Wait, People still use Fold-Up Keys?

[winlinmac]

I thought Fold-Up Keys were a thing of the past. I have one sitting in one of my drawers consisting of rusty tools only.

 

[byoungblood]

I still have a set or two because it keeps them together and you can see the sizes at a glance. Good for travel boxes or the tool kit on my bicycle.

 

[Provincial]

I keep one on my lathe. There are a variety of socket head set screws in the lathe tooling, so this is an easy way to keep an assortment handy. The alternative would be a rack of T-handle Allen wrenches.

 

[winlinmac]

Somehow, I still prefer the Standalone L-Shape Keys which come in the sets. I have the Eklinds, Bondhus, and Wera keys; I must have bought them because of the price and quality (Long Handle, Standard / Short Handle, and Ballpoint).

I keep one on my lathe. There are a variety of socket head set screws in the lathe tooling, so this is an easy way to keep an assortment handy. The alternative would be a rack of T-handle Allen wrenches.

 

[Karl_B]

I have a couple of the folding sets in SAE and metric. If something rolls in that I'm not familiar with, those serve as my sizers, then I get whatever size in the tool I think will work best.

 

[nh_yota]

I have a pair of Craftsman folding SAE/metric allen key sets in my tool bag (the neon orange and green ones made in USA from 10+ years ago). I have a couple pairs of regular Eklind allen key sets that I keep in my big tool box and in my truck. I like the folding sets in my tool bag because they stay together and are easy to reach in and grab (since they are neon orange and green). They work fine for about 3/4 of tasks but when I have clearance issues I get out the standard L-shaped allen keys.

 

[firworks]

I use a Eklind fold-up keys most of the time. I've got a few sets of allen and torx from auctions and I end up grabbing those. It's that or brave the drawer of loose allen key madness.

 

[JUNK-MAN]

I still have 2 sets in my box (big and small) and use them extensively.

 

[shortykorte]

Use them all the time. I have t-handle but I always pick the wrong one. With the folder, just try a different size.

 

[jeffmoss26]

I use them all the time also.

 

[jetdawg]

yepper

 

[gungatim]

all the time...even have a snapon foldup set from the 70's...much easier to use than trying to pry the damn L-key's out of the plastic holders...

 

[Gotcha640]

My Mercedes key folds, and my brothers vw key folds, but my bmw key doesn't. My international scout key doesn't fold, and isn't really necessary to start the truck.

 

[PelicanPines]

If I don't know the size I need... I use the fold up ones to get the right size... then go get my T-handle one in that size. My L keys are flat in a metal box squished between two layers of oily foam. In perfect order in size... like a good OCD patient. I tossed the "plastic pouches" long ago.

 

[winlinmac]

Yep, I searched around, and these are best for the buck. Better than buying each individually,

Bondhus 12533

 

[winlinmac]

Or

For Metric & Inches (not all sizes though), but for $14 including shipping, its alright

 

[98ssuck]

Yup I carry two sets imperial and torx in my tool bag at all times. They are convient and get into most places a key would. I think some people on this site forgot that not everyone works in a garage where they can just push a massive toolbox or work cart to where they are working.

 

[rsanter]

I use them all the time. A bunch of sizes in one compact unit

Easy easy

Bob

 

[nh_yota]

They are more comfortable to use (especially for the small sizes) because the folding case they're built into provides for a good grip almost like a T-handle.

 

[nh_yota]

These are my folding pair - metric and standard - probably about 10+ years old.

 

[countryroad82]

At my day job I use them when I have to work on heating/cooling units. But other than that nope. I prefer Allen wrenches.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have a craftsman set of torx/std/metric folding keys I bought as a teenager in the mid 90s. I will generally use my socket bits first, but sometimes if I don't know if it's std or metric, I'll grab the keys. Don't think I've ever used the torx one. I might have paid $20 for the set of them bitd.

 

[MaineGuide]

I use the Bondhus ones all the time. I get frustrated with the holders for the L keys, and they usually have a bunch of sizes I don't need. I keep them in the drawer for when they're the only option.

By far I prefer the T handle keys.

 

[jetdawg]

T handles are the best though.

 

[SCscoutguy]

I use mine all of the time. I prefer them to my T handles.

 

[NonSenCe]

yes. i do use mine too. about 15% of the time.

80% of time the normal L-shaped (acesa or bondhus), then 5% is the t handle ones.. i dont seem to get a grip how to use those t handles. (ok there might be 1% still extra times for those rare occasions i use a socket and ratchet, making total of 101% )

 

[azsportpilot]

cheap, but they work.... $6.99 for all 3

http://www.harborfreight.com/pack-of-3-folding-star-bit-and-sae-metric-hex-keys-94905.html

 

[azsportpilot]

just bought this

regularly $99 on sale for $29

http://www.sears.com/42-piece-1-4-and-3-8-inch-drive-bit-and/p-00934845000P

 

[DodgeMech]

i got the big *** set of blue point hex/torx/etorx...no need for the folding keys for me

 

[cliftonbros89]

just bought this



regularly $99 on sale for $29



http://www.sears.com/42-piece-1-4-and-3-8-inch-drive-bit-and/p-00934845000P

Just a heads up...you may be disappointed. I have that set. It's was for my shop box, replaced and put in my service truck box, replaced again and put in my own personal truck box. It's been replaced so much because every time I use a bit it breaks. Most of the torx bits have held up. But I've broke several. Every hex bit I've used has busted the first or second time I used it.

 

[gte718p]

These are my folding pair - metric and standard - probably about 10+ years old.

I have that same set. They travel in the mobile tool kit and have for 15 years. Individual allen keys are a pain on the trail and have a habit of walking of.

 

[Jarhead0408]

I used my Elkind set late last night to assemble my new Rigid miter saw stand. I also used two adjustable wrenches at the same time!

 

[Toolhorder]

I used them too. Not all the time but sometimes for sure. I actually had to change the t-case fluid in a RAV4 and my 10mm socket wouldn't fit on the fill plug so I grabbed a 10mm Bondhus L key and used half a jack handle to break it loose. Works great.

 

[popparoach]

If I fold my keys they won't work in my locks ?

 

[Tiny Jackson]

I used to use the Eklund but that nut and bolt that holds them together kept coming loose. So I changed to the Bondhus gorillas which were a step up most definately. Then when walking around the local tool store I stumbled upon Wiha Pocket stars. That's all I use now.

 

[1badbird]

I use the craftsman standard, metric, and torx quite a bit. Their just handy to have in the road box.

 

[Rarified27]

These are my folding pair - metric and standard - probably about 10+ years old.

Looks like a lot of us have this set- I bought mine in the late 90's when I started driving. They've been in my vehicle ever since and have never failed, while I've snapped/rounded some Eklind and Bondhus folding keys on a fastener here and there. I'm convinced every one of those required an L or T handle, but carrying huge sets around isn't ideal.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Being afoot for quick adjustments or repairs make folding sets essential in a factory. We keep sets right on some of the machines that require them for operator adjustments.

 

[Reese]

I have a metric and SAE set in my rental property tool bag. I don't use them often, but are less hassle than a bunch of loose hex keys.

 

[christopher7390]

I have a few, never use them