Decent allen keys

[Lucky]

They still cost quite a lot compared to some but Facom are the best value for quality allen keys out there, no contest.
Around £20 will buy you a ball ended set (3/32 up to 3/8, 8 keys) that won't break and they come in a folding holder which means you won't loose them.
Part number 83SH.JP8U
Thay do a metric equivilent too.
There are other Allen keys on the market but Facom are for life and not just for christmas.
Ps, if you manage to brake the ball end off an allen key then you are using it wrong, they are designed so that you use the short end and long leverage to crack the nut off then spin it out on the ball end, not the other way round.

 

[Lucky]

Ooops just remembered if you have an E-blade then you'll need a spare key for the trigger (5/64), as this won't come in most allen key sets.

 

[Chuck]

Originally posted by Kitch
I use Bondhus 'Gorilla Proof' ons on the stand never hand a problem at all even with the .05 imperial 1

Word. They are bomb proof!

Excellent, a thread for allen key spotters.

Chuck.

 

[Robeenio]

hi guys.... all this talk about top of the range 25 bps allen keys!

i got my set from £ land!

has both metric and imperial 2 sets on a big key ring and they have lasted me best part of a year.

granted they have gone to various magpies but still £1 for 2 sets ...i dont care whether htye go or not and they have lasted me long enough for them to be a bargin!

schwing!

 

[Tom Allen]

You do find some gems in the cheap shops, but more often they're either too hard or too soft.
A soft key will just round off, but a key that's too hard will shatter when pushed hard. Good keys are flexible enough to be tough, but hard enough to keep their edge.
The actual fit of the keys is really important, too sloppy and you'll round the socket.
The keys we use as techs are normally "T" shaped or have a block at the bend with a short stubby key at right angles, but all are long.
I've had so many different types over the years, both as a toolmaker and as a tech, i feel like an allen key whore.
I prefer the "T" shaped long keys, as they can be spun easily to remove screws quickly, with a fairly small head so they fit into my tool box easily.

Here's a pic of the most used ones.

 

[SPIKEE]

tell me about it.
i left the ball end in one of the screws that holds my board in my matrix, damn cheap keys, i'm off to buy some decent bondhus ones

 

[Robeenio]

he he he!

what is this? post pics of your allen keys thread!

could start a new craze here! annoed allen keys!

allen key classifieds...

well.....maybe