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After rounding off a bolt whilst torquing it up I have discovered that Halfords Professional hex bits are not quite the size they say they are. I'm looking for a decent set of 1/4" drive hex bits. Preferably not a set of bits with a 1/4" adapter due to space restrictions. So not 3/8 drive either for the same reason.
So far I've found:
- Expert by Facom (formally Britool)
- Wera - expensive
- Facom in a "MBOX" - very expensive and don't need the box.
Any other recommendations?
I have a set of Teng Tool ones which I really rate for the home user but they are 3/8" drive so perhaps no good for you. Never had any space / access issues with them but I generally only use them with my torque wrench for pivot bolts, stem bolts etc i.e. easily accessible things.
Teng do good little bits. I’ve had this set for donkey’s years. The teeny ratchet has got me out of trouble with things like cam belt covers again and again. Or are you after 1/4” square drive
If you get a dedicated 1/4" hex ratchet then you can buy any number of decent hex bits. Halfords make one also Topeak do a tiny one which is great for limited access.
Wera make nice bits
https://www.machinemart.co.uk/p/britool-expert-8-piece-14-hex-bit-socket-se/
I suspect you've already seen it. I use a mixture, 1/4" hex bit holder on a small ratchet is super handy, better than the all in one jobs
Really needs to be 1/4" square drive sockets. I've had a few situations where there wasn't space for a bit and square drive adapter. And 3/8" doesn't work as my low torque norbar wrench is 1/4" drive.
Wera bought on RS company account then left in my work trouser pockets when I come home. It's not expensive then.
Do you mean the sockets for a 1/4” ratchet?
If so, this set,(I know it comes with the ratchet) is far better than the price would suggest. I’ve had mine for 3 years now, and use it regularly for work, never let me down. Shop around, its less than £20.
https://www.screwfix.com/p/bahco-sl25-1-4-drive-socket-set-25-pcs/21134
If you mean the bits, then this one also by Bahco is good, the extender / bit holder is no wider than a 1/4” socket head, so should not interfere.
https://www.bahco.com/gb_en/1-4--bit-set-for-slotted-phillips-pozidriv-hex--torxr-torxr-tamper-robertson-screw---100-pcs-pb_59-s100bc_.html
For more options, I’d be looking at Teng, their kits are excellent, but can be pricey. This set is my favourite for motorcycle maintenance (It is available cheaper):
https://www.tengtools.com/uk/products/socket-sets/socket-sets-1-4-drive/1-4-socket-set-6-pt-24-pieces
https://www.contorion.at/p/hazet-adventskalender-santa-tools-2021-72864727
This wee set has saved my bacon more times than I would have imagined. Perfect bike building toolkit as well. The ratchet that holds the bits is such a good idea, rather than having to use a ¼" ratchet and an adaptor.
Got a little teng set that I've had for years, very nice tools and because I don't use them that much they've not worn or got mangled (little hex drives no matter how good will wear sooner or later). Some teng p-handles do most of the work.
I've a bahco ¼" 46 piece socket set that I bought 20 years ago. Still going strong.
I got 1/4 and 3/8 sets from Machine Mart years ago, Clarke's I think, good quality and good fit in all my Allen bolts so far, no sloppy movement. Both my 1/4" torque wrenches came with hex bits so I've now got plenty to choose from.
I’ve got two of the bahco sets, one being the one recommended by alanl, they’re good, would recommend them.
What size was the bit and how far out was it? If you mic my work Snap On hex bits they are no better than the Forge Steel set I got when I first started there.
bolts made of cheese and failing to ensure the tool is fully inserted is more likely to be the cause IME.