Replacement allen key socket heads

[gumbudah]

So I've got a few "allen key sockets". a socket that goes on a regular 3/8 ratchet that has an allen key. In many cases the allen key is kept in place by a set screw. for several of the sockets the actual hex piece has fallen out/gone missing. Does anyone know a source to get replacements? I suppose they are about 2" long, various sizes.

 

[gdocktor3]

I believe all truck brands sell replaceable tips. Snap On definitely does. Proto does as mentioned. Armstrong too. Mac. Matco. Etc

 

[B_Bimmer]

The last time I got a replacement from proto they just wanted the whole socket sent in. They have gone to the hex sockets that are bigger until the end, which I don't like as much because they are not repairable with a simple hex key as ssdave was explaining.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

You can buy replacements from Proto. Or, just get a decent quality L sheped key, cut it off the length you want with a dremel tool and cutoff wheel, and install it. I do that all the time for ones I bend, break, or wear out.

That is also a common fix for mine.
One other thing I have done is take a spare socket, cut off a a spare hex key, and make a complete custom length hex key socket.

 

[ken w.]

Snap On and Mac charges me $ 10.00 for hex inserts. I started cutting down hex keys and most will last quite a while.

 

[rlitman]

The last time I got a replacement from proto they just wanted the whole socket sent in. They have gone to the hex sockets that are bigger until the end, which I don't like as much because they are not repairable with a simple hex key as ssdave was explaining.

Yes, but they're less likely to twist.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Yes, but they're less likely to twist.

It is true, but still a trade off.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Are they straight or step'd? SO, Proto, Bondhus, Zephyr, SK, etc... many choices. Just depends on the design.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Where are you finding the Proto,replacement bits ?
I picked up a few smaller sizes of Challenger old stock,but have seen nothing from proto

 

[Adam.C]

Get yourself a set of Snap On bit sockets. Don't screw around with cheap bit sockets, set screws etc. When these tools fail you, often the result will often cost more than a $100 set of Snappies. This is not a tool to cheap out on.

 

[gungatim]

I've got lots of brands of allen sockets, older craftsman usa had set screws, some truck brands have roll pins some set screws...for some of mine, I have pulled out the snap ring retained allen inserts from the newer type craftsmans and used those. quality may not be there, but if you are like me and don't want to cut up a good brand allen wrench set, you probably have a huge can of no-name allens to cut down, but the quality on those tend to be even more questionable.

if I strip the cman in another body, I can always put it back in the cman and swap it out...at least that's my logic...

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Somewhat on topic, who makes an entire set of roll pin or set screw type bit sockets? My SK have the larger ones with roll pins, the rest are press fit and i've pulled a few out when they got stuck in an allen bolt and ended up epoxying them back in. My Mac ones are all press fit as are the craftsman.

 

[gumbudah]

I'm not a mechanic and don't have a "snap on guy". on the snap on site i don't see where they sell replacement pieces:
https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Standa...rive-Standard-Hex-Bit-Socket-Set-P630699.aspx
i've done a bunch of google searching for "hex key replacement" "allen key replacement" and a few other search terms without luck finding a source. Does anyone have a proven "search term" or any vendor urls I could look at?
I've got a bunch of sk and a few snap on. would like to get them fixed up.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.

 

[ssdave]

You can search on the term hex bit repair kit. That's what Proto called them. I don't see them on their website any longer, except in 3/4" drive sizes.

Snap-on will have them, I'd call their customer service number.

I'd highly encourage you to just cut up L shaped hex keys for inserts instead. Cheaper, and just as effective. Takes me about 30 seconds with a dremel tool and a damascus cutoff wheel to make an insert from a hex key.

 

[md21722]

I'm not a mechanic and don't have a "snap on guy". on the snap on site i don't see where they sell replacement pieces:
https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Standa...rive-Standard-Hex-Bit-Socket-Set-P630699.aspx
i've done a bunch of google searching for "hex key replacement" "allen key replacement" and a few other search terms without luck finding a source. Does anyone have a proven "search term" or any vendor urls I could look at?
I've got a bunch of sk and a few snap on. would like to get them fixed up.
Thanks for the suggestions so far.

Go up one level in the catalog

https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Standard-inches-chrome-1-4--C674788.aspx

 

[zktk01]

I have lost the set screw in some of the sockets do you know where I can order a couple of those?

 

[B_Bimmer]

Bring them in to a decent hardware store, find the one that fits, should cost about a quarter.

 

[zktk01]

guess I will see if Ace Hardware has them will post if I find them.
My Mac socket used a 2MM hex head for 1/4dr the 3/8 drive used a 3/32 hex

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

guess I will see if Ace Hardware has them will post if I find them.
My Mac socket used a 2MM hex head for 1/4dr the 3/8 drive used a 3/32 hex

Ace should. I found them for my compound how as well as my air rifle. Shouldn't be an issue.

 

[zktk01]

I went to Lowes and Jiffy Fastener today no luck will see if I can hit ACE tomorrow.

 

[zktk01]

I found a Mon and Pop Hardware store they had the set screws.
The 1/4 dr sockets use a M4 screw .70 pitch
The 3/8 dr sockets use a Standard 10-32 screw

they didn't have the length where it was flush.
I will find them online and post the link.

That size is for Mac sockets

looks like my SK 3/8 dr socket uses a 8-32 screw
so I guess there is no standard

 

[zktk01]

Here is a Link for the 4MM screw http://www.hexcrews.com/m4x3-socket-set-screw.aspx
here is a Link for the 1--32 screw for a Mac 3/8 https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-Details.aspx?product=8484

This is a link for the SK screw 3/8 Dr https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-Details.aspx?product=8455


This Ebay link is the cheapest http://www.ebay.com/itm/Qty10-M4-x-...hash=item2a66b5c5da:m:mU9ngWO4fY2DrObR2uBD8nA