T Handle Ball Point & Hex Key Set ideas?

[jonti48310]

In the market for a set. Any suggestions or reviews? (If this has already been discussed please let me know?)

Here's Truckin Magazines review:http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/1306tr_t_handle_hex_wrench_test/

Leaning towards this set from HF, BTW.
http://t.harborfreight.com/18-piece-t-handle-ball-point-and-hex-key-wrench-set-96645.html

 

[littletoes]

Wiha or Bondhus

 

[reptilezs]

bondhus

 

[bwringer]

Wiha or Bondhus

Agreed.

This is one area where it will pay big to not **** around with the HF set and get strong, high quality, tight-fitting tools. Wiha or Bondhus prices are somewhat reasonable, too.

HF has some good stuff, and some junk. Those t-handles are in the latter category.

 

[jonti48310]

Thanks for the replies fellas,
I think I'm going to try and get my hands on the Bondhus set and see how I like them. The only downfall I foresee with the Bondhus is the lack of a side wrench. This isn't a deal killer but it's a major bonus knowing the side wrench is there when extra torque is needed for tightening or loosening. The only set I have experience with is the Pittsburgh set. I saw them last week at work making a delivery to a local mechanic and he had good things to say about them. He did admit however that the smaller keys weren't as tight a fight as they should be, as I think bwringer mentioned. That being said I'm going to hold off on the Pittsburgh set until I can try out the Bondhus first hand. (As you can tell price is a concern for me.) Of course if I can find them for under $40 for both the SAE & Metric sets it'll make my decision a lot easier. Thanks again for the info. guys.

 

[rice rocket]

Beta!

I jumped on a set when Amazon had their quick stint w/ Beta, they're wonderful to use. Pegasus stocks them now.

https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=BETAHEXKEY

 

[Stuey]

I prefer Bondhus and Beta. Wiha are okay.

If you want Bondhus-made L-drivers like the above Beta, check out Park Tool.

 

[notlob]

+1 on Bondhus - impressively strong and durable. The HF hex key sets I've had seemed soft and easily deformed.

 

[Arne73]

Yet another +1 for Bondhus. No first hand experience with Whia or Beta but they appear to be well respected as well. Youl'll regret cheap hex keys while trying to extract a rounded out socket head.

 

[blaperle]

These Kliens are very well made and comfortable in the hand.

<a href="http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/blaperle1/media/IMG_20130801_143754_333_zps0fa99732.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a488/blaperle1/IMG_20130801_143754_333_zps0fa99732.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo IMG_20130801_143754_333_zps0fa99732.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/blaperle1/media/2bmp_zps80fd95c4.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a488/blaperle1/2bmp_zps80fd95c4.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2bmp_zps80fd95c4.jpg"/></a>

 

[illmatyk]

In the market for a set. Any suggestions or reviews? (If this has already been discussed please let me know?)

Here's Truckin Magazines review:http://www.truckinweb.com/tech/1306tr_t_handle_hex_wrench_test/

Leaning towards this set from HF, BTW.
http://t.harborfreight.com/18-piece-t-handle-ball-point-and-hex-key-wrench-set-96645.html

I have the Husky set that's in the review link you posted. They are pretty well and not bad for the price( they were way within my budget ). If I was able to get a set of metric Bondhus easily i thing I would have gotten that set instead.

 

[Brownsfan]

If you have a local Ace hardware check to see if they had a USA craftsman set. I just bought it last week. They even had the torx set USA made as well. Not very expensive and they are great.

 

[larry_g]

Thanks for the replies fellas,
I think I'm going to try and get my hands on the Bondhus set and see how I like them. The only downfall I foresee with the Bondhus is the lack of a side wrench. This isn't a deal killer but it's a major bonus knowing the side wrench is there when extra torque is needed for tightening or loosening. The only set I have experience with is the Pittsburgh set. I saw them last week at work making a delivery to a local mechanic and he had good things to say about them. He did admit however that the smaller keys weren't as tight a fight as they should be, as I think bwringer mentioned. That being said I'm going to hold off on the Pittsburgh set until I can try out the Bondhus first hand. (As you can tell price is a concern for me.) Of course if I can find them for under $40 for both the SAE & Metric sets it'll make my decision a lot easier. Thanks again for the info. guys.

I spent my career in industry and at one time counted 17 different set of hex tools. T handles, screwdriver handles, ratchet handles. long and short L wrenches, as well as the standard Bondus hex keys in my tool box. I found that that the standard hex keys were the most used. So if you don't have a set of ball drive hex keys I would suggest you start there as they will be the most universal.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_36702_36702

lg
no neat sig line

 

[cheechi]

for the price i bought a few HF 'swiss army' style to have a set everywhere; both cars, kitchen, parents house etc. they are decent for the money. compared to a USA cman set from the 80s they are stronger and fit better.

I said that to say this. those are not particularly strong but good enough for simple non-rusty fasteners. I've even got some things apart with locktite without damaging the head or tool. BUT those are the only HF hex keys I would buy.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have the Bondhus in SAE and MM. I like them a lot, but I don't like the stand they came with. I'm looking to make something that will work better for me. I really like those Klein sets above ^!!!!

 

[youngridge]

I spent my career in industry and at one time counted 17 different set of hex tools. T handles, screwdriver handles, ratchet handles. long and short L wrenches, as well as the standard Bondus hex keys in my tool box. I found that that the standard hex keys were the most used. So if you don't have a set of ball drive hex keys I would suggest you start there as they will be the most universal.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_36702_36702

lg
no neat sig line

100% agree, I got a set of napas, ball point on the long end, and have stood up well, I have a couple projects coming up later this winter where they will get a good test.

 

[jonti48310]

100% agree, I got a set of napas, ball point on the long end, and have stood up well, I have a couple projects coming up later this winter where they will get a good test.

Thanks buddy, do you happen to have the part #? I would love to run down and check them out first hand. I'm afraid if I do that though my wallets going to hurt, cause I know I'll walk out of there with their crows foot line wrench set that I've been eyeing. Lol. Keep us posted how they hold up btw.

 

[unslow1]

If anyone was looking for a cheaper set Home Depot had the Husky ones on clearance when I was in there over the weekend. I didn't buy them or remember the price.