School me on hex tools and torx tools. Help me wade through the options

[Tynee]

Exited to correct myself below. I bought Bondhus, not Eklind….

Appreciate all the feedback, gentlemen. I went with a 22-piece set of metric and standard Eklind L-key ball drivers. I’ve made it this long with my mish-mash of L-keys and a few bit sockets. Maybe someday I’ll spring for a full set of bit sockets, or some T-handles, but I think the Eklinds will probably last me another 40 years or so…

 

[rick carpenter]

I'll always recommend Bondhus first, then Eklind. I've got Bondhus torx- and nut-drivers for the garage which I'm very pleased with. But I'm not a fan of round handle and/or multi-component tools such as bit drivers and socket sets on a boat where round things tend to either roll into inaccessible places or go into the water. I suggest you look at what tools Motion Pro has. I have a Motion Pro 14 mm t-handle driver for battery stud nuts on my boat, I'll probably get a 10 mm for the truck too.

 

[MushCreek]

In my trade as a mold maker, we deal with socket head cap screws all day long. I found Wera Hex-Plus to be the toughest keys, especially on worn/damaged heads. The flats are slightly concave to give a better bite, so less prone to wallow out the holes. We commonly use cheaters on them, and they hold up fine. At one shop I worked in, they gave sets to all of the guys and banned cheap ones because of how much added work it makes when you ****** up a screw.

 

[908Jim]

For L keys, T handles, etc, the only thing you need to remember is Bondhus, Bondhus, Bondhus....

For sockets I like(d) SK but their future is in question right now. VIM for a budget set, otherwise Proto is a great high end option. Snap on if you feel like dropping cash.

 

[Qualitytools]

In my trade as a mold maker, we deal with socket head cap screws all day long. I found Wera Hex-Plus to be the toughest keys, especially on worn/damaged heads. The flats are slightly concave to give a better bite, so less prone to wallow out the holes. We commonly use cheaters on them, and they hold up fine. At one shop I worked in, they gave sets to all of the guys and banned cheap ones because of how much added work it makes when you ****** up a screw.

I have WERA HEX PLUS set also and I have had the same success, and they are not expensive and easy to source.