Recommend an Allen Key set?

[misterdobalina]

Look, everyone makes one. I have a drawer full of them. They're rusty, disorganized, stripped, whatever.

I want to put an end to this once and for all. Best value for the money (Europe, good Taiwanese, American, whatever). Lots of sizes, color coded, metric and SAE, probably ball-tipped, preferably in a case/container/holder that will last 50 years. Budget practically unlimited but I hate spending stupidly.

Bonus points if individual keys can be replaced. I know that's limiting, it's not a necessity.

Recommend me a set please.

 

[ItsNemo]

Honestly, I have the Tekton sets in SAE and Metric and they're quite nice full stop, not just for the price. They have them in ball and regular ends in pairs:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I5THF4W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Tekton works really nicely for me and I’m a professional mechanic. I also have some old Craftsman USA but you can’t get replacements for those anymore a lot of the guys I work with have the Bondhus ones and they love them. Also a few have Snap-on but those are expensive but work well.


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[racinfarmer]

Bondhus if you want US, Wiha if you want Euro (or PB Swiss).

 

[darkzero]

For hex keys I like Bondhus. Good quality, not expensive, & individual replacements are readily available. I have them in long length & stubby long length (short end is stubby) w/ ball ends. I got ball ends cause my hex bit sockets & hex t-handles don't have ball ends which is what I prefer.

I thought about getting some fancy magic tips, color coded, etc ones but I like hex L keys to be simple & be able to replace them individually for cheap if one gets lost or damaged.

 

[xela456]

The list is short.
Bondhus 20399 (24.99)
Eklind 13222 (17.99)

I'm 100 percent sure there are others that are maybe a little better but theres nothing better for the price
I've had either or both sets for years at a time and I have no complaints. Both are also made in USA

 

[Jlarson]

Bondhus, I probably have several sets of L keys, and when I say sets I mean inch and metric, between, ball, regular and stubby, 4 sets of t handles in different styles, a couple sets of screw driver and I don't know how many sets of folders floating around. Rarely do I have to replace any.

 

[mslim]

Bondhus or Eklind L keys for me. I've got a set of ball end SK metric 3/8" but I hate 'em and never use 'em. Wiha and Facom in 1/4" drive.

 

[GeoBruin]

Iv got Eklind sets in the "standard" size range and Bondhus sets of very small hex keys. Both are excellent. I've also got a large clambshell box of Tektons and I've always been disappointed with them. Granted, they are probably 10 years old and the finish looks nothing like the Tekton set posted above so they've clearly found a new manufacturer since I bought these.

 

[Flash21]

Best Value - Nice Quality at lowish price: Bondhus

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Bondhus if you want US, Wiha if you want Euro (or PB Swiss).

While I don't have these, I had a set of Snap On and from what I understand they were the same. They were excellent. I had mine in my truck and I think they got stolen. Although I could have lost them. They went missing along with a bag full of Vise Grips. I'd love to have them back. I've tried several sets since then and never found anything that comes close. I'll likely buy another SO or Bondhus set at some point.

 

[RoninB4]

I once worked for Eklind Tool and spearheaded the ball driver project. I used to prefer the Eklind keys until a frivolous lawsuit caused them to drop the heat treating Rc by a couple of points, the keys would twist rather than break. Eklind used to make keys from 8650 (IIRC) but spot market buying could be from anything now. Snap On , Blue Point, and a few other brands used to be made by Eklind Tool, check for the "ET" stamped on the shank of whatever brand it is. When "house branding" I'd just change the stamp during production. I'd consider buying whatever you can replace and considering them a perishable tool, they all get rounded and effed up. Also would not suggest using ball drivers to break the torque loose on any fastener, it can easily snap off. My favorite hex key? The Unbrako line from 25 years ago, much tougher than any other brand Euro or American made. I have no idea what quality is like on industrial tools now, everything has changed (usually for worse) in the last 20 years. Apologies if this didn't help the OP, welcome to manufacturing in the Global Economy.

 

[dogdog]

I just have the Husky non-slop ones from HomeDepot and it's excellent so far. it is extra long reach, only complain is that there is no handle that comes with this set. It's great if the key can be used on the short end and the long end for leverage.. otherwise some cheater bar scenario.. it doesn't have a ball end, so just make sure it fits and seated good before you go gorilla on it. Dunno who makes them.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-SAE-Metric-Non-Slip-Hex-Key-Set-18-Piece-HNSHKSM18PC/204761077

 

[timgunn1962]

Caveat: I'm in England, so don't necessarily get to see/use all the brands available Stateside.

Bondhus are good. I've used them as my go-to for decades.

The Wera Hex-Plus seem better. I deal with a lot of stainless socket-head screws in outdoor locations, often into tapped holes in Aluminium. Stripping the inhex is a constant problem and the Hex-Plus seem to do it less than the Bondhus.

The Hex-Plus looks a bit strange, but works. It's essentially an internal hexagon take on the flank drive that is now common on box wrenches. Once it's out of patent, I expect it to become almost universal.

A colleague has the Hex-Plus set with the holding function on the ball end. I've been kicking myself for not getting the same.

"Best" is subjective and depends a lot on the task. If you work with clean stuff, Bondhus is ideal. If you need to work with stuff that's been outside in all weather for a while, go for the Wiha.

 

[JoeMcGov]

Wiha.

https://www.wihatools.com/hex-tools

 

[MushCreek]

I used them professionally for years, working on plastic injection molds. We routinely put pipe extensions on them for more leverage. The Wera Hex-Plus is hands-down the best I've ever used. They grip better, and seemed to last forever. The ball end is handy, but if you put too much torque on them, they will break off.

 

[bixxjs]

Go for Mac rbrts.

 

[908Jim]

Bondhus would be my top choice. Splurge for the "gold" color plating, not for the corrosion resistance, but so you can easily put the set back together!

Eklind makes a very good quality tool as well. I'm not sure they are "as good" as Bondhus, but I own a few sets and have seen them in use in many production applications.

 

[CGarage]

Bondhus for SAE.
I have PB Swiss, Wiha, Facom for Metric.
Hafu makes them for a lot of Euro companies.
https://www.hafu.de/index-en

 

[Bottlecapdigger]

Bondhus if you want US, Wiha if you want Euro (or PB Swiss)


.[my vote too]

 

[mr.lemons]

Out of interest, why use Allen keys over hex screwdrivers, hex bits + ratchet, impact hex bits, bit driver or ratchet screwdriver with hex bits, t-handles hex?

I can see the benefit of a compact Allen set in a portable box, but find them awkward and slow to use compared to any of the above.

Are there some situations when only an Allen key with do or is it more of a personal preference thing?

 

[misterdobalina]

Thank you all. I forgot how great this forum was.

Are there some situations when only an Allen key with do or is it more of a personal preference thing?

I have a bunch of Allen/hex sockets and they are the right tool 90% of the time but lately I'm working on the house more than the cars, and for jobs with hinges or chairs or drawers there isn't enough space to use a T-handle or a socket/ratchet.

 

[RoninB4]

.
Are there some situations when only an Allen key with do or is it more of a personal preference thing?

-I won't speak for anybody else but me so this is just my opinion. Working in machine shops on stamping dies, mechanisms, and the tooling/fixtures involved there is a great tendency for 1/4-20 and 10-32 SHCS to be used. The hex key (Allen is a specific brand name) used for both is 3/16 and 5/32. If wearing a shop apron with the two high pockets it was a standard part of my daily attire to have a 6" scale and both of those hex keys in the high pockets. Single hex keys were less weight, less bulky, and less tendency to get lost. Alterations to length for tight spaces was less expense, companies often provided replacement keys (considered a perishable tool) and less expensive than a hex bit for ratchets. For me it really is about the application. Around the garage or vehicle work I do use hex screwdrivers and bits on a ratchet if/when it's appropriate. For industrial applications like a machine shop, almost never. YMMV.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I love this set. I believe Bondhus makes them for Klein.
https://www.kleintools.com/catalog/hex-key-sets/grip-it-12-key-hex-set-inchmetric

 

[mooman]

Out of interest, why use Allen keys over hex screwdrivers, hex bits + ratchet, impact hex bits, bit driver or ratchet screwdriver with hex bits, t-handles hex?

I can see the benefit of a compact Allen set in a portable box, but find them awkward and slow to use compared to any of the above.

Are there some situations when only an Allen key with do or is it more of a personal preference thing?

You need them for Moen cartridge changes and when you don’t have enough room for a socket when working on a set screw.


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[Avenging Bankroll]

nothing

 

[IndyGarage]

Like most I've got the drawer full of loose keys, which are almost useless. I've got a couple of those gadget tools with multiple keys in a holder of some sort.

I've got one set of T-handles in a rack - which is nice but the tools are **** - probably harbor freight or similar.

Awhile back I bought a set from Wera in a little plastic holder - key on one end and ball on the other - they work really well.

I have a mini hex set from Wiha for sewing machine screws - some are tiny.

 

[neophyte]

Caveat: I'm in England, so don't necessarily get to see/use all the brands available Stateside.

Bondhus are good. I've used them as my go-to for decades.

The Wera Hex-Plus seem better. I deal with a lot of stainless socket-head screws in outdoor locations, often into tapped holes in Aluminium. Stripping the inhex is a constant problem and the Hex-Plus seem to do it less than the Bondhus.

The Hex-Plus looks a bit strange, but works. It's essentially an internal hexagon take on the flank drive that is now common on box wrenches. Once it's out of patent, I expect it to become almost universal.

A colleague has the Hex-Plus set with the holding function on the ball end. I've been kicking myself for not getting the same.

"Best" is subjective and depends a lot on the task. If you work with clean stuff, Bondhus is ideal. If you need to work with stuff that's been outside in all weather for a while, go for the Wiha.

If you’re using gex keys on stainless fasteners, you’re supposed to use Stainless Hex Keys, to prevent ferrous contamination of the fasteners.
Wera, Wiha, Facom, and a bunch of other high end tool manufacturers make stainless hex keys specifically for this reason.
Wera hex keys seem to be well liked.

 

[tarbellb]

Bondhus
Eklind
Wiha
PBswiss

All goo or excellent, some better value then others.

 

[Avenging Bankroll]

nothing

 

[Qualitytools]

BP Swiss and Wera Plus, I have had them for a long time, they have never let me down.

 

[thesilverone]

Bondhus

 

[tym]

Bondhus and Eklind for me.

 

[GrayEngineer]

I have a bunch of hex wrench sets, and most of them do the job just fine. The ones that stand out in use for me have been PB Swiss and Wera, those are the ones that I always reach for especially if I am working with soft or expensive fasteners.

On a side note, a previous post mentioned the 5mm fitment test that was performed and the PB Swiss didn't do so well on, I couldn't care less. PB Swiss tools are absolutely excellent in all aspects in my opinion.

 

[pizza]

wera hex-plus

 

[Avenging Bankroll]

nothing

 

[pizza]

Avenging Bankroll,

for hex keys, i've seen you rep bondhus before and **** on pb swiss. at least a few times. lol

i've never used either of those sets, but i'd totally buy a set of bondhus if i needed a spare set of keys. they look nice, and the price is certainly right.

and i can totally believe that the hex key set is not one of pb swiss' more compelling offerings.

but have you tried wera hex-plus? if so, do you think that bondhus is better, or do you recommend it more due to bang-for-buck purposes?

to me, the hex-plus design seems compelling, and i'm inclined to believe it's not just a gimmick based on the GTR video in my last post. idk. all i know is they've worked well for me. haven't fucked up a fastener yet.

 

[Avenging Bankroll]

Avenging Bankroll,

for hex keys, i've seen you rep bondhus before and **** on pb swiss. at least a few times. lol

Yes and I'll criticize any brand not just PB Swiss doesn't matter the COO or brand. For example Vessel offers hex key sets that are just as expensive as PB Swiss. I don't think they're worth it either and you also lose any warranty (unless you're in Japan). I have the same attitude with that Vessel set as I would with any other designer or name brand. There's a rule and law about diminishing returns with tools.

i've never used either of those sets, but i'd totally buy a set of bondhus if i needed a spare set of keys. they look nice, and the price is certainly right.

and i can totally believe that the hex key set is not one of pb swiss' more compelling offerings.

PB Swiss is better in other things such as bit-holders (their Insider bit holders are a really good design and in my opinion far better than anything I've seen that's a rebranded reverse gear, only Wiha and the XiaomiWiha ratcheting bit holding mechanism matches it)

but have you tried wera hex-plus? if so, do you think that bondhus is better, or do you recommend it more due to bang-for-buck purposes?

I've tried/owned/used Wera hex Plus. I think it's just as good as Bondhus depending on the set that you get. I ended up with the chrome/nickel plated and black laser versions in the long ball end versions versus the sleeve versions (and I have my own opinion on the sleeves from experience with them and the Torx versions). Bondhus is better bang for buck when you get the multi-packs but if you're looking to pick up a name brand European one I'd get a nickel/chrome or blacklaser Wera Hex Plus.

to me, the hex-plus design seems compelling, and i'm inclined to believe it's not just a gimmick based on the GTR video in my last post. idk. all i know is they've worked well for me. haven't fucked up a fastener yet.

I've yet to round out a fastener with a Bondhus or the Wera. I've got/used/tried other brands and usually find myself going to the Bondhus or Wera. If I need to use it for removing a stubborn Hex fastener I'll reach for a Toptul Taiwanese hex key extractor set (twisted hex with ball end) or a Hex Plus. The Bondhus may work just as good.

Hex Key sets are mostly useful for situations where you can't get a bit in or you need the angle (even though there are ball end bits).

In GTR's video the Hex Plus seemed to have given him a bit more torque than the Bondhus set but he chose the Bondhus Colorguard which seems to have been painted over (and he mentioned that due to the paint the fitment is difficult). I would have liked to have seen him test with the Briteguard/Goldguard or Proguard to see how consistent the torque results were. Even the Colorguard was within 90% of the Wera Hex Plus but Wera did have an advantage in those tests. I'll admit that Wera makes a fine Hex profile (Plus) and fine Hex key sets. However when it would come to warranty Bondhus has better customer support and warranty (just like Tekton). That can easily be the deciding factor if you bend/twist a Hex key due to a manufacturing defect (which can happen with any brand).

 

[BassXB]

MAC makes a very nice anti stripping Allen set, work like a charm for me when normally itd strip. Looking at you dodge caliper bolts, 3/8th Allen and always rusty.

 

[neophyte]

Bondhus Hex keys use a modified hex design as well, that grips better than older regular hex.

The bkack finish on the Bondhus hex keys is excellent at preventing rust, since I've gotten Bondhus keys wet, and just left them wet in a tool box, and they dried with no rust.

Bondhus is also US made, and relatively affordable.