Hex Keys - most versatile form factor?

[roofdweller49]

I need some hex keys for general household work (faucet set screws, building crappy flat pack furniture, etc) and some automotive work.

I'm curious what you guys think are the most versatile form factor. I'm thinking of bondhus, but I'm not sure if I should go with classic L wrenches or T handle, or the cool T handles with the second driver on the handle (snap on style)

I hate the ones that fold in a handle, hard to apply torque and the handle seems to always get in the way

 

[CGarage]

Great question. I wondered this myself. After various use cases, I decided you need to have a variety.

L Keys, T handles, folding sets for portability, individual keys (I.e. McMaster Carr), ball end.

Get a variety. Not the answer you want, but it is what I have found.

ETA: if I had to pick one, it would be the L key format. But even then, you have different lengths made, so it is not always “one size fits all”.

 

[no704]

I have several sizes that I cut off of orphan sets. Ball end a few inches long to Chuck up in a drill. That work good for flat pack stuff, but I manly use them assembling 80-20 projects.

 

[larry_g]

As a industrial mechanic working with mostly socket head screws I found the goto set was the standard Bondus ball drivers in L form. That said I at one time counted 17 different sets of hex keys and drivers in my toolbox. Yet most of my work was done with standard L wrenches. They are cheap enough to start with and when you get jammed up then something special will be the correct tool for the job.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[jimbothecricket]

L keys and screwdrivers are my favorite. Hex ball screwdrivers are awesome as long as you don't need super high torque. I have fold up sets for portable tool kits

 

[FigN⋅m]

We use a bunch of different types at the shop too (small auto accessory outfit)
The ones that get the most daily use are the Bondhus Balldriver Screwdrivers which are
awesome for up to about 6mm when you will need more leverage, Wera Hex Plus for the
ugly bolts, little security hex/torx in a small 1/4 ratchet, cut L keys in a drill, etc.
If I wanted to get real ****, I'd rock the Park Tool THHH-1 sliding handle kit ($$$$)

Like stated above, no "One Hex to Rule Them All", but I bet a simple L key kit from
Bondhus or similar would do the trick. We recently grabbed the ones linked for like $30
and they have pretty much every size you'll need.

 

[Under_Pressure]

The correct answer to this question- the one type that will probably get you through almost any situation- is the traditional L. Probably ball end, as you can usually use the non-ball L side to loosen a tight fastener without stripping. You mentioned you don't like the folding ones, which is fine, but honestly was going to be my second recommendation. They seem like the kind of tool I shouldn't like, but the good ones I've used (Bondhus and Eklind) have worked surprisingly well for me. I really like that you can use them kind of like the allen wrench equivalent of a roto-ratchet- the handle at 90 degrees to break it loose, then flip it up and spin it out like a screwdriver. They are definitely not the best for tight spaces though.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use the long arm versions, but recently have bought some with the "ball" end. Nice.

For "small" sizes, I have an old Bondhus set with "screwdriver handles".

 

[RPH]

You’ll need the set you don’t have. Rules of tools.
That said I have multiples because of the Rules of tools.
Basic L ball drivers work for most home work.

 

[RTM]

If I only had one for any home based tasks, it would be long arm, ball end. I can do 90% of all hex key tasks with those I feel. The short arm no ball were all I had got a long time, and I struggled and bought variants.

I now have bit drive, socket drive, folding in metal and plastic case (don't recommend, but was a need to help out a friend while traveling, high torque not needed, but no idea if SAE or metric, so an inexpensive HD purchase included Torx too). The folders are nice to throw in a Nike bag, easier to find when dropped on the roadside.

And a huge box of GS finds loose in a box, for when you need to modify something. Really need to separate out the metric n SAE to make it a bit more useful.

 

[bwringer]

L keys (preferably ball end) pretty much always work. If you can only carry one style, carry L keys.



T-handles are faster and more convenient in some situations, but they can't reach everything.

Same for sockets, bits, screwdriver style, etc.

 

[AEAdam]

Wow! I think the L shaped keys are for part timers! Tee handles are the way to go. For flat pack furniture ball ends are nice.

I have an ancient set of craftsman, possibly bondhus. They have solid steel handles and no stubby end. Really awesome in the machine shop, spin nice, loads of torque control. I think there’s a ton of really nice tee handles out there.

 

[tamaraw]

I need some hex keys for general household work (faucet set screws, building crappy flat pack furniture, etc) and some automotive work.

I'm curious what you guys think are the most versatile form factor. I'm thinking of bondhus, but I'm not sure if I should go with classic L wrenches or T handle, or the cool T handles with the second driver on the handle (snap on style)

I hate the ones that fold in a handle, hard to apply torque and the handle seems to always get in the way

Standard L's with a ball on the long end will be the most versatile and fit the most applications.

T-handles are nice for frequent use on specific applications or if you need long reach.

T-handle/L combos are a weird setup because they offer no comfort benefit in the long direction and have worse clearance than an L. Ok to compliment another set, but less functional if it's your only set.

For higher torque applications or larger sizes, bit sockets and square drive tools are your friend.

Just my 2c.

 

[LordLupulin]

Bondhus Stubby 100* Double Ball End complemented by regular wera hex plus

 

[GrayFlattop]

Wow! I think the L shaped keys are for part timers! Tee handles are the way to go. For flat pack furniture ball ends are nice.

I have an ancient set of craftsman, possibly bondhus. They have solid steel handles and no stubby end. Really awesome in the machine shop, spin nice, loads of torque control. I think there’s a ton of really nice tee handles out there.

Yep, I typically reach for the T-handles first. I’ve had several sets of “Allen” brand t handles from 30 or so years ago. Solid steel handles under the plastic-dip can take a beating and can transmit a fair amount of torque.

I’ve got virtually ever other type of hex key, sockets, etc., but the beefy t-handles are the first choice.

 

[CGarage]

Not all T-handles are created equal. There are plenty of uncomfortable handles on T-Handles, especially amongst American produced options, which take less user comfort into account than the Europeans and Asians.

 

[ronkz650]

L keys are obsolete as points ignition and tubes in tires. Any I have will never be used again except the tiny .010 size ect. Why in this world would anyone ever use a L key?

 

[Meursault74]

Most versatile, I'd vote for L-key. That being said, I have L-key, T-Handle, and fold up. I have some that attach to a ratchet too.

to get enough torque on the L-key when using it the long way, I've had to grab it with some pliers sometimes. In that case the t-handle would be better.

You know this is GJ, get'em all.

Just stay away from the ones that come on a key ring.

 

[nadogail]

In my opinion, there is no style of Hex Key that is the most suitable for all purposes.

The drawer of assorted Hex and Bristol keys in my tool chest is evidence of what I have found to be the reason for this opinion.

 

[no704]

to get enough torque on the L-key when using it the long way, I've had to grab it with some pliers sometimes. In that case the t-handle would be better.

Just stick the short end into the plastic holder!

 

[Meursault74]

Just stick the short end into the plastic holder!

I didn't think of that.

At work we had a bin of hex keys. No holders, just a pile of them. Used pliers or an adjustable wrench most of the time to break 'er free when my fingers weren't good enough.

 

[GX460DIYguy]

I lean heavily towards hex sockets, but have folding sets and the classic L shaped for those times I can’t use a socket. Maybe it’s from playing with dad’s ratchets as a kid, but I’ve got a problem when it comes to sockets and ratchets.

 

[CGarage]

Those prescribing the ball ends as the best choice, be careful of the torque you think you can get out of them…and damaging the fastener head which is no fun!

The ball ends are the LAST option I would use! Only when access is an issue.

My .02 pence.

 

[Dave455]

I’m going with the consensus view that one style does not suit all applications.

Those advising the conventional L shape in the first instance are probably right. Think of the conventional hex key as the hex equivalent of wrench.

If you are in the U.S. it’s hard to go wrong with Bondhus or Eklind. I’d get long ones in the first instance. For what they cost, get yourself a decent size set and you’ve covered all the basics!


If you wanted to supplement these, and there will be situations where they are not ideal, then what I would choose would depend on the size.

In the smallest sizes, you can get tools with a flat plastic handle commonly called “flag” or “wing” style. These are held between the fingertips and work really well.

Moving up in size, I find the screwdriver style to be most useful. Many manufacturers offer these.

One consideration here is to ensure that the handle is big enough in the smaller sizes. Another is to consider if you want ball tip or straight. I generally prefer the former, but the latter are obviously stronger.


An alternative to the screwdriver style are the T handle, and they are definitely to be preferred in the larger sizes. They also offer a relatively long blade, which is sometimes useful. I must admit I like Bondhus T handles.


In some situations a hex bit socket is the best option. In some cases, particularly automotive, these are the only tools that can access a fastener. They are also the best choice for the bigger sizes, as you can attach a long handle. They are also the most costly option, but poor quality ones are a false economy.

 

[lardy1]

I've wanted the tee handles for awhile but I wouldn't use them enough to justify buying and storing a bunch of them. I saw this and bought one. It works pretty well on larger sizes but I haven't used it much and not at all on small sizes. I just thought I'd try it for the price.

Amazon.com

It's plastic so I'm not expecting a lot of durability.

 

[ecotec]

L keys are obsolete as points ignition and tubes in tires. Any I have will never be used again except the tiny .010 size ect. Why in this world would anyone ever use a L key?

I use them all the time in electrical work.

 

[Bubba Fett]

I use regular L-keys fairly often, but I have Metric and S.A.E. sets of Masterforce (Pratt-Read) ball-hex screwdrivers that I really like. But in my tool bag, I use folding hex key sets because they are convenient, and I don't have to worry about losing one of the keys.

Most of the time, I'm adjusting set screws or assembling brackets/mounts. So those are fine.

For automotive work, bit sockets are the better option in most cases.

 

[bwringer]

Reading comprehension R hard, apparently...


The question was "Hex Keys - most versatile form factor?"

That's L-keys with ball ends, hands down. The odds of being able to reach and turn any given fastener are the highest with these, by far. If you only have room for one style, this is what you need. This is what I carry in my motorcycle tool roll. Wera Hex-Plus, to be precise.

Ball ends are not as strong, obviously, so some folks prefer the straight ends. However, that wasn't part of the question; it was "most versatile", not "strongest".


If the question were "most comfortable" or "most preferred", or "most convenient, if they fit", or "strongest", then yeah, T-handles, bits, screwdriver handles, folding sets, etc. all have important roles, and most of us probably have "all the above" on hand.

If the question were "most likely to remove chowdered fasteners", then you'd need to look at the Wera Hex-plus (my favorite; these are 1,000% legit able to turn stuff nothing else will touch) or something like the RBRT or "Gripedge" style.

 

[Tynee]

I'm in the camp of the long form L-key with a ball end on the long end. They're the most versatile. They won't do 100% of every job involving hex fasterners, but I'd be they'll do 90%+.

75% of the time, they'll be as quick and efficient as the other options, too. There are deals to be had on Bondhus if you look around some. They appear to be the sweet spot for quality vs. cost.

 

[CGarage]

I don’t agree with ball-end being the best choice overall.

Sometimes, it’s the only choice, but it shouldn’t be the first choice!

My .02 pence


ETA:

Forgive my use of terminology and my history here as it may be a little hazy.

The In-Hex head fasteners, to my knowledge, have largely been replaced in industry with Torx / Star fasteners because of the reduced risk of camming out (cam out) the fastener heads. Also, increased ability to torque the fastener in the case of torx / star bolts.

The risk when using the ball end is on an In-Hex (hex head) is the damage that can be done to the fastener. And then you have limited options to remedy this and can have a hell of a time removing the “stripped” fastener.

Sometimes, ball end is the only option. But I then would replace hardware every time if this was the case as inexpensive insurance.

My .02 pence.

I am sure someone like Dave455 will be able to add to this or correct areas where I am off mark.

 

[Tynee]

I don’t agree with ball-end being the best choice overall.

Sometimes, it’s the only choice, but it shouldn’t be the first choice!

My .02 pence


ETA:

Forgive my use of terminology and my history here as it may be a little hazy.

The In-Hex head fasteners, to my knowledge, have largely been replaced in industry with Torx / Star fasteners because of the reduced risk of camming out (cam out) the fastener heads. Also, increased ability to torque the fastener in the case of torx / star bolts.

The risk when using the ball end is on an In-Hex (hex head) is the damage they can be done to the fastener. And then you have limited options to remedy this and can have a hell of a time removing the “stripped” fastener.

Sometimes, ball end is the only option. But I then would replace hardware every time if this was the case as inexpensive insurance.

My .02 pence.

I am sure someone like Dave455 will be able to add to this or correct areas where I am off mark.

I get your hesitation, but I always (an absolute I shy away from when it doesn't apply) use the short, non-ball end to break a fastener loose. The ball end is very handy after that.

 

[rust in the eye]

L keys (preferably ball end) pretty much always work. If you can only carry one style, carry L keys.



T-handles are faster and more convenient in some situations, but they can't reach everything.

Same for sockets, bits, screwdriver style, etc.

This L keys along with a hex key handle will do most everything.

 

[niget2002]

I have a full set of Bondhus T-handles and a full set of L-shaped. I've find there's quite a few times where the T-handle won't fit because of a wall or something in the way.

 

[tamaraw]

Wow! I think the L shaped keys are for part timers! Tee handles are the way to go. For flat pack furniture ball ends are nice.

I have an ancient set of craftsman, possibly bondhus. They have solid steel handles and no stubby end. Really awesome in the machine shop, spin nice, loads of torque control. I think there’s a ton of really nice tee handles out there.

Yep, I typically reach for the T-handles first. I’ve had several sets of “Allen” brand t handles from 30 or so years ago. Solid steel handles under the plastic-dip can take a beating and can transmit a fair amount of torque.

I’ve got virtually ever other type of hex key, sockets, etc., but the beefy t-handles are the first choice.

L keys are obsolete as points ignition and tubes in tires. Any I have will never be used again except the tiny .010 size ect. Why in this world would anyone ever use a L key?

I'm not sure what you guys are smoking?

I do like T-handles, but L keys fit when vertical clearance is limited and can exert far more force with a longer lever.

 

[RegeSullivan]

The long L type ball end are my go to tool for most situations. I have several sets, long and short ball end. I also have a short set of straight end. A 1"x1"x4"ish block of wood with a kerf cut 3/16"ish deep and a hole drilled about 1/2 way makes a great handle.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

Standard L shape ball heads in a name brand will do most things

 

[tamaraw]

I don’t agree with ball-end being the best choice overall.

Sometimes, it’s the only choice, but it shouldn’t be the first choice!

My .02 pence


ETA:

Forgive my use of terminology and my history here as it may be a little hazy.

The In-Hex head fasteners, to my knowledge, have largely been replaced in industry with Torx / Star fasteners because of the reduced risk of camming out (cam out) the fastener heads. Also, increased ability to torque the fastener in the case of torx / star bolts.

The risk when using the ball end is on an In-Hex (hex head) is the damage they can be done to the fastener. And then you have limited options to remedy this and can have a hell of a time removing the “stripped” fastener.

Sometimes, ball end is the only option. But I then would replace hardware every time if this was the case as inexpensive insurance.

My .02 pence.

I am sure someone like Dave455 will be able to add to this or correct areas where I am off mark.

You get ball end on the long end for spinning stuff in or low-torque applications and a normal straight hex on the short end for higher torque application.

I agree that double ball would be rather limited but I think those are less common.

 

[AEAdam]

I'm not sure what you guys are smoking?

I do like T-handles, but L keys fit when vertical clearance is limited and can exert far more force with a longer lever.

Hit me in the face with a pie. I never use the L keys because I have a ridiculous collection of bit sockets. If I didn’t have them, I would use the keys for sure. You are right they are handy. But ya know what’s even better? BIT SOCKETS!

I had to build a house full of IKEA furniture when we first moved to the UK. I had all the trick snap on bit sockets there are along with speed wrenches (didn’t have any power tools), and a couple awesome ratchets. That’s the way to build that stuff. Needed long ball ends for a bunch of it. IKEA uses SHCS in pocket holes.

 

[RTM]

had to build a house full of IKEA furniture when we first moved to the UK. I had all the trick snap on bit sockets there are along with speed wrenches (didn’t have any power tools), and a couple awesome ratchets. That’s the way to build that stuff. Needed long ball ends for a bunch of it. IKEA uses SHCS in pocket holes

When my daughter moved into her first college apartment, I took a Yankee screwdriver with a hex bit attachment, and a box of multiple shaped bits, Allen, Torx etc. So much faster, easier, and safer than power tools for IKEA type furniture.

 

[tamaraw]

Hit me in the face with a pie.

I never use the L keys because I have a ridiculous collection of bit sockets.

I am pretty much in the same spot. Handles on square drive equipment are more hand friendly and less flexy.

If I didn’t have them, I would use the keys for sure. You are right they are handy. But ya know what’s even better? BIT SOCKETS!

Agreed in most cases. But OP was asking for the most versatile option for general household use. They might not be as nice to use, but L keys can do pretty much the same work as bit sockets for a fraction of the price/space/complexity.