T-Handle and Hex Keys

[Quint]

So my Honda just got a make-over this past year. All of my rusty/crusty bolts were swapped out for socket head cap screws. Looks much better, they're stronger, and I use them all the time in my industry.

I currently have a Cman socket set that came with the little baggies of metric and SAE (L-shaped) allen wrenches. It's sort of a pain in the **** fiddling through the bag trying to find the right size, or pouring them all out in front of me each time I need one.

I have these:

They're O.K., but are very loose at the pivot.

I see mechanics on here with T-Handle hex keys in their box all the time. What are the advantages and common uses for them?

I'm pondering just getting these:

Seems to be a much neater/organized solution, and maybe I'll get lucky and they will be a good deal on Black Friday.

Unless GJ has a better suggestion!! I'm all ears for the guys that do this daily and know the ups and downs of every tool out there.

Thanks GJ

 

[Ed_EOD]

I would recommend getting QUALITY 3/8 drive bit sockets. You should also have a set of L-shaped ones as well. Those folding kind are junk.

 

[fivespdcat]

I would recommend getting QUALITY 3/8 drive bit sockets. You should also have a set of L-shaped ones as well. Those folding kind are junk.

+1 here, Cripe was selling Kobalt USA ones on clearance for like $20 for a set of hex (SAE and metric) plus torx bits. You can also pick up the long ball end ones for a good price from there.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-19Pc-3-8-Dr-Hex-Torx-Socket-Set-USA-2308409-/390354297089?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae2ede101#ht_1877wt_1037

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kobalt-7pc-Metric-3-8-Ball-End-Hex-Bit-Set-23733-USA-/390337580126?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item5ae1eecc5e#ht_1493wt_905

You can probably get a better price on shipping if you just go to the website, but be careful you will spend a lot of money there...

 

[Walterchang]

Bondhus are likely the best I have used. I have both the keys and T handles. If you get T handles, get ones that are all metal. Some have plastic handles. Bondhus are coated in plastic on the handles.

Hex bit sockets are nice, but I find it easy to break them. I have broken 2 craftsman sockets so far.

Another thing is ball end have a bit more slop, but are sometimes are a life saver.

Those multi key things are a waste of time, especially if you are going to use them often.

 

[Stuey]

Bondhus are likely the best I have used. I have both the keys and T handles. If you get T handles, get ones that are all metal. Some have plastic handles. Bondhus are coated in plastic on the handles.

Hex bit sockets are nice, but I find it easy to break them. I have broken 2 craftsman sockets so far.

Another thing is ball end have a bit more slop, but are sometimes are a life saver.

Those multi key things are a waste of time, especially if you are going to use them often.

+1 - you cannot go wrong with Bondhus.

 

[BHH]

The folding ones have their place, like in a bicycle repair kit. For serious work they are junk. They never stay tight and the hex keys always flop around and get in the way.

 

[Modern Jess]

I've got a whole set of Bondhus screwdriver style metric hex drivers, and I generally reach for those before the T handles. But then the T handles are imported and not nearly as nice, so it's probably not a fair comparison.

Come to think of it, I reach for the socket bits (1/4" and 3/8" drive) before the T handles as well.

Hmmm.

 

[MoToys]

I also use bondhus and I believe they are the oem for snap-on.
I have the Allen keys in both brands and they have the same little plastic piece at the tip.
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=2140&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
http://www.bondhus.com/products/l-wrenches/body33.htm

 

[SlimChance]

The bondhus L set is great. For screws that require more force I usually reach for my T and for those I have a set of Eklinds. Absolutely fantastic set, check them out I highly recommend them.

 

[84TurboBuick]

I use Hex Keys every single day.... and I mean all day!!

I have both of these sets.....

The "L" shapes are nice for every day work where you have limited room, or a really high torque fastener. If your using them alot, get the plated versions of both.... the black oxide versions seem to wear faster.

The "T" shapes are nice for speed, and it seems you get a better feel for how much torque your applying.

I also use these....

..... mostly for bigger jobs with alot of large and really tight fasteners.


The Bondus "T" handle drivers are ok.... I've wore them out or snapped off the handle... the Snap-On's are much better, although they are 2x the price.

 

[Jeff]

I prefer my hex, torx, and nut drivers with regular handles. I do have some L and T wrenches for odd areas on the bikes.

 

[CatCow]

I have a set(1 each of metric, SAE, and Torx) of folding ones made by Bondhus, and I like them - handy to have around, but definitely not for tight spaces or high(or even medium really) torque situations. The L-shaped ones with the plastic holders... Well, they work well, but I have a tendency to make a mess of them. Empty slots and 10 different tools that will fit in it, and no idea which is which brand or which is metric or SAE... I think I've come to the point where I prefer individual driver bits for a screwdriver handle for the small stuff, and the 3/8" socket attachment for the larger ones(the only one I can think of that large that I have ever needed was the fill plug on my VW transmission). I have a set of metric T-handles in the garage, and have yet to use them even once. I always go for the folding set or the screwdriver bits.

 

[Roots]

I see mechanics on here with T-Handle hex keys in their box all the time. What are the advantages and common uses for them?

Unless GJ has a better suggestion!! I'm all ears for the guys that do this daily and know the ups and downs of every tool out there.

The T-Handle hex drivers give quite a bit better feel for the tension you're applying as well as being quicker and more ergonomic to use, additionally they some times are more helpful with space considerations.

Personally I use hex sockets, T-Handle drivers, and typical L shaped hex wrenches together.

 

[afazz]

The new Craftsman L-key sets are made in China and absolute trash, I threw my set away last week. I have an old US-made Craftsman set that has worked well for years. Bondhus L-keys are great quality, especially for the $15-25 per set they cost. I like PB Swiss too but they're a lot more expensive, around $60-100 per set!

When it comes to T-handles, I like Snap-on, Eklind, and Bondhus (in that order). I have Allen and they're trash, a have never tried the Craftsmans but if they are made in China I wouldn't even bother. I have an older Facom ball end set too, they're very comfortable to use but you can't "spin" them because they aren't balanced.

I have had good luck with Craftsman and Snap-on hex bit sockets. I have older SK sets also; the bits themselves are tough but they fall out of the sockets way too easily. When working on cars, I almost always use bit sockets. I use L-keys and T-handles at work on industrial machinery.

 

[banditbigdog]

I use these quite a bit,
WERA, good quality

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...rs_-a-_Torque_Tools/Hex_Key_Sets/TW-HK-SET-MM

http://www.automationdirect.com/adc...s_-a-_Torque_Tools/Hex_Key_Sets/TW-HK-SET-STD

As far as T-Handle's go, USAG make the best set with BETA a close second.
Good luck finding a them in the US however.

Tom

 

[Roots]

I also use these....

..... mostly for bigger jobs with alot of large and really tight fasteners

I've wanted a set of those, but am still in shock over the asking prices! Just haven't been able to make that jump yet.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I've wanted a set of those, but am still in shock over the asking prices! Just haven't been able to make that jump yet.

Ebay is your friend...I have the metric, SAE, torx and have not paid more than 90 for any of the sets....just gotta be patient.

 

[bart1]

I always have to recommend the Wiha bit sockets for the money:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002BXQDY6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jk47]

Bondhus for L-shaped

Koken for T-handles or socket bits with T-handle adapter. Great value for the money. I have the Koken in 3/8" drive metric and 1/4" drive in standard, sockets and T-handles in 1/4" and 3/8" regular and 3/8" quick spinner 3715SLK(awesome!!!!).

 

[reptilezs]

I use Hex Keys every single day.... and I mean all day!!

I have both of these sets.....

The "L" shapes are nice for every day work where you have limited room, or a really high torque fastener. If your using them alot, get the plated versions of both.... the black oxide versions seem to wear faster.

The "T" shapes are nice for speed, and it seems you get a better feel for how much torque your applying.

I also use these....

..... mostly for bigger jobs with alot of large and really tight fasteners.


The Bondus "T" handle drivers are ok.... I've wore them out or snapped off the handle... the Snap-On's are much better, although they are 2x the price.

bicycle mechanic here so i use hex wrenches daily. these are also the things i use. i prefer bondhus for L style and T handles.

 

[lauver]

Quint,

I have the T-handles, L-handles, hex drivers (screwdriver handles), and socket hex bits. They all have their place and applications.

I am most fond of the T-handles, they are comfortable to use but are hard to store and take up too much storage space.

I like the longer L-handles for portability, ease of storage, and getting the job done. I use these in my vehicle tool kits.

I like the hex drivers for low torque applications, but really only use them in the garage.

I like the socket hex bits for high torque applications, but really only use them in the garage.

I don't have any use for the folding hex keys. All I can say is they are inexpensive, highly portable, and easy to store.