I’ve started replacing my tools with “ buy once” stuff. I got a set of these Wera Allen keys. After using them for a while l wondered how much money l’d wasted on cheap rubbish. I like these a lot.
Yeah, in the past I have bought cheap tools for single use, but then found out that many cheap tools are not even any good for single use! Thanks for the comment
Sir "Ikea" hex keys ....now thats a whole ten levels lower than I had ever contemplated. I used to spend £15 quid or so on a set, and they where $#!£. Ikea must be somewhere around or below "your childs first tool kit" quality :)
I’ve been using the Hex plus Allen keys for years on site and I have to say that they are excellent. The sets featured in the video are- Wera Hex Plus short Wer073594 - fave.co/2HGQooJ Wera Hex Plus WER022210 - fave.co/2jdqlL8 What a wonderful weekend for doing some outside D.I.Y I hope everyone has a great bank holiday ;-)
No problem. The set I have is the 950 PKL/9 SM (1.5-10mm). Back then they just had a simple electroplating and no color coding. When seated in the black plastic holder, only the 10mm had the stamped size visible (Wera 950 PKL HOP 10). But somehow you always knew exactly wich one to pick for a certain size bolt. :)
I was hoping you would show how to use these, and you did! Thank You! I inherited all these tools from my dad, but I'm not sure of their purpose! Thanks so much.
I first saw these on the German Tool Reviews channel, plan on getting a set next time I need to replace my Allen keys. Nice to see another review confirming that they are definitely worth a purchase.
I was recommended Bondhus for work, within a month, they had worn to a point that they were a pain to use (despite the packet saying something like 'the world's strongest hex keys'). I then bought some Wera hex plus keys that I've had for over a year now and they don't have any wear and are still awesome at undoing awkward stuff.
I have a set of metric and Imperial Bondhus hex keys, for home use but I prefer the Wera. I also have a set of Unbrako which are a really good set. Thanks for the comment
Having been using a set for six years i am about to replace them with another identical set. I use mine daily working on bikes, the only reason mine are being replaced is i have used them so much that i have worn the metal down. They have outlasted 5 snap on 1/4 drive allen key sets ! Awesome tools and i intend to buy their socket version soon.
I have a set of these Ches and went looking for them this morning to use them for the first time and can’t find the buggers. Had them over a year, didn’t need them today and then you post this video hahahahaha what a coincidence.
Blimey, I'm glad it's not just me that can't find stuff. I have three Artexing brushes (somewhere). Every time I need one I can never find it and end up buying a new one each time! Thanks for the comment
Another great video. I love my Wera kit all very high quality. Have been upgrading my tools past couple of years to better quality like Knipex, Wera etc. Wera also do a set of those keys for use on stainless steel, Screwfix used to stock them. I've lost count of the kit I've bought after one of your videos, but they've usually got the job done when my existing kit couldn't.
Thanks, you can't go wrong with Wera and Knipex- both very good quality tools! I've seen the stainless hex keys but don't really need a set of those as the sites I work on are not bothered about contamination/rust on the bolts etc. I hope I've not cost you too much money over the years ;-) Thanks for the comment
Hi... I bought one of the Wera Hex Plus sets and I absolutely love it. I am now looking for the same end style, but with a T-handle for ease of use. Do you know of any from Wera that has the same technology behind it, but has a T-handle? Thank you.
Used to work in a lab where we use both these sets to dismantle/ assemble very expensive machines. They were very nice to use. Tip if you want to buy these go to amazon Germany as you can usually get them cheaper than uk amazon.
Hello, does Wera make impact sockets 1/2 " 6mm with hex plus " shape " ? The famous German brand we use at work has to be changed every 2 or 3 days because it doesn't have enough grip on the bolt that needs to be removed. Usually co workers use a hammer to realize a better grip but then you need a vice to remove the bolt from the socket. Greetings,Eduard
I've bought them after seeing your video, you convinced me. Over all are great hex keys but i find very annoying taking them out of the case. It's the same with yours?
Yeah, the hex keys are great, but it can be a bit fiddly getting them in and out of the holder, but I guess they have to be tight, to prevent them from dropping out!
Do you find them fiddly to get out of the holder? I have these and the next size up seems to get in the way when trying to remove them unless I’m doing something wrong!
I have some Wiha Torx ones in a similar case (these ones www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002843AG2/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_dp_1) and those ones are easy to get out as rather than pulling them straight up or down they're designed to pivot forwards before they come out so they come out at an angle. It's a shame more aren't done in that way! Still at least it's not just me being daft, wouldn't be the first time :)
Ultimate Handyman my pleasure mate and great informative vid as always. Keep them coming because as reasonable as I am with tools and hand skills etc I’ve learned a few tricks from your channel which has helped me in my job 👍🏼
So what's the secret of how they work? Do the corners stick out more than on a regular Allen key? Also, how come torx keys aren't more popular given their likely superiority?
yep it seems the corners do stick out more, ive seen them, but as i already invested in a few bondhus sets, its too late for me.. how come torx didnt take over? or spline , or robertson? who knows, but if you get cheap badley made screws and or badly made tools to open them, they are a serious hassle, shallow heads, badly sized, keys sloppy, ball ends really bad on cheaper no name tools....etc
No. The six points of the Hex Plus are the same distance as the regular hex. Because the metal between the points is convex you are able to concentrate the turning force near the points. This makes it more likely that you'll get a grip on a worn hex head.
but why does the middle not have to be there? i think they are just made fractionally wider and any key that is tight would fit, better more reliable tolerances as they arnt a cheap tool
A lot of the Allen bolts they I undo nowadays I use 3/8 or 1/2 drive impact Allen key sockets getting a ratchet on there or a impact gun is just so much quicker but in certain scenarios then yes the short Allen keys are still used when space is tight thanks for the video chez
Yes, I have a Teng 1/2 drive set and also two impact sets, one metric and one imperial for the larger Allen headed bolts. The larger ones are much less likely to round off unless they are really tight. Thanks for the comment
Set ordered, have always used bondhus as always found ball end very good as was pretty tough, and as your video shows you can have a hard time removing rounded bolts. Great review.. SUBSCRIBED👍👍
Yes, these are brilliant. There are about 5 other maintenance engineers on site now that has this exact set, it is better for everyone, as there are less rounded off hex screws/bolts now ;-) Thanks for the comment 👍
I'm impressed with the Wera set with the color-coded vinyl grips. I also like the ball end feature to capture the fastener. However, I'm just a DIYer (retired), and I would be surprised if I have to pull a set of Allen keys out more than once a year to do something with them. Do you use them to work on cars, appliances around the house, etc.? I bought sets of Eklind brand (SAE and metric) years ago; only the smallest of each set get used, and they still look new. What do people use these for that justifies spending so much money on them? The cars I own don't use Allen screws or hex head bolts (the kind that use Allen wrenches to turn them). Currently, the only time I use them is to work on the pool cleaner (a Polaris 380) that runs around sucking up dirt and leaves; that has one or two on it. Before that, I used them to tighten the set screws on the antenna of my CB radio to the trunk lid, but that was in the mid-70s. It seems that Torx screws are being used more often now than Allen fasteners. I understand you live in the UK; perhaps appliances and other items there are made using more hex-head fasteners compared with here in the U.S.? Thanks.
I use them all the time at work (I'm a maintenance engineer in a chemical plant). Good tools are expensive! A few weeks back I catalogued all my tools which are contained in the one tool box, which can be seen in this video- ua-cam.com/video/9iRjKnKoPBs/v-deo.html To replace all the tools in that box would cost over £4000 or $5200 Thanks for the comment
I've got a set of precision machined hex bits. They still work way better than any commercial hex or hex plus set. The problem with most commercial hex/Allen keys is not their shape, but that they are manufactured too small.
i have been using a set without the ball at tne end but they are still great. i have been using the 5,6 and 8 mm nearly every day at work, they look a little beat-up on the outside but the heads are still in perfect condition.
The short-head Allen Key isn't just better because of space. There is less chance of wobble when you try to undo the bolt and therefore less damage to the bolt head.
I agree Wera make some great kit and I have lots of the hex-plus kits (stainless imperial/metric, the metric regular set). I would say in your situation though that you could put some silicone grease in the hex of the bolt head and it would stick on a regular Allen key, not a ball ended one though. Great piece of kit though, thanks for sharing.
Good tip. Like the way it attaches to the bolt with the ball. Ive had a teng set for many years and satisfied with it, they are still in shape, have been much better than some other crap sets ive had. maybe i havnt abused it to the extent you have. Have a bondhus set that works great to. But that wera set has an upper edge.
Do you think the sleeving on those allen keys could stop you getting into a recessed allen cap or is the sleeve still smaller in diameter than the head would be?
Kinda like the opposite of a flank drive spanner. Concentrating the force on an area least likely to collapse. Nice. It would be interesting to measure them corner to corner and compare them to standard keys. Maybe they have just a fraction more to their edge? 🧐
I've to point out - They are especially a great addition if you are not a professional. I do stuff on my Motorcycle, on the house and help friends out and sometimes screws are simple worn of (especially on Ikea Stuff or so ;D) and in those cases, those Keys can make your day way easier. I mean, to drill out a screw isn't that easy if you never have done it before and so on.
I have both imperial and metric sets. Now the function of the keys are awesome. I work maintenance on over 20 different kinds of machines and these are great. But.... The plastic coating to me is prone to damage which defeats the purpose. I think the size of the coating should be smaller towards the center of the key. Sometimes need the extra slimness that coating doesn't let you have. But great buy for the quality and the life of the heads of the keys.
@@ultimatehandyman yeah they just came out with them. There the same color system but iinstead of the key holder it's a pouch which I find better to be honest
i was going to buy the wiha ones from screwfix as my local branch had a set that was also on clearance but the hex plus feature convinced me it was worth buying as I saw your review and many others. Set bought via your link too! looking forward to getting them to try out. I'm so fed up of sets that are just okay so it was time to buy a premium set that will do me forever.
A set of these should last a long time. Wiha do make some good tools though, especially their screwdriver bits. I hope you get decades of use from them. Thanks for the comment
lets hope so. I'm currently trying out the wiha bits, the three different types, to see just what the best out there is. I only got the wiha today but ill be running them at work all week to see how they hold up. previously, the dewalt have been good, the bosch have been as soft as cheese though. So for now I have three different wiha bits to try and see how they stand up to trade use. Might even do a youtube video on it! great review by the way
I love wera tools, especially my screwdriver with the interchangeable shafts. But, the steel they use seems to rust very easily. I keep silica desiccant packets in my tool boxes and give my tools a wipe over with wd-40. Even still they have an even coating of rust hazing on them while my C.K screwdrivers don't?
Wera make great tools. C.K screwdrivers are my favorite brand of screwdriver, they are absolutely superb! Perhaps the C.K screwdrivers are coated with something to prevent them rusting or have a high chromium/molybdenum content or something. Thanks for the comment
I have often wondered why the Robertson head type of tools and fasteners did not become more popular as I would think it would be less likely to round off as do hex type fasteners (and tools ).
Thanks, I've been working on the house for the first two days- and tomorrow! At least I can have a rest on Tuesday when I get back to work ;-) Thanks for the comment
I have been looking at the Wera colour coded hex keys, do they do a set that has both imperial and metric or is it only necessary to have metric now? ( I am in the U.K. )
Most of the stuff in the UK will be metric, but sometimes you come across the odd imperial Allen head. I would imagine that the combined set is much more expensive, so it might be best to get the imperial set, then get the imperial set if needed. Thanks for the comment
Ultimate Handyman they have arrived and all I can say is WOW! worth every penny great advice thank you for demonstrating these I never would have got them without your video. Anyone considering buying these don’t hesitate they are brilliant! Thanks again.
Quick question. Does anyone else struggle with allen head bolts? Or is it just me? Specifically button head or countersunk. Not just undoing them, but even tightening. I'm not saying I'm as experienced as you, but I'm not an idiot either, just to clarify. Yet several times now I've rounded off allen head bolts (I'm ashamed to admit). 1. excavator final drive drain plugs. 2. wood chipper blade countersunk mounting bolts. and 3. my new underbody bash plates for my truck which I fitted today. I get the allen cleaned out. Decent quality driver bit pushed all the way in (not hex plus though, I admit). I wouldn't consider myself to be overtightening them, yet when I get to about 75% of the force I would confidently apply to a normal bolt doing the same job/size, they just tend to roll round on me. I suppose my question is, am I an Idiot? Am I going mad. Or is it common that these allen bolts are much more prone to rounding off than a normal bolt would be? Please let me know if I'm losing my mind? Regards
@@gplusgplus2286 They often use odd sizes for brakes on vehicles. I had a Vauxhall Combo van, I went to bleed the brakes, but needed a 11mm spanner. I had a “full set of spanners”, but 11mm was not included, so I had to buy one individually- very annoying!
After smashing my knuckles in a few times by punching engine blocks with cheap tools failing in my early years you learn to spend money on tools, them Wera Hex look a must hahaha
You know, a blob of blutak goes a long way to getting this kind of thing done when needing stainless fasteners to stay on drivers, keys, a nut spinners. I keep a ball of the blu stuff in my tool box.
Good morning UH! I have been up to my eyeballs of late. What a great video and what a solid product. I'm off to build a slide for the twins (aka Ronnie and Reg!!!!). Enjoy the sunshine and thanks for the regular Sunday video fix.
Good morning Francis. Good luck building the slide. I'm hoping I have a better day than yesterday. Job 1- power washer fused, twice then worked fine. Job 2- changed transformer in burglar alarm panel as the old transformer was getting hot, filmed it but then realised it's probably not a job for a DIY'er so scrapped the video. Job 3- installed a POE camera at the back of the garage, the QR code would not scan, then the mobile app was not working well, installed the desktop version on two computers and could not get it working- finally got it to work on the mobile! Job 4- opened the stop tap in the downstairs toilet to increase water flow to the outside tap, went to turn it back and the gland was leaking. The tap was behind tiles but there was a 3 inch hole- had to smash the tiles to get at it, plus the outside stop tap was covered in sand, slate and stones- took me an hour with the vacuum to clean it out! I hope today is a better day ;-)
As above and below, greats Hex keys! .... However my 2.5mm and 3mm are worn from excessive use...dont get me wrong ......none of the other $#!£ I'd bought have lasted or worked so hard as these, its just that if I'd bought "Snap On" or similar, I could have had these replaced :( You cannot buy a replacement Wera key separately :(
Buying any make of Allen key individually is difficult. Like you I always end up damaging a couple of sizes and the rest of the Allen keys are like new! Thanks for the comment
@@ultimatehandyman I always wipe them and make sure it's dry before I store them, there was a time though wherein I left them outside for a week and that was the time I started to notice the rust.
Thinking about buying 05073593001, the stainless steel version. What is your take on those vs these? There are people on Amazon with broke sets of the model reviewed here. I was thinking the stainless would hold up better. Thoughts?
Stainless is normally a softer material, than the steel used for Allen keys. I believe the stainless ones are mainly used to prevent cross contamination, and would be used only on stainless steel bolts, so that none of the steel from the traditional hex keys can become impregnated into the stainless bolts- causing rust issues etc. I've seen a lot of hex keys break over the years, the important thing, is to stop and lubricate/shock the bolt/grub screw to try and reduce the amount of torque needed. Thanks for the comment
@@ultimatehandyman by softer I would think it would stay more in the elastic range, causing the tool to bend (then bend back) rather than break (making it less brittle). If people are breaking the version of the tool mentioned in the video that would indicate it's too brittle.
I’ve started replacing my tools with “ buy once” stuff. I got a set of these Wera Allen keys. After using them for a while l wondered how much money l’d wasted on cheap rubbish. I like these a lot.
Yeah, in the past I have bought cheap tools for single use, but then found out that many cheap tools are not even any good for single use!
Thanks for the comment
yep, pound shop allen keys i bought for a quick ikea job, didnt last me 5 minutes, trash and soft, i hate cheap screwdrivers for same reason
Sir "Ikea" hex keys ....now thats a whole ten levels lower than I had ever contemplated. I used to spend £15 quid or so on a set, and they where $#!£. Ikea must be somewhere around or below "your childs first tool kit" quality :)
I’ve been using the Hex plus Allen keys for years on site and I have to say that they are excellent.
The sets featured in the video are-
Wera Hex Plus short Wer073594 - fave.co/2HGQooJ
Wera Hex Plus WER022210 - fave.co/2jdqlL8
What a wonderful weekend for doing some outside D.I.Y
I hope everyone has a great bank holiday ;-)
Wera tools are absolutely brilliant, I've had a set of these for a couple of years now and they have been a Godsend!
Yes, they make some really good tools.
Thanks for the comment
These are awesome! Have had a set for a year and wouldn't be without them now. The design is spot on for soft alloy bolts. Great review again mate.
Thanks Adam, It is not until you use these that you find out how good they actually are!
Thanks for the comment
No probs. Keep making the reviews. Those wera ratchets are great too. Just can't justify one yet.. :)
These things are a miracle. Immediately allowed me to loosen my kitchen cold water tap handle.
Yeah, I Have to agree, you won't get a better set of Allan keys than these.
Thanks for the comment
I bought a set of Wera Hex Plus keys back in the mid 90's when I apprenticed as a fitter that I still have. One of my best investments ever.
I didn't realise they had been around that long.
Thanks for the comment
No problem. The set I have is the 950 PKL/9 SM (1.5-10mm). Back then they just had a simple electroplating and no color coding. When seated in the black plastic holder, only the 10mm had the stamped size visible (Wera 950 PKL HOP 10). But somehow you always knew exactly wich one to pick for a certain size bolt. :)
I was hoping you would show how to use these, and you did! Thank You! I inherited all these tools from my dad, but I'm not sure of their purpose! Thanks so much.
You are welcome
Thanks for the comment
I first saw these on the German Tool Reviews channel, plan on getting a set next time I need to replace my Allen keys. Nice to see another review confirming that they are definitely worth a purchase.
They are much better than Teng, Bondhus or Unbrako, I'd choose these any day over any other make.
Thanks for the comment
Got my set a few weeks ago. Never going to use others again. What a difference for feel and actual fitment!
They are great ;-)
Thanks for the comment
Bought a set of these from Toolstation in the UK. By far the best Allen keys I've ever owned.
They are great ;-)
Thanks for the comment
Heard about these and borrowed someone's at work and they are fantastic. Wera are quality tools. Thanks for the review.
Yes, Wera make some good tools ;-)
Thanks for the comment
They’re brilliant on a motorcycle. I used these to get a hangar off from behind an exhaust where space was tight. Makes the job easy for sure!
Thanks for the comment
I was recommended Bondhus for work, within a month, they had worn to a point that they were a pain to use (despite the packet saying something like 'the world's strongest hex keys').
I then bought some Wera hex plus keys that I've had for over a year now and they don't have any wear and are still awesome at undoing awkward stuff.
I have a set of metric and Imperial Bondhus hex keys, for home use but I prefer the Wera. I also have a set of Unbrako which are a really good set.
Thanks for the comment
Having been using a set for six years i am about to replace them with another identical set.
I use mine daily working on bikes, the only reason mine are being replaced is i have used them so much that i have worn the metal down. They have outlasted 5 snap on 1/4 drive allen key sets ! Awesome tools and i intend to buy their socket version soon.
These are always my "go to" set now when working on site, I rarely use my Teng set at all!
Thanks for the comment
I often wonder what the ball end was for ,now I no.thanks for another great video.Keep them coming .thanks
Thanks for the comment
Exactly what I came for. Thanks 🍻
Good demo of the Wera hex keys U.H.! Always liked Wera stuff and have a couple of the screwdriver sets. I will be getting that set on your video!
They are really good, especially on stainless cap head bolts (which round off easily)
Thanks for the comment
I have a set of these Ches and went looking for them this morning to use them for the first time and can’t find the buggers. Had them over a year, didn’t need them today and then you post this video hahahahaha what a coincidence.
Blimey, I'm glad it's not just me that can't find stuff.
I have three Artexing brushes (somewhere). Every time I need one I can never find it and end up buying a new one each time!
Thanks for the comment
Another great video. I love my Wera kit all very high quality. Have been upgrading my tools past couple of years to better quality like Knipex, Wera etc.
Wera also do a set of those keys for use on stainless steel, Screwfix used to stock them. I've lost count of the kit I've bought after one of your videos, but they've usually got the job done when my existing kit couldn't.
Thanks, you can't go wrong with Wera and Knipex- both very good quality tools!
I've seen the stainless hex keys but don't really need a set of those as the sites I work on are not bothered about contamination/rust on the bolts etc.
I hope I've not cost you too much money over the years ;-)
Thanks for the comment
I have been using these for years, they are much better than normal hex keys.
Good review!
Thanks for the comment
Hi... I bought one of the Wera Hex Plus sets and I absolutely love it. I am now looking for the same end style, but with a T-handle for ease of use. Do you know of any from Wera that has the same technology behind it, but has a T-handle? Thank you.
You can get them, but they are not common.
Example here- fave.co/3kHmNBp
Thanks for the comment
@@ultimatehandyman Thank you much! 🙏
Used to work in a lab where we use both these sets to dismantle/ assemble very expensive machines. They were very nice to use. Tip if you want to buy these go to amazon Germany as you can usually get them cheaper than uk amazon.
Thanks for the tip ;-)
I have a set of Bondhus and your video makes me want to get a set of Wera. Great job
The Wera are great ;-)
Thanks for the comment
Hello, does Wera make impact sockets 1/2 " 6mm with hex plus " shape " ? The famous German brand we use at work has to be changed every 2 or 3 days because it doesn't have enough grip on the bolt that needs to be removed. Usually co workers use a hammer to realize a better grip but then you need a vice to remove the bolt from the socket. Greetings,Eduard
I've bought them after seeing your video, you convinced me. Over all are great hex keys but i find very annoying taking them out of the case. It's the same with yours?
Yeah, the hex keys are great, but it can be a bit fiddly getting them in and out of the holder, but I guess they have to be tight, to prevent them from dropping out!
@@ultimatehandyman After 3 years you still reply, thanks a lot!
Thanks for this video, very helpful explanaton of hex-plus
Glad it was helpful!
Do you find them fiddly to get out of the holder? I have these and the next size up seems to get in the way when trying to remove them unless I’m doing something wrong!
Every set of Allen keys that I own are fiddly to remove from the holder, Wera, Teng, Unbrako and Bondhus are all the same.
Thanks for the comment
I have some Wiha Torx ones in a similar case (these ones www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B002843AG2/ref=pe_385721_37038051_TE_dp_1) and those ones are easy to get out as rather than pulling them straight up or down they're designed to pivot forwards before they come out so they come out at an angle. It's a shame more aren't done in that way! Still at least it's not just me being daft, wouldn't be the first time :)
I like the look of that set, but don't use Torx enough to justify the cost of them.
The holder looks good ;-)
Thanks for the comment
I have them and I work in maintenance and they are fantastic quality that last and work well 👌
Thanks for the comment ;-)
Ultimate Handyman my pleasure mate and great informative vid as always. Keep them coming because as reasonable as I am with tools and hand skills etc I’ve learned a few tricks from your channel which has helped me in my job 👍🏼
I'm glad the video's help ;-)
I am always working on new videos, some of which will help maintenance people.
Thanks for the comment
So what's the secret of how they work? Do the corners stick out more than on a regular Allen key? Also, how come torx keys aren't more popular given their likely superiority?
yep it seems the corners do stick out more, ive seen them, but as i already invested in a few bondhus sets, its too late for me.. how come torx didnt take over? or spline , or robertson? who knows, but if you get cheap badley made screws and or badly made tools to open them, they are a serious hassle, shallow heads, badly sized, keys sloppy, ball ends really bad on cheaper no name tools....etc
John Hughes I agree. I made a comment on the lack of Robertson type of fasteners as well.
No. The six points of the Hex Plus are the same distance as the regular hex. Because the metal between the points is convex you are able to concentrate the turning force near the points. This makes it more likely that you'll get a grip on a worn hex head.
And here's a diagram: www-us.wera.de/en/great-tools/hex-plus/
but why does the middle not have to be there? i think they are just made fractionally wider and any key that is tight would fit, better more reliable tolerances as they arnt a cheap tool
A lot of the Allen bolts they I undo nowadays I use 3/8 or 1/2 drive impact Allen key sockets getting a ratchet on there or a impact gun is just so much quicker but in certain scenarios then yes the short Allen keys are still used when space is tight thanks for the video chez
Yes, I have a Teng 1/2 drive set and also two impact sets, one metric and one imperial for the larger Allen headed bolts. The larger ones are much less likely to round off unless they are really tight.
Thanks for the comment
Set ordered, have always used bondhus as always found ball end very good as was pretty tough, and as your video shows you can have a hard time removing rounded bolts. Great review.. SUBSCRIBED👍👍
I'm sure you will love them. I use them all the time one site now, my Teng set rarely gets used!
Thanks for the comment
Excellent video. I will look out for a set of these. I've been repairing an arcade machine which has lots of slightly rusted button head hex bolts.
If you shock them first using a punch and hammer, then some spray penetrant they should be removable with the Wera hex plus ;-)
Thanks for the comment
Super nice tools Wera hex plus 👍👍
Yes, these are brilliant. There are about 5 other maintenance engineers on site now that has this exact set, it is better for everyone, as there are less rounded off hex screws/bolts now ;-)
Thanks for the comment 👍
I'm impressed with the Wera set with the color-coded vinyl grips. I also like the ball end feature to capture the fastener. However, I'm just a DIYer (retired), and I would be surprised if I have to pull a set of Allen keys out more than once a year to do something with them. Do you use them to work on cars, appliances around the house, etc.? I bought sets of Eklind brand (SAE and metric) years ago; only the smallest of each set get used, and they still look new. What do people use these for that justifies spending so much money on them? The cars I own don't use Allen screws or hex head bolts (the kind that use Allen wrenches to turn them). Currently, the only time I use them is to work on the pool cleaner (a Polaris 380) that runs around sucking up dirt and leaves; that has one or two on it. Before that, I used them to tighten the set screws on the antenna of my CB radio to the trunk lid, but that was in the mid-70s. It seems that Torx screws are being used more often now than Allen fasteners. I understand you live in the UK; perhaps appliances and other items there are made using more hex-head fasteners compared with here in the U.S.? Thanks.
I use them all the time at work (I'm a maintenance engineer in a chemical plant).
Good tools are expensive! A few weeks back I catalogued all my tools which are contained in the one tool box, which can be seen in this video- ua-cam.com/video/9iRjKnKoPBs/v-deo.html
To replace all the tools in that box would cost over £4000 or $5200
Thanks for the comment
Nice set of allen keys
Yes, these are brilliant, I use these at work all the time ;-)
Thanks for the comment 👍
Great informative video, ordered a set of plus, thanks for the information.
Glad it was helpful!
These are superb, I hope you get years of use from them ;-)
@@ultimatehandyman Me too
I've got a set of precision machined hex bits. They still work way better than any commercial hex or hex plus set. The problem with most commercial hex/Allen keys is not their shape, but that they are manufactured too small.
Thanks for the comment 👍
Nice to know, i have had a few rounded fixings on my car that could be tackled by these!
Yes, they work much better than traditional Allen keys.
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i have been using a set without the ball at tne end but they are still great. i have been using the 5,6 and 8 mm nearly every day at work, they look a little beat-up on the outside but the heads are still in perfect condition.
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The short-head Allen Key isn't just better because of space. There is less chance of wobble when you try to undo the bolt and therefore less damage to the bolt head.
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I have a hex plus set and agree that they are excellent.
Yes, they are superb.
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Great demonstration, thanks.
Are the Wera hex bits used in the Zyklops kits of the Hex Plus variety? If not, are Hex Plus bits available?
I'm not sure if they are included in the Zyklops kit, but you can buy them, as I bought some from ebay-
fave.co/2WtLlQa
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Great video, great products and very informative as always 👍🤓👍
Thanks Wayne ;-)
I agree Wera make some great kit and I have lots of the hex-plus kits (stainless imperial/metric, the metric regular set). I would say in your situation though that you could put some silicone grease in the hex of the bolt head and it would stick on a regular Allen key, not a ball ended one though. Great piece of kit though, thanks for sharing.
All my Allen keys are ball ended, a bit of insulation tape normally does the trick though!
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Good tip. Like the way it attaches to the bolt with the ball. Ive had a teng set for many years and satisfied with it, they are still in shape, have been much better than some other crap sets ive had. maybe i havnt abused it to the extent you have. Have a bondhus set that works great to. But that wera set has an upper edge.
I have Teng, Bondhus and Unbrako but the Wera hex plus are far superior to any of them.
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Do you think the sleeving on those allen keys could stop you getting into a recessed allen cap or is the sleeve still smaller in diameter than the head would be?
I'm not sure to be honest, I guess it depends on the diameter of the recess. Good point though ;-)
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Kinda like the opposite of a flank drive spanner. Concentrating the force on an area least likely to collapse. Nice. It would be interesting to measure them corner to corner and compare them to standard keys. Maybe they have just a fraction more to their edge? 🧐
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I've to point out - They are especially a great addition if you are not a professional.
I do stuff on my Motorcycle, on the house and help friends out and sometimes screws are simple worn of (especially on Ikea Stuff or so ;D) and in those cases, those Keys can make your day way easier. I mean, to drill out a screw isn't that easy if you never have done it before and so on.
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@@ultimatehandyman Thanks for your reply! :)
I have both imperial and metric sets. Now the function of the keys are awesome. I work maintenance on over 20 different kinds of machines and these are great. But.... The plastic coating to me is prone to damage which defeats the purpose. I think the size of the coating should be smaller towards the center of the key. Sometimes need the extra slimness that coating doesn't let you have. But great buy for the quality and the life of the heads of the keys.
I could not find an imperial set when I was a maintenance engineer, or else I would have bought a set of those too! Thanks for the comment 👍
@@ultimatehandyman yeah they just came out with them. There the same color system but iinstead of the key holder it's a pouch which I find better to be honest
i was going to buy the wiha ones from screwfix as my local branch had a set that was also on clearance but the hex plus feature convinced me it was worth buying as I saw your review and many others. Set bought via your link too!
looking forward to getting them to try out. I'm so fed up of sets that are just okay so it was time to buy a premium set that will do me forever.
A set of these should last a long time. Wiha do make some good tools though, especially their screwdriver bits.
I hope you get decades of use from them.
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lets hope so. I'm currently trying out the wiha bits, the three different types, to see just what the best out there is. I only got the wiha today but ill be running them at work all week to see how they hold up. previously, the dewalt have been good, the bosch have been as soft as cheese though. So for now I have three different wiha bits to try and see how they stand up to trade use. Might even do a youtube video on it! great review by the way
I love wera tools, especially my screwdriver with the interchangeable shafts. But, the steel they use seems to rust very easily. I keep silica desiccant packets in my tool boxes and give my tools a wipe over with wd-40. Even still they have an even coating of rust hazing on them while my C.K screwdrivers don't?
Wera make great tools. C.K screwdrivers are my favorite brand of screwdriver, they are absolutely superb!
Perhaps the C.K screwdrivers are coated with something to prevent them rusting or have a high chromium/molybdenum content or something.
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Very neat... I have to get me a set of these.
They are useful ;-)
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great video. can you get away with just using hex plus . will they work on good bolts
Thanks, yes these are great on new bolts as they should not round them off.
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Have there been any issues with the ball bearing falling out?
It was not an issue in the time that I owned them (I’ve since sold all my site tools to an apprentice)
I have often wondered why the Robertson head type of tools and fasteners did not become more popular as I would think it would be less likely to round off as do hex type fasteners (and tools ).
Not sure, I believe they are common in Canada?
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Good video thanks for posting, have a nice bank holiday weekend👍👍🍺🍺🍺🍺🍺
Thanks, I've been working on the house for the first two days- and tomorrow!
At least I can have a rest on Tuesday when I get back to work ;-)
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Wera make quality hand tools. I swear by them if I need a tool to last.
Absolutely, they make some great tools ;-)
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I have been looking at the Wera colour coded hex keys, do they do a set that has both imperial and metric or is it only necessary to have metric now? ( I am in the U.K. )
Most of the stuff in the UK will be metric, but sometimes you come across the odd imperial Allen head.
I would imagine that the combined set is much more expensive, so it might be best to get the imperial set, then get the imperial set if needed.
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Ultimate Handyman thank you I really appreciate the advice, I have purchased the same set you linked in the description with the hold function.
You are welcome. I hope you are as happy with them, as I am ;-)
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Ultimate Handyman they have arrived and all I can say is WOW!
worth every penny great advice thank you for demonstrating these I never would have got them without your video.
Anyone considering buying these don’t hesitate they are brilliant!
Thanks again.
@@mavos1211 I'm really glad that you like them, I absolutely love my set ;-)
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Does the holding feature mark the stainless cap bolts
No, I don't think so- although I have not really paid much attention.
You know what there's a magnet with a +- on the case ?
Didn't know that. Unfortunately I walked out of my job on site in February 2021 and sold all my tools to an apprentice, these included!
Quick question. Does anyone else struggle with allen head bolts? Or is it just me? Specifically button head or countersunk. Not just undoing them, but even tightening. I'm not saying I'm as experienced as you, but I'm not an idiot either, just to clarify. Yet several times now I've rounded off allen head bolts (I'm ashamed to admit). 1. excavator final drive drain plugs. 2. wood chipper blade countersunk mounting bolts. and 3. my new underbody bash plates for my truck which I fitted today. I get the allen cleaned out. Decent quality driver bit pushed all the way in (not hex plus though, I admit). I wouldn't consider myself to be overtightening them, yet when I get to about 75% of the force I would confidently apply to a normal bolt doing the same job/size, they just tend to roll round on me. I suppose my question is, am I an Idiot? Am I going mad. Or is it common that these allen bolts are much more prone to rounding off than a normal bolt would be? Please let me know if I'm losing my mind? Regards
The Hex plus should help ;-)
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Great set !!!
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Nice I like it..I just order 31 security bits that have a hole in the middle of the Hex wrench from Amazon for my smart Lock at my bike.
They are good, I'm sure you will be happy with them.
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brilliant keys but the plastic peels off or gets loose and slides off.
I did wonder how durable that plastic would be, especially when cleaning them with spray penetrant etc.
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Why none of these sets from any brand include the 7mm tool??? #frustrated
7mm is a really odd size, I don't think I've ever used a 7mm hex key 🤔
@@ultimatehandyman Vw/audi brake caliper bolts.
@@gplusgplus2286 They often use odd sizes for brakes on vehicles. I had a Vauxhall Combo van, I went to bleed the brakes, but needed a 11mm spanner. I had a “full set of spanners”, but 11mm was not included, so I had to buy one individually- very annoying!
After smashing my knuckles in a few times by punching engine blocks with cheap tools failing in my early years you learn to spend money on tools, them Wera Hex look a must hahaha
These are brilliant, I was working with a guy the other day and I think he went right out to buy a set ;-)
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You know, a blob of blutak goes a long way to getting this kind of thing done when needing stainless fasteners to stay on drivers, keys, a nut spinners. I keep a ball of the blu stuff in my tool box.
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Good morning UH! I have been up to my eyeballs of late. What a great video and what a solid product. I'm off to build a slide for the twins (aka Ronnie and Reg!!!!). Enjoy the sunshine and thanks for the regular Sunday video fix.
Good morning Francis.
Good luck building the slide. I'm hoping I have a better day than yesterday.
Job 1- power washer fused, twice then worked fine.
Job 2- changed transformer in burglar alarm panel as the old transformer was getting hot, filmed it but then realised it's probably not a job for a DIY'er so scrapped the video.
Job 3- installed a POE camera at the back of the garage, the QR code would not scan, then the mobile app was not working well, installed the desktop version on two computers and could not get it working- finally got it to work on the mobile!
Job 4- opened the stop tap in the downstairs toilet to increase water flow to the outside tap, went to turn it back and the gland was leaking. The tap was behind tiles but there was a 3 inch hole- had to smash the tiles to get at it, plus the outside stop tap was covered in sand, slate and stones- took me an hour with the vacuum to clean it out!
I hope today is a better day ;-)
What kind of steel are these made from?
Not sure, exactly. I would imagine that the exact composition of the steel will be a secret.
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As above and below, greats Hex keys! .... However my 2.5mm and 3mm are worn from excessive use...dont get me wrong ......none of the other $#!£ I'd bought have lasted or worked so hard as these, its just that if I'd bought "Snap On" or similar, I could have had these replaced :( You cannot buy a replacement Wera key separately :(
Buying any make of Allen key individually is difficult. Like you I always end up damaging a couple of sizes and the rest of the Allen keys are like new!
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i got these a few months ago and now all of them are rusted.
Have they been left outside, or somewhere wet?
Mine still look like new!
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@@ultimatehandyman I always wipe them and make sure it's dry before I store them, there was a time though wherein I left them outside for a week and that was the time I started to notice the rust.
I refuse to use anything else. Just love them for working on my bikes.
They are great ;-)
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Aaaaand, now I’m waiting for the package...
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No good for deep set grub screws, as the shaft diameter is too wide to fit into the hole
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What sort of accent this one is?
Darwen, Lancashire, UK
@@ultimatehandyman Cheers mate
Got 4 sets of these usually as a go yo set but for angled access facom are way better
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The ball fell out of my 10mm Allen key within a couple of minutes of using it so be careful and always check it's still in there
Thanks, I'll watch out for that.
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Does anyone else (like Wira) make hex plus keys or is it just Wera? Thanks
I thin it is just Wera that makes them, so far.
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Nice
Ill be investing
They are really good ;-)
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Thinking about buying 05073593001, the stainless steel version. What is your take on those vs these? There are people on Amazon with broke sets of the model reviewed here. I was thinking the stainless would hold up better. Thoughts?
Stainless is normally a softer material, than the steel used for Allen keys. I believe the stainless ones are mainly used to prevent cross contamination, and would be used only on stainless steel bolts, so that none of the steel from the traditional hex keys can become impregnated into the stainless bolts- causing rust issues etc.
I've seen a lot of hex keys break over the years, the important thing, is to stop and lubricate/shock the bolt/grub screw to try and reduce the amount of torque needed.
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@@ultimatehandyman by softer I would think it would stay more in the elastic range, causing the tool to bend (then bend back) rather than break (making it less brittle). If people are breaking the version of the tool mentioned in the video that would indicate it's too brittle.
I stopped lending out tools when I forgot who I actually gave them too
I do that all the time!
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How much are they
The shallow set is about £22 and the colourful set with the ball retainer at the end is about £30 a set.
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You cost me a fortune...mouse to house...again
ta chaz
Neil
Sorry abut that ;-)
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I don't believe in this style of Allen key...use socket style...my two pennyworth
What a con they are old friend
Not at all. Time is money when you maintain things for a living, these can save you a whole load of hassle ;-)
Your "brand new" bondhus wrench is slap wore the fuck out for one use
Yeah, Wera is much better 👍