Hex Wrench

[VicParticipant @vic]

I’ve seen several of these used in various videos on YouTube. As I’ve not seen any for sale I’m guessing machinists are making their own from ordinary hex keys? I’m just wondering how they’re securing them in the boss? Anyone made one, is it useful?

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Dim memory suggests that I’ve seen instructions to make one by using the keys themselves to broach out a round hole to hex shape and securing with braze. I guess it works given appropriate care.

Not used a multiple hex key of this style but I have tried to use a similarly arranged screwdriver set when helping out off-site and depending on someone else’s tools. Bought a whole new layer to the concept of bloody stupid inconvenient thing. If it had been mine time between attempted first use and human powered orbital insertion would not have been inconveniently measured in milli seconds.

My experience with all these multiple tool thingies is that all the multiple bits get in the way when trying to use the one that fits whatever you re working on. If you must have a multiple hex keys in one tool the penknife style fold up type are merely seriously awkward.

Frankly the concept of these multiple tools saving space and keeping things to hand really doesn’t hold up.( Except, perhaps in the case of those sheet steel multiple cut out things for pedal bikes as you have neither space or weight to spare in the  carry on the bike toolkit.) Objectively they take up pretty much as much room as a more sensible storage and the sticky out bits get in the way. Far better to have a nice little hard case set up like this :-

Effective space take up in the toolbox / tool drawer is about the same as the multi armed horror and you have all the sizes, both metric and imperial. Strong enough to park things on if need be and doesn’t self destruct after a few years like the ever (un)popular plastic wallets. That set in the case is maybe 40 years old so the plastic hinge has held up well, although it’s not my first line set. Just don’t get me started on the ring with springs to holds keys thingies, the guy who popularised those is well up on the list of deserving cruel and unusual punishments.

Clive

[bernard towersParticipant @bernardtowers37738]

Try these their handy

[BazyleParticipant @bazyle]

Probably a good idea, perhaps with one square one too for keeping all the keys used on chucks, toolposts, etc on the lathe in one place.

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

My Dad still has something similar he made in teh 50s when he had a job as a tool setter. They are brazed into a steel hub.

I suppose if you were into hole casting you could cast teh hub around four keys and no risk of them coming loose in the hub.

The 3-way spiders are quite common with a plastic middle https://www.unicycle.com/y-allen-key-set/

[Martin KyteParticipant @martinkyte99762]

Factory maintenance blokes used to make their own long shaft TEE wrenches using old Allen Keys. The keys would have the short end cut off and neatly ground square with a tiny chamfer. The shaft would be drilled with an ‘across the flats’ size drill. The the shaft end would be heated and the key pressed or hammered in. Tee handle fitted in a cross drilled hole and there you are. The hex keys never fell out to my knowledge.

[Clive FosterParticipant @clivefoster55965]

Knobs similar to those in Bernards picture holding standard 1/4″ hex bits, albeit ratchet rather than fixed, are readily available for under £10 for three on E-Bay and from other sources. You can also find fixed versions with T wing heads for similar money.

For me thats buy, not make territory in the unlikely event of not already having  something adequate in stock.

I find the my T handle sets are great get out of jail card.

“My name is Clive. I’m 71 and have been a toolaholic for over 60 years. Got lots’n lots of stuff.”

Clive

[VicParticipant @vic]

Thanks for your thoughts Clive, I must admit I’m in two minds on this one. My favourite hex drivers are Bondhus T handle wrenches, especially the long versions. I think for some jobs though I should get some of the screwdriver type as well.

 

[Vic]

On 10 August 2025 at 11:06 Vic Said:

[…] I’m just wondering how they’re securing them in the boss? […]

An ideal opportunity to test your favourite anaerobic retainer

drill a hole in which the hex is just a light press fit … get everything scrupulously clean, and assemble using Loctite 638 or whatever.

MichaelG.

[old martParticipant @oldmart]

Make the boss out of aluminium and make the holes just over the flat size and force the keys about 4 diameters in and they are unlikely to ever come loose, put a taper lead in on the key ends. If you try pressing them in, be sure to have a plate between you and the parts just in case of accidents.

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