Product T-handle hex key recommendations, please!

[VicHobbyGuy]

Looking for a good quality set of T-handle hex keys (SAE/Imperial).
I'd appreciate recommendations both for brand and also a good supplier in Canada.

Thanks
John

 

[DavidR8]

I've had these in the past and really liked them.

https://www.amazon.ca/Bondhus-13390-T-handles-Stand-8-Inch/dp/B00012WYEC

 

[whydontu]

Our shop set of Bondhus keys are at least 30 years old and still going strong, and our shop techs can break anything.

 

[YYCHM]

I've used these both metric and SAE for five+ years now. No complaints. Can be had 1/2 price on sale......

https://www.princessauto.com/en/10-pc-sae-t-handle-hex-key-set/product/PA0008840332

 

[Six O Two]

I've used these for five+ years now. No complaints. Can be had 1/2 price on sale......

https://www.princessauto.com/en/10-pc-sae-t-handle-hex-key-set/product/PA0008840332

I have (the metric equivalent to) this set as well, which I've had for a handful of years. It's fine, they've held up well and I haven't rounded any of the ends yet. The stand is a bit annoying and I do wish they were colour-coded, but that's a complaint for most of these sets. Sometimes I also wish they had another hex bit on the handle side like these Home Depot ones for when I want to get extra torque-y.

 

[YYCHM]

The stand is a bit annoying and I do wish they were colour-coded, but that's a complaint for most of these sets.

Ya, the stand is a PITA to use.

 

[Chicken lights]

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hex...rd-Handle-Hex-Wrench-Set-(3-32-1/4")/GAW1900A

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Bal...dle-Ball-Hex-Wrench-Set-(3-32-1/4")/AWBCG1600
I’m gonna order those in, see which ones I like better. They’re not meant for high torque anyway, the smaller handles are nicer

 

[VicHobbyGuy]

I’m gonna order those in, see which ones I like better.

I didn't know that Snap-On could be ordered online; thanks.
Please let me know if the red handles have the size marked on them.

 

[mickeyf]

I have some with this style of handle (not Snap-on):
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hex...rd-Handle-Hex-Wrench-Set-(3-32-1/4")/GAW1900A

and I much prefer the larger, solid handles that actually fit your hand better. Also, ball ends can be very handy at times.

 

[SomeGuy]

I have these ones in metric:

https://www.amazon.ca/Astro-Pneumatic-1025-Handle-Wrench/dp/B00061SF3C/

The extra hex on the handle is handy for higher torque.

 

[Canadium]

Also, ball ends can be very handy at times.

Handy at times yes but the ball ends can also break off. If top of your hex screw is recessed into hole and the ball end breaks off you will be screwed!

 

[SomeGuy]

Handy at times yes but the ball ends can also break off. If top of your hex screw is recessed into hole and the ball end breaks off you will be screwed!

How much torque can you really put on a t-handle though? If you're leaning into it that much, just get a bit socket on a ratchet out. The long end of a hex key is really just for speed/snug.

 

[Aliva]

Here's an interesting vid comparing Allen keys. You decide.

 

[mickeyf]

I'm having trouble imagining a ball breaking off the end on an Allen key. However, I have seen some pretty bad tools over the course of my life, for example, this "Twist drill", clearly made of the highest quality hi-carbon steel.

 

[mickeyf]

And here's someone selling off some near Victoria this morning:

Used.ca | Classifieds for Jobs, Rentals, Cars, Furniture and Free Stuff

www.usedvictoria.com

 

[Susquatch]

I'm having trouble imagining a ball breaking off the end on an Allen key. However, I have seen some pretty bad tools over the course of my life, for example, this "Twist drill", clearly made of the highest quality hi-carbon steel.

View attachment 25523

Ive never seen a broken ball either. But I have seen several screw sockets that were destroyed by the ball. I like the ball type for tough angular access. But I prefer the regular ends for everyday work. I only reach for a ball end when I need angular access.

 

[Canadium]

When restoring old machinery bolts can become pretty stuck over time. I've heard of more than one person who broke off the ball end on their hex key trying to loosen bolts on a Bridgeport.

 

[Chicken lights]

When restoring old machinery bolts can become pretty stuck over time. I've heard of more than one person who broke off the ball end on their hex key trying to loosen bolts on a Bridgeport.

You can buy small die grinder burr’s and chew out the broken piece. On broken studs where you break an EZ-out, you don’t have much choice but to grind out the broken EZ-out. It’s tedious but doable

 

[Susquatch]

You can buy small die grinder burr’s and chew out the broken piece. On broken studs where you break an EZ-out, you don’t have much choice but to grind out the broken EZ-out. It’s tedious but doable

You are right, it is doable. But it's a lot like a root canal. Nobody would choose to do it unless they absolutely have to.

Always wanted a wire EDM. Beats the crap out of using a small burr. But I don't have EDM so all those hateful small burrs, extractors, mutilation, abandonment, and new holes it is!

 

[Chicken lights]

I didn't know that Snap-On could be ordered online; thanks.
Please let me know if the red handles have the size marked on them.

Dunno how long until the sizes wear off, but they are marked with the size. Two different length arms available

Got tired of taking my screwdriver bit set off and on the truck, so ordered that little Allen bit set. I must’ve screwed up on the part number of the two small bits, but kinda digging the longer length for set screws.