Long Bit Sockets Bondhus vs VIM?

[FSUwelder1212]

Good afternoon all,

I am in need of a set of long metric hex bit sockets and long torx bit sockets, my typical go-to is Snap-on, however, their pricing lately is more than I can stomach. So I am looking at Bondhus or VIM. Price wise it looks like Bondhus is the more expensive option, but they are US made so I can accept the price difference. I'm mostly interested in whether one will hold up better over the long haul. I have used Bondhus hex keys extensively in industrial applications and they have never let me down, but VIM has a great rep as well. I'm hoping someone with more experience with these two companies can point me in the right direction. Thanks!

 

[Pexto]

What drive size? And how long?

I have no experience with the Bondhus or VIM, but if you're looking for 1/4" 100mm long bits, DRPD has Ko-Ken, KTC, and Nepros. In 3/8 they also have some options, including 120mm PB Swiss.

 

[Mecha]

Proto was the only brand that lasted for me previously for long length ball end. McMaster Carr had them. I would think Bondhus should last very well though.

 

[dnschmidt]

Bondhus, they invented it and in my opinion mastered the ball end hex wrench.

 

[boom10ful]

I have Bondhus ball end hex keys and bits and they've lasted me a long time. Fit and finish is perfect and way cheaper than Snap On.

 

[Zimbo]

I agree Bondhaus is good, have a look at the Stahlwille ones I rate them above Snap ons any day.

 

[lardy1]

Bondhus is top notch, in my opinion. No experience with Vim bits but they get good reviews in here.

 

[ecotec]

Bondhus is top notch, in my opinion. No experience with Vim bits but they get good reviews in here.

I have the extra long Matco bit socket sets. They were popular back when everyone was buying off the VIM deals page. They are pretty nice, but I only use them when I have to. I haven’t twisted any yet. If I can use a shorter bit socket, I do.

 

[Odd-job]

There's a pretty decent selection of Bondhus and VIM bits out there, impacting and non-impacting.

The prohold long bits that I have seem to be more equivalent to the VIM impacting bits I have which is on the softer side IMHO.

I just posted in another thread, but prefer hardened S2 "non impacting" for smaller and softer (and somewhat corroded) fasteners in allen/hex. Curious what sizes do you deal with?

 

[Jacobson]

Got these a few years back for $17

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QSCPJR3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Jacobson]

Got these for $8

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5THF9M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

And these for $11

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002T5O5LO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Walkers]

Bondhus, they invented it and in my opinion mastered the ball end hex wrench.

I did not know that. Just spent some time on their site. Interesting stuff.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Got these a few years back for $17

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QSCPJR3/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I actually bought that set just to remove the keys, and put in my Bondhus keys (I cut the Bondhus "L" wrenches up).


IIRC, I did this because it was the most cost effective way to get this setup.

 

[nadogail]

Proto or Bondhus.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I’m eyeing up the bondhus bits now. I love that they dont come with sockets because as a non-pro, saving storage space is more important than saving time with a tool I’ll rarely ever use.

Im thinking of getting a full set of their regular hex and also ball end hex for weird angles. Then again if it’s a weird angle why do I need a 6” long bit? Weird angle with limited access?

 

[Ricky Joe]

I have run across weird angle with limited access before. I have the long Bondhus t handle, but I prefer sockets because I torque just about everything. My occasional use long bits are Snap-on, bought as needed, no set, and a Powerbuilt that was of an intermediate length that was perfect for Mercedes injectors.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

FWIW, YouTuber Flat Rate Master did a video several years ago on must own snap on tools. He very very rarely suggests buying snap on to his viewers. One of the only snap on tools he says are a must own are ball end hex sockets. Because he says breaking a ball end off onto a fastener *****. He claimed snap on ball end are superior to all other brands.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Well OP. Which one did you go with?