Allen wrenches with screwdriver handles?

[Lewis Moon]

Having gone through a couple of bike builds in the last month or so I'm pretty convinced I need a couple of allen wrenches with screwdriver handles. Anyone recommend a quality brand that I can buy singles (4&5) and come with a ball end?

[beeemmjay]

I've seen a Milwaukee screwdriver package with multiple Allen bits at HomeDepot (likely not ball end)

[likebikes]

bondhus are the best. also the best thing for screwing in bottle cage bolts!

[eddief]

a crappy little set of small ones that came as part of my first beginner bike tool set. Mostly a bunch of low quality stuff, but the keys have served me well for 15 years. I know you said you only need a couple with handles, but I also have a set of Pedros that come in handy for longer reach and other non-standard situations:

http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-T-Handle-Allen-Wrench-9-Piece/dp/B001C65P92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450064172&sr=8-1&keywords=pedros+allen+wrench

[Lewis Moon]

bondhus are the best. also the best thing for screwing in bottle cage bolts!

Yep. Those look great.
Bottle cages, front and rear der cable attachment, any application where you need two hands doing different things.

[Lewis Moon]

a crappy little set of small ones that came as part of my first beginner bike tool set. Mostly a bunch of low quality stuff, but the keys have served me well for 15 years. I know you said you only need a couple with handles, but I also have a set of Pedros that come in handy for longer reach and other non-standard situations:

http://www.amazon.com/Pedros-T-Handle-Allen-Wrench-9-Piece/dp/B001C65P92/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1450064172&sr=8-1&keywords=pedros+allen+wrench

No T handles. They seem to get in the way and are hard to turn with one hand for a lot of applications.

[eddief]

http://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-JTH6M5BE-Ball-End-Journeyman/dp/B005G3959S/ref=sr_1_34?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1450064715&sr=1-34&keywords=allen+wrenches+with+handles

[54ny77]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-T-Handle-Hex-Key-Set-10-Piece-HTHKSM10PC/205300302

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/63/63fa5471-f0a6-46f4-9106-fcf8781a2227_400.jpg

i just got these. 10 bucks. can't beat it. i was going to get a park tool set (at 5x the price) just like it and happened to be in h.d. and saw them in the xmas gift tool aisle. presto.

[rustychisel]

Slight aside, in some applications ball ended Allen Keys can get horribly stuck in bolt heads, especially alloy bolts. Not a fan.

[Lewis Moon]

Really, I want screwdriver style handles, not T handles.

[Lewis Moon]

Slight aside, in some applications ball ended Allen Keys can get horribly stuck in bolt heads, especially alloy bolts. Not a fan.

I pretty much only use ball ends for pre torque.

[ryker]

I just bought a set from Wera. Using them a lot already and very satisfied with the ergonomics – should have bought them ages ago. But they are regular end and not ball end.

[kramnnim]

Allen makes them, as well.

[rrudoff]

Bondhus are pretty much the standard, I have also used Xcelite which come as a set of interchangeable blades and handles. You can get both ball and non-ball end with both Bondhus and Xcelite .

http://www.stanleysupplyservices.com/xcelite-99ps41mmbp-99-series-ballpoint-metric-hexdriver-set-9pc/p/3-061 for Xcelite

I am also partial to Wiha T-handle ball drivers, with a non-ball on the Tee for final torque, but they are expensive.

McMaster also sell all this stuff

[unterhausen]

I usually buy Wiha from MSC Industrial when they have a sale. I think my T-handle hex wrenches were $35 or something like that. I've always been happy with anything I got from Wiha. I might try Wera just so I have different tools from the ones I buy for work

This looks like a good set (http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-46796-Drivers-SoftGrip-Handles/dp/B0033PQWPG/ref=sr_1_33?srs=2603699011&ie=UTF8&qid=1450066948&sr=8-33&keywords=hex+screwdriver+metric)for the OP's needs.

[steelbikerider]

I had a 1/4" nut driver so I took a 4 and 5 mm socket and JB Welded a 1" section of a 4 and 5 mm allen key in each. works perfectly and I spent less time making it than I did trying to find them in the first place.

[purpurite]

Felo, Wiha or Wera 1/4" magnetic bit holders with good, quality Allen bits. Give you the flexibility to use Torx, JIS, Philips, Straight, Thompson or any other drive if you should need it.

I have a couple of different length Felo bit holders (as well as the Felo Smart T-handle convertible bit handle) plus a Wiha torque screwdriver, and they are great additions to the tool collection.


Tool Junkie

[Fatty]

Snap On.

[oliver1850]

There is no substitute for ball drivers when you have obstructed entry. I'm still using Bondhus that I bought 30 years ago. The handles are different on the current ones. Wholesale Tool used to sell them open stock but it appears they only have sets now. I'd guess Wiha is fine too.

http://www.wttool.com/index/page/category/category_id/15019/

[Gummee]

For building bikes, and lots of em in a row, nothing beats a powered driver. Last shop I worked in had a Rigid battery powered screwdriver. Set the torque where you want it and let 'er rip!

Sure did wonders for A. speed and B. eliminating problems with wrists

M

[Lewis Moon]

For building bikes, and lots of em in a row, nothing beats a powered driver. Last shop I worked in had a Rigid battery powered screwdriver. Set the torque where you want it and let 'er rip!

Sure did wonders for A. speed and B. eliminating problems with wrists

M

Yep. Looks like I'll be picking up a 6 driver set.

[chiasticon]

2nd the bondhus balldriver suggestion. picked up a six-pack with 1.5-10mm for ~$25 from amazon. for me, anything larger than 6mm isn't really necessary. it's mainly the smaller ones where the torque is low enough that I'd even try a balldriver. but maybe some day the 8 and 10 will get used... anyway, it was a good price for the set so I just got 'em all. love 'em. highly suggested.

[commonguy001]

I have both drivers I can use with a 1/4 inch handle and T wrenches
I use the drives a ton more than the Ts

Makes it easy to finish off with a torque wrench too as you already have the driver out.

[Gsinill]

Felo, Wiha or Wera 1/4" magnetic bit holders with good, quality Allen bits. Give you the flexibility to use Torx, JIS, Philips, Straight, Thompson or any other drive if you should need it.


^
this

WiHa bitset and Wera screwdriver handle.

http://i67.tinypic.com/30u5py0.png

http://www.zoro.com/wiha-tools-ball-end-hex-bit-set-10-pcs-79276g/i/G1239551/?gclid=CIep9LXA28kCFQYbaQodSYAJew&gclsrc=aw.ds
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051024002-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver/dp/B001HSNHM2/ref=lp_2603600011_1_4?srs=2603600011&ie=UTF8&qid=1450101408&sr=8-4

I am actually using a 1/4 Wera ratchet set with a ratchet that has a swivel head turning it into a screwdriver like handle.
BTW, that set is probably the best money I spent on tools in years!

[Lewis Moon]

^
this

WiHa bitset and Wera screwdriver handle.

http://i67.tinypic.com/30u5py0.png

http://www.zoro.com/wiha-tools-ball-end-hex-bit-set-10-pcs-79276g/i/G1239551/?gclid=CIep9LXA28kCFQYbaQodSYAJew&gclsrc=aw.ds
http://www.amazon.com/Wera-05051024002-Kraftform-Bitholding-Screwdriver/dp/B001HSNHM2/ref=lp_2603600011_1_4?srs=2603600011&ie=UTF8&qid=1450101408&sr=8-4

I am actually using a 1/4 Wera ratchet set with a ratchet that has a swivel head turning it into a screwdriver like handle.
BTW, that set is probably the best money I spent on tools in years!

One of the reasons I really don't like detachable bit/driver combos (beyond the chaotic state of my tool box) is that there is always a big lump at the attachment point. This can make getting into tight spots a little tough.

[velomonkey]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-T-Handle-Hex-Key-Set-10-Piece-HTHKSM10PC/205300302

i just got these. 10 bucks. can't beat it. i was going to get a park tool set (at 5x the price) just like it and happened to be in h.d. and saw them in the xmas gift tool aisle. presto.

Grabbed those!!!! Thanks.

Yea, my park tool folding allen tool thing busted. My park allen triangle allen thing even busted - their quality is just going down. I got a bunch of allens from Lowes in their holder, but needed something to put on the peg board - this is perfect and the $10 is a price that can't be beat.

[Saint Vitus]

One of the reasons I really don't like detachable bit/driver combos (beyond the chaotic state of my tool box) is that there is always a big lump at the attachment point. This can make getting into tight spots a little tough.

Xcelite. They were all that I used when working with electronics, they have a detachable set and this is not an issue.

[lonoeightysix]

One of the reasons I really don't like detachable bit/driver combos (beyond the chaotic state of my tool box) is that there is always a big lump at the attachment point. This can make getting into tight spots a little tough.

agreed, the 1/4" hex magnetic holder (like the wiha) or going to 50mm or 89mm bit lengths is the way to go.

[mmelito]

I second the Wera Set - quality is second to none.

[tumbler]

bondhus are the best. also the best thing for screwing in bottle cage bolts!

+1 on these.

[Lewis Moon]

+1 on these.

I'll be getting a set of the Bondhus after X-mas. They seem to tick all my boxes: quality, price and utility.

[tumbler]

I'll be getting a set of the Bondhus after X-mas. They seem to tick all my boxes: quality, price and utility.

I recommend the extra long set (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002YNQRXU). It looks identical to the Park Professional set that costs much more. The extra length and ball tip on the long side are perfect for reaching tricky bolts like the bottle cages, and it gives good torque when you flip it around to use the non-ball end. I'm really happy with mine.
http://images.prod.meredith.com/product/e3ba66dc4f9b93c4d2d95b20b494af48/bf7da1fc1a3c0a0c64172ee4d01a093886e511989daa6a8279 404fd445c5f1d6/l/park-tool-professional-hex-wrench-set-hxs-1-2-one-color-one-sizehttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41d%2BHaCZIJL._SX425_.jpg

[xjoex]

I have a set of the Wiha Ball End Hex set. They are pretty great.

http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-46799-Drivers-SoftGrip-Handles/dp/B0033PQWQ0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1450124682&sr=8-3&keywords=wiha+ball+end+hex+driver+set

-Joe

[Ken Robb]

To amplify what Lewis said: I just use the ball ends to start a bolt and run it in until I feel resistance. Then I use the regular hex on the other end of the wrench to finish tightening/applying appropriate torque.

I have hex bits that fit on various handles but for most jobs I prefer my Park L-shaped wrenches or my T-handles. As others have said sometimes a T-handle gets in the way but they can be fast and easy when there is plenty of room. I grip the shaft below the T-handle and spin it until I feel resistance and I grab the handle to finish tightening. The handle provide enough "flywheel" effect to help me spin the shaft with my fingers.

[AJosiahK]

The advice from above is very accurate, ball to start and finish off with he other end, Or a torque wrench.

I prefer Pedro's bits, great group of people who make quality tools.

[foo_fighter]

Felo smart handle

http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server100/367cc/product_images/uploaded_images/felo-smart.jpg

plus a few different sizes of these:
http://cdn3.stanleysupplyservices.com/images/p/116-193.01_s500_p1._V1f09c671_.jpg

[purpurite]

Felo smart handle

This.

I use mine all the time. With a good collection of bits, it can be a go-to in a lot of places. Enough leverage to knock out red-Loctited aluminum chainring nuts in the T-position, and still spin in simple seatpost bolts with a ball-end. It's a nice option in the toolbox.

[eddief]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-9-Color-Ball-End-Allen-Bike-Bicycle-Cycling-Tool-Hex-Wrench-Repair-Tool-Kit-/221604101039?hash=item3398a23baf:g:JcMAAOSw~FNUZBH m

[weisan]

The cheapo I bought from Harbor Freight is really not very good. The plastic handle broke in a couple of them, and then I taped them up and continue using. I have built probably close to a hundred bikes with them so far...:D

http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piece-t-handle-ball-point-and-hex-key-wrench-set-96645.html

http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_24104.jpg

[oldpotatoe]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-9-Color-Ball-End-Allen-Bike-Bicycle-Cycling-Tool-Hex-Wrench-Repair-Tool-Kit-/221604101039?hash=item3398a23baf:g:JcMAAOSw~FNUZBH m

Bondhus also-amazon has some for $17.

[Lewis Moon]

Bondhus also-amazon has some for $17.

As I said earlier, I want screwdriver type handles. Much easier to hold and spin in tight/awkward spots where you are doing two different things with your hands.
These are what I'm going to get:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41paM9AyLNL.jpg

[weisan]

As I said earlier, I want screwdriver type handles. Much easier to hold and spin in tight/awkward spots where you are doing two different things with your hands.
These are what I'm going to get:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41paM9AyLNL.jpg

you will lose a bit of leverage...but that's ok. You know what you want. :rolleyes:

[F150]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-T-Handle-Hex-Key-Set-10-Piece-HTHKSM10PC/205300302

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/63/63fa5471-f0a6-46f4-9106-fcf8781a2227_400.jpg

i just got these. 10 bucks. can't beat it. i was going to get a park tool set (at 5x the price) just like it and happened to be in h.d. and saw them in the xmas gift tool aisle. presto.

Let us know where you found the screwdriver handled hex drivers you settled on.

BTW, the Husky T handles were marked down to $5 at my local HD. Couldn't resist at that price.

[bikerider888]

After having taking a long break from cycling, and selling most of my gear I'm staffing back up.

A quality set of allen keys is top of the list, and the PB swiss stuff is hard to resist.

A bit of a wait but these are on order:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00312LYWM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=307ISQ32Y87D&coliid=I3VNYNO4EOG02E

The abbey tools stuff are also lust-worthy:

http://www.abbeybiketools.com/products/dual-sided-crombie-tool

[purpurite]

PBSwiss is the real deal. You won't ever regret buying PBSwiss tools.

[Lewis Moon]

you will lose a bit of leverage...but that's ok. You know what you want. :rolleyes:

I'm pretty sure that won't be an issue. I already own T handles, L shaped ball ends and socketed allen wrenches to go on my torque wrench.

[eddief]

don't buy any wrenches for another month and let's see how many more suggestions you get via this thread.

We do love our wrenches.

[unterhausen]

After having taking a long break from cycling, and selling most of my gear I'm staffing back up.

A quality set of allen keys is top of the list, and the PB swiss stuff is hard to resist.

A bit of a wait but these are on order:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00312LYWM/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=307ISQ32Y87D&coliid=I3VNYNO4EOG02E

the Wiha color coded wrenches are 1/3 that price, I'm having trouble seeing the extra value

[unterhausen]

because of this thread, I got these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033PQWPG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
and these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E4Q3FLC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I hope everyone is happy with themselves

[oldpotatoe]

because of this thread, I got these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0033PQWPG?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
and these:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E4Q3FLC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I hope everyone is happy with themselves

Any idea where the WIHA are offered that accepts paypal?

never mind, found some.

[Walter]

I had trouble finding screwdrivers with hex/Allen blades so went to a 1/4" drive screwdriver handle and use hex/Allen sockets.

I later got a USAG set that was a screwdriver handle that accepted different Allen blades. I do not see them offering that set any longer. The now have individual screwdrivers with Allen (non-spherical) blades. Search on their site for "Screwdrivers for Allen screws with handgrip." http://www.usag-tools.com/

[Fatty]

Always a special day when I reach for the 5mm. Spin those bottle cage bolts in.
Like a BOSS!

[purpurite]

Always a special day when I reach for the 5mm. Spin those bottle cage bolts in.

Like a BOSS!


Ooooh, those are sweet.

[bikerider888]

Great feedback on this thread.

I wavered on the PB swiss keys (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00312LYWM?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=od_aui_detailpages00) but they went on sale briefly on amazon for $72, so I picked them up. They look and feel amazing.

I did cheap out a little on some other new tools but am very satisfied with the quality of the following - also useful for a bike mechanic & general purpose:

High quality Wiha bits (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002S0O7W2?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00) (nicest set I've ever owned)

Really nice T-handle driver (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000E62NIC?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00) (great for high torque)

New set of flat and phillips drivers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000NZ7J1K?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00) All my old ones sucked or were damaged/missing/etc

And finally a ratcheting bit driver (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004VMWZV0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00) (might be my favorite purchase)

Oh and somewhat related was the abbey tools crombie (http://www.amazon.com/Abbey-Bike-Tools-Crombie-Shimano/dp/B015EIMUIM/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1452096995&sr=8-2&keywords=crombie+abbey), which is so nice I am considering buying another for the travel toolbox.

[Rimbaud]

If you're ever interested in the last ratcheting bit driver (and bits) you'll ever buy, get a PB Swiss.

I've used Wera and Snap-On (and random cheapies of course). This is THE ONE (I actually have the longer shafted version):

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Short-Twister-Tool-Box-with-twenty-C6-1-4-Screwdriver-Bits-8510-R30-Set.htm

[bikerider888]

I like everything about PB Swiss (except the price). Reminds me of how I viewed Assos as a kid (unobtainable)

How about some $394 Ti hex keys? Yes please, because weight matters even in the shop:

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Long-Ball-end-Titanium-Hex-Key-Set-15-10mm-212LK-Ti.htm

Man I wish I had EP pricing on this stuff ;)

[Rimbaud]

I like everything about PB Swiss (except the price). Reminds me of how I viewed Assos as a kid (unobtainable)

How about some $394 Ti hex keys? Yes please, because weight matters even in the shop:

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Long-Ball-end-Titanium-Hex-Key-Set-15-10mm-212LK-Ti.htm

Man I wish I had EP pricing on this stuff ;)

Well both of the US distributors that I know of (the other is The Tool Lady) have black Friday sales of 20% or more. I've also seen a few pieces on Amazon at a discount, but it's been a while since I looked.

[foo_fighter]

For that price they should be anodized in different colors!

I like everything about PB Swiss (except the price). Reminds me of how I viewed Assos as a kid (unobtainable)

How about some $394 Ti hex keys? Yes please, because weight matters even in the shop:

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Long-Ball-end-Titanium-Hex-Key-Set-15-10mm-212LK-Ti.htm

Man I wish I had EP pricing on this stuff ;)

[oldpotatoe]

I like everything about PB Swiss (except the price). Reminds me of how I viewed Assos as a kid (unobtainable)

How about some $394 Ti hex keys? Yes please, because weight matters even in the shop:

http://www.shop.pbtools.us/Long-Ball-end-Titanium-Hex-Key-Set-15-10mm-212LK-Ti.htm

Man I wish I had EP pricing on this stuff ;)

Like a titanium headset altho with the pic, it implies these things are carried somewhere(up the mountain to repair base camp 4 stove on K2?).

[Fatty]

I saw these in the local Menards, a midwest version of the big box hardware store. American made if that maters. Sold individually or in a set of seven for $ 20 US .

https://www.menards.com/main/items/media/PRATT004/ProductLarge/237-7975_Masterforce_Hex_Key_front.jpg

https://www.menards.com/main/tools-hardware/hand-tools/screwdrivers-nut-drivers-hex-keys-sets/masterforce-reg-5-0-mm-x-5-ball-hex-screwdriver/p-1444451305395-c-9158.htm?tid=-2199834303863771511

[Doug Fattic]

I bought some Bondhus screwdriver type of allen wrenches and wouldn't buy them again. They have a kind of cushioning rubber on the handles that move more than I like when I need to apply some force. I prefer solid plastic handles.