Recommend hex socket set
#26
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,974
Likes: 400
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
I've never used those but I do know that the design of that does allow more error for slippage and thus could round off a bolt and not SAE bolts, like those found on bikes, are softer metal and will round off faster. You don't run into odd angles on bikes to even remotely worry about using those.
#27
The Drive Side is Within


Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,344
Likes: 47
From: New Haven, CT, USA
Bikes: Road, Cargo, Tandem, Etc.
They are great for running bolts into waterbottle cages, oddly placed xtracycle bolts, oddly placed rack bolts and fender doodads.... then get in there with the tool at the proper angle for the last turns of tightening and the first turns of loosening.
I've never rounded anything off. (...knocking on wood)ar
People should indeed be well aware that they are more likely to round off a bolt. But the convenience is worth it. Try them sometime.
I've never rounded anything off. (...knocking on wood)ar
People should indeed be well aware that they are more likely to round off a bolt. But the convenience is worth it. Try them sometime.
__________________
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
The bicycle, the bicycle surely, should always be the vehicle of novelists and poets. Christopher Morley
#28
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 158
Likes: 1
Old post. But I just wanted to say that my Kobalt ball-end set has served well enough. Probably time to replace the 5mm, but it hasn't slipped on anything. A good excuse to get a bench grinder, I guess.
I'm surprised noone has mentioned ball-end allen keys. Am I missing something? Is it bad to be able to spin bolts in from odd angles, st least at low torque?
I'm surprised noone has mentioned ball-end allen keys. Am I missing something? Is it bad to be able to spin bolts in from odd angles, st least at low torque?
cheers
Last edited by Hopslam; 01-22-14 at 12:46 PM. Reason: Grammar
#29
Banned
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 43,586
Likes: 1,380
From: NW,Oregon Coast
Bikes: 8
I have a few small Snap On tools 8,9,10 combo wrenches and a 1/4" drive screwdriver handle
with a magnetic 1/4" hex bit in it , to use the Phillips Bits that are hardened and cheap
for the drywall power screwdriver Builder's crowd..
with a magnetic 1/4" hex bit in it , to use the Phillips Bits that are hardened and cheap
for the drywall power screwdriver Builder's crowd..
#30
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
My Snap On bit I bought for $11 used was entirely worth the price for the reduced hassle.
OTOH I never had problems with my other Craftsman hex and torx bits.
#31
Thread Starter
Senior Member


Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,528
Likes: 152
From: midwest
Bikes: 2018 Roubaix Expert Di2, 2016 Diverge Expert X1
I ended up buying a Proto socket set for the large hex I will use with a torque wrench and for smaller Allen keys got Performance set with the ball-ends on the long side of the key. For the original question I was looking for large hex, (10mm) socketed, for which ball-ends don't exist.
#33
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,974
Likes: 400
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
I ended up buying a Proto socket set for the large hex I will use with a torque wrench and for smaller Allen keys got Performance set with the ball-ends on the long side of the key. For the original question I was looking for large hex, (10mm) socketed, for which ball-ends don't exist.
It is true that Craftsman back 30 and more years ago was decent stuff but today Craftsman is Chinese junk (just like all the home improvement store tools), you can get the same quality from Harbor Freight and pay less and have the same warranty.





