T-handle Allen Wrench Recommendations?

Supermatch

Supermatch

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Tired of fighting my old, worn out Harbor Freight t-handle hex wrenches. Does anyone have any that they really like? Looking for both SAE and Metric, preferably with a hex also located in the T-handle, hopefully under or around $100 for both sets. Current front runner is the Klein Journeyman set, but it appears they skip some of the metric sizes (8 pc metric vs 10 pc SAE). I use a lot of the smaller sizes more frequently for button head cap screws, etc.
 
I don’t own any, but went looking because I didn’t know what you meant by “a hex also located in the T-handle”. Is this (or something similar) what you’re after?

873616F1-0704-4FC7-834E-B8D032DFD7C5.jpeg
 
BigWaylon said:
I don’t own any, but went looking because I didn’t know what you meant by “a hex also located in the T-handle”. Is this (or something similar) what you’re after?

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Yes. I like the ones that have the wrench in the handle as well as on the end, as opposed to ones like Bondhus sells, which are really nice, but are true t-handles with no hex in the handle.

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I prefer to use a cordless 12v drill with a clutch to drive/remove screws. I'd just be buying a set of non-Chinesium bits and moving on, but you may have a different use case.
 
I’ve been shopping these since Christmas trying to use some Amazon gift cards. I specifically want a set with metric, standard, and Torx that include the metal organizer stands.

The Klein set is at the top of my list at around $40-55/set. However, I was in Tractor Supply and found a Gearwrench SAE set for $11, so I grabbed that. I’ll see how that goes since I already have a bike specific metric set.

In general, I was disappointed to see that the cheap sets like Pittsburgh are more complete than the higher end sets. Doesn’t make sense to me.
 
Timfoilhat said:
I prefer to use a cordless 12v drill with a clutch to drive/remove screws. I'd just be buying a set of non-Chinesium bits and moving on, but you may have a different use case.
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I've got both short and long reach hex sockets for drill/driver, but I frequently use these in tight spaces and with small fasteners where access may be limited and you don't want to chance rounding the heads out (racing/automotive, certain plumbing/light fixtures). I use them enough that I've snapped or worn out the smaller halves of both sets by now.
 
Jerzsubbie said:
I’ve been shopping these since Christmas trying to use some Amazon gift cards. I specifically want a set with metric, standard, and Torx that include the metal organizer stands.

The Klein set is at the top of my list at around $40-55/set. However, I was in Tractor Supply and found a Gearwrench SAE set for $11, so I grabbed that. I’ll see how that goes since I already have a bike specific metric set.

In general, I was disappointed to see that the cheap sets like Pittsburgh are more complete than the higher end sets. Doesn’t make sense to me.
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That's been one of my biggest gripes. I have used the 1.5/2mm and 1/16" / 5/64" wrenches a LOT, and most sets don't even seem to start until either 2/2.5 or 3/32 on the small end. Even HF's "Icon" set skips several sizes.
 
I grew up working on small engines with my grandpa and uncle.
I was given a set of these to add to my toolbox, I always loved them and cornwell would replace for free if they were broken.
webcat.cornwelltools.com

CBS9THS - 9 Piece SAE T-Handle Hex Key Set

Ergonomic comfort grip increases turning torque while greatly reducing hand fatigue. Unique dual drive ends allow multi-task use. Sizes: 5/64” to 3/8”
webcat.cornwelltools.com webcat.cornwelltools.com
My uncle used Matco (more expensive, basically the same thing), and my grandpa used which of our two sets were the first available.
From what I know and the prices, I would probably get the Klein referenced above.
 
Desron23 said:
I grew up working on small engines with my grandpa and uncle.
I was given a set of these to add to my toolbox, I always loved them and cornwell would replace for free if they were broken.
webcat.cornwelltools.com

CBS9THS - 9 Piece SAE T-Handle Hex Key Set

Ergonomic comfort grip increases turning torque while greatly reducing hand fatigue. Unique dual drive ends allow multi-task use. Sizes: 5/64” to 3/8”
webcat.cornwelltools.com webcat.cornwelltools.com
My uncle used Matco (more expensive, basically the same thing), and my grandpa used which of our two sets were the first available.
From what I know and the prices, I would probably get the Klein referenced above.
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Those look identical to the Sunex brand, just with a red handle instead of grey. I have a buddy who sells Sunex stuff on his struck that I forgot about, I'll have to reach out to him and ask. Thanks
 
2AFriend said:
I was going to recommend Bondhus also but I saw your previous comments. I've used weighted-handled Bondhus for amateur "smithing" and have been very pleased with them.

Here's an Amazon search query for you: https://www.amazon.com/bondhus-t-handle-allen-wrenches/s?k=bondhus+t+handle+allen+wrenches

Good luck!
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Yeah, if it weren't for the convenience of using that handle hex to break something free quickly when its stuck, I'd have ordered the Bondhus set no questions asked.
 
Supermatch said:
Yeah, if it weren't for the convenience of using that handle hex to break something free quickly when its stuck, I'd have ordered the Bondhus set no questions asked.
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If that happens frequently, I can see your point but generally I don't have to do that. I really liked the Bondhus ones and bought a whole set after using just one that I bought by itself. If you find a set you like, please let us know though.

Thanks!

Don
Charlotte, NC
 
The Bondhous is what I grew up with, what dad has/uses, and I like them.
I asked for a set of T-handle and got a craftsman set in SAE and Metric and havent used them much, but when I have they've been good.
The sets arent as extensive as the other, though (which hasnt been a big deal, so far, as I still have a full set of 'standard' allens to use too)
 
I have tried them all... Bondhus is the only brand I have purchased that has served me for more than 2-3 years. Their torx t-handles are the shiznittle bang bang...
 
I've been a fan of Wiha tools for hex/torx stuff (mostly bits) for the past several years and very happy with them. I have yet to strip anything ... tool or bolt. And even though the name sounds chinesium they are actually German. I think that some things are made outside of Germany but they tell you where they are made ... here's just a sample link of what I think you're looking for and they have much more.

www.wihatools.com

8 Piece Soft Grip Hex T-Handle Metric Set

Wiha Soft Grip Dual Drive Ball End Hex T-Handle Metric Black Finish 8 Piece Set
www.wihatools.com www.wihatools.com

I also have some Craftsman hex wrenches that are not T handle but they also have held up well - but they are fairly old so not sure if manufacturing it today what it was yesterday.
 
Acmetools.com has different sets by Wiha, Bondhus and Gearwrench
Ball end, non-ball end, insulated, etc

Screenshot_20230109_200747_Chrome.jpg
 
I've ordered EGO power tools from them a couple of times, excellent service
 
I've got a set of Craftsman I bought about 15 years ago specifically because of the ball end design. Don't need that feature every day but when you do there's not much else that will work.

.
 
Been wanting 3 sets (sae, metric, torx) for minor gun stuff. Definitely not a smith, but don't want to be stripping screws because I cheaped out on out-of-spec Chinesium crap.

Have looked at the Wiha & Bondhus sets in the past. Might have to take the plunge.
 
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Facom
Wiha
Bondhus

All durable, I think the fit of the Facom tools is better. Just gotta find them on sale.
 
I prefer the MAC allen set. I have many different brands, theirs are strong and also offer the allen in the handle for high torque situations. SnapOn is my least favorite.
 
I've got Mac's with a ball end. They've taken 15 years of wrenching for a living, don't recall any breaking, they'd clean up like new if I took the time.
 
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