Klein T-Handle Hex Keys?

[Terra Nova]

Decided it may be time to pick up a set of T-handle hex and torx drivers. What is the preferred brand? Zoro carries Klein at normal prices, so a 20% coupon makes them fairly attractive. Always been happy with the Klein screwdrivers and pliers I've used.

How about ball vs straight tip? I have a ball tip set of regular hex keys and they're handy but was leaning towards the straight tip for these.

 

[Notbn]

I have the metric set of Kliens. They feel of decent quality. Made in eastern Europe I believe (Slovenia or Slovakia?).

The size markings on top are just silkscreened on the rubber, I expect they will wear off eventually but so far they've held up to a fair amount of grease and oils that you'd run into working on bikes.

I would personally go for the ball tip unless whatever you work on always has direct access to the fastener.

 

[Trapps]

I an happy with a set of Powerbuilt.



They are not ball end but are solidly built and the spin feature is nice. I bought them specifically to work on motorcycles. I do have a set of cheapo ball end 'L' shaped keys. I'll second @Notbn 's opinion on ball end.

 

[shawhite]

I would say bondhus straight not a fan of ball end

 

[Mr. Wonderful]

I have both sets of the Klein. Both with the ball end. I was disappointed that they were not US made. They are of decent quality. I was getting ready to buy the torx set but I opted for the Bondhus this time. They feel much more substantial. They lack the short side on the handle for increased torque if that is important to you.

 

[Terra Nova]

I thought (assumed) they were made in the US, guess that's not the case. Perhaps I'll look closer at the Bondhus sets. I was interested in the short side on the handle for more torque though, which the Bondhus lacks.

The powerbult set looks interesting for sure.

Thanks for all the input!

 

[neersighted]

Those Klein are made in Slovenia by Unior, and are extremely high quality. That being said, if you want US-made it's hard to go wrong with Bondhus.

 

[kngelv]

I have the metric Klein. Use them all the time and they have held up well.

James

 

[neersighted]

I thought (assumed) they were made in the US, guess that's not the case. Perhaps I'll look closer at the Bondhus sets. I was interested in the short side on the handle for more torque though, which the Bondhus lacks.

The powerbult set looks interesting for sure.

Thanks for all the input!

If you want metric ball hex made in the USA, with Bondhus-supplied hex stock, Park Tool makes a similar tool (in fact, they originated the style that Unior imitates) as their 'P-handles,' which are a go-to tool in the bicycle world. Note that these use a hard nylon handle instead of the multi-component soft-touch Unior handles, and the size markings are moulded in with no inking.

Check out the PH-1.2.

 

[darkzero]

For T-handle hex I personally prefer non-ball ends. Seen too many of them snap off various brands. For ball ends I prefer traditional hex keys. Depends on what you work on though.

Those Klein are made in Slovenia by Unior, and are extremely high quality.

That's interesting. I had a set that looked identical to the Kleins (before the Kleins came out IIRC). Mine were branded Inbus (German) & they also said made in Germany on the handles. Great quality but I ended up giving them to my brother.

 

[LeeG]

I have 5he Klien’s. SAE, metric, and Torx. I haven’t had any problems with them. I do not care for the stand. It always seems to be a pain getting them back in when you are in a hurry, so I made a solid rack from a piece of popular.

 

[neersighted]

For T-handle hex I personally prefer non-ball ends. Seen too many of them snap off various brands. For ball ends I prefer traditional hex keys. Depends on what you work on though.

That's interesting. I had a set that looked identical to the Kleins (before the Kleins came out IIRC). Mine were branded Inbus (German) & they also said made in Germany on the handles. Great quality but I ended up giving them to my brother.

That is very interesting. The Kleins are definitely made in Slovenia as can be seen on their Zoro listings. I wonder if those Inbus are produced under license using the same molds designed by Unior.

For reference, check out the original Unior design.

 

[decableguy2000]

have the Klein in metric for years. The size markings have worn off on the 2 most used. No issues other than that.

 

[darkzero]

That is very interesting. The Kleins are definitely made in Slovenia as can be seen on their Zoro listings. I wonder if those Inbus are produced under license using the same molds designed by Unior.

For reference, check out the original Unior design.

Who knows, could be either or. I never saw the Unior ones before or even heard of Unior myself but it seems both Unior & Inbus have quite a long history & both seem to be actual tool manufacturers. All I remember is having the Inbus ones before the Kleins came out. I got the Inbus from the UK.

When the Kleins came out I just assumed they were made in Germany since Klein & no one else at the time listed where they were made.

Hafu also sells these but I'm pretty sure they are just rebranding the Inbus ones. That was my speculation anyway & bought the Inbus instead at the time.