Long Hex Tool - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

280EZRider · #1 01-30-2010, 05:58 PM

I wondering if anyone here has ever used those long hex tools (allen w/3/8" drive) that have rounded heads to get to hard-to-reach places. And if so, do they handle a reasonable amount of torque?

mpolli · #2 01-30-2010, 06:24 PM

I have used the regular L shaped ones, but not the socket mounted ones. Obviously they are weakened by the reduced diameter behind the "ball".

Another type of swivel device I have used is the universal joint for 3/8 drive. Not the old 3 part one built like a U joint (those stink), but the kind made for impact drivers that are 2 part and have a ball in a socket with a cross pin going through it. Those work very well.

timc · #3 01-30-2010, 06:34 PM

Yes, I have often. Be careful though, as they do not provide the same "grip" inside the bolt head as the straight ones, and it is easy to round of the bolt. I was removing the cv bolts on my 930's half shafts, which are torqued to approx 60lbs, and did not have a good feel, so I changed over to the straight allen socket to finish.

Chas H · #4 01-30-2010, 06:57 PM

I have one I made for torquing Porsche 911 cylinder head nuts. It has worked great for 35 years.

mramay · #5 01-30-2010, 10:16 PM

I have a 3/8" drive 10mm allen that I use on the AC tensioner pulley bolt for a W126 M117 engine. That is one tight bolt and the 10mm ball head handles it just fine (so far).

280EZRider · #6 01-31-2010, 11:56 AM

I appreciate the responses. It sounds like the purchase of a $15-set of long, ball hexes at Harbor Freight is at least worth a try as I am only interested in the 8MM.

mramay · #7 01-31-2010, 01:23 PM

If you only need the 8mm, then I'd recommend a name brand and buy just that one. HF is generally not good quality so buying a set there or the one you need from Craftsman or Matco should cost about the same. This way you'll end up with a known quality tool.

AlexTheSeal · #8 01-31-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mramay

If you only need the 8mm, then I'd recommend a name brand and buy just that one. HF is generally not good quality so buying a set there or the one you need from Craftsman or Matco should cost about the same. This way you'll end up with a known quality tool.

I agree, especially on the ball-end hex drivers where proper fit (i.e. to better-than-Chinese tolerances) is essential to avoid torquing out and/or rounding the fastener.

Sears Craftsman stuff, however, is not the quality it used to be. The American-made stuff is outsourced to Armstrong and is about the same quality level as Autozone or NAPA's house-brand tools (decent but not great) and the Chinese-made stuff is no better than Harbor Freight for twice the price.

I'd personally recommend Wiha (www.wihatools.com)for metric hex drivers. German made and absolutely the best quality you can get.

lkchris · #9 01-31-2010, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mramay

If you only need the 8mm, then I'd recommend a name brand and buy just that one. HF is generally not good quality so buying a set there or the one you need from Craftsman or Matco should cost about the same. This way you'll end up with a known quality tool.

Not to mention one they'll replace when you break it.

This is best advice.

280EZRider · #10 02-01-2010, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexTheSeal

I agree, especially on the ball-end hex drivers where proper fit (i.e. to better-than-Chinese tolerances) is essential to avoid torquing out and/or rounding the fastener.

Sears Craftsman stuff, however, is not the quality it used to be. The American-made stuff is outsourced to Armstrong and is about the same quality level as Autozone or NAPA's house-brand tools (decent but not great) and the Chinese-made stuff is no better than Harbor Freight for twice the price.

I'd personally recommend Wiha (www.wihatools.com)for metric hex drivers. German made and absolutely the best quality you can get.

This site doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for, so since I just need the one long 8MM ball end, Sears is probably the next best choice. I actually have a few Napa tools and so far, they have worked well.

AlexTheSeal · #11 02-01-2010, 01:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 280EZRider

This site doesn't seem to have what I'm looking for, so since I just need the one long 8MM ball end, Sears is probably the next best choice. I actually have a few Napa tools and so far, they have worked well.

Item #36936 on this page is not what you're looking for?

If you want to turn it with a socket wrench, you could always cut it off with an angle grinder (or even a Dremel, probably) at the exact length you need, then put it in an 8mm socket.

timc · #12 02-01-2010, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mramay

If you only need the 8mm, then I'd recommend a name brand and buy just that one. HF is generally not good quality so buying a set there or the one you need from Craftsman or Matco should cost about the same. This way you'll end up with a known quality tool.

+1 on that. Some tools you need quality, and precison, and this is one of them! I bought a set from Sears years ago.