TSO customer preference question: Hex Driver - Ball or straight Hex

[demographic]

Torx>Straight Hex>Ball when you start getting down to tbe smaller sizes in my opinion.
The ball ones wear the fastener internal hex faster and or snap the ball off.
Admittedly, when the ball has snapped off you still have a straight hex but unless its at an odd angle I'd rather not start off with a ball.

 

[PaulMarcel]

I have a Wera tools set that has a ball on the long end and straight on the short end. This has always worked well for me. In fact, today, I needed them for removing an UHDW plastic plate on a jig. The short straight end was perfect for starting to undo the screws set with removable LocTite then used the ball end to quickly remove them.

In this case, I could have used the short straight end all the way, but I've definitely had to use the ball end to even get something started. Seems to be the best of both worlds and gives the end-user the choice.

 

[AstroKeith]

TSO have now given their verdict, which has the key words "for small screw adjustments". As with the Festool MFS the use of a ball ended hex key is well near essential for effective setting up and adjusting.

I commend the TSO decision.

We all need the right tool for the job. If the screw is loctited in, or otherwise stuck, then clearly a straight key may be called for. But this isn't the case for "adjustment" screws, or indeed most screws properly tightened.

Also there are hex keys and there are hex keys. What I mean is the quality of this seemingly simple tool will vary enormously. Poorly manufactured keys are rife. Old tooling and poor materials and processing mean that you get only what you pay for. There is no substitute for a good quality key. The ball end of a hex key is a fairly precision piece of machining/forming.

Same goes for the screw. We have all had a batch or make of wood screws that couldn't be driven in satisfactorily due to poorly formed heads. For me the move to Torx style heads is very welcome.