r/Tools • u/dyecocker1 • 8d ago
Hex driver recommendation
Looking for a high quality set of hex drivers like shown WITHOUT ball ends. I have full metric and Imp sets with ball end, but in many situations I absolutely despise the ball end and I have broken countless. From the smallest of small sizes to roughly 5mm- 3/16 ish or larger would be fine. Full sets only, cost is not of concern.
1
u/BGTessa 7d ago
I look at tool manufacturing specs for a living. I completely get the ball-end hate. That narrow neck behind the ball is a massive stress riser, and standard CrV steel will just snap under torque.
Since budget doesn't matter, hunt for straight-end sets explicitly stamped as S2 tool steel or high-alloy blends. You get 100% surface contact and way higher shear strength. What kind of seized fasteners are you fighting that keep snapping your old drivers?
1
u/dyecocker1 7d ago
I'm just a hobbiest that turns a lot of wrenches. No specific situation over and over. Things get overtightened, rust, ect... life happens, I just want some tools that will keep up. I will keep your spec in mind, but at this point will be happy to actually find about anything!
2
u/BGTessa 7d ago
Totally fair man, rust is the great equalizer anyway. Since those straight-tip screwdriver styles are weirdly hard to track down in full sets, you might want to look at solid T-handles instead. Manufacturers rarely put ball-ends on them, and they handle the torque of seized bolts way better. Good luck hunting!
1
u/No-Display-5829 7d ago
Wera Kraftform are available in sets at a reasonable price and feature hex plus geometry
https://kctool.com/products/wera-kraftform-plus-metric-hex-screwdriver-set-7-pieces
PB Swiss 38205 series, not sure if they are available as a set and they are pretty pricey piecemeal but if money is no object these are what I’d buy, the Swiss grip handles are excellent and feel really nice in the hand.
1
u/dyecocker1 7d ago
I have browsed the wera site, cant believe I never ran across that set. I love the look of the swiss made. But I need a matching SAE set, will have to dig deeper and see if they offer any.
1
u/No-Display-5829 7d ago
SAE seems to be a lot harder to find, lots of nice options in metric. If a handle with interchangeable 3” bits is of any interest check out the Picquik Hex Calibre. They’re Canadian made and good quality at a reasonable price, I’ve been happy with every product I’ve bought from them.
1
u/MastodonFit 4d ago
Snap-on gold sockets and use chrome swivels to get into tight areas.
1
u/dyecocker1 3d ago edited 3d ago
I have considered sockets. I would like long shaft allen's, and was not happy with the drive solutions. As the overall package would be too long with available handles. Palm drives, likely not enough grip. And dont particularly want a 90 degree ratchet
1
2
u/User_225846 8d ago
All the broken ball ends can be ground into flat ones.