 9 times out of 10 those guys seem to save me from having to grab the screw extraction pliers. I’ve have not striped a head since switching to PBSwiss and Snapon. They just fit the fastners way better than anything else including bondhus.

 

[sweet victory]

I’m not the biggest fan of Bondhus. Sure they are better than most, but I’ve worn a few sets of them out. I have a full set of the PBSwiss ones that are going on a decade old and the tips still look new. They are damn near indestructible! Only gripe is I wish they either labeled the ends or color coded them


However I seem to use those less and less these days. What I have found that works more efficiently for me is a set of the PBSwiss ball end hex screwdrivers for general assembly. I then switch to using the PBSwiss hex sockets with a torque wrench for final torque. I also use those with a good quality ratchet for disassembly. Same is true for torx fasteners.

For what it’s worth all of my hex and torx sockets are either PBSwiss or Snapon. The PBSwiss ones make the Snapon version feel like cheap imports in comparison. I bought a set of the wera sockets and sold them as I hated them due to how much chunkier they felt and the tips where way softer.
I have full sets of the PBSwiss Lkeys in both metric and SAE, but I almost never use them. In the top of that drawer is a set of the Wera Stainless Lkeys and the unique shape of their tips makes them grab bolts that I come across where someone striped the heads on better than anything else. 9 times out of 10 those guys seem to save me from gave to grab the screw extraction pliers. I’ve have never stripes head since switching to PBSwiss and Snapon. They just fit the fastners way better than anything else including bondhus.

Thanks for sharing Grant. Our boxes look like they carry the same stuff - mostly snap on and pbswiss with a few niche items like wera hex plus bits.

I probably have around 30 various PBswiss drivers and they are without a doubt, my favorite drivers. My gripe with the swiss is they don't offer their t handles in sae and torx sizes, only metric!

 

[Grant Gunderson]

. My gripe with the swiss is they don't offer their t handles in sae and torx sizes, only metric!

Agreed. What’s odd is they make the hex in 1/2mm sizes! They are in the pic I posted as well and have never once used them, but for what I got them for on a work trip to Switzerland that got expensed anyways I can’t complain about having them. Some day maybe those will get a used at least once.

 

[anndel]

Bondhus.

 

[JradM]

Bonhus is great. No reason not to choose them.

I realize Eklind loses the max torque comparisons. I sort of wonder if that's the only factor to consider though. I have a set of Eklinds' Torx T-Handles and I quite like the grips and feel while I use them. I don't think they should be dismissed out of hand - but again, Bondhus is also great.

 

[Metallitubby]

Where is the best place to purchase Bondhus tools? I've got t-handles of very specific sizes from Snap-On, but would like an entire set of both SAE and metric.

 

[bonneyman]

In my pawn shop and estate sales journey's I see lots of Eklind and some Bondhus but no PB Swiss. FWIW

 

[Stuart in MN]

Where is the best place to purchase Bondhus tools?

Go here: https://bondhus.com/where-to-buy# and click on where it says Where to Buy in the upper right of your screen. It lets you look up both online stores and brick and mortar stores.

 

[Metallitubby]

Go here: https://bondhus.com/where-to-buy# and click on where it says Where to Buy in the upper right of your screen. It lets you look up both online stores and brick and mortar stores.

I tried that, but I think my work computer (the only computer I use) has that page blocked for some reason.

 

[Stuart in MN]

Assuming the location in your signature means you're in the Atlanta, Georgia area, I plugged in zip code 30388 and asked for locations within 100 miles. This is what I found:

FASTENALApproximately 7.2 Miles from 30388
2961 Olympic Industrial Dr SE
Atlanta, GA 30339
404-351-7881

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

MSC INDUSTRIAL SUPPLY CO Approximately 8.3 Miles from 30388
6700 Discovery Blvd
Mableton, GA 30126
800-645-7270

MSC Industrial Supply - Metalworking tools and MRO Supplies

MSC Industrial Supply is the source for your metalworking tool and MRO needs. Over 1.5 million products from industry leading suppliers in stock and ready to ship

www.mscdirect.com

FASTENALApproximately 8.5 Miles from 30388
604 A & 604 B Cordell Dr
College Park, GA 30349
404-766-8746

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 11.7 Miles from 30388
6215 Fulton Industrial Blvd
Atlanta, GA 30336
404-346-1302

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

MARTIN SUPPLY CO Approximately 11.8 Miles from 30388
6215 Fulton Industrial Blvd SW
Atlanta, GA 30336
800-828-8116

Martin Supply | Custom Tailored Solutions

At Martin Supply, we provide quality service and distribute premium products you can trust. We are one of the nation's leading industrial distributors for a reason.

www.martinsupply.com

FASTENALApproximately 12.9 Miles from 30388
5365 Dividend Dr Ste G
Decatur, GA 30035
770-323-8276

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 13.9 Miles from 30388
2725 Mountain Industrial Blvd
Tucker, GA 30084
770-939-5762

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

MCMASTER CARR SUPPLY CO Approximately 14.4 Miles from 30388
1901 Riverside Pkwy
Douglasville, GA 30135
404-346-7000

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

MEDCO TOOL Approximately 14.8 Miles from 30388
5362 Royal Woods Pkwy
Tucker, GA 30084
866-982-1560

MEDCO: The Automotive Distributor of Tools & Equipment and Paint & Body Supplies

www.medcocorp.com

FASTENALApproximately 15.9 Miles from 30388
6290 Jimmy Carter Blvd Ste201
Norcross, GA 30071
770-448-5771

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 17.5 Miles from 30388
308 Fairburn Industrial Blvd
Fairburn, GA 30213
770-969-0283

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

THREADS FOR THE SOUTH INC Approximately 18.0 Miles from 30388
1076 King Industrial Dr
Marietta, GA 30062
770-425-3787

Power Tools Suppliers in Georgia | Fasteners Suppliers

www.threadsforthesouth.com

FASTENALApproximately 22.1 Miles from 30388
2255 Mccollum Pkwy Ste 400
Kennesaw, GA 30144
770-499-0931

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

PENN TOOL SALES Approximately 22.2 Miles from 30388
3380 Town Point Dr NW Ste 100
Kennesaw, GA 30144
678-581-0020

Penn Tool Sales & Service - 1-800-321-4010

Products & Services for Heavy industrial & Manufacturing Markets. Repairs, Rentals, Competitive Pricing. 12 Locations Across the USA

www.penntss.com

FASTENALApproximately 23.9 Miles from 30388
1640 Autumn Blvd
Conyers, GA 30012
770-860-0556

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 25.4 Miles from 30388
233 Arnold Mill Rd Ste100
Woodstock, GA 30188
770-516-5725

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 25.9 Miles from 30388
416 Butler Industrial Dr
Dallas, GA 30132
770-443-9493

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

TURNER SUPPLY COApproximately 26.1 Miles from 30388
675 Old Peachtree Rd NW
Suwanee, GA 30024
800-239-5250

Home | Turner Supply

www.turnersupply.com

FASTENALApproximately 27.5 Miles from 30388
1110 Ridgeland Pkwy Ste 106
Alpharetta, GA 30004
678-624-9950

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

CRAWFORD TOOLApproximately 27.6 Miles from 30388
320 Dividend Dr #350
Peachtree City, GA 30269
770-631-8222

Crawford Tool

Tool kits, tool cases, meters and specialized professional solutions for business and industries including Copier Field Service, Biomedical Field Service, Aircraft Service, Electronic Service and more.

www.crawfordtool.com

FASTENALApproximately 28.0 Miles from 30388
305 Shawnee North Dr Ste200
Suwanee, GA 30024
770-904-5865

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

DB ROBERTS CO PEACHTREE CITYApproximately 28.3 Miles from 30388
435 Dividend Dr Ste A
Peachtree City, GA 30269
770-487-7600

Specialty Fasteners and Hardware - Buy Online | DB Roberts

DB Roberts is a leading distributor of high-quality, top brand fasteners, nuts, bolts, screws, inserts, rivets, spacers and other commercial hardware. Visit our online store to see products from PEM (Penn Engineering), Southco and more.

www.dbroberts.com

FASTENALApproximately 28.3 Miles from 30388
1715 Meredith Park Dr
Mcdonough, GA 30253
770-305-9990

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

VALLEN DISTRIBUTIONApproximately 29.2 Miles from 30388
560 Horizon Dr #200
Suwanee, GA 30024
800-932-3746

Vallen - Industry Leader in Industrial Supplies and Safety Products

www.vallen.com

INTEGRATED SUPPLY NETWORKApproximately 31.5 Miles from 30388
1750 Satellite Blvd Ste 300
Buford, GA 30518
770-978-9880

Premier Automotive Tool & Equipment Distributor | ISN

ISN is the best one-stop, go-to-market partner for suppliers and resellers. Inquire today to learn more about our brand promise.

www.isnweb.com

THREADS FOR THE SOUTH INC Approximately 31.6 Miles from 30388
75 Leggett Dr
Villa Rica, GA 30180
770-456-6446

Power Tools Suppliers in Georgia | Fasteners Suppliers

www.threadsforthesouth.com

FASTENALApproximately 31.8 Miles from 30388
20 Bledsoe Rd Ste 6000
Newnan, GA 30265
770-252-2812

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 32.3 Miles from 30388
104 Three West Pkwy Ste 100
Villa Rica, GA 30180
678-840-4373

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 33.5 Miles from 30388
10244 Industrial Blvd
Covington, GA 30014
770-784-3811

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 36.7 Miles from 30388
1516 Kalamazoo Dr Ste B-5
Griffin, GA 30224
770-229-1094

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 36.8 Miles from 30388
4997 Bristol Industrial Way
Buford, GA 30518
678-482-2038

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 39.6 Miles from 30388
1489 Hwy 411 NE
Cartersville, GA 30121
770-607-7321

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 39.7 Miles from 30388
10 Business Center Dr
Winder, GA 30680
770-867-1169

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 41.8 Miles from 30388
1762 Hwy 27 North Unita
Carrollton, GA 30117
770-830-0231

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 43.6 Miles from 30388
6140 Hwy 400 Ste D
*******, GA 30028
770-888-4264

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 48.1 Miles from 30388
2130 D Hilton Dr
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-534-3220

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

SOUTHCO SUPPLYApproximately 49.0 Miles from 30388
1013 Airport St
Gainesville, GA 30501
844-576-8842

SouthCo Supply

www.southcosupply.com

FASTENALApproximately 54.7 Miles from 30388
309 Dodd Blvd Ste 200
Rome, GA 30161
706-802-0270

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 57.3 Miles from 30388
1290 Greensboro Hwy Ste A
Watkinsville, GA 30677
706-769-1231

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 57.9 Miles from 30388
145 Marine Dr SE
Calhoun, GA 30701
706-629-7083

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 61.7 Miles from 30388
590 Olympic Dr
Athens, GA 30601
706-613-1912

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 62.9 Miles from 30388
2046 South Davis Rd
Lagrange, GA 30241
706-882-3501

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 63.5 Miles from 30388
40095 Hwy 441 South
Commerce, GA 30529
706-423-0059

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

MOTION INDUSTRIESApproximately 64.1 Miles from 30388
1906 Lukken Industrial Dr W
Lagrange, GA 30240
706-883-7995

http://www.motionindustries.com

TALLADEGA MACHINERY SUPPLYApproximately 64.2 Miles from 30388
1504 Orchard Hill Rd
Lagrange, GA 30240
800-775-2622

Industrial

FASTENALApproximately 68.8 Miles from 30388
168 Wilford Ash Sr Pkwy
Cleveland, GA 30528
706-865-0279

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 73.4 Miles from 30388
1001 Milledgeville Rd Ste H
Eatonton, GA 31024
706-485-6048

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 74.0 Miles from 30388
3028 N Dug Gap Rd SW
Dalton, GA 30720
706-278-7737

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 78.3 Miles from 30388
1396 Rocky Creek Rd
Macon, GA 31206
478-781-0202

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 82.1 Miles from 30388
1825 Hillyer Robinson Ind Pkwy
Anniston, AL 36207
256-835-5904

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

J SUPPLY CO INCApproximately 82.1 Miles from 30388
1520 Itc Way
Anniston, AL 36207
256-236-5160

Industrial, Safety, Janitorial, and Hydraulics Provider • J Supply

Serving NE Alabama and NW Georgia since 1969, J Supply is your supplier for all industrial, safety, janitorial and hydraulic hose/equipment needs.

www.jsupply.com

GIGA INCApproximately 83.6 Miles from 30388
2448 Industrial Park Dr
Macon, GA 31216
478-788-2448

GIGA Inc. | Distribution Service in Bibb County, GA

GIGA Inc. specializes in all facets of the government procurement process, from research to delivered product, from micro-purchases to logistical requirements.

www.gigainc.com

FASTENALApproximately 87.4 Miles from 30388
6110 Watson Blvd
Byron, GA 31008
478-956-7882

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 89.8 Miles from 30388
3824 Gault Ave N
Fort Payne, AL 35967
256-845-4385

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 90.5 Miles from 30388
4617 Milgen Rd Unit 1
Columbus, GA 31907
706-561-2424

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 92.2 Miles from 30388
3090 W US Hwy 64 Unit 110/111
Murphy, NC 28906
828-837-8999

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 94.5 Miles from 30388
1522 Veterans Pkwy
Columbus, GA 31901
706-653-1233

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

FASTENALApproximately 99.7 Miles from 30388
2818 East 48th St Ste 114
Chattanooga, TN 37407
423-867-6472

Fastenal Industrial Supplies, OEM Fasteners, Safety Products & More

Fastenal is the largest fastener distributor in North America. Shop our huge selection of OEM, MRO, construction, industrial, and safety products.

www.fastenal.com

 

[Metallitubby]

Thanks man. Woodstock and Alpharetta work. Both appear to be Fastenal locations.

 

[sandyeyes]

Bondhus, hands-down. I have all of them: the ball-end, short & long straight ends, fractional & metric. Also have their Torx set. It's fun to collect them all Never had one strip on me.

Where do you get yours?

 

[sandyeyes]

I have all of those Bondus T-handles and I like all of them. Stop fretting and just do it. What I particularly like about them is that the t-handles, particularly on the larger sizes are quite large enabling you to apply quite a bit of leverage.

Where do you buy yours?

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

Bowers Tools is a good online source for Bondhus: https://bowerstool.com/

 

[WWheeler]

I do luv me some Bondhus.

I went all in on Bundhus 7 or so years ago. Since taking this pic I've added to & replaced all my sets of L-Keys with new Bondhus sets as those are by far what I (ab)use/Lose the most. I've got L-Keys in metric/sae/torx sets in both short & long and in ball-end & not. I do use the screwdriver-handles and T-Handles too, just not as often or enough to have lost or worn one out yet. I gotta admit I never use the folding sets though.

 

[rancherbill]

In the OEM tool truck thread, Elkind is the manufacturer for Snapon.

 

[Etchase]

Epstein’s has S-K NOS.

 

[fsae0607]

Where do you get yours?

I got mine from Tooltopia.

 

[RoninB4]

At some point Eklind changed their heat treatment. Their older stuff was better. I have a vintage set of their T-handles.

-Necro-thread revival. I worked for Eklind as a tool and die maker around 1995 and spearheaded the ball driver project when the patent for Bondhus ball drivers was about to expire. The heat treating may have changed for a few reasons.

Hex shaped steel coil was only produced at a few places in the USA and Eklind specified a particular type of steel (8650 IIRC) that was less common than other makers. There was a short period when a competitor bought all the 8650 hex stock in order to cripple Eklind, it was a personal grudge between two VP's story. Eklind had to either halt production or use what could be found on the spot market, which meant using various types of steel that were different than what was usually used. Some of this even came from overseas steel mills of questionable lineage. Different steels have different properties and get different heat treating. I have no idea how many hex keys were made from a lesser steel but it took many months to obtain what Eklind always used. Pulling the rug from under your competitor may be dirty pool but it happens a lot and the public never hears about it.

There's another possibility. The VP called two of us (tool and die makers) into his office to listen to a phone call from an attorney representing a client that claimed he had broken off a 5/16 long handled "L" key with his bare hands and suffered a 10mm long (.393") gash in his forearm that required a couple of stitches (I've had worse cuts from shaving). The VP asked both of us if it was possible to snap off a 5/16 hex key bare handed and we both said "not unless he was standing on it". The lawsuit was settled out of court but the HRc (level of hardening) was dropped by 2 points so it would deform rather than break. Liability lawsuits affect domestic products made in the USA far more than imported products for obvious reasons. Ads for liability lawyers are a daily occurrence.

Either of these two stories may account for the variation of product integrity.

As for the claim that Eklind was the maker for Snap-On, they were when I was there. As contracts run out and company buying agents demand lower prices the suppliers change, this is quite common in manufacturing. I have no idea who is the supplier for Snap-On now but it might not be Eklind any more. I did a write-up for this in another thread on evaluating hex keys some time ago. Hope this helped someone.

 

[Dave455]

As for the claim that Eklind was the maker for Snap-On, they were when I was there. As contracts run out and company buying agents demand lower prices the suppliers change, this is quite common in manufacturing. I have no idea who is the supplier for Snap-On now but it might not be Eklind any more. I did a write-up for this in another thread on evaluating hex keys some time ago. Hope this helped someone.

Fantastic post, thank you for taking the trouble to write it.

I remember your earlier post too.

With regard to Eklind making hex keys for Snap On, can you recall if they make all of them, or just some?

I can remember, at about that time, Snap On offering what were fairly obviously Eklind hex keys. They were the same shape (including the tips), came in the same finish, and even the same holders (albeit different colours).

Snap On also offered their “own” hex keys, that came in the distinctive silver chrome or gold finish, and were supplied in metal indexes. Were these produced by Eklind also?

As a matter of interest, I’ve been using Eklind hex keys since about that time, and have found them nothing other than first class! Though I must confess to using Bondhus too, particularly the T handle!

 

[neophyte]

Fantastic post, thank you for taking the trouble to write it.

I remember your earlier post too.

With regard to Eklind making hex keys for Snap On, can you recall if they make all of them, or just some?

I can remember, at about that time, Snap On offering what were fairly obviously Eklind hex keys. They were the same shape (including the tips), came in the same finish, and even the same holders (albeit different colours).

Snap On also offered their “own” hex keys, that came in the distinctive silver chrome or gold finish, and were supplied in metal indexes. Were these produced by Eklind also?

As a matter of interest, I’ve been using Eklind hex keys since about that time, and have found them nothing other than first class! Though I must confess to using Bondhus too, particularly the T handle!

Looking over the Snap-On options,
The Folding Snap-On hex key sets seem to use the same handle as the Eklind. (At least currently)
The Snap-On beand L hex keys that use a plastic holder seem to vary.
The design for the holder is similar, but not identical, between Bondhus and Eklind, and some Snap-On sets seem to use the Bondhus holder, and some the Eklind style holder.
I don’t know if Bondhus and Eklind manufacture their own holders, or have the holders manufactured for them, or just use a generic holder manufactured by a third party with their brand names imprinted for them.

As far as the hex key in the metal case (ie. Index), I would presume the cases are manufactured by a third party, for most brands that offer steel cased hex key sets.
The Snap-On case looks like the steel index cases made by Drilbox, a German manufacturer of drill bit indexes and other similar steel cases in Germany.
The Eklind case sort of looks like something Huot in the ISA might manufacture, but I can’t say for certain that they manufacture the case.
Huot is the major US manufacturer of drill index cases in steel, and Huot also makes plastic indexes, and judging by a photo I presume they make the plastic hex key holders for Bondhus.

For the actual hex keys, it might be easier to check the hex key finish for black finish hex keys, since I think the black finish Bondhus now uses is distinctly different from that which Eklind uses, although Bondhus could likely make keys with the smoother Eklind finish is they needed to.

 

[KnurledNut]

Looking over the Snap-On options,
The Folding Snap-On hex key sets seem to use the same handle as the Eklind. (At least currently)
The Snap-On beand L hex keys that use a plastic holder seem to vary.
The design for the holder is similar, but not identical, between Bondhus and Eklind, and some Snap-On sets seem to use the Bondhus holder, and some the Eklind style holder.
I don’t know if Bondhus and Eklind manufacture their own holders, or have the holders manufactured for them, or just use a generic holder manufactured by a third party with their brand names imprinted for them.

As far as the hex key in the metal case (ie. Index), I would presume the cases are manufactured by a third party, for most brands that offer steel cased hex key sets.
The Snap-On case looks like the steel index cases made by Drilbox, a German manufacturer of drill bit indexes and other similar steel cases in Germany.
The Eklind case sort of looks like something Huot in the ISA might manufacture, but I can’t say for certain that they manufacture the case.
Huot is the major US manufacturer of drill index cases in steel, and Huot also makes plastic indexes, and judging by a photo I presume they make the plastic hex key holders for Bondhus.

For the actual hex keys, it might be easier to check the hex key finish for black finish hex keys, since I think the black finish Bondhus now uses is distinctly different from that which Eklind uses, although Bondhus could likely make keys with the smoother Eklind finish is they needed to.

The keys in your third picture (yellow holder) are sourced from Bondhus. They are rebranded Prohold keys. I have them:

I also have the AWM110DHK set (gold colored 2mm-12mm standard length) with the enclosed metal case that is hinged on the back to stand up. Not sure who made those. I tried to find a few replacement keys from Bondhus and Eklind and none of the lengths matched up, which is necessary to fit in the case right. The length could be custom to Snap-on. I could be completely wrong though. I ended up with Wera short keys which were close and fit.