Tools - Allen / Hex questions

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enzo3856

enzo3856

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Looking for some opinions on hand tools...

Last year I got a set of HUSKY T handle allen / hex keys (Home Depot Canada). Included metric and imperial.

Problem is, I think my 3mm is now rounding off... As i was rebuilding my DBXL I messed up some screws because the key would all of a sudden snap/jump and it rounded the screw...
This never happened on my Baja...
so either my DB has inferior screws, or my key is rounding off... I am convinced its more the key since I used a different driver on the same screw and had a better grip.

So what brand are you guys using or recommend?
 
I have the Taylor RC bits and a T handle from Amazon. I am a year and a half in and not a single issue.

For some reason its not letting me paste web links....anyone else having this issue?

Go to Detroit Performance and they are the Taylor Approved Hexbit 6 piece set.
$39.95
 
I wrench for a living, the big name tool vans visit my shop often, granted I rarely buy stuff now a days. It's mostly the young bucks in there everytime. I have multiple sets of Snap-On Tools, Matco Tools and Craftsman. I also bought a set from Walmart. I have to say, the Snap-On Tools 1/4" allen head bits hex portion are strong. I had a couple 2.5 and 3mm bits twist before the hex portion rounding out.

Poor mans trick to rounded hex bits, I usually grind the rounded portion off on the bench grinder. I usually do that to regular L type allen wrenches. As for my 1/4" drive bits, the Snap-On Tools and Matco Tools dealer just replaces them. By right these are supposed to be consumables, I'm supposed to pay for it. These dealers just replaces it.

Also, I can't stand the soft inferior stainless bolt kits for sale.
 
I forgot to mention, if you have rounded those ball end type allen heads, I usually grind/cut off the ball end and use it as a regular bit. Then I usually just get a new ball end allen head. Everyone knows it does come in handy. IMO the flat style is the best way to break loose and final torque these bolts. The ball end should be used to make installing and removing said fastener to prolong the life of said ball end.
 
turbohvn said:
In the meantime, you can take a Dremel tool with a wizz wheel attachment and cut 1/8 inch off of your hex driver, giving you a new unrounded surface to work with until you get some different drivers.
Click to expand...
I was going to say same thing. You beat me to it. Yeah, you can do that multiple times, I will add.
I use some hardened carbon ones from MID from Amazon, or DDM (do not remember exactly where I got them.)
But also have 3/8 and 1/4" ratchet drive ones, that are VERY hard (but short, like 1 or 2" long) They both work great, even when I have used them on
bolts with red threadlocker. (usually I use blue, for most bolts)

But yeah, agree with turbo, just grind/cut/whizz the ends off, so no rounded edge.
However, mine are (well 2mm and up) are rounded/hardened, to get into tighter spaces. Made that way, the 1.5 and lower, is hard to find with ball ends.

If you bought at Home Depot, or Lowes, they will come with lifetime guar. So just bring it (them in) for an exchange.
Should be no issue. Stay away from any harbor freight ones, they are known to snap (quite easily), not just round off.

EDIT: as well most hobby (RC) stores carry pretty decent sets, fyi.
 
BCRstudio said:
I was going to say same thing. You beat me to it. Yeah, you can do that multiple times, I will add.
I use some hardened carbon ones from MID from Amazon, or DDM (do not remember exactly where I got them.)
But also have 3/8 and 1/4" ratchet drive ones, that are VERY hard (but short, like 1 or 2" long) They both work great, even when I have used them on
bolts with red threadlocker. (usually I use blue, for most bolts)

But yeah, agree with turbo, just grind/cut/whizz the ends off, so no rounded edge.
However, mine are (well 2mm and up) are rounded/hardened, to get into tighter spaces. Made that way, the 1.5 and lower, is hard to find with ball ends.

If you bought at Home Depot, or Lowes, they will come with lifetime guar. So just bring it (them in) for an exchange.
Should be no issue. Stay away from any harbor freight ones, they are known to snap (quite easily), not just round off.

EDIT: as well most hobby (RC) stores carry pretty decent sets, fyi.
Click to expand...
Are the lifetime guarante really for wear and tear damages? Sound a bit good to be true. Especially small hexes like 0,7 -> 2 mm should be replaced every now and then they tend to wear no matter what material they are made in. Though always go with higher quality brands I would say less risk of damaging screws and make getting them out a hassle. I like WERA tools myself.
 
Well Lowes, took over Craftsman tools (if I recall correctly, I may be wrong). And yes, their tools (as well Kobalt, etc..) does include wear/tear, hence tool is inferior made, for job it was meant to do. So, exchange normally is a NO ISSUE, it cost them pennies on the dollar to make the tools. So they do not mind, an exchange.

Heck, I use to do it with Sears, with tools I found on side of road (yes VERY TRUE STORY) that were rusted, abused, etc.
Bring it in, (usually ratchets, but also sockets) and they would take item(s) with no questions asked. (obviously without a receipt)
They used to keep a bucket next to them, of rebuilt ratchets, just for that purpose.
So, you may not always get a tool brand new off the shelf/if said tool they have a rebuilt one sitting next to them.

I have MAC tools, as well Snap-On, etc. Now they are MUCH harder to deal with, even though (I) spent 3, 4 or sometimes even 10 times the price for same tool. (I was stupid in my younger years, and felt name brands was cool/nice to have in my toolbox) Sadly, they are not made much better (most times).
Are a btch to exchange through Snap On tool guy. They will look over it with a fine tooth comb, and state (always) that you (meaning me, in this case) did not use correctly.
Which is a load of bull.

Anyhow, you get my point.
Well worth a try. Heck I think even Harbor Freight does the same on their tools, exchange with no questions asked.
But the very few tools I have gotten from them, I do recall (they asked for a receipt). But that might not always be the case.

I have a 1/4" Craftsman ratchet that is about 50 ~ 60 years old, and I knew it was made better than junk they stocked 3 decades ago, so I never would return that one. I would just ask for rebuild kit, and I have about 3 spare kits. All I got for free, as I loved that ratchet (still have it to this day, certainly going on 60+ years old now. Perhaps tools is about 10 years older than what I first stated so 60 ~ 70 yrs).
 
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