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Recommendations for 1/4 drive allen bits

motoretro

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Went to do a small job the other day and realized the only small Allen/Socket drive bits I had were 3/8" drive. The job involved a small opening and the 3/8" scraped all the way into the opening. That's a good enough reason for me to purchase a set of 1/4" drive Allen/Socket bits. I like USA although would consider European items. I'd rather not go with Wright this time as I feel their quality has really slipped.
Any suggestions?
G.
 
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BlindViper

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Just a tip but if you get in the citation again. You can cut off a allen key and install it in a socket.
 

MJK

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I think I might get longer bits before I got 1/4" drive ones, but either way VIM makes nice bits.
 
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motoretro

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The torque on this item was only 24 inch pounds so I used my 1/4" drive torque wrench and an 1/4" to 3/8" adapter before popping on the 3/8" Drive Allen bit. I have a set of long 3/8" drive Allen sockets although they don't go down small enough. Thanks for the suggestions and tips.
G.
 

Ralf11

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I have Snappy gold but saw where one of the high end Japanese co.s has bits with retention rings in them to hold the fastener...
 

Skin

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If I were buying today they'd all be MAC RBRT stuff. They seem vastly superior to your standard hex bits. Especially around corrosion.

Snap-on bit sockets are nothing great and carry an insane price tag. They do make stubbies which can be good for higher torque applications but so does VIM I believe. Last time I bought them only the metric were gold colored too so thats not an indication of any superior quality as far as I know.

I wouldn't buy Hazet either mainly due to the fact that there is no easy warranty and you will inevitably twist/break bit sockets.

Either buy something so cheap you don't mind replacing them or buy something with a useful warranty. SK is a good middle road choice since they sell the replacement bit inserts for just a couple bucks.
 
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Dave455

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I generally like U.S. made tools, and in the past I’ve gone as far as to recommend Snap On bits, but just of late I seem to have twisted a couple, so I think I’m coming round to the same view as Skin above - nothing great and very expensive.

I do tend to use KoKen (Made in Japan). I find them to be very durable, and I generally use the two piece bits so if there is any damage I can replace the insert.

I also use Hazet. Like most makers, there are areas they are strong and weak, but these bit sockets are one of their strengths. Their 1/4 drive bits are one piece TiN coated and seem to be very tough. They also offer stainless.

I wouldn’t get too hung up about warranty. If you look at the wording, what you are actually covered against is “defects in manufacturing”. Just because you twist a tool, it doesn’t mean it’s defective. It so happens that Snap On will generally replace twisted bits, but boy, do you pay for that. I can buy 3 Hazet bits or 4 KoKen for the price of one Snap On.

When I buy KoKen bits I generally buy spare inserts at the same time. Given the prices they charge, I’m happy to do that, and in the event of damage I can sort it instantly. I may have been lucky, or careful, but I have yet to twist a Hazet!

One other option you have, is just to buy a 1/4 drive bit holder, and just use hex bits. I know there are some downsides (risk of dropping bits) but you can then use any 1/4 inch hex bit, and bin it if you damage it!
 
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king nero

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Wiha (or any other decent brand) long bits, those with a circular cut out to install in impact drivers. Got them in metric, imperial, and torx. With a decent bit holder (those with a spring), you won't loose them easily.
 

measuredtwice

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If you have a bit ratchet or a socket for 1/4 insert bits, then you might pick up the metric/sae bit set from Menards for $8.89 after 11% rebate. 20 sizes included. It's made in the USA. The quality is very good. In the last photo, the Menards bit is on the left and a Zephyr bit is on the right for comparison.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...et-21-piece/m82078/p-1444451306701-c-9158.htm

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...et-21-piece/m82078/p-1444451306701-c-9158.htm

Picked up this bit set at Menards and I think it is pretty good deal (especially when they run 11% off) for made in the USA bits. The bits are nicely machined. If you zoom in the photos, you can the fine machine lines. In the photo, the Masterforce bit is on the left and a Zephyr bit is on the right, for comparison. I've used the bits with my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver but they do come with a magnetic holder with sockets on both the long and short arms. The holder is just a bent metal tube so it's nothing special but the magnets are actually surprisingly strong. The bits come in one of those vinyl holders. I happen to like this bit holder a lot. I typically use ammo boxes to store bits but these vinyl holders are nice for smaller quantities. You can buy similar holders for a couple bucks at Epstein's made by Ulmann Devices.

These bits are higher quality than the poorly machined bits included with the Masterforce magnetic screwdriver. Even though they are the same brand, they are not the same quality. For other bits at Menards...The Montana brand is also good and made in the USA.

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measuredtwice

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couple more options...

Proto has several different sets. As one example, here's a 6 piece metric set for $44 on Zoro. A 20% off coupon brings it down to $35 with free shipping over $50. Take a look at Proto catalog. There are larger sets of both SAE and Metric if you want SAE also.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-bit-set-14-in-dr-6-piece-hex-j4770-6/i/G0427131/

Williams still makes some in the USA but they are making more overseas. Here's a USA made metric ball-end set of 7 for $50. A 20% coupon brings it down to $40. They also have SAE sockets--they seem to have more USA made sets of SAE. If you want to buy USA made, you'll have to look closely. The American made sets will have letters like "MSM" or "WSM" in their part number whereas the import stuff has a part number with all numbers.

https://www.zoro.com/snap-on-indust...ball-hex-7pcs-wsm-7hba/i/G7165168/?q=WSM-7HBA

There are also several USA made sets from Bondhus. Here's one on Zoro:
https://www.zoro.com/bondhus-set-6-prohold-hex-bit-6-43646/i/G0890149/
Here's a link to the manufacturer: https://bondhus.com/pages/hex-end3
 
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motoretro

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Thanks for all the suggestions, time to do some more digging and comparing.
G.
 

Odd-job

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Would 3/8 long have worked in this situation? This is usually what I reach for.

VIM had a nice set of 1/4 long Matcos on their clearance page that I was thinking of getting. Looks like someone cleared them out. Would add ViMS to the list that being said. Good bang for the buck even at regular prices.
 

ptgarcia

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I have VIM and I have Tekton. I like both sets, they do their job well. I'm not a pro, but I wouldn't pay more any other brand.
 
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motoretro

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Would 3/8 long have worked in this situation? This is usually what I reach for.

VIM had a nice set of 1/4 long Matcos on their clearance page that I was thinking of getting. Looks like someone cleared them out. Would add ViMS to the list that being said. Good bang for the buck even at regular prices.

I was using a 1/4" Torque wrench due to the low torque rating. I used a 3/8* drive bit socket although had to use a adapter to get the job done. The 3/8" drive bit socket was larger than ideal for the job and scraped on the sides of the recessed opening. While I do have 3/8" longs in metric, they don't go down far enough in size to seal the deal.

I've looked at the Tekton and they seem to cover the bases, unfortunately on a unrelated request for information on another of their tools I own, I have not received a reply (7) days, they always use to be prompt in replies in the past.

VIM?
 
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motoretro

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Thanks for the link, I shot a e-mail off to the manufacturer for more info.
 

mikebaker1129

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If you have a bit ratchet or a socket for 1/4 insert bits, then you might pick up the metric/sae bit set from Menards for $8.89 after 11% rebate. 20 sizes included. It's made in the USA. The quality is very good. In the last photo, the Menards bit is on the left and a Zephyr bit is on the right for comparison.

https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...et-21-piece/m82078/p-1444451306701-c-9158.htm

Is Nenards the only current source for these sets?
I found a couple different model #'s for these sets made by Pratt Read,both discontinued.
 

matlok

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FWIW I’ve had a good experience with Capri’s warranty. Broke a Torx bit doing something stupid and all they wanted was a photo of the broken bit and a copy of the set’s receipt from Amazon. They sent out a free replacement that day and I had it in a day or two. Easy and no questions asked.

Their 1/4” bits only go up a few sizes then they change to 3/8” drive, so they may not work for you anyway.


Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
 

measuredtwice

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Is Nenards the only current source for these sets?
I found a couple different model #'s for these sets made by Pratt Read,both discontinued.

I've only seen them at Menards but I haven't looked for them elsewhere since they're locally available cheap. I think another forum member said he might contact Pratt Read.
 
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