Hex Key Flex

[5toes]

So when using my Wiha hex keys (these chrome ones in metric - http://www.wihatools.com/600seri/669Chrom_mm.htm) I experience alot of flex. Even when tightening the 4mm bolt on my leg, Im an amputee, it was flexing almost too much. I was scared to hold the end and get the most leverage.

Is this normal? Or do Wihas ****? I know the CRM72 steel is GOOD stuff but?

 

[toolmaker1]

T handle shanks will flex, I wouldn't worry too much about it but if you really need to torque on something then the short end of an "L" allen wrench would be a bit better.

 

[Zrexxer]

I can't imagine a fastener that takes a 4mm driver requiring so much torque that you'd be worried about breaking the key. They'll typically strip the drive socket in the fastener head before you break the tool.

Why do you need to put that much torque on a small fastener? Is it something that needs to be tightened and loosened regularly, such as a set screw, or is it a fastener that's working itself loose and you're trying to keep it tight? In the latter case, I'd use an anaerobic thread sealant like LocTite before I risked stripping the screw out.

In any case, you could always use a 1/4" drive hex driver socket on a 1/4" ratchet, that won't flex.

 

[5toes]

Well it holds the shaft of pipe that holds on the ankle and foot of my leg. It normally is loctited, but I hate to break the seal, so I could rotate the foot inward.

Either way, I was afraid id break the key!

 

[Gary S]

Hex keys are one of the worst mechanical inventions ever made, outdone only by torx.
No matter how much money you spend, the wrench will either bend until it becomes a pretzel, or break. Cheap ones are too soft and twist like licorice. Expensive ones break and shatter.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

if you are really worried about breaking them maybe this will help. i was working on something awhile ago that had 5mm hex screws that were rusted and tighter than hell. i took a 5mm socket and the 5mm hex key and combined them. by making the hex key short it reduced the flex and i was able to get more torque on them. i've since misplace that one but i've got a full set of them now. a regular hex key, no matter the brand will flex. the only thing to do is like you did, and exercise caution when using them.

 

[5toes]

Hex keys are one of the worst mechanical inventions ever made, outdone only by torx.
No matter how much money you spend, the wrench will either bend until it becomes a pretzel, or break. Cheap ones are too soft and twist like licorice. Expensive ones break and shatter.

Well its VERY hard to strip a hex bolt. A phillips on the other hand...

 

[Ritter4.0]

Well its VERY hard to strip a hex bolt. A phillips on the other hand...

Thats why I like hex heads more than phillips, you really have try to strip one. Unfortunately for me I have to use phillips at work, but I'm getting better at not stripping them.