If there’s one type of hand tool category I am especially particular about, it’s hex tools, including drivers, L-keys, P- and T-handle wrenches, and any other hex-tipped fastener driver.
My first self-introduction to quality hex keys was with Bondhus ball-tip screwdrivers. I ordered them from McMaster Carr and was so pleased with the Bondhus quality that I bought a bunch more Bondhus drivers, and then T-handle drivers, and a couple of L-wrench sets.
Before that, all I had known were generic Allen-style L-wrenches. My father had two kinds of L-key sets, one where the tools were straight hex shafts that pivoted out from a folding base, and the other where individual L-keys were attached to a large keyring. Sorry Dad, but your hex keys sucked. They were enough, at the time, but I’ve moved on to better tools.
Advertisement
Here’s a look of all the unique or strongly recommended hex tools that I previously wrote about:
PB Swiss Rainbow Colored Ball Hex Key Set
Although pricey, PB Swiss’s are my absolute favorite hex keys. If my budget ever allows for it, I’ll add a metric set to complement my fractional hex key set.
Bondhus ColorGuard Hex Keys
I haven’t tried Bondhus’s ColorGuard hex key set, but their quality is generally very good. I’d consider giving these a try if I wanted color-coded hex keys without the PB Swiss price.
Wera Color-Coded Hex Key Sets
Wera makes color-coded hex keys too.
Park Tool P-Handle Hex Wrenches
One of these days I’ve got to update my post on Park Tool’s excellent Bondhus-made hex wrenches. I’ve got a bunch of Beta P/T-handle ball hex drivers like this too, and am still undecided as to which is better.
Who knew that Klein would come out with excellent P/T-handle ball hex drivers? They’re comfortable to use and precise. Plus they come with a handy bench stand.
Allen Ball Hex Set
This Allen set that I reviewed is rather unremarkable, and it jumped up a little in price since the review went up, but they’re okay tools at a decent value.
Stubby PB Swiss Hex Keys
I pieced together this PB Swiss low profile hex key set back when Amazon was clearing them out at great prices. I would buy a replacement set at full price, in an instant, if needed. I really wish PB Swiss made these in fractional sizes as well, and not just metric.
Anex Low Profile Hex Drivers
I ended up buying a set of these Anex slim hex wrenches after posting about them. I’ve used them a couple of times, and like my PB Swiss stubby drivers, they’re handy problem solvers.
I paid $22 for my 4-piece set, right now they’re $12.91 at Amazon, by 2 “Fulfilled by Amazon” 3rd party suppliers. Please snatch them up so that I’m not tempted to buy them myself – Amazon link.
Flex-Head Hex Keys
While far from what being must-haves, these Hex Pro flex-head hex keys can be convenient to have around. If you have enough clearance, the pivoting head allows you to swing them over after a turn, instead of having to remove, rotate, and re-engage the tool.
Wiha MagicRing Ball Hex Key Set
I’ve tried Wiha and Bondhus’s fastener-retention ball hex designs, and find that I prefer Wiha’s a lot more. I tend to use my Wiha sets more often than just when I need fastener retention because of their better storage cases. Easy in, easy out.
Hex Bit Sockets
The SK hex bit sockets are nice, except for how the tool bits arrived from SK pre-rusted. Sockets are a great option when you need more torque, and can be used with different drive tools, such as ratchets, breaker bars, T-handles, or spinners, depending on the application needs.
PB Swiss Hex Sockets
I love, love, LOVE these one-piece PB Swiss hex bit sockets. I own exactly two of them. One of these days I’m buying more, and I hope that PB Swiss comes to their senses and comes out with similar sockets but in fractional sizes.
Bondhus Ball Hex
This is an itty bitty set that I received for free from Carbide Processors, but the tools aren’t any different from Bondhus’s regular drivers, aside from the smaller size.
Bondhus hex drivers are strong, precise, convenient, easy to clean, made in the USA, and affordable. One of these days I have GOT to post more about my Bondhus tools.
I should point out that Carbide Processor now has the fractional-sized mini GoldGuard hex key set as their current registration and ordering free gift option.
Mayhew Twisted hex
These twisted Mayhew hex drivers are among the most unusual take son hex keys that I’ve seen or written about thus far.
Astro Pneumatic Multi-Use Hex Keys
These Astro Pneumatic hex keys can handle fasteners with internal hex sockets or external hex profiles.
Kobalt Hex Key Handle
I keep meaning to try this out – it looks like the handle can be used with other hex keys, right? I only want the handle for use with my other hex tools, but I suppose it’s not too much of a waste to have extra set of ball hex drivers to keep around. Maybe as spare or loaner tools so that I can keep the good stuff to myself and in my main toolbox?
What Do You Recommend?
Do you use some great hex keys not on this list? Let’s hear those recommendations!
Nathan says
if I had to replace my bondhus sets tomorrow I’d probably go for one of those newer colorguard sets they make just because of the sight pattern
my current sets are I don’t know how old and I’ve only ever replaced one – that twisted up on me in a rust/welded in place cap screw.
that said I sort of like the idea of those astro pneumatic one and I’d like to see that kobalt handle sold seperately – course I guess a person could make something similar in wood.
finally I don’t like bit sockets but I know they have a function – I have 3 different sized square drive bit holder sockets that work amazingly well – and I like using bits in them instead. that said I would like to replace all of my 1/4 drive hex bits in SAE and Metric as they seem to have walked off or I left them somewhere.
Yadda says
Need to check out the Kobalt set. That one looks like it could inexpensively solve a lot of problems.
John says
Don’t forget the Wiha Color Coded Hex sets SAE: http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-color-coded-ball-end-hex-l-key-13-piece-set-p/36986.htm and Metric: http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-color-coded-ball-end-hex-l-key-9-piece-set-p/36987.htm I was actually kinda surprised how much more longer they were when I got them compared to other set’s I’ve had.
The Wera Color Coded are drool worthy, but that plastic sleeves increases the diameter just enough that they don’t seem to fit down into recessed holes which is a big let down.
Dave L. says
I’ve made my own twisted hex wrenches-the hard way.:)
Since I usually work on-site rather than in a shop, I usually use the “pocketknife” style of hex wrenches. I have a set in a belt pouch along with an interchangeable tip screwdriver, a small 1/2 round file and a multi-tool. That normally covers most of what I do.
Noah says
So, how do you feel about Eklind? Where I work tools have an alarming frequency of growing legs, so I find that Eklind has the right cost-to-performance ratio.
And don’t hate on folding hex sets! They are great to keep in portable tool kits, and help keep that one common size from “disappearing”.
Mike says
I have had both the regular elklind and the bondhus chrome sets.
My felling is that the elklind keys are much more likely to wear out or strip than the bondhus keys. I have bean using my bondhus keys everyday for 3 or 4 years with very little wear.
Also the it is easier to tell which keys are yours because they are not the standard black oxide coating, which is what most other people have.
Stuart says
Every now and then I am tempted to buy an Eklind driver or set to check out, but I just don’t see the appeal. When compared to other brands, such as Bondhus, I just don’t see any reason to spend money on Eklind. The designs also look a little plain, compared to my tried-and-true Bondhus T-handle drivers.
I just remember having problems finding the right size in my father’s folding hex key sets. I don’t even remember whether there was one set or two, and so I might have tried to fit inch hex keys in metric fasteners, or vice versa.
Jerry says
I also like the folding sets. They are great for a grab and go fix it job where you aren’t sure what size you need, and it keeps the individual drivers from getting lost.
SteveR says
I have several hex key sets, both inch- and metric-sizes, and hardly ever use them. When I do, I have to play 52 pick-up, dumping all of them out of the pouch to look for the correct size. I should add that I’m retired (not working at a job that would require their use), so needing to tighten/remove set screws with them is, at best, infrequent. The only thing I actively use them on is a pool cleaner (Polaris) that runs around the pool bottom, and that’s to adjust the water pressure on it. Growing up, there were set screws on slot cars (for the drive gears), so that was probably the most frequent use I’ve had for Allen wrenches in my lifetime.
I’m not very keen on them, especially the smaller sizes, as they bend alarmingly when twisting on them. It’s difficult to generate a lot of torque to turn them, plus they cut into my hand. I have ratcheting screwdrivers with a 1/4″ hex bit holder into which I can insert the bits. I can generate more torque with that set-up than I can with standard “L” wrenches alone. I have two bit holders for my ratchets, (sized to hold 1/4″ and 5/16″ bits), and am able to generate even greater force using them. The same can be used with Torx bits, as well.
Years ago, I bought a folding set of Torx wrenches that were new (to me) at the time, as I thought I might need it. I, too, was impressed with the ability to select the one wrench you needed for a job, then push it back into place; no way to lose them with that configuration. A nice idea, but I never had an opportunity to use it (still haven’t). The one item in the house that used a Torx screw was our T-Fal non-stick frying pan. It required a T-15 bit to tighten the handle every few years. Some small household appliances (like a steam iron) use them, too. And when push comes to shove, one can use a hex bit in place of a Torx driver.
Gary T. says
I’ve got the Kobalt hex key handle. Neat tool and one handle works with both standard and metric L shaped hex keys. The handle is on the big side and I’m not sure how the plastic will hold up over time, but it is an interesting way to turn your L shaped hex keys into a T handle hex key.
Chris Fyfe says
Now ya gone an done it , mentioned the PB word !
Chris
Richard Shaddinger says
I like using the Bondhus ball head-hex insert bits in my snap-on ratcheting screwdriver.
MBDE says
The Bondhus 5mm ball-tip 12″ driver is one of the most essential tools in my box. It only has one job: adjusting heavy duty concealed cabinet levelers during installations, and it is great at it. Other than that, several Husky metric hex sockets for connector bolts and stationary power tool adjustments and maintenance, and folding sets in metric and imperial for various depth stops on pocket hole drill bits and countersinks take care of all the hex needs in my shop. Given my needs, the only hex I ever needed to select carefully was the Bondhus, and it has not disappointed in either function or quality. Great tool at a very reasonable price.
ktash says
I have Tekton ball head metric and sae sets, which are affordable and I like them pretty well compared to other sets I’ve had. For a weekend DIYer, it’s something to check out.
seb says
i use a set of Bondhus ColorGuard Hex Keys in metric size every day and i dont regret buying them at all, they are hand down the best hex keys i have used (much better than the facom everyone was so fond of around here).
The color is actually very beneficial, i often work in dirty areas or poorly lit, and the color make it easy to pick the right one , it also make it easy to recover a key that happen to have fallen on the ground……
T says
Ill recommend the HF one piece impact hex sockets, and the torx of same style. They are phenominal at any price, actually look identical to a few offerings from euro tool companies at 1/5 the price. Work great on everything from crank or hub bolts to headbolts on old german iron. They proudly live in my top drawer next to the usual SO, Wurth, Beta, and Bondhaus hex tools. Ill also recommend the Bondhaus ball hex screwdrivers – another excellent tool at any price point, decent length, super convenient and the regular Bondhaus quality.
Matt says
Don’t forget this fetish-quality hex set:
http://silca.cc/products/hx-one-home-and-travel-essentials
mike says
talking regular small size (1-10mm) L-shaped hex wrenches I’d rate the regular black bondhus above everything else. I have a set that is at least 20 years old and its as good as new. I use my bondhus set as my “precision” set.
At work we get wera “hex-plus” now and it seems to be working really well too. I’m surprized they work as good as they do actually.
But IMO regular L hex wrenches are for personal/private/low volume/not very often use. Like wrenching on your own bicycles and similar things.
for all other uses there are lots of faster ways to work I think. I usually work with power tools since manual wrenching just takes too much time. And if i round off a few bolts here and there, no problem. I just grab new ones, since I have access to lots. In all common sizes from m3 to m36 all 12.9.
at work the only thing I actually regulary use the L wrenches for is for loosening stubborn m24-30-36 hex bolts, and i do that with a copper sledgehammer : ) that way i don’t have to power up the big 1 inch air tools just to loosen a few bolts. this is when the 3/4 tools are not powerful enough.
Dan says
I have PB Swiss L keys, since buying them I wouldn’t buy anything else.
I also have Wiha and Felo T handles and they are good, but I haven’t tried the PB offerings yet.
Andrew says
What about ball drivers? Personally I find L and T keys not very ergonomic to use.
I started on a Bondhus set, but the Bahco alternative I found to be much nicer, and Wiha also do a set.
Wiha also do ball end hex bits, and you can even get ball end Torx bits now. Maybe Santa will have space in his sack….
Stuart says
I haven’t bought a non-ball hex driver, at least not intentionally. Some straight hex L keys came as part of a Craftsman socket set I bought a few years ago.
I bought a 5mm Irazola (now Bahco) ball driver when on vacation in England. If the need ever arises, I’ll replace my metric drivers with these. Too bad they don’t seem to make inch-sized ball drivers.
But yea, those Bahco Techno grip ones are the best I’ve I’ve used.
I have a set of Wiha MagicRing ball end hex bits I bought on sale, and some Craftsman hex bits that came with a defective magnetic L-shaped bit driver.
I’ve got Engineer Inc. (http://toolguyd.com/iheartengineering-engineer-l-wrench-driver-deal-102013/ ) L-wrenches that can make an L-driver out of any hex, Torx, or other style of 1-inch screwdriver bit.
fred says
Other hex key options include ones that are insulated – like these from Wiha:
http://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-insulated-inch-hex-l-key-8-piece-set-p/13690.htm?gclid=CJ6psem0wscCFdCRHwodWMMNNw
Allen (maybe the progenitor of the hex key) also used to sell a magnetic tipped set (their # 87657)
Allen J Elliott says
I have no use for a loose set of wrenches. I will loose a wrench or lay one down and at the end of the day, will not know where I left it. It needs to be in a ‘Numbered Set’ or a ‘Socket Holder’ where instantly you know one is missing. I will not buy anything not in such a rig period.
Koko the Talking Ape says
Why not use hex key bits or inserts, like these?
http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DW2068-Hex-Insert-9-Piece/dp/B000628SO2
The have the standard 1/4″ hex end, to fit in screwdrivers, bit holders, etc.
They have the standard advantages of all such bits. They are cheap. You can use your existing bit holders and screwdrivers, even ratchet wrenches. Those various holders are typically stronger and more comfortable than ordinary hex keys, and can come with a variety of features, especially ratcheting. Hex keys are really slow to use if you don’t have 360 degree clearance; you have to turn it, then pull it out and reseat it, etc. A ratcheting screwdriver handle/bit holder makes it a piece of cake. You can use handles with flexible shafts or swivel heads. Etc., etc. Am I wrong?
Stuart says
You’re not wrong, but one-piece tools have distinct advantages, such as slimmer profiles. There also aren’t very many sizes or styles of ball tip screwdriver bits around.
I have a Craftsman 1/4″ hex L-shaped bit holder, and it sucks. The magnet fell out on Day 1! My Engineer L-Wrench (http://toolguyd.com/iheartengineering-engineer-l-wrench-driver-deal-102013/) is great, but still bulkier than your average L-key.
Plus…
I often work with multiple sizes of hex drivers. Changing bits back and forth can save money or offer the versatility of being able to pop the same bit into different shapes of 1/4″ hex bit drivers. But when I need to use 2, 3, or even greater numbers of different sizes, back and forth, having to swap back and forth is about the last thing I want to do.
I have some hex bits, but I rarely use them except in the presence of certain needs. Using one-piece tools is simply far more convenient much of the time.
Koko the Talking Ape says
Hm. The only time I consistently use hex keys is when I am working on my bike. I have had to torque some screws hard enough that I permanently twisted or bent a few hex keys. No such problem with hex key inserts, and there the bulk doesn’t matter.
Also, if I wanted, I could drive them with a power drill. I’ve heard people say that is just the shiznit for assembling IKEA furniture.
Sometimes I wish I had ball-head hex inserts, but apparently they don’t exist in metric. But my flex-shaft screwdriver/bit holder generally takes care of those situations when I want to approach at an angle. Sometimes I do have to use a few different sizes, like you say, but I happen to have three or four screwdrives or wrenches that take 1/4″ hex bits (purchased for that exact reason.) A ratcheting screwdriver/holder with a hex shaft drill bit makes a dandy precision drill for delicate work.
Stuart says
For hard torque, such as loosening pedals, I use a hex socket and breaker bar, sometimes with a dead blow hammer or rubber mallet for a little extra encouragement.
I used a cordless screwdriver to assembly a piece of Ikea furniture once. That was the last time – it was too easy to over-drive the fasteners, even with a weak 3.6V driver.
Using hex drivers often make short work of Ikea furniture assembly.
I haven’t a clue as to where they are, but I have Wiha MagicRing powerbits. If I’ve got them in inch sizing, as I believe they are, then I’m sure they also make them in metric sizes.
You won’t find many examples of ball hex 1/4″ hex 1-inch screwdriver bits, as they’re often meant for power tool use. Too much torque, and the ball with shear off and jam inside of a screw head.
ANOOP CHANDRAN says
Kindly send a Quotation for the flexible head keys.
TrainMaster says
Like everyone I also have my personal favorites. Being in the Professional Equipment Maintenance field I use two brands exclusively. I have a set of SAE Whia Long ProStars with the MagicRing and have found these are the best around when doing heavy tightning work. I’ve had wrenches on them to break taperlock sprockets loose. Also I use the Bondhus Extra Short SAE’s for Tight quarters on Cigarette Stamping machines. Eklind is one that I didn’t see mentioned here. Eklinds are USA made and are more of a GP T-Handle but are great because they twist an do not snap off. I’ve cut and reused them many times and are best when tightening screws into soft metal like aluminum and brass or tiny set screws of dubious quality. The ones with the wire formed handle are the best, you can slip a screwdriver though the handle for a little extra leverage. Also the Bondhus Flip outs are great too especially their Torx version. You can get three packs SAE Metric and Torx quite reasonable. All Made in USA, oh and Germany too
Rafał says
How about Park tool hxs-3? Have anyone heard about them?
They look like stubby PB Swiss, but they are much cheaper
Stuart says
Looks decent, presumably made by Bondhus.
PB Swiss hex keys cost more, but I like their fitment better, their materials, and the stubby short end is angled, which makes them a little more versatile, depending on the application.
Those Park hex keys should work well.
Alick says
Look up “Eight” from Japan.
They specialise in hex keys and their top line ranges are superbly finished and high quality steel. The best of all the varieties that I’ve ever seen including bondhus, wiha, and from the photographs, compable to PB Swiss.
I have imperial and metric ball ended sets. Low profile are next on the list.
Gary Jones says
Your allan keys look impressive however i am looking for a set that are straight that i can use in my cordless drill/driver, I am looking for a keys about 100mm long from 1mm or 1.5 to 5mm. do you make these keys?
regards
Gary
Stuart says
Bondhus makes bits like that, with ball hex tips.
If you want more options, you’ll have to consider long hex bit sockets, although I don’t know if they’re rated for drill/driver use. Or you could use shorter bits with extensions. You’ll have more options in 1″ in 2″ bit sizes.