Bicycle Mechanics - Allen brand tools any good?

I need a new set of hex keys. So, you've got your Pedro's and Park and Craftsman. But I ran across an Allen brand set that is made in USA, presumably Allen knows something about hex keys, and cost a lot less than the other brands. Is there something I'm missing here? At less than half the price of Park/Pedros it's pretty tempting for an occasional mechanic such as myself. I hate cheap tools, but good inexpensive ones are ok with me.

If they're made of tool steel, it's pretty hard to kill hex keys, even cheap ones. I've been using a no-name set for years. If they do evetually get bunged up, just cut 1/4" off and get back to work.

Well, I just stripped the 2mm head of a set screw with loctite because my hex key rounded off. I don't know what kind of steel it was made of. It was no fun getting that thing out again and I have no desire to repeat that experience ever again.

Allen are excellent. My personal favorites are Wiha. I use mostly the T handle models.

If I Am Not Mistaken , ' Allen ' , Invented The , ' Allen Socket & Wrench System ' .

Just As The , ' P L Robertson Co ' , In Ontario , Canada , Invented The ,

' Robertson Square Recess ' , Screwhead & Driver .

' How Can You Go Wrong With The Original ! '


Regards ,
J T

Allen has a good reputation amongst tool makers, but I don't run across too many stores carrying Allen. I have a few tools made by Allen (sockets, nut drivers), but oddly, no Allen wrenches.

They are at least good enough. I carry 4, 5, and 6mm in my seat pouch. Most of my tools at the shop are Snap On or Mac, home tools are a mix of Snap On, Craftsman, Allen (Park and Pedro for bike) and what ever else I manage to find.

I got a set of official Allen wrenches a few weeks ago, though I haven't used them yet. I was looking for a different brand, but the store carried Allen and I got a kick out of buying the original. They look like good quality and I like to buy U.S.A. tools.