Frank Day Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Can anyone recommend a decent set of modelling allen keys and torx. Most seem to be made of putty and loosening one strut from a retract seems about as much as they can do, if youre lucky. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Simple answer is to buy from a professional tools supplier. Bondhus and Bahco are good names to look out for - you’re unlikely to get anything decent unless you’re prepared to spend a lot more than those budget tool suppliers prices though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Cheap allen keys are a waste of money (In fact that goes for most tools. I don't always buy the very best, professional quality because my limited use doesn't justify it but I go for good qualty). I have a set of both metric and imperial allen keys I bought some years ago from Axminster Tools which serve me well. I've bought various tools from Axminster and find them to be of good quality. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted March 29, 2022 Author Share Posted March 29, 2022 Thanks I'm doing ARF and foamies apart from some secondhand traditional items I've picked up after many years out. I have quality tools for everyday life inc Bahco but having trouble with the small stuff. I'll have a nosey at the recommendations. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyB Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 (edited) I love my coloured Wera ones that get used on the bikes and models alike - they do Torx sets too. Not cheap but really good quality for hobby use... https://www.toolstation.com/search?q=wera hex Edited March 29, 2022 by MattyB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted March 29, 2022 Author Share Posted March 29, 2022 These look good smaller sizes as well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Lee Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 When in doubt turn to Modelfixings! I use the Bondhus set shown here: https://www.modelfixings.co.uk/tools.htm#Ball key sets Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Modelfixing ones are superb. Been using Allen keys for over 52 years and these are the best. In passing I have a Bahco 15" adjustable spanner that is 52 years old. It has been used with long lengths of pipe over the handle (Disgusting practice but needed to do the job) and it is still perfect. Love it!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geoff S Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 I had a Bahco adjustable spanner given to me by a fellow motorcyclist at the side of the road. My BMW R69S had stopped and when I opened the tool box it was empty. All I needed to do was access the magneto to clean the points. A guy stopped (as motor cyclists did back in those days). He was on his way to work and gave me the spanner, saying he could get another for free. Still got it. I'm not a fan of adjustable spanners but they work better than most. I suppose mine is close on 50 years old, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 I am not a fan either but when a nut needs to be tightened a mile across the site it is better than lugging a tool box all the way. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce Collinson Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 Bondhus or Wera, whose screwdrivers are superb. Cheap tools are like blunt blades, dangerous and extremely expensive in the medium term because they fail in use, cause damage and end up costing exponentially more in rectifying the collateral damage they cause. Buy once, buy well. The double ended hex drivers with the UJ in the middle which from memory are Proxxon from Ian Shaw (Modelfixings) are really nifty, great for wing bolts which are too far forward for a ball hex driver. Ditto the small Proxxon set, or for that matter the larger one which Ian also sells. I came back to flying c. 6 years ago and found endless uses for metric hex drivers. As a result there are Wera sets as shown above (Matty B) both imperial (are we still allowed to say that? Mods?) and metric in both the flight box and the Mancave. Along with 4 JIS screwdrivers, which tend to fit servos correctly where neither PH nor Pozi does, they are the most often used tools. After a scalpel, obviously. And a Manchester screwdriver. BTC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dad_flyer Posted March 29, 2022 Share Posted March 29, 2022 I find the middle of the colourful Wera hex keys too fat for many jobs. Wera also do a plain set which is the conventional hex thickness all the way up. Not as fun or as nice to handle, but more use. At work I use Bahco handled ball drivers BE-8700 series. People kept taking themp, so when I had some space at the end of a budget I got a set each for the other teams around me, and put labels on for each room. After that I have usually been able to lay my hands on one when needed. The 2.5 mm are well used and with some of the more ham-fisted colleagues the balls do break off, even on a Bahco. There is not a 1.5mm or a 1/16" in the range so Wera and Wiha for those. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted March 29, 2022 Author Share Posted March 29, 2022 I think we all own that Bahco adjustable spanner by the sound of it. I've ordered a set of the Wera colour suggested by MattyB, they start at 1.5mm. I usually buy good tools, I have some Snap-on etc for real world but model size hex have eluded me. Will also have a look at some screwdrivers. Thanks for all the advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frank Day Posted April 1, 2022 Author Share Posted April 1, 2022 Picked up the Wera, metric hex set, very nice. Thanks to all for the recommendations 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattyB Posted April 2, 2022 Share Posted April 2, 2022 On 29/03/2022 at 23:27, Frank Day said: I think we all own that Bahco adjustable spanner by the sound of it. When this thread started I didn’t, but in a bizarre coincidence I inherited one from a distant relative this very week! Weird. Is there a secret password for the Bahco club?! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Billinge Posted July 8, 2022 Share Posted July 8, 2022 I too use the WERA branded Allen keys mainly for my other hobby which is air rifle shooting. You need super allen keys for that to mount optics and dismantle rifles for cleaning. These are the bees knees. LINK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Engine Doctor Posted July 10, 2022 Share Posted July 10, 2022 I try not to use the normal type Allen key as said many are total rubbish especially any supplied with kits etc . I mainly use HS Allen drivers . They have sharp ground hex drive that keep their shape for years. A set of four covering from 1.5mm up to 3mm will cost around £15 . If you need a set that includes larger sizes keep a look out in Aldi or Liddle for the boxed sets of "T" handle Allen and Torx drivers excellent value tools but prices change every time they come into stores. Where room is an issue then a decent set of normal from a proper tool supplier is needed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.