Klein Hex Keys?

[Snap50]

I see many threads on hex key recommendations but don't see comments on Klein. I know that Klein is popular with electricians but maybe don't make it into automotive tool stores.

I like that they are domestic to the USA.

Has anyone had experience with their hex keys?

 

[Zrexxer]

Sure. They work just fine. Found these in a pawnshop for $3, can't beat that with a stick.

 

[48548]

I have set that looks like that but I think they are VACO.

 

[Snap50]

Sure. They work just fine. Found these in a pawnshop for $3, can't beat that with a stick.

Wow, I'd never think to bring a dollar item to a pawn shop.

I guess if they made it to multiple owners then they must hold up.

 

[Davefr]

I see many threads on hex key recommendations but don't see comments on Klein. I know that Klein is popular with electricians but maybe don't make it into automotive tool stores.

I like that they are domestic to the USA.

Has anyone had experience with their hex keys?

Klein is junk these days. It's yet another example of a company that extracts premium prices but reduced their quality.

If you want quality hex keys buy PB Swiss.

 

[48548]

I was acutally thinking the Wera would be some nice ones to try and own.

 

[Snap50]

Klein is junk these days. It's yet another example of a company that extracts premium prices but reduced their quality.

If you want quality hex keys buy PB Swiss.

I believe in buying American so we can all try to get to work.
Thanks for the suggestion anyways.

Maybe Eklind is worth a look too.

I had doubts when Klein ended up in Home Depot, but historically they seemed to be popular, and I still have my father's side cutters from 40 years ago.

 

[Zrexxer]

Maybe Eklind is worth a look too.

I have three sets of Eklind too, SAE, metric, and Torx, and I'm pleased as I can be with them as well.

They're on sale in Enco's Hot Deals flyer this month too:

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INPDFF?PMKANO=244&PMPAGE=63&PARTPG=INLMPI&PMITEM=505-0307&PMCTLG=01

 

[Davefr]

I believe in buying American so we can all try to get to work.
Thanks for the suggestion anyways.

I do to. In fact I just placed an order for a SO KRL combo that nearly approached the 5 figure amount. Maybe it'll help the Iowan's trying to stay employed.

However few things make me more upset then being betrayed by premium priced US brands that have betrayed me from a quality standpoint. Klein is one of them.

Eklind sounds like a good choice. I have some and they haven't failed me.

 

[48548]

I used to really like Bondhus for hex keys.

 

[SocketDeviler]

I have a couple of folding sets by Klein. They have held up very well. Only gripe is the small keys pop off now and then.

 

[vssjim]

Bondhus or Eklind both are very very good i'm sure PB Swiss are fine but the ones I listed are available everywhere and I know they work great and are a great value also and US made to boot

 

[Snap50]

I looked at the Bondhus and a minor issue is that their holders for the sets are different from convention. It looks like they use red for metric when many other manufacturers use red for SAE. Would be nice if they were on the same train.

 

[jcfields]

Yeah, I have Bondhus hex keys, and that still throws me off. Still, it's excellent quality and competitively priced. Even the tiny sizes have proven to be pretty tough.

 

[Snap50]

I was acutally thinking the Wera would be some nice ones to try and own.

WERA has some chrome ones that would seem to end the toolbox rusting issue.

 

[Snap50]

Anyone have Wiha?
They have nickel plated and don't seem overpriced.

 

[bigrob26]

Anyone have Wiha?
They have nickel plated and don't seem overpriced.

I have a set of the WIHA screw holding ball end L-Keys.
they are not nickel plated though
The case the are stored in is pretty neat, it slides open and you can tip the keys out.

 

[bigrob26]

Wiha Magic-Ring ball end hex key set

 

[comedyman809]

Klein is junk these days. It's yet another example of a company that extracts premium prices but reduced their quality.

If you want quality hex keys buy PB Swiss.

have you seen the price for pb swiss hex keys lately??? not really worth it.

 

[comedyman809]

I have set that looks like that but I think they are VACO.

im 99.99 percent sure that klein and vaco are the same company.

 

[Snap50]

have you seen the price for pb swiss hex keys lately??? not really worth it.

Yes, nothing else near them in price.
I decided to give WERA a try based on their screwdrivers and midlevel prices.

 

[arkangel06]

im 99.99 percent sure that klein and vaco are the same company.

They are

 

[straightup]

The Klein tools have definitely declined. Especially the screwdrivers and nutdrivers. The Phillips #2 strips out in the first couple uses. The newer drivers say made in china on the package. So I went with Ideal which is identical. The look identical, although the Ideal says made in USA. The tips on the Ideals last longer too. I'm on the same Phillips 2 for a year now.

I have the large and small set of plastic handle flip outs. They are identical to the Bondhus Gorilla Grip. Mine are very tough. The hex shaft and handle is shorter than the Klein metal flip outs.