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Hex Key Reccomendations?

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Matt018

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May 17, 2011
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I was searching and couldnt find a thread so I was curious what style and brand you guys prefer for general profesional automotive work. I am not sure if the T handles or bit sockets are better. I am sure though that i dont want those cheap "L" handles or ball end. Im also gonna need a set of torx drivers too so do you have any reccomendations for that? Im trying to keep my budget for this under 100 bucks for metric and standard hex along with the torx.

Oh and Im not too particular with USA made. I have some tiwanese Grey Pneumatic 3/8 sockets and I love them.
 
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Jim85IROC

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I like my socket-style for automotive use. Any other style is useless when you're trying to break free the hex style caliper bolts and the like. My set is a 15 year old Craftman set, and it has served me well.
 
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yasha32

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Nov 19, 2011
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I've always had luck with the socket types. They are able to do all a loose type can, as well as a t-handle, plus you can use extensions and wobbles to make them go nutty places.
 
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Matt018

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I noticed that the wiha set skips sizes... Does one never come across a 7 or 9 mm hex bolt? Im just curious.
 
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yasha32

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9mm for alot of bicycle stuff; for auto work i dont think i've encountered one yet.
 
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pipsters

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If you're using them for automotive tasks I can't imagine trying to work with the t-handle design. Hexes are used for drain plugs - try putting leverage on a t-handle...ain't gonna happen. My VW uses 6mm hex to hold the intake on, I had to use a swivel and several extensions to get to the bolts, again a t-handle? Yeah right. T-handles might be nice for working on smaller pieces of equipment like a chainsaw or furniture but not on a car.
 
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Matt018

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Alright im thinking that a bit socket design is gonna be the best. Also I can use them on an air ratchet.
I was reading reviews on the craftsmans and it seems that the current production stuff is just cheap garbage.
 
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yasha32

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Just grab something USA made that feels solid, have yet to break one. Torx on the other hand .....
 
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pipsters

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I bought the Kobalts when Lowes put them on clearance. They are the same as Craftsman produced by Danaher. Personally I find they are fine, they do their job.

You can actually buy the SAE, Metric, and Torx Kobalt USA set on Cripe for $21 right now which is about $7/set (compared to Craftsman @ $40):

http://cripedistributing.com/index.php/kobalt-19pc-3-8-dr-hex-torx-socket-set-usa-2308409-ro.html

If you're not partial to USA, Harbor Freight sells a hex set that I have abused and is still going strong.
 
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mark40sw

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Industrial setting I work in..... Bondhus (usa), Eklind (usa), Wera, Wiha are good.

Ball ends handy for clearance issues.
Non-ball ends have better engagement for worn/rust fasteners. Also non-ball can hold fastener better in to guide fastener in hard to reach area.
 
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Steevo

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I have "L" type, bits, T-handles, and a set of ball-end hex keys with screwdriver handles.
I use all of them, in different situations.
 
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Zelatore

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blarf

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Zelatore said:
Great deal. Until you look at his flat rate shipping of $35.

I hate vendors that put flat rate shipping like this on their sites - I suppose it might cost $35 to ship those things somewhere, but basically he's just hiding his extra profit in the shipping costs. As bad as the 'as seen on TV' ads. :mad:
Click to expand...

Well what do you expect when eBay keeps upping their fees and now mandates PayPal (which means they skim even more money)? Also it's shipping from Canada, so it's not like it'll fit in a $5 flat rate box...
 
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Jim85IROC

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HandyManny said:
I agree. Go with Bondhus, they're good tools.
Click to expand...
I just pulled the trigger on a Bondhus L-shaped SAE/Metric set on Amazon in order to bump my order up to the free shipping level. Just last night I was cursing at my inability to find my bag of Craftsman stuff, and my socket-style didn't go small enough. Time for a full set that doesn't live in a bag.
 
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Notwerk

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Jim85IROC said:
I just pulled the trigger on a Bondhus L-shaped SAE/Metric set on Amazon in order to bump my order up to the free shipping level. Just last night I was cursing at my inability to find my bag of Craftsman stuff, and my socket-style didn't go small enough. Time for a full set that doesn't live in a bag.
Click to expand...

You'll be happy with them. Mine are great.
 
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Jawn

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I have recently gotten some of the SK bit sockets (non-ball end). We'll see how they do for me. I do like the fact that the bit itself is replaceable in case I break one of the smaller ones (pops out with a pin punch).
 
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iroc409

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blarf said:
Well what do you expect when eBay keeps upping their fees and now mandates PayPal (which means they skim even more money)? Also it's shipping from Canada, so it's not like it'll fit in a $5 flat rate box...
Click to expand...

Didn't eBay change their pay structure to include shipping charges as part of the auction fees?
 
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Alchymist

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Bondhus, Eklind, Allen. I find having the screwdriver handled style, T handle. L's, and socket types all handy,in both straight and ball ends, SAE and metric. Never have enough. If you do any electronics, especially older /military, need Bristol also.
 
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Sage55

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I agree, having a nice selection of straight and ball ends are a must!
 
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Krokodil

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It depend what you want to use it for.
Socket types are great for heavy duty work. T handles are great for lightweight assembly benchtop type work.
L types are great for general work. Bondhus can't be beat for value, but the likes of Wiha, PBSwiss, etc also make great products.
 
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dwm

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For a budget around $100, I'd get Bondhus L-keys (highest strength in my experience; they're the only ones we buy at work) for the times you need them. VIM for socket bits. Say Bondhus 20499 L-keys ($24.40 at Amazon), VIM VM600 ($19.59 at tooltopia.com) and VIM VI600 ($20.07 at tooltopia) for impact-ready hex bits, and VIM TMS34PF for Torx bits ($56.81 at tooltopia). Add on as needed (long bits, etc.); VIM has a good selection of others (long, ball-end, one-piece half-cut Torx, etc.).
 
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supra90turbo

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Sep 30, 2011
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Central MA
The 7MM will come in handy, not very often, but you'll be glad you have it when you need it.
Upon cleaning my toolbox I found an extra 7mm Allen 3/8" drive socket that I remember buying in a panic at AutoZone when doing brakes on a Chrysler something something.

Must've forgotten about my Lisle set at the time.
 
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Flash21

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Jul 23, 2008
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PB Swiss is my first choice but few (me included) can afford them.

So I recommend Bondhus for quality with a reasonable price.
 
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NastyNate

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Aug 12, 2011
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955
I used the huskys for a year or so and they have held up fine. They have been used mostly on my 1/4 impact driver. For hand use I use Gorilla grip. The Gorilla grips have been used for 2 years atleast and only 1 allen is bent from misuse, they havent worn down yet in anyway or not that I can tell.

I recently bought some Lisle Torx set. They were on sale at sears for $17.00 and will now replace my Huskys

Lisle

Gorilla Grip

Torx

Allen Both standard and metric
 
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