Bondhus has recently come out with new ColorGuard ball hex keys which are color coded for easier size ID. The new hex key coatings are also said to provide great corrosion and rust resistance. In addition to color coding, each hex key is also stamped with their size.
Bondhus is not quite a household name, but they make some great quality USA-made ball hex, Torx, and Robertson drivers. Their ball hex keys and drivers are well made and priced at an exceptional value.
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Prices: $15-$21 for individual inch or metric sets, $34 for the 21pc inch and metric set
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First Thoughts
Going by the photos, the new Bondhus ColorGuard hex keys look a little drab and dull to me. That might not be a bad thing, but brighter colors, such as those by PB Swiss colored hex keys, might allow for easier color-based size ID.
I can understand why Bondhus avoided the rainbow coloring of PB Swiss and the new Wera colored hex drivers, but it seems like it will make the color-memorization process a little tougher.
PB Swiss only recently came out with inch-sized colored hex keys, and Wera only makes their colored drivers in metric hex and Torx styles. Wiha now also offers a color-coded metric hex key set ($34 via Amazon), and an inch set that is much harder to find. In other words, pro-grade color-coded inch and metric hex key sets are rather scarce, heightening my interest in Bondhus’s new offerings.
As much a fan of Bondhus tools and their ball hex drivers as I am, I don’t see a lot of appeal in these new ColorGuard products. The tools are made in the USA and very affordably priced, but I think that PB Swiss and Wera have much more effective color schemes. Of course, you’ll have to pay more for those European brands – a lot more in some cases.
The Bondhus ColorGuard hex drivers look to be great ball hex keys with passable color-coding palette. This wouldn’t be my choice for color-coded hex keys, but it’s hard to argue with the attractively low pricing.
jesse says
Are the actual color schemes different from each other? There is a standard scheme for inch nutdrivers that most brands I have seen follow. I never did get why they don’t use the standard ‘rainbow’ or prism spectrum that just about everyone knows: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, violet. The old mnemonic is Roy G Biv, with the ‘i’ being indigo.
Allen says
I’m sorry but this color coded business is lost on me.
If I’m faced with a set screw I just grab three I think will be close. I don’t think colors would help me.
DreamcatchereDB says
A few years ago, I actually wrote to Bondhus and a few other US made hex tool manufacturers to request they manufacture color coded T-handled hex sets after unsuccessfully searching for US makes before finally purchasing the Harbor Freight set (which is a surprisingly good set for $7).
That’s just how it goes though… if USA made tool manufacturers cannot provide convenience with their [supposed] quality then even devoted USA made buyers will turn away. Often, it seems that nationalistic types are overcome with their devotion to the point of being naive. Let me be clear; aside from the jobs they provide, there is nothing inherently great about american made tool and all manufacturers should try a little harder to be competitive amongst asian and european brands.
Coming back to this Bondhus hex set… I think the color is ‘okay’ and certainly better than traditional matte black. I like the idea that the coloring covers the entire tool and protects from rust in the tip and the shank. On top of that, the price seems fair (much unlike the PB Swiss tool). That said, I think there is still plenty lack in innovation. The key holder is the standard plastic type that simply annoys me as the keys pack so tight together that the smaller sizes are difficult to remove with the slightest amount of grease on one’s hands. While these are ball end (some old innovation) they lack any new geometric features seen on the Wera set. Again, for the price the Bondhus seems to be a fair deal but I expect to see much better offerings in the future.
DC
T says
I needed 14 stitches when a subpar “quality” budget Lkey snapped and my hand slipped. Bought some Bondhaus after that. Never broken one, never rounded one, still use same set after 10 years. Bondhaus tools are an excellent value at any price point or coo, especially if one lives by their tools. I get the colour coding fad but dont fill my brain with what colour my 6mm is when Im processing tightening sequences on a 36 fastener flange. I doubt the colour palette will be an issue in real world use.