looking for 3/8" metric hex drivers

[mslim]

I am working mostly on vintage motorcycles these days.

Several years ago I bought a set of SK ball head hex drivers thinking they'd be more versatile in restricted spaces. Turns out I always feel like I'm going to round out the heads when the bolt is in there tight. I looking for a set running from 4mm~14mm.

I have an SAE set of Snap-on's that are well made (although I did manage to twist one of the smaller drivers) but these days, I can't afford $330 for a set.

What other brands should I consider in the $100 +/- range? Sunex? Tekton? Duralast? Wiha? Stahlwille?

 

[WWheeler]

Bondhus

Edit: Oops, missed the 3/8" part. Didn't realize you meant sockets.

Been about a year but I've been happy with my Gearwrench set. Probably not as nice as your SK though.

 

[Wamsutta]

Here you go but they don't tell you the drive size.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bondhus-43...725444&hash=item3f90fe0c17:g:pxgAAOSwZrhaUp3o

 

[BigBoreFan]

I work on mainly dirt bikes. Seems I use 3,4,5 and 6mm a lot. I just picked these VIM stubbys up, no chance to use them yet. I also own a Craftsman set 3/8 drive, 3 thru 10 maybe, USA made, and I have some ancient Allen branded T-Handles that have worked very well for me. Those Allen branded T-Handles have a lot of use, 15 years at least, maybe more.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEUJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've been eyeballing these Kokens for a while. I use mostly 1/4 drive it seems.

http://www.frankstools.com/ko1mehexbits.html

these Capris gets reviews on YouTube.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UQLQQ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Mr_B]

Just buy the Bondhus pro hold socket bits long or short and mount them in sockets of you choice .
Get ball head and standard as ball head always more risky on a tight fastener or one with slightly damaged socket .

 

[DFB]

I have a Thorson set in 3/8" drive I really like though I don't no longer seem to find one online.

Hands down they were so much better than Craftsman ones which I had in the past. They had to be the absolute worst even a no name set from the auto parts store better I have using hex on motorcycles for decades.

I like using I/4 hex drive bits in a 3/8 drive holder now. Seems every set of power bits get these days has some included. I use a lot of star drive that way too.

I wouldn't be afraid of Tekton I have several sets of CalHawk ball end L wrenches. They are great. I took one set and cut them so I could use them in sockets. Only ever broke one at the ball and that was a little 3/16"

There is also a lot of sets on Amazon off brand names



Pretty much any of the smaller sizes will twist put enough torque behind them. Long reach will be even worse. I have some really long T handle ball end Bondhus they spring wicked never broke one though.

Sunex has neat stubby impact set in 3/8 drive I don't about how useful for everyday work with low clearance though.

I think if I ever buy more they be impacts now. I have a big set from NT in 1/2 drive

 

[1foxracing]

I own many brands of these type of tools, smart move looking for non ball type bits.
Blackhawk 12pc set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YT0020/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bondhus 9pc set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SW9OA0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Wright Tool 8pc set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00279TBXE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Carlyle 12pc set ( these are the longest I own)
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQBSH3812M

Bondhus T handle set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00012Y38C/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Kowa T-handle set
https://japan.webike.net/products/1388745.html

**** Best Value****
Dewalt 17pc set Metric & SAE for $20, lifetime guarantee
when you wear one out just call their 1-800 # and they will send you a free replacement.
Never thought I would use the SAE sizes but when I replaced the pump on my power washer it had SAE head hex head bolts that mounted it to the Honda motor.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TI6QAZG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also have the VIM 1/4 drive set, very handy
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEUJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Titan 1/2 drive set
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MWRBXM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dnschmidt]

I have a mixed drive set up on EBay by TOPTUL. https://www.ebay.com/itm/112927510199

 

[1foxracing]

^ Dennis linked Torx sockets and not metric hex. I also have the Toptul set he use to sell on ebay but I didn't see it currently listed so I didn't include it.

 

[mslim]

Thanks to all who replied. Good suggestions all. Toptul and Koken interest me because I don't have any experience with them. However for this application I think I'm going with the Bondhus 3/8" driver set. They are squarely in my price range, made in the USA, and I've had good luck with Bondhus hex drivers in the past.

 

[matt_i]

Imo the ball drive is a no-no on a tight fastener. Its a much smaller contact area and will get you in deep trouble by machining out the hex. Break loose with a hex key (std or stubby) and then you can use a ball-end.

 

[6PTsocket]

I am working mostly on vintage motorcycles these days.

Several years ago I bought a set of SK ball head hex drivers thinking they'd be more versatile in restricted spaces. Turns out I always feel like I'm going to round out the heads when the bolt is in there tight. I looking for a set running from 4mm~14mm.

I have an SAE set of Snap-on's that are well made (although I did manage to twist one of the smaller drivers) but these days, I can't afford $330 for a set.

What other brands should I consider in the $100 +/- range? Sunex? Tekton? Duralast? Wiha? Stahlwille?

Laugh if you must but I had a 1/2" HF hex on an old Williams 1/2"breaker bar with a cheater pipe. The torque spec was 250 ft lbs and lacking a torque wrench that big I pulled until the breaker bar started to flex. The hex bit was undamaged. They come SAE and metric. You can look up the price but it was probably in the 10 buck range. A cheap gamble that paid off.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Fedwrench]

I would try Capri tools for bit sockets. They're well made, have S2 steel bits, and if you shop around, are probably the best bang for your buck. Made in Taiwan though if COO is an issue.

 

[Snakebyt]

I just bought this set recently, needed a larger safery torx for something, comes with alot of stuff you might not need, but affordable, all are 3/8, and easy replacment if you ever needed to

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3-8-in-Drive-Master-Bit-Socket-Set-37-Piece-H3DBS37PC/204759235

 

[xin]

I work on mainly dirt bikes. Seems I use 3,4,5 and 6mm a lot. I just picked these VIM stubbys up, no chance to use them yet. I also own a Craftsman set 3/8 drive, 3 thru 10 maybe, USA made, and I have some ancient Allen branded T-Handles that have worked very well for me. Those Allen branded T-Handles have a lot of use, 15 years at least, maybe more.


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LQEUJK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I've been eyeballing these Kokens for a while. I use mostly 1/4 drive it seems.

http://www.frankstools.com/ko1mehexbits.html

these Capris gets reviews on YouTube.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B007UQLQQ4/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Get something better in quality as them on race bikes are kinda soft (the hex head to begin with).

If you can get the Koken ones or like similar QUALITY - been riding for nearly 40 years and the fasteners (the metal is just soft). YZ/KX/CR/RM all the same. Now on the KTM/Husquvarnas their metal on fasteners is better quality. I will be getting a KTM EXC 250 (of course 2 stroke) to replace my RM250/RM125 in the future.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I would just order regular hex bits made by SK from HJE and punch out the ball bits and replace with standard hex. If you do not like them switch back.