Please Help: High Quality Hex Wrenches

[dross]

First, let me just say I think there should be a federal law - violation of which should be the death penalty - that declares that all screw heads should be torx.

Obviously, I don't really mean that.

Here's what I need: Where can I buy the most high quality and complete hex wrench set? One more criterion: I'd like to be able to order individual replacements. Money is not an obstacle. Please help.

 

[17 squirrel]

I have a set of Wiha SAE and a set of T handled Ekland in metric both work well.

 

[AngryRooster]

I second the Wiha set. I've not had any problems with the ones I have.


So which one was it?

A. Stripped screw?
B. Stripped tool?
C. Busted finger/hand because of A or B?
D. All the above?

 

[ROLEXrifleman]

whats the purpose? Mixed use gunsmith and automotive, professional / hobbyist?

For strictly gunsmithing i have never needed to look beyond brownells

i do have a dedicated SK kit for my AI's

 

[igotdiesel2]

I use hex wrenches at work on a daily basis. I second the Eklands and also would add Bondus. I use both t handle and L handle style from both companies. Well worth the money. I would also tell you to stay away from the round end hex wrenches if possible. I have broken many many tips off at my job. -Jason

 

[danielocean03]

PB Swiss. I use them every day, they are the best hex keys made.

PB SWISS TOOLS: KEY L-WRENCHES

They are available on Amazon.

 

[danielocean03]

Bondhus and Wera are also decent alternatives.

 

[Zero_ek]

Ekland or I Bohndus. I've also used Snap on which I think are rebranded Eklands.

 

[MegaTank]

I work in a machine shop and I use my hex wrenches on a daily basis. I bought a small set of bondhus. They are very durable and I have bent one of my crecent wrench handles using it as a fulcrum for a hard to reach bolt. Allen wrench is just fine.

 

[wrench01]

Beta allen wrenches. A little pricey, but good stuff. I like the sliding T-handle style, Amazon

 

[9mmfan]

I've got a Snap On set of sae and metric hex sockets sets . Very pricey but they have never let me down.

 

[romad7]

Big fan of Bondus also. T-handle and flip out set. Haven't tested the warranty but they'll replace if you break it.

Lifetime Warranty

 

[ghuns]

Big fan of Bondus also.

+1

Working in a shop that builds injection molds, I've worn out several sets over 20+ years.

I once put a two foot pipe on a 1/4 Bondhus, twisted it 180 degrees without the pipe plug it was attached to moving. It didn't break. They really are gorilla proof.

 

[KittySlayer]

If you only need metric there is a local Indy source that bicyclist are familiar with.

HX-ONE Home and Travel Essential kit | SILCA

 

[romad7]

Ooh, I like that set, very nice!

 

[Drail]

The "rounded "ball" end should never be used to break a fastener loose - only to spin the bolt out after it is broken loose. The only problem I have encountered with Allen screws is cheap unhardened screws - they will strip out no matter what you use on them. Torx screws very often have the same problem - Made in China from recycled tuna cans.

 

[mdemetz]

Made in China from recycled tuna cans.

Dolphin free?

 

[seedubs1]

Craftsman. You break one, you bring it in, they hand you a brand new one. I have stripped all torx and allen key's I've ever had eventually, and I've had "nice" ones (snap-on comes to mind). I just buy Craftsman hand tools now.

They're not as nice as some, but they last just as long, and when they wear out or break, they hand you new ones. Can't beat that, especially if you have a Sears near by. No waiting on mailing broken stuff back to a company. Just walk in with broken stuff and walk out with new stuff.

 

[Drail]

I have a set of allen drivers in an old Chapman set bought in 1989 - and I have never broken one yet - and they have busted some pretty stubborn screws loose. The 1/16th bit actually twisted like a barber pole on a sight screw - but didn't break or strip out. Wiha and Bondhus are about as good as you can find in a store. If you're a hobbyist the Chapman drivers are very good for the price.