Just starting to compare my little hex key set (25pc SAE/MET) to hex sockets and bits, not seeing all the same sizes or half sizes in those. Are there complete sets for them? I'm not likely going for huge ones, and haven't checked all the manufacturer sites I know of yet. It's an occasional use tool for me, but since I have a little collection of drive handles going I'd like to improve upon the hex keys, if I can find those sizes or more.
Hex socket/bit sizes
- Thread starter jeejay
- Start date
Found a couple from VIM so far, stubby 1/4 drive. Goes up to 3/8" or 10mm, I don't know though, the drive is smaller than the bit, guess you couldn't damage the bit at least (well, all drives must go larger, like sockets do beyond them). Starts at 2mm, so maybe a 0.5mm would snap too easily in a much larger drive than the hex key itself. Looks like it includes 9mm, which wasn't in the set I have or any other one I've seen. Another set starts at 2.5mm so there are some half sizes also.
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bob15
Well-known member
do you know how small .5mm is? .0196". You are not going to be working with a hex that small.
Have you done a search on GJ? there has been several threads concerning hex bits in the past couple weeks.
Look for a set which has a set-screw to hold in the bits and not a step design (see pictures attached for an understanding).
Also look at bondhus http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/index.html
Have you done a search on GJ? there has been several threads concerning hex bits in the past couple weeks.
Look for a set which has a set-screw to hold in the bits and not a step design (see pictures attached for an understanding).
Also look at bondhus http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/index.html
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bob15
Well-known member
Sockets are really only needed for torque control, so under 3.0mm (1/8inch) is not really useful in sockets. Unless you have a specific task, stick with the most common kit sizes.
If you do aerospace or bicycles or some industrial/medical stuff you will probably go down to 2.5 or 3/32, and you can get these sockets from snap on in complete kits.
Most people use torque screwdrivers below 5nm, and so use hex-bits for torque control.
So sockets are not really a requirement in these small sizes. (1/4 square drive toqrue instruments in this range are typically pretty expensive if they are to be useful.)
I'd say don't worry about it until you have a demonstrated need for it.
3-10mm in metric is standard (skipping 9). There is reason for this.
If you do aerospace or bicycles or some industrial/medical stuff you will probably go down to 2.5 or 3/32, and you can get these sockets from snap on in complete kits.
Most people use torque screwdrivers below 5nm, and so use hex-bits for torque control.
So sockets are not really a requirement in these small sizes. (1/4 square drive toqrue instruments in this range are typically pretty expensive if they are to be useful.)
I'd say don't worry about it until you have a demonstrated need for it.
3-10mm in metric is standard (skipping 9). There is reason for this.
1.5mm impact bit is ???? ...I'd look to get regular stuff
that is properly heat treated (hard)...
Well they are regular hex key sizes, so I'm just thinking of a hex key with more handle options. Like a modular tool system, that's how I think of sockets and bits, besides actual torque wrenches or drivers for torque control. Obviously not all hand tools and hand drive-tools overlap though. 
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Well they are regular hex key sizes, so I'm just thinking of a hex key with more handle options. Like a modular tool system, that's how I think of sockets and bits, besides actual torque wrenches or drivers for torque control. Obviously not all hand tools and hand drive-tools overlap though.
The point is that keys and bits are typicaly "best" in the sizes below 3mm for most if not all uses. PB swiss makes special small-key only sets just for this fill-in purpose
Short, Non-ball Hex Key Set in Plastic Holder (0.71-2mm)
Short, Non-ball Hex Key Set in Plastic Holder (0.89-4mm)
But you cannot torque control with these, so bits and sockets are mandatory when that comes into play. If you are just collectin or tool polishing, what is 'required' is obvioulsy only that it satisfies your curiousity !
I'l reiterate that 'imapct' rated stuff here makes no sense tho. In larger sizes, fine go for it. But not in the smaller sizes.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
Actually I like the hex drivers with screw driver handles for the small stuff. With and without ball ends.
Yeah, I found a speed swivel wrench set at HDpot for those (and little sockets too). It could possibly do what ball ends would, with straight bits, giving me different angles (that or a non detented hinge handle).
Then there's the Titan finger grip drivers I saw at AutoZone. They can be plugged into other handles (and each are magnetic bit holders).
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I'm thinking either bits or sockets (or a little of both). The set screw type looks like a mixture of the two, which is probably good for some situations, like if you were constantly breaking the same one I guess (and I'll be surprised if I break any--never broke a hex key, even pounding on them, only drill bits).
There's a pretty good selection in the Warrior 100pc security bit set too. Just that the solid bits look better in there than ones with an off center hole in them... but hey they're only 10 cents a piece (lots of screwdriver bits included, not sure why the case smells like bengay though, that's a new one... I'm zip locking it then until I sort them into other containers, some fall out of place when it's folded closed, so that's just as well discarded).
Didn't feel like looking at everything ever made for these, so I ordered some of the VIM and Titan ones also (impact just in case I feel like tapping on them). I'll end up with a variety in most sizes (up to 10mm or 3/8") to use with a number of handles in different places. The larger ones I'd look for as needed (which I doubt will come up). Mostly I've used the screwdriver bits for removing screws embedded in tires (and am always grabbing the wrong full size screwdriver at home without an assortment at hand). I'd like to try the others too, instead of fiddling with toothpick sized or relatively short hex handles, which will often put my whole hand in the way of whatever. Besides it's kind of entertaining to configure tools in various ways to fit something or other.
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Nope, the VIM set didn't have one either, it said "2 thru 10" and their are 9 pieces, so you'd think... but there's a 2.5mm in place of that. Looks like it would be an individual thing for brake calipers if nothing else, not in a set.
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Impact rated bits are heat treated to a 'soft' standard so they don't shatter taking impacts.
For a data point, the bolt spec for 1.5mm is m2 iand the max torque is rated at 0,6nm. If you need to hit that with an impact gun, theres antother angle to the story, or you've got some major issues.
The soft-rated HT bits will smear when used by hand, bad for tool and end user hardware.
Nice curiosity but not a user tool.
Sometimes... one thing I hadn't thought of was putting a hex key in a pin vise (saw a pic while looking around at hand drills).
Speaking of keys, hadn't seen little ones with keyed chucks before.
Also found hex adapters for chucks to plug into other handles, so there's lots to do with hex...
Speaking of keys, hadn't seen little ones with keyed chucks before.
Also found hex adapters for chucks to plug into other handles, so there's lots to do with hex...
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