Hex tool for tight area

[skeaner]

I'm installing bathroom fixtures, (vanity mirrors, towel rack etc.) The small size hex fastener, small little Allen wrench they give you and a very tight space make installing these fixtures maddening. There has to be a tool that builders use to make installing these types of fixtures much less frustrating....HELP

 

[ChevyEFI]

Allen wrench to a bit ratchet with low profile bits should be an easy improvement. VIM maybe?

 

[WhoWhatNow]

This is a great set. Similar or the same as the VIM tool:

https://www.harborfreight.com/locking-flex-head-ratchet-and-bit-set-35-piece-58074.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12192884362&campaignid=12192884362&utm_content=163981016762&adsetid=163981016762&product=58074&store=&gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAADAHb4eF0s_1UBNuU6GRiJBU3GbKD

 

[mike93lx]

You want a ball end hex wrench. Allows you to move the other end away from the wall enough to rotate it. A towel bar is not the place for a bit ratchet

 

[MR2FC]

Look at quality RC brands, I have the Yeah Racing which are OK, but Hudy, MIP or EDS or Arrowmax seem to be the best

 

[Beerhippie]

I just use an angle grinder and cut-off wheel to make the keys the manufacturer includes with the fixture into a low-clearance wrench. Then I throw it away and refuse to ever work on that fixture again.

We had no-touch faucets installed in our bathrooms that required annual battery changes with a stupid Allen nut retainer right up against the wall. I think I "accidentally" broke them all and replaced them with ones that had the batteries mounted below the sink.

 

[garfunkle24]

Look at quality RC brands, I have the Yeah Racing which are OK, but Hudy, MIP or EDS or Arrowmax seem to be the best

I have no idea why anyone would buy general use tools from a niche market supplier. I get buying speciality stuff but why on earth would a person buy hex keys, wrenches, screwdrivers etc from such a place?

I see it with RC guys, bicycle guys with their Park stuff etc.

How would the OP benefit from a fancy tool from an RC supplier? Do they need the ultra light weight? I doubt it.

Pretty sure the OP just needs some ball end or low profile hex keys.

 

[MarcSeattle]

My favorite would be the Wera hex keys with what they call the "holding function" (spring loaded ball) so it's less likely to drop a screw.

Another option would be the L-keys that have a flex joint at the corner, made by Bondus.

 

[garfunkle24]

Another option would be the L-keys that have a flex joint at the corner, made by Bondus.

Just a note top add that those are made in Taiwan (as opposed to most Bondhus) and more "made for" Bondhus than "made by". I bought them under a different brand many years ago.

They work well for some spots and the flat section at the hinge is easy to put a wrench on. They're handy to use this way when you need a long non-ball end key. The short end is a bit on the long side for my liking though and you can't shorten it much.

 

[KnurledNut]

I like to use long bits standalone to spin them in and finish snugging with a small driver handle.

 

[nadogail]

I buy Bondhus from Marshals Industrial Hardware in San Diego.

 

[MR2FC]

An RC driver has a small diameter handle allowing you to get close to a wall or door without worrying about scratching anything with the bare end of an Allen key, and obviously saves time if you have a lot to do.

 

[RoninB4]

You want a ball end hex wrench. Allows you to move the other end away from the wall enough to rotate it.

A ball driver is ok for running the screw/set-screw in but NOT for tightening. The reduced cross section of the neck can/will snap off fairly easy. This has been covered numerous times.

 

[mike93lx]

A ball driver is ok for running the screw/set-screw in but NOT for tightening. The reduced cross section of the neck can/will snap off fairly easy. This has been covered numerous times.

Its completely adequate for a towel bar in my experience. But, as it turns out, only one end is ball, so even if it is weak, you still don't need a second tool. Just turn it around.

The ridiculousness of suggesting a bit ratchet is peak garage journal