GEARWRENCH has recently come out with new T-handle ball end hex drivers that the brand says are suited for the most demanding needs that professional users have.
The high-torque straight hex tips on the short end features chamfered edges, to make them easier to insert into fasteners, and the ball end is shaped to allow for fastener access from up to 25° off-axis.
Advertisement
Gearwrench – a ToolGuyd sponsor – sent over a 7pc set of metric T-handle ball hex drivers for review consideration, and I’ve been putting them through some use.
To start off, I was surprised at their shorter size. Most of my T-handle hex drivers are a bit longer, at least when talking about the larger sizes, but all of the sizes in this set have approximately the same overall length. In other words, the larger sizes have shorter shafts than I am accustomed to.
Although surprised by this, I’m quite pleased. Sometimes a longer T-handle hex driver works well for most tasks, but there are times when they can be a hassle, such as when working in tight spaces.
You can’t cut down longer t-handles or you lose the ball hex end, and so I tend to improvise, usually with hex bit sockets or 1/4″ hex bits.
Longer T-handles can also be difficult to pack up into a small tool bag or pouch for remote use.
Advertisement
Gearwrench also launched other T-handle hex sets with standard-length drivers, and so you can go that route if you want a more traditional general purpose set.
The handles are comfortable, and the steel shafts seem strong and resilient. Here’s what Gearwrench says about them:
Flimsy hex keys bend and get banged up easily with heavy use in everyday applications, but the alloy steel composition of GEARWENCH Hex Keys provides increased strength and resists rotational distortion.
I used several of the sizes so far, pushing some a little further than I would naturally, and I don’t have any concerns so far. Ball end hex tips, especially smaller sizes, should not be used in high torque applications, as there’s always the risk of breakage regardless of the brand. Still, I like knowing that ball hex drivers can meet my typical needs, and these seem to be doing alright so far.
There’s a test I like to do sometimes when trying to assess new tools. I ask myself: is this a tool I will keep and use? This question usually follows my inability to answer the question “is this something I would buy for myself?”
Did I see myself buying this particular set of T-handle hex drivers? Yes, but that’s unfair to say because I saw a retail listing and my first thought was “ooh, I’ve got to pick up a set to review.” It just happens that the sample arrived from Gearwrench before I was able to order a set.
But, I also didn’t realize the larger sizes were a little shorter in this particular set.
So, that’s where the thought exercise comes into play. Will I keep and use this set? Yes. I absolutely see myself using these T-handle ball hex drivers.
Will I use them exclusively? No – I have a wide range of hex tools with preestablished preferences. However, there are two things I really like about this particular set – the shorter lengths for the larger sizes are absolutely a complementary benefit for me, and I’m sure I will also benefit from the drivers’ P/L-style T-handle design.
My primary-use T-handle hex drivers don’t have short straight hex tips, they’re true T-handle drivers. That these “P-handle” T-handle drivers are essentially large L-shaped hex keys with soft T-grip handles means they serve double-duty for when you need off-axis accessibility and higher torque capabilities from the same tool.
Hex tools are a tough category for me to talk about, as I have quite a few different tools of various styles, and I cannot (and will not) give any of them up. I believe that these new Gearwrench offerings will absolutely add to my kit.
As for my specific plans for this sample set, it’s destined for my garage workshop to replace all of the loose hex keys, drivers, and T-handles that are needed to adjust, maintain, and operate various pieces of equipment. I’m confident they’ll see a fair share of regular use as well.
Lastly, the pricing also surprised me in a good way – the 7pc SAE and 7pc metric sets are priced at $14-15 each. The 8pc metric and 10pc SAE sets are priced a bit higher and come with s-shaped stands.
The tough question for me isn’t whether I like these new Gearwrench T-handle ball hex drivers or not, because I do, but whether I need the SAE and Torx sets as well.
Buy Now: Metric Set via Amazon
Buy Now: Metric Set via Acme Tools
Buy Now: SAE Set via Amazon
Buy Now: SAE Set via Acme Tools
Other Purchasing Options
- *14pc Straight Hex SAE/Metric Set: via Amazon | Acme Tools
- 7pc Torx Key T-Handle Set: via Amazon | Acme Tools
- 8pc Metric Set with Stand: via Amazon | Acme Tools
- 10pc SAE Set with Stand: via Amazon | Acme Tools
* The T-handle drivers in the 14pc set have straight hex tips on both short and long ends.
Thank you to our sponsor Gearwrench for providing the review samples.
Plain grainy
Price is much lower than i in imagined.
blocky
Agreed, I’ve paid this much for partial key-sets.
Might try the metric for bike work.
Steve
I’m not a big fan of the ball end on the smaller t-handle drivers. It’s too easy to snap the ball off.
Stuart
In general, yes, which is why I like the straight hex short end.
I have a brand of T-handle that gives you straight hex for the smaller sizes, and I often have to have ball hex screwdrivers or L-wrenches at the ready to use with them. Their smaller ball end handles also have shorter handles. But, all this is also because that brand only has single hex end T-handle drivers.
I like having the option, and by now I know reasonable torque limits for smaller fasteners and so I don’t over-torque them. Of course now I’ve probably jinxed myself.
Steve
I have that same set, and I love it. Since we’re talking about Gearwrench, I won’t name them. I’m almost tempted to buy this set just to see how hard it is to snap the ball end off some of the smaller sizes. You’re a pretty intelligent guy, and probably do know the reasonable torque limits for smaller fasteners. Most other people don’t. I feel like this set will cause more problems than it will solve.
TonyT
Sometimes ball end is very necessary – just because the screws are smaller doesn’t mean they’re easier to get at!
Steve
I completely understand. I just think using the ball end of an L-key is a safer option. Imagine that tough to reach small screw with the ball broken off in the head.
DRT42
In 40+ years of working on rusty cars, plumbing, electronics, and a homebuilt airplane, I have never had that happen. I am sure it can happen … but not often.
MM
I remember it being a common problem in the R/C model world, it was really a perfect storm caused by two factors:
First, the pinion gears on RC electric cars, and the various couplings and shafts used on RC boats, and stop collars on many aircraft servo linkages are secured with tiny setscrews that normally take a .050″ hex wrench.
Second, it is extremely common for RC modelers to have a set of tiny ball-end wrenches as they are just so handy for working on models.
And that creates the problem: the .050″ ball-end is extremely fragile and it is simply not up to the torque of busting a set screw loose. And it’s really tempting to reach for that ball end instead of using a properly hardened (and not ball-ended) .050″ driver. Ball-end driver breakage was so common that it didn’t take long before the modeling companies started making their own high-strength .050″ hex drivers specifically for this application.
I’ve also seen it happen in the machine shop. Toolholders for indexable carbide inserts often use hex screws for holding the insert in place. 3/32 is a very common size for this, and I’ve seen plenty of people break ball-ends using them for this job.
Eddie the Hook
How short are they ? As you said, shorter Allen Keys are good for fitting into smaller tool bags, kits, etc.
Stuart
The 5mm has an overall length of ~6-3/4″.
Eddie the Hook
Thanks
BradWH
The picture of them in the stand drives me nuts… I am okay with them all being the same length or having 2-3 set lengths, but that picture has them all over the place! The OCD tingles.
Wayne R.
Yeah, that 9/64 is extra weird, and the 7/64 doesn’t help. Probably bugs the photographer too.
Nathan
do people really use the short end on drivers like these? or would you just use another hex key? I had a set of T handle jobs years ago and I bought them thinking I would use them often every time I ran into a hex need – mostly bought them for RC car stuff.
you know what I ended up using more often – hex bits in a bit holder or ratcheting driver? I started off using the t handles and ended up moving to bits.
Probably a off shoot of that was due to wearing out two of them
Jerry
I do farm repair and maintenance and personally prefer this style. Use the short end to break loose a rusty set screw or hex plug, then spin it in or out with the ball end. Often a machine will have several set screws of the same size along the shaft and this lets you do them all with just one wrench.
gak_pdx
As a machinist doing mostly product development/prototyping work… my Wiha T handle drivers are my absolute most used set of tools in the shop. Both a Metric and SAE set are right next to each machine.
Our work holding is a mix of American made and German stuff, so both sets are available at all times.
The stubby end is critical. Vises and clamps need solid torque, often way over whatever the book rate is. Every machinist has piles and piles of junky L hex keys sitting around; I never touch mine because the Wiha set is so fantastic to use.
Stuart
Yes. The handle style makes it easier to provide leverage compared to a basic L-key.
I use hex bits with various holders, handles, and ratchets as well, but there’s absolutely still a place for a tool like this.
Maps Bam
If the Acme Tools website is correct, these are made in Taiwan not China. I think I have to get a set. I bought a Husky set expecting the one end to be ball and they are not.
Maps Bam
FYI the 14 piece set does not appear to have ball ends.
Stuart
Yes – I did note this at the end of the post – the 14pc set appears to have straight hex tips.
My sample packaging says: Product of Taiwan, finished in mainland China.
Maps Bam
I got my set. It’s odd that both metric and standard are the same color. I don’t know why some companies refuse to use color coding. Color coding is more valuable than branding.
The bigger issue is that the actual size of the wrench is very small and not the easiest to read because it’s molded in yellow. Odd and I kind of wish I hadn’t ordered them, but I failed to notice this part.
Stuart
The size markings are somewhat low contrast. I’ve found that most brands’ hex driver markings are hard to read or printed on handle surfaces where they can wear away. I always assumed this was because many users select hex keys based on go/no-go rather than size.
I figure that if it becomes a problem here, I can fill in the recess or number with permanent ink. I also plan on building a compact holder for mine.
If you’re not happy, check with the retailer, as some have generous return policies. Not all tools are going to suit every user’s needs, wants, or preferences.
Maps Bam
I also thought about painting the text of the sizes or the recessed part to highlight the sizes.
I’m not unhappy enough to send them back. They are cheap. I tried the 1/8″ tool and it fits snugly into my Harley hardware which is very nice.
davethebrave
These hex-key sets look nearly identical to sets offered by Klein, even down to the stand. The only difference appears to be the handle shape (and possibly the handle material). I have small sets of Klein metric and imperial wrenches and I love them- they’re easier and more comfortable to use for older fingers (especially when it’s cold) than traditional L-shaped hex keys.
fred
My fractional inch set is Klein
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Klein-Tools-6-in-Journeyman-SAE-T-Handle-Set-with-Stand-10-Piece-JTH610E/206314473
My metric set is Park Tool (the Bicycle Tool folks)
https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-THH-1-T-Handle-Bicycles/dp/B0832GX3RV
The Park ones have both regular and extractor tips on the short bar for dealing with buggered socket screws. Their T-Handle . The short bar also slides – which I find useful.
Alltrade/Powerbuilt also makes something similar for less money:
https://www.amazon.com/Alltrade-941645-T-Handle-Wrench-Pieces/dp/B074PXK2BN/
Maps Bam
But who, exactly, is Powerbuilt and what kind of quality do they offer?
PTT
Is there anything from Gear Wrench that you do not recommend?
Stuart
I didn’t like the Double-X hemostats. Maybe I’ll try them again one day, but there was too much friction in the joint for my liking. Their Double-X pliers are awesome though. It’s not that I don’t recommend the hemostats, but that they don’t suit my needs. They might still be recommendable for specific applications.
Aside from that, I can’t think of a Gearwrench tool I didn’t like.
I gave away a Gearwrench adjustable pry bar sample once because it was simply too large for my needs.
Oh – and their magnetic extensions worked very nicely, but I have not missed them much since giving them away.
928'er
WOW! The 8 piece set carries quite a price premium over the 7 piece set on Amazon.
$14.99 for the 7 piece set – $45.58 for the 8 piece set! Of course, the 8 piece set does include a rack…
Stuart
That’s via a 3rd party seller. Amazon direct (sold out at the moment) has the 8pc set for ~$28. The length of tools is different, plus you get one more size, and as mentioned the 8pc set also comes with the storage rack.
JoeM
Now I’m confused… are you talking me into the Bondhus ball-end T-Drivers, or these Gearwrench ones? I haven’t bought either one yet, I’ve had to take care of some other stuff first… So there’s still time to sway my Brainwashed-By-Stuart Brand Buying Habits…
I can’t imagine many things I use hex drivers for, aside from maintenance on my Leatherman Tools, and that’s cheating because that Torx/Security Torx not Hex… But then again… I’ve never handled… Poor choice of words, sorry, bad pun… a T-Handle tool before… So my mind doesn’t make the connection… also likely a bad pun in there somewhere… Very sorry…
I’ve never regretted a purchase I’ve made since being influenced by this site. So I do trust the community to steer me in the right direction.
Lynyrd
Carry-over by Apex Tools from the Craftsman Professional T Handles. The handle is reshaped with the “Transformer” look, but ho-hum Apex…
Patrick McIntosh
You would think that these will be a good set of T Handel drivers. Apex, the parent company of Gearwrench owns the brand “Allen”, if you are a tool user you may have heard of that brand! Whilst Apex decided not to enter the Hex Key fray with the brand, they do have the expertise and the history to produce quality hex keys. I for one would buy them, I have over the years replaced a hell of a lot of my old tools with Gearwrench products and I have yet to be disappointed in their quality or performance.