Hex Key Set - T-Handle / T-Thru-Handle / P-Handle

[kythri]

So, I'm looking to "upgrade" my older Husky set of T-Handle hex keys, in both SAE and Metric. They haven't broken, but there's been a bit too much flex and a couple of round-out situations with them.

The set I've got is actually a "T-Through-Handle" or "P-Handle" set, and while I've never had a need to use the handle-set end, there's a part of me that wants to maintain that option, however, it's not going to be the dealbreaker.

I do _NOT_ want a ball-end set.

It doesn't appear that there are any "matched" SAE/Metric sets out there, at least, not ball-end sets.

So, options I'm considering:

Bondhus:

10-piece SAE 6" T-Handle set (15238) is $31.95 on Amazon Prime
8-piece Metric 6" T-Handle set (15287) is $28.88 on Amazon Prime

Snap-on:

8-piece SAE 6" T-Handle set (AWCG1600B) is $53.75
5/16" 6" T-Handle (AWCG1620B) is $10.85
3/8" 6" T-Handle (AWCG1624B) is $12.05
8-Piece Metric T-Handle set (AWMCG1600B) is 52.75

$60.83 for Bondhus
$129.40 for Snap-on

I'm almost willing to splurge for the Snap-on, especially with the recent reports of Bondhus finish quality/QC.

Anything else I should be looking at?

Are there any through-handle/P-handle sets out there that I should consider? I saw the metric Park Tool set, but those appears to just be Bondhus keys with a Park handle on them - and no matching SAE set.

 

[T45]

So, options I'm considering:

....

Anything else I should be looking at?

If you can swallow $100, you can get yourself USAG or BETA which are the best for use on bikes/motos and the like.

You can also take a crack at getting HAZET ones which are nice. For L-keys, get PB Swiss, presuming again, if the budget allows.

 

[1961MGA]

The snapon set does not come with the sizes you get with Bondhus. Also, depends on what length you want as bondhus will have it...

 

[M6erfan]

If you can swallow $100, you can get yourself USAG or BETA which are the best for use on bikes/motos and the like.

I can attest to the "slicker than snot" factor of the USAG/Beta sets. BUT pricey, and a bit hard to find here in the U.S. FWIW, Facom rebrands the USAG and has a newer similar/yet slightly different set. They can be found at the Ultimategarage website, but again, pricey...

 

[derosa]

I like the bondhus, doesn't strip out the heads of half rusted bicycle bolts which strip easily and doesn't seem to wear fast.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

^ not eklind?

I have no complaints with my Bondhus keys and T-handles... very nice finish, fit and ground ends. T-handles are black-oxide and the keys are gold/silver finished (metric/sae).

My older CMan t-handles had a bit of that "drawn" end (not ground/chamfered), but they served me well for YEARS.... just wanted to upgrade, just because.

 

[kythri]

If you can swallow $100, you can get yourself USAG or BETA which are the best for use on bikes/motos and the like.

You can also take a crack at getting HAZET ones which are nice. For L-keys, get PB Swiss, presuming again, if the budget allows.

Do any of those brands make an SAE set? Cursory examination of product webpages appear to show those only in metric.

The snapon set does not come with the sizes you get with Bondhus. Also, depends on what length you want as bondhus will have it...

The Snap-on SAE set does not have the two larger SAE sizes, which is why I listed them in addition to the set. The Snap-on Metric set mirrors the Bondhus set in sizes.

just so u know Bondhus is the OEM for Snap-On's hex key..

^ not eklind?

The handle style certainly suggests Eklind over Bondhus as the manufacturer.

Zoro is showing an Eklind 6" 11-piece SAE set for $36.41 and a 6" 8-piece Metric set for $25.73 (both of the "Power-T" handle variety).

If Eklind is the OEM for Snap-on, then that would speak highly of them - however, the Snap-on sets are branded Snap-on, not BluePoint. I was under the assumption that, at least, present-day, Snap-on manufactured Snap-on branded items, whereas BluePoint was for other OEMs?

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Snap-On still outsources some of its tools/equipment... BP is mostly import, but feeler gauges are US made.

 

[kythri]

Sorry - considering my thread was specifically about T-handle hex keys, I kinda figured that responses would be about, y'know, T-handles, and not some other version of hex keys.

Silly me.

 

[shawhite]

I personally have the snap on non ball end and sae, metric and torx. I usually use them for the smaller fasteners. So far they are holding up well. I would keep an eye on eBay I found my metric set for $65 still in plastic. Sae I got from my snap on guy for just under $100

 

[kythri]

What sets do you have? The Snap-on 8-piece non-ball-end 6" T-handle sets are $53.75 SAE and $52.75 Metric from snapon.com, so the truck should be the same price.

 

[shawhite]

These are the ones I have I like the combination T/L so I can break the tough bolts loose with the L and flip it over and spin them out quicker with the T

https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-S...aped-Combination-TORX-Wrench-Set-P644327.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Soft-G...etric-Hex-Wrench-Set-2-mm-10-mm--P644314.aspx
https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Soft-G...ination-Hex-Wrench-Set-3-32-1-4--P644306.aspx

 

[kythri]

Wow, I completely missed that style on the website!

Thanks!

 

[AviationTech]

I recently just received the Beta 951AS SAE Hex Sliding T-handles that I ordered from the UK because the dollar to pound exchange has been so good. The quality and versatility due to the sliding handle function is second to none. These wrenches will take some serious torque. I saved roughly $120 over buying from certain US providers. The large sizes 3/8 down to 5/32 come in a set of 6 and the 4 smallest sizes have to be purchased individualy. I use hex wrenches extensively on aircraft and enjoy using these, not disappointed at all. This was my first Beta purchase and is just my two cents if your considering other options. Btw, these were marked made in their Sovico, Italy plant. I've heard they forge the ends, but I'm not positive.

 

[M6erfan]

I recently just received the Beta 951AS SAE Hex Sliding T-handles that I ordered from the UK because the dollar to pound exchange has been so good. The quality and versatility due to the sliding handle function is second to none. These wrenches will take some serious torque. I saved roughly $120 over buying from certain US providers. The large sizes 3/8 down to 5/32 come in a set of 6 and the 4 smallest sizes have to be purchased individualy. I use hex wrenches extensively on aircraft and enjoy using these, not disappointed at all. This was my first Beta purchase and is just my two cents if your considering other options. Btw, these were marked made in their Sovico, Italy plant. I've heard they forge the ends, but I'm not positive.

Very nice. From where did you order them?

 

[AviationTech]

www.Tool-net.co.uk is where I purchased them from. Price was 152.62£ shipped to Virginia. I couldn't find all 10 under $300 in US. Thought this was a decent deal very happy

 

[T45]

just so u know Bondhus is the OEM for Snap-On's hex key..

Snap ons have a better fit and heat treatment--They sound nothing alike clanking around. But whoever makes snap on uprates the spec because I have SO, Eklind, and Bondhus on my bench (3x in SAE) and they are not the same snot at the end of the day....also, the SO look nothing like bondhus, much more like eklind.

For metric, I only use European COO.

 

[T45]

BUT pricey, and a bit hard to find here in the U.S.

You can import the USAG set from europe for $75+ship from amazon.de, the BETA is harder to find at a decent price but can also be done ~$100. If you want SAE, agree the prices are higher --more sizes.

 

[M6erfan]

You can import the USAG set from europe for $75+ship from amazon.de, the BETA is harder to find at a decent price but can also be done ~$100. If you want SAE, agree the prices are higher --more sizes.

Awwww man. Now you got me looking on Amazon.de. And I saw this...

 

[stihlntime]

I have a set of Wiha and a set of Wera both have been excellent. I certainly wouldn't overlook the European coo, Check and see what Stahlwille,PB Swiss or Felo offer.

 

[My Old Tools]

l have full Bondhus T handle sets (non ball) in SAE, metric, and Torx. I also have SAE and metric ball end Bondhus with straight screwdriver handles, great for tight places.

 

[Finky198]

I have the 9" snap on Blue point Eklind jobbers. My sae set is BP and my metrics are straight from Eklind exactly same packages and keys purchased 15 years apart they are still exactly the same non coated wire handle. They even told they were the supplier.

I never saw a need for the 6" cause I use my long 3/8 drive bits with a ratchet or t-handle... I've kinda felt like these always fell into the nut driver category.

 

[kythri]

Well, a 25% off plus free shipping Zoro coupon that popped into my Inbox this morning helped make the initial decision for me, and I snapped up the SAE and Metric 6" Eklind sets - $46.61 to my door.

I feel this is cheap enough to give them a try, but I'm not out a TON of money if I'm not happy with them, and decide to pursue something "nicer" - decided against the P-handle as I honestly have never used that end.