Damn hex keys

"OkCars- 22k Crossroads" (okcars) 03/03/2015 at 04:10 • Filed to: None

2

10

Every time i need to use them, i dont have the size, or its a bit too loose that i could strip the screw.
Tomorrow, ill be getting a full set of metric and inch (SAE) to get rid of this nuisance .
So... just to be sure, these aren't the same size just measured in different units right?

E. Julius > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 04:21

5

Nope, get both.

Kevin Barrett > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 04:40

4

They're cheap, get both. The phenomenon of a size being "close" but not tight enough is usually attributable to using the wrong system (SAE vs metric) and will invariably lead to ruined tools and/or fasteners no matter what you're doing. I recommend a set that has a ball end, which lets you approach more awkwardly placed fasteners from a bit of an angle.

This set will cost about $20 online or $30 in stores, and it's really hard to get this many good tools for this cheap. Loose sets like this (as opposed to swiss-army-knife style) have all kinds of extra utility just being hard, tough pins that you can poke through places—pulling out a stuck mandrel or retaining a brush spring in an alternator.

Cé hé sin > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 04:43

0

Can you still buy Allen keys in imperial measurements? I can't recall ever hearing of them.

kanadanmajava1 > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 05:14

2

Some sizes are pretty close in metric and imperial sizes so mixing up the sizes is possible if they aren't well marked. And buy good ones. The cheapest sets will only cause problems.

I prefer the socket models more are they are made from higher grade steel (usually) and you can mount them to any 1/4" wrenches and extensions.

samssun > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 07:07

1

There are 25.4mm per inch; divide accordingly. So they don't perfectly align but you can sometimes get away with a nearby size in the opposite system...or strip it trying.

Xkjacob > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 07:32

0

With tools, get all the tools.

Dont think youll need it? Think again.

Of course I have black silver and red hex keys. Just tons of them.

I work on my motorcycle andcar for general maintenance.

Leon711 > Cé hé sin 03/03/2015 at 07:56

0

you can in the US.

McMike > E. Julius 03/03/2015 at 08:21

1

I agree with E. One of the advantages of having both is eliminating this

Every time i need to use them, i dont have the size, or its a bit too loose that i could strip the screw.

Destructive Tester > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 09:22

1

While you're at it, I'd suggest buying a screw extractor kit. If you're using allens, more than likely you'll have one that was over-torqued and will round-out... I've had good luck with something similar to this; http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RBY38MU?…

You can tell a Finn but you can't tell him much > OkCars- 22k Crossroads 03/03/2015 at 12:31

1

Get both SAE and metric. And get the kind that come in the plastic holders like the ones KB posted (stole his pic). Having to dig through a bag of loose Allen wrenches sucks and frustrates me to no end. Like someone mentioned, the ball end are nice because they give a little bit of wiggle room for getting on the fastener. They can be a little bit more prone to stripping things though if you come in at too much of an angle.