Inexpensive hex keys that don't ****?

[mires]

I'm a plumber and therefore end up using hex keys quite often. Normally for small set screws in fixture handles. I've been through a few cheap chinese sets and throw the whole damn set away when the most used ones get rounded, bent, lost etc. I'm ready for a set that doesn't **** but don't want to spend a ton of money. No more than $30 I would say. The last set I bought had both standard and metric but it is pretty rare that I use the metric at all. I'll probably just get a standard set and keep my cheaper metric ones as they are rarely used. What say you?

 

[tym]

I've used Eklind and Bondhus with no issue. I managed to break a Bondhus in half (my fault) and they replaced it under warranty no questions asked.

 

[nelstomlinson]

Eklind and Bondhus have been very, very good for me. Also, Cripe recently had some old, USA made hex key sets for just a few dollars each.

 

[plinker]

Elkind or older Allen work good. No experience with Bondhus, but they are some of the better ones from what I've read.

 

[alexb2000]

Bondhus... Love Em.

 

[matt stott]

It is hard to beat Bondhus for the value- great wrenches, great company, usa made.

If your size range is not that large, you can get a small set of the non-ball end, short PB Swiss wrenches for under $30. (3/32--5/16). These are the absolute best hex wrenches I have found in my 27 years of turning wrenches professionally, but may be overkill, especially if you only use one or two sizes.

The Wera sets are also very good, and fall in the middle of Bondhus and PB Swiss, price wise.

Good luck.

Matt

 

[Gmonkee]

I use Eklind folders. Have not had any bad with them unless I fudged up. The end rounds a bit I just grind them back to clean stock.

SAE models are nearly given away now in the used market. Metrics and torx hold price.

 

[Wamsutta]

Both metric and standard for $18.11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012Y38W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jtels85]

We use Eklind’s at my work. They seem to go missing more than they break.

I have Craftsman hex keys at home and love them. Made in China, but they’ve held up great over the years. Just put together some furniture with ball end hex keys and they did the job!

 

[jumbojak]

I've become a big fan of the Carlyle allen wrenches sold by NAPA. I have no experience with Bondhus but picked up a set of the Carlyle when two different sets of Eklind wouldn't remove a stuck set screw.

 

[zktk01]

I think Bondhus or Eklind will work for you. Below are a few links if interested

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=369859&highlight=bondhus

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=352296&highlight=bondhus

 

[bonneyman]

I've also had good luck with Eklind and Bondhus.

Haven't tried Umbrako, but they look good.

http://www.unbrako.com/wrenches

And FACOM and WERA both make an enhanced grip style called HEX-PLUS that looks interesting. But I'm betting they're not cheap.

https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/hex-plus/

 

[1/2 Cup]

Both metric and standard for $18.11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012Y38W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Endorsed

 

[mires]

You guys are awesome. I ordered a set of Bondhus briteguard and goldguard. Metric and Standard. From the sounds of it, they will serve me well. Thanks for all of your input.

 

[Ray-CA]

Try looking here....

https://www.mcmaster.com/hex-key-sets

Ray

 

[Alexander]

You guys are awesome. I ordered a set of Bondhus briteguard and goldguard. Metric and Standard. From the sounds of it, they will serve me well. Thanks for all of your input.

I bought that set last spring and have been using them frequently since then with no issues.

Hopefully they work for you at least a little longer than your previous sets!

 

[techieman33]

The Bondhus and Eklind are good, but Wera are the best. Their hex plus design is truly superior to everything else I've ever tried. A lot of people see the $40 sets and write them off as to expensive. But their cheaper sets also have the same hex plus design. They're about $14 on KC tool, and $16 on amazon with prime shipping.

 

[Tonyuk]

Wera are the best i've used, as well as their hex sockets.

 

[Elvie84]

Wera are the best i've used, as well as their hex sockets.

Have a set of both and there not bad actually.


Sent from my iPad using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[reptilezs]

bondhus or wera

 

[CR888]

The problem with these threads is that nobody knows how much somebody has used the products they are recommending. Are you saying something's great because its performed well the few times a year you've used it and have not tried other products on the market or do you use hex shanks daily and have been through near everything on the market. Or are you saying something's great cause you read others saying its great. Hard to navigate and find tested advice.

 

[thesilverone]

Been using Bondhus for work everyday for 10+ years with no issues

 

[Dakkyz]

I have a few sets of Inbus and Hafu both made in Germany and have lasted me a long time.

Either Wera/PB Swiss/Bondus best ones you can buy.

Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[kythri]

I'm using Eklind T-handles, and Wera hex keys (with ball ends). The Wera weren't what I'd call inexpensive, though they weren't outrageously priced for what you get.

 

[GrayFlattop]

The problem with these threads is that nobody knows how much somebody has used the products they are recommending. Are you saying something's great because its performed well the few times a year you've used it and have not tried other products on the market or do you use hex shanks daily and have been through near everything on the market. Or are you saying something's great cause you read others saying its great. Hard to navigate and find tested advice.

Well, I can vouch for the (older) T-handle Allen brand cushion grip wrenches. We have several sets on the benches in our very active (2 shifts, six days a week) tool shop. While we typically use impact wrenches for loosening socket head cap screws (our native fastener type), the t-handles see plenty of use and abuse. Our maintenance techs have their own sets that see heavy use as well. If the tip wears, just touch-up on the grinder.

Other than the wear of the plastic dipped material on the handles, they just have not failed. Honestly, I would expect the Bondhus to perform the same way, except the ball tip might wear. I like the contoured handle of the Bondhus, but the handle length is a bit short to allow much torque transfer.

That said, I'm not sure if the new T-handles are as robust, Allen being part of Apex group, engineering to a price point has become a reality.

 

[Gmonkee]

The problem with these threads is that nobody knows how much somebody has used the products they are recommending. Are you saying something's great because its performed well the few times a year you've used it and have not tried other products on the market or do you use hex shanks daily and have been through near everything on the market. Or are you saying something's great cause you read others saying its great. Hard to navigate and find tested advice.

I will not suggest a product without a long term use in my own kit. Same reasons you say that too many times unpacking reveiws turned out to be flashy new turds to throw away.

Sadly I can suggest a bunch of **** that has been decades out of production and the last factory worker is probably dead. Even less useful.

 

[mowkep]

I've got Eklind short arms that I've been using since the 80s. Also have long arms in standard. The plastic holders are worn and probably the 3/32 wrenches are toast from having people use them to try and remove stuck inserts...

 

[Stuart in MN]

The problem with these threads is that nobody knows how much somebody has used the products they are recommending. Are you saying something's great because its performed well the few times a year you've used it and have not tried other products on the market or do you use hex shanks daily and have been through near everything on the market. Or are you saying something's great cause you read others saying its great. Hard to navigate and find tested advice.

The original poster has already ordered some Bondhus so this is piling on, but I have the same ones that were linked in another post:

Both metric and standard for $18.11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012Y38W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm not a professional mechanic so they don't see daily use, but the quality is good and I've been happy with them.

 

[CR888]

Well that's good men, adding that context of how you use the tools makes what you say much more valuable. I'm not suggesting anyone is making up stories, its just the basis of a recommendation needs some credit.

 

[Ign]

I know OP already made his choice but Paramount from MSC is also Made in US and has been fine at one of my vertical mills.

 

[Professional Tool User]

$30 is about how much a bondhus set would cost.

 

[Stuart in MN]

$30 is about how much a bondhus set would cost.

Unless of course you paid $18.11 for them.

Both metric and standard for $18.11

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012Y38W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[WWheeler]

Yeah I went all in with Bondhus a couple years ago. Still very much impressed with all of them especially the prohold tips on the drivers with the lil plastic nub that will hold a hex/torx fastener on the end. Wasn't sure at the time they were going to hold up like they have.

 

[RoundedNut]

Hex, Robertson and Torx are the common fastener types. I don't see the need for new classes of tools like keys/wrenches to deal with them.

 

[zktk01]

The Bondhus and Eklind are good, but Wera are the best. Their hex plus design is truly superior to everything else I've ever tried. A lot of people see the $40 sets and write them off as to expensive. But their cheaper sets also have the same hex plus design. They're about $14 on KC tool, and $16 on amazon with prime shipping.

I didn't know the cheap ones had that design to. Might have to get some.

 

[kidney]

I use hex keys every day. I also order tools for 30 guys in a shop.

Eklind t-handles work just fine. Regular bent t-handle with dipped handles. Not too many care for their comfort grip. It does seem that once every two weeks I touch up the ends.

As far as L keys, through popular demand the guys have requested I order MSC Paramount branded L keys. Dunno who makes them for MSC, but they have replaced Eklind in the the new tools cabinet.

Bondhus is pretty good, but I normally only order their ball end hex drivers.

 

[reptilezs]

I use hex keys every day. I also order tools for 30 guys in a shop.

Eklind t-handles work just fine. Regular bent t-handle with dipped handles. Not too many care for their comfort grip. It does seem that once every two weeks I touch up the ends.

As far as L keys, through popular demand the guys have requested I order MSC Paramount branded L keys. Dunno who makes them for MSC, but they have replaced Eklind in the the new tools cabinet.

Bondhus is pretty good, but I normally only order their ball end hex drivers.

msc paramount hex keys are bondhus