Hex key set - recommendations?

[gbb]

Ball end are fine, indeed very useful at times but....avoid REALLY hankering on them if the screw is siezed, I have broken ball end ones in those circumstances, but I have been abusing them when that happens. (Ring spanner on one end to get more leverage)

 

[wonderloaf]

Fight, Fight, Fight

 

[Blue Hills]

Fight, Fight, Fight

Bit like 10mm spanners & sockets

Nothing wrong with using ball ends for tetting 5hings started. Clearly you wouldn't use them for applying real force.

 

[broady]

Love my Wera set
I never realised how bad my others were until I used them!

 

[derrick]

I have a set of Snap On t bar allen keys, They are probably 20 years old.

 

[tom73]

I’ve got the Chain reaction own brand set. Not bad quality for the price a nice handy set all round.

 

[Profpointy]

Given top makes like bondus or facom are cheap enough for allen keys this isn't somewhere where I'd bother to skimp. OK some cheap ones might be OK, but some likely are not. Even for occasional home use cheap tools are usually not a bargain

 

[sleuthey]

I find with tools in general, Draper Expert represent good VFM

 

[MontyVeda]

Don't buy any from TKMaxx... I did and the 8mm key wouldn't fit into an 8mm bolt, which was the one key I'd bought the (extra long handle) set for. I later discovered that the 3mm key was slightly too big as well.

 

[Smokin Joe]

Given top makes like bondus or facom are cheap enough for allen keys this isn't somewhere where I'd bother to skimp. OK some cheap ones might be OK, but some likely are not. Even for occasional home use cheap tools are usually not a bargain

I buy tools for life. Much of my stuff was acquired during the early seventies and is still in perfect condition despite years of use and occasional mis-use. Good quality pays in the long run, cheap stuff is cheap for a reason.

 

[keithmac]

This multi key set is our go to for 90% of all the stuff me and my son do with the bikes, need to find one for him if they still make them!.

I have a set of MAC Tools 3/8th drive allen keys for the bigger stuff, these are the best I've ever used, "sharp" durable ends and very snug fit. Owned them 15 years or more (should have bought a spare set..).

 

[ozboz]

Under a 20 spot,

 

[Broadside]

The only set of tools that I have that is still complete, with all the bits in the right place, is my hex key set. From Wickes. Probably only cost a tenner or less knowing Wickes.

I also used to have one of those Y shaped three way keys with common sizes (4,5,6mm???) which was really useful. I don't know where it is now. It will probably turn up again one day.

As well as a few sets of Allen keys in toolboxes I keep a Y shaped one on the garage door and another in the car door so there is always one nearby. The Y shaped ones are really handy to have around because they fit most bits on the bike.

 

[simon.r]

Surprised no-one’s mentioned Park yet. Their P handled allen keys (example - https://www.evanscycles.com/park-ph-1-2-p-handled-hex-wrench-set-with-holder-EV361253 ) are excellent and available individually. Useful if you lose one or use one a lot more than others.

Can be found for a fiver or so each - for bike use 3/4/5/6 mm will cover the majority of tasks.

 

[Profpointy]

I buy tools for life. Much of my stuff was acquired during the early seventies and is still in perfect condition despite years of use and occasional mis-use. Good quality pays in the long run, cheap stuff is cheap for a reason.

Whilst I broadly agree, that said, I have had the odd bargain. I have a couple of really superb socket headed spanners. They don't even have a brand-name and are merely stamped with the rather unpromising country if origin - India, but they are superb quality and have stood up to a lot of hard use. It is unlikely I would even risk such a purchase now as you do tend to get what you pay for. My cheapskate father has never grasped that if you pay a fiver for a set of spanners you have simply wasted a fiver - but if you pay a fiver for one spanner, then you now own a spanner - mostly at any rate. I'm told that Draper is OK these days but back in the day I recall countersink bits which didn't cut, pozi screwdrivers that simply didn't work and a ratchet spanner that worked once only - so I only buy top brands now.

One piece of advice is to avoid Festool power tools. I bought one of their sanders in all innocence, and it cost me a couple of grand once I'd subsequently bought a couple of saws and a few more sanders and some accessories, and a hoover !