MTB Dirt Mountain Bike Forums forum - Topic - Accurately machined Hex Set....

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Kenzo

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Im looking for recommendations of which set of hex keys to buy....

Not happy with the ones I have... The 5mm is a teeny bit smaller than 5mm and it is slightly rounding out the seat collar bolt... Seeing as I have a new Thomson seat collar on the way, I want to make sure my next set of hex keys are as close to perfect as possible... So, what brand do you recommend?

Next, what brand of multi tool do you suggest where the machining accuracy is next to perfect? (Because I think the initial damage to the bolt is from my Crank Bros 19 multitool.)

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Nole

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Gorilla-grip, made by Bondhus. I have 2 folding Bondhus tools, each with a different range of fold-out allen keys, plus a set of individual keys in a small plastic case. Not bicycle specific, so no torx key, chain breaker, etc, but high quality, correctly sized allen keys. The one I carry in my bike box has 7 keys from 2 to 8 mm. Avoid ball-head keys like the plague unless very high quality - they will round out your bolts or the head will snap off and get stuck in the bolt head. Bondhus also make torx keys. In an ideal world, all allen bolts on bikes should be replaced with torx bolts as the keys have more points on which to grip and work much better, particularly in smaller sizes. Try a tool store rather than a bike shop.

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Munrubenmuz

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

I've got those. Bunnings sell them. Seem to be very good. Mind you they want to be for the price I paid for the bloody things. Comes with a lifetime warranty, not that that 'll help me as I lost the receipt.

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Shrek !!!

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

problem is Kenzo, it's likely not the hex sets.. pretty much all will be ok.. I have about 5 sets of different types but it's the screws / bolts they are being used in that are softer than the tolls themselves.

The largest issue is the amount of leverage one can get with some of the tools, especially the multi ones.. Tight is NEVER tight enough for some of us so we just keep screwing it.

Replace the bolts and you'll be right.

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finch

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

the replaceable bits at the Trade Tools Direct counter all seem to be pretty good. You just need a holder or wrench.

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Area54

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Bondhus, Bunnings stock them. I have the balldriver set as well as the straight set.

I also have a Park Tool pro set, use them every day.

Both of these are for workshop use though. I use Topeak multitools, pretty happy with them.

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Kenzo

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

This was $29 at Bunnings : http://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Metric-Hex-Key/dp/B0069FEQUA

.. this was $39 at Bunnings: http://www.amazon.com/Bondhus-17095-Balldriver-L-wrenches-BriteGuard/dp/B000E7XJYS/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2MMITJXFEL60U&colid=MUVF86QV4OF9

Thanks guys, I know what I need to do.
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ozynigma

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Another vote for Bondhus from Bunnings, I have both the short and long sets but not the balldriver or folding sets. Interestingly they have a lifetime warranty, whose life? mine or the tools? Don't know how I would go claiming it in another ten years when the tools are worn out.

My favourite multi tools are the Lezyne like

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=74090

As PtZell said you probably have some low quality fasteners. It might be worth replacing them and using a torque wrench to put the new ones in.

I can get all self righteous about torque wrenches now that I have bought one and used to put a stem on at 6nm yesterday Smile

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Shrek !!!

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Ozy, were you shocked at how LITTLE 6nm actually is?

Truth be known we ALL overtighten most nuts and bolts, even those of us with 'calibrated elbows'

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ozynigma

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

No not shocked but I definitely tighten inconsistently and generally overtight without a torque wrench.

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skell

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

I use unbrako allen keys at work & never had any problems with them and I can be fairly rough on the gear at times 09shocked .

Image

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ozynigma

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Now you do need a torque wrench.

Did you do any work on this frame by any chance?

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my_very_dear_friend

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Accurately machined Hex Set....

Bondhus

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