Small impact Allen socket/bits

[Firebrick43]

I am a mech on CNC machines and thier associated support machinery. 90 percent of the fasteners are Allen. Most access panels have 8-12 screws but some places we are pull 50+ screws do gain access. Most are 4/5/6mm or 1/8-3/16-1/4. I currently have a Milwaukee 3/8 impact and proto hex sockets (standard 3"~ length) that has made life much more bearable. I tried snap on and found the bits to be soft and didn't have a long life.

My hands cramp using hex keys so for tight and many places the 3/8 drive hex sockets won't fit either due to length or diameter.

I really need a smaller set.

Any one use the vim short 1/4 drive socket set? Will the take impact abuse?

The other thought was to get 1/4 power groove bits /a bit ratchet and a 1/4 hex impactor. I have found some wiha power groove bits but they are 2" long. Any one make short power groove bits? I hate use a mag bit holder.

Thanks

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We've been developing some forged from 1-piece impact Hex & Torx sets for some time now playing around with alloys to make bits as hard as possible and also as tough as possible which don't always go together.

When I get the latest batch in of the final form with all the special herbs and spices i can send you a set to field test, however our sets would start from 1/4" and M6 (they are 3/8" drive).

 

[barrybeefburger]

I am a mech on CNC machines and thier associated support machinery. 90 percent of the fasteners are Allen. Most access panels have 8-12 screws but some places we are pull 50+ screws do gain access. Most are 4/5/6mm or 1/8-3/16-1/4. I currently have a Milwaukee 3/8 impact and proto hex sockets (standard 3"~ length) that has made life much more bearable. I tried snap on and found the bits to be soft and didn't have a long life.

My hands cramp using hex keys so for tight and many places the 3/8 drive hex sockets won't fit either due to length or diameter.

I really need a smaller set.

Any one use the vim short 1/4 drive socket set? Will the take impact abuse?

The other thought was to get 1/4 power groove bits /a bit ratchet and a 1/4 hex impactor. I have found some wiha power groove bits but they are 2" long. Any one make short power groove bits? I hate use a mag bit holder.

Thanks

Can you not pull the hex bit and with a grinder cut it down to the desired length?

 

[MemphisR32]

What about the Milwaukee Shockwave series bits. I think for what you are doing a impact driver with the setup would work well.

Here is an example set and you can use an extender to get reach if you need it. The locking bit holders come in many lengths and you eliminate the bulk of the 3/8" socket at the working end of the bit.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/fastening/48-32-4616

 

[Sine Swept]

http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/ball.html

 

[Sine Swept]

I didn't notice if they were impact but really good access with those

 

[ItsNemo]

Could you use a cordless ratchet instead of using an impact? That would cut down height substantially.

 

[MemphisR32]

Could you use a cordless ratchet instead of using an impact? That would cut down height substantially.

I was thinking about this also, im sure most of the 1/4" Hex impacts would have the power to do the work he is asking. I know my Milwaukee M18 brush-less 1/4" hex impact will remove the lug nuts from my car with ease.

 

[johndeereman]

you could try the stubby 3/8 drive impact hex bit's by SUNEX. I have a couple of sets and they have been great so far.

 

[Ign]

These VIMs are too long I’d guess but I’d run 1/4” hex shank. You should gain some Z

Beyond that use a 2467-20 RAID for tight spots

 

[dede2897234]

Firebrick43,

I would suggest the VIM MMS450 set. It is a 50 piece set (made from S2 steel) that contains 1/4" drive, stubby (20mm in height), 2 to 10mm hex drivers (10 pcs.); and 5/64" to 3/8" hex drivers (10 pcs.).

Check out the set in the Vim Tools PDF flyer: MMS450


Dave

 

[Mike.ASC]

I am a mech on CNC machines and thier associated support machinery. 90 percent of the fasteners are Allen. Most access panels have 8-12 screws but some places we are pull 50+ screws do gain access. Most are 4/5/6mm or 1/8-3/16-1/4. I currently have a Milwaukee 3/8 impact and proto hex sockets (standard 3"~ length) that has made life much more bearable. I tried snap on and found the bits to be soft and didn't have a long life.

My hands cramp using hex keys so for tight and many places the 3/8 drive hex sockets won't fit either due to length or diameter.

I really need a smaller set.

Any one use the vim short 1/4 drive socket set? Will the take impact abuse?

The other thought was to get 1/4 power groove bits /a bit ratchet and a 1/4 hex impactor. I have found some wiha power groove bits but they are 2" long. Any one make short power groove bits? I hate use a mag bit holder.

Thanks

I don't have the short VIM set but I do have a VIM set of allen and torx sockets. Several of the torx sockets have twisted to almost breaking without any impact use. In my opinion they are way too soft so needless to say I am not happy with them.

 

[KM223]

We've been developing some forged from 1-piece impact Hex & Torx sets for some time now playing around with alloys to make bits as hard as possible and also as tough as possible which don't always go together.

When I get the latest batch in of the final form with all the special herbs and spices i can send you a set to field test, however our sets would start from 1/4" and M6 (they are 3/8" drive).

I’d be very interested in field testing for you. Let me know if this is possible.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

PB Swiss hex are the hardest you will find. However the bits are not replaceable if you do wear one out.... Chances are with there bits you will never do that.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

I’d be very interested in field testing for you. Let me know if this is possible.

PM sent

 

[macgee]

I too suggest trying out PB Swiss, hopefully they have what your looking for. It would be an investment but maybe the upcoming Black Friday sales can make trying them out worthwhile; They are the best.

I would skip VIM, they get there tools from Asia.

Can I also suggest trying a 12v driver when you don't need a lot of torque. I think you'll find your bits will last longer and the smaller size can help fit into smaller spaces. I really like the 12v Dewalt Max for panels. It's lighter and my bits have survived way longer from not over torquing.

 

[Mastermind]

I find my cordless ratchet my go to for things like that lately, gets almost everywhere and easy to control. Bit wise, I use them till they break, grab another and warranty later. A locking bit holder will change your outlook on individual bits.


Also, Chris, I could work some of your products to their limits and give unbiased opinions...a

 

[Firebrick43]

We've been developing some forged from 1-piece impact Hex & Torx sets for some time now playing around with alloys to make bits as hard as possible and also as tough as possible which don't always go together.

When I get the latest batch in of the final form with all the special herbs and spices i can send you a set to field test, however our sets would start from 1/4" and M6 (they are 3/8" drive).

i would be happy to field test them. The would get plenty of use.

Can you not pull the hex bit and with a grinder cut it down to the desired length?

snap on one you can, I have in fact, but the proto smaller sizes no. The are a stepped design, can only take them back 1/4" or so

What about the Milwaukee Shockwave series bits. I think for what you are doing a impact driver with the setup would work well.

These are actually what prompted the thread. I saw a pack of them in Home Depot the other day. Research has shown they have no metric set only bulk (25 bits) in each metric size. Also these don't have the power groove shank.

Here is an example set and you can use an extender to get reach if you need it. The locking bit holders come in many lengths and you eliminate the bulk of the 3/8" socket at the working end of the bit.
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/accessories/fastening/48-32-4616

http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/ball.html

cant use ball drivers. I have a set already and are handy at times but break a ball off trying to break free the fastener and you are screwed. If you lucky a magnet will pull the ball out, but many times it's stuck in there. And if your using ball Allens across ***** to try and remove the fastener by other meat gods. Damn auto correct. Methods.

Could you use a cordless ratchet instead of using an impact? That would cut down height substantially.

I use the impact where I can but I use an 3/8 ratchet with the sockets as well. There are some places that the socket/ratchet is just to long or to big in diameter. This is why I am leaning towards a shorty socket in 1/4" drive or bits with a bit ratchet. It really ***** to lay in a pile of chips with your arm in a 6" hole trying to remove a couple screws blind with a L Allen wrench.

Firebrick43,

I would suggest the VIM MMS450 set. It is a 50 piece set (made from S2 steel) that contains 1/4" drive, stubby (20mm in height), 2 to 10mm hex drivers (10 pcs.); and 5/64" to 3/8" hex drivers (10 pcs.).

Check out the set in the Vim Tools PDF flyer: MMS450


Dave

thank you, will look into them.

I too suggest trying out PB Swiss, hopefully they have what your looking for. It would be an investment but maybe the upcoming Black Friday sales can make trying them out worthwhile; They are the best.

I would skip VIM, they get there tools from Asia.

Can I also suggest trying a 12v driver when you don't need a lot of torque. I think you'll find your bits will last longer and the smaller size can help fit into smaller spaces. I really like the 12v Dewalt Max for panels. It's lighter and my bits have survived way longer from not over torquing.

i will look at PB Swiss. I had a 12v dewalt Max for several years and it was an awesome little driver. Loved it's ergonomics. Probably would still have it if dewalt did more with the 12v line and more brushless in the 18v. I have standardized on Milwaukee m18/m12 now so there is just one charger, both at home and work.

Thank you everyone.

 

[dutchgray]

Koken one piece 3/8" impact hex bit sockets are 2" total length (metric only) and their replaceable bit version is only a fraction longer, metric and inch, if you want shorter than the common 3" style.

 

[jeepboy4life]

I am a maintenance tech on CNC machines and support equipment as well, I use a gear wrench set of short allen/hex bits. They are not impact but work very well on the end of an impact driver. I have not broken 1 in the last year and a half, and that was my own fault, nothing with the tools.