Hex screwdrivers

[kmalone]

I have been combing the internet looking for a set of "screwdrivers" with hex (Allen) ends on them in progressive sizes, 2mm to 10mm would be great! Am I looking in the wrong places? Have any of you seen such a thing?

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Yes, I got them on Amazon, but it's not quite as many as you asked for.

Bondhus 10686  is a 6 piece set from 1.5mm up to 5mm. Bigger than that, you probably need more leverage than just a screwdriver handle. Less than $20, 18something?

 

[Mini Me]

They are available in socket drive configuration (1/4 3/8 1/2) and use a suitable driver. You can also buy hex driver adaptors to use in a drill if that is needed. Also available in impact form as well.

 

[Packard]

When I google “ball end Allen wrenches”, I find plenty of L-bend versions, a few t-bar versions.  It appears that the T-bar versions have surplanted the screwdriver versions.
https://www.google.com/search?q=ball+end+allen+wrench+set&client=firefox-b-1-m&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiltJCw7-P8AhVeFFkFHQvyC-cQ_AUoAnoECAEQBA&biw=1121&bih=714&dpr=2

I do, however, have a set of Allen wrenches for my 3/8” drive socket wrench set, and I have a screwdriver handle for my 1/4” set.  My guess is you can find a Allen wrench set for 1/4” drive.  That would solve this issue.

Home Depot carries them.  I’m sure thy are available on Amazon too.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...VGovICh3JoQh6EAQYBCABEgIjMPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Yeah Packard, I have them in all of those different configurations, plus 1/4" hex for direct fit to impact driver. I keep the screwdriver handled ones out on a magnetic strip, for easier access. They are for simple adjustments and such, nothing heavy.

 

[smorgasbord]

I got this set:https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GJH3KVN/

because I can use my ¼" torque wrench when working on bicycles.

 

[semenza]

Wera has both ball and regular in screwdriver style handles.

        354 series for regular / straight end

        352 for ball end

        454 series is T Handle Hex Plus with and with out hold function.

Seth

 

[Packard]

My squaring arm from TSO came with a Allen wrench with a screwdriver handle. 

Hans from TSO has always been very gracious about sharing information.  I would write to him and ask where to source them.

They likely only ordered that one size, so I doubt they could sell you a set.  But they have already done the research, so he can likely point you in the right direction. 

The one I got was a very nice piece with a ball end.  Classy.

 

[peter halle]

From Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-10733-Balldriver-Screwdrivers-ProGuard/dp/B000E7ZMQQ/ref=sr_1_9?keywords=Bondhus&qid=1674694735&sr=8-9

 

[Imemiter]

Behold the Picquic HexCaliber!

Maybe more convenient for the mobile shop jobber. The bits work well in a driver, too.

 

[Cheese]

I like these Wiha's...I like the conventional "screwdriver" handle version for the smaller size hex's up to 4 mm and the T-handle version for the larger hex's where more torque needs to be applied. The T-handle version has a ball end hex on one end and a conventional hex on the other end when more torque is needed to loosen something up.
https://www.wihatools.com/products/precision-hex-metric-screwdrivers-7pc-set
https://www.wihatools.com/products/hex-t-handles-softgrip?_pos=4&_fid=5e374049e&_ss=c

[attachimg=1]

 

[Sparktrician]

Wera has a ton of hex drivers in more configurations that you can keep straight in your mind.  [smile]

 

[thudchkr]

Yes, I got them on Amazon, but it's not quite as many as you asked for.

Bondhus 10686  is a 6 piece set from 1.5mm up to 5mm. Bigger than that, you probably need more leverage than just a screwdriver handle. Less than $20, 18something?

Bondhus also has this 7 piece set. https://www.acmetools.com/set-of-7-ball-end-metric-screwdrivers-10687/037231106874.html  Just picked one up last week at my local Acme Tool store.  My son ended up with my previous set over the holidays. 

 

[kmalone]

Some interesting options...thanks for the input!

 

[Mini Me]

I use allen heads routinely in my other hobby (kart racing) and I find ball end drivers a PIA especially on small sizes and worse on small stainless steel sizes. Just my experience over the last 20 years of using them as they have very limited torque capacity before letting go.

 

[Crazyraceguy]

My squaring arm from TSO came with a Allen wrench with a screwdriver handle. 

Hans from TSO has always been very gracious about sharing information.  I would write to him and ask where to source them.

They likely only ordered that one size, so I doubt they could sell you a set.  But they have already done the research, so he can likely point you in the right direction. 

The one I got was a very nice piece with a ball end.  Classy.

Yeah, it's really nice to have it right there, kind of like the one in the handle of the TS55.
Not only is it right there in the set, but it's even color matched blue.
It's a name brand that I recognize too, Echlin maybe? not 100% sure of that.

 

[GarryMartin]

I like these Wiha's...

I have Wiha's too. For the screwdriver handle ones, I have the Softfinish MagicRing in 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm.
https://www.wiha.com/gb/en/tools/sc...iver-softfinish-magicring?number=26079&c=8630

[attachimg=1]

I haven't found much need for other sizes in most of the things I do and most of the adjustments to tools, but I do have a full set of 1.5mm to 10mm ProStar keys for the odd times I do.
https://www.wiha.com/gb/en/tools/l-...packed/870/l-key-set-in-prostar-holder?c=8520

 

[Crazyraceguy]

I had it wrong, it's Eklind.
I did have the matching blue part right though.

 

[TSO_Products]

I had it wrong, it's Eklind.
I did have the matching blue part right though.

Friends,
the Hex Driver issue involves two different manufacturers due to supply chain constraints.
TSO has standardized its products to use either 3mm or 5 mm Hex Driver throughout our product range.

We have an ongoing internal debate about thether or not to include Hex Drivers  with our appllicable products. There is no one right way to fit all situations. So bear with us as we do oour best to balance user conveninece, product cost without compromising quality or product performance.  Some time ago we ran into a couple of spells of repeated Hex Driver dimension tolerances with the ball ends. our customer service tracking indicates a stable Driver quality situation in recent months.

customer service: info@tsoproducts.com

Hans

 

[Birdhunter]

I really like the Snap-on hex drivers. Both metric and Imperial available.