I'm looking into getting a set of hex keys, mainly for working on bicycles. I noticed that some have the ball end on one side. What is so special about that design? Thanks.
ball end hex keys
- Thread starter huffmuds9320
- Start date
It lets you reach the head of the allen bolt from an angle. But the ball end is weaker, it's easy to break it off.
They are supposed to allow you to get the bolt loose even if you can't get a straight shot at the bolt. My experiance with them is that the ball breaks off in the bolt which becomes a big problem.
Bondus are the best ball-end hex keys I've used but craftsman are also good.
The ball end is good to have. It's pretty rare that I need to use a cheater bar to torque that end of the key, so I've never broken one.
Originally Posted By: rpn453
The ball end is good to have. It's pretty rare that I need to use a cheater bar to torque that end of the key, so I've never broken one.
If it's for bicycles, then I doubt you'll use enough torque to break the ball ends off. And they may turn out handy to have.
Of course, I have the not ball end ones, and the grass is always greener on the other side.
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- Jun 2, 2003
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Originally Posted By: lpcmidst128
I'm looking into getting a set of hex keys, mainly for working on bicycles. I noticed that some have the ball end on one side. What is so special about that design? Thanks.
Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: rpn453
The ball end is good to have. It's pretty rare that I need to use a cheater bar to torque that end of the key, so I've never broken one.
Originally Posted By: tom slick
I'm glad you clarified, I was thinking you were breaking "L" keys.
Use regular hex wrenches if you can.
The ball ended ones are life savers for many jobs, but are not as strong.
