Allen keys (the really small ones)

[peted]

Hi,
Can anyone recommend a brand, or even brand and retailer for those really small allen keys that you use to adjust your guitar bridge? I rounded off both of the ones I had in my kit and I fancy getting decent replacements. Thanks in advance.

[markstuk]

I prefer to use hex drivers as you get much better contact on the head. They're like a screwdriver handle with an Allen key head.. I'll check what make mine are. Generally you can't go wrong with Wera tools

[fftc]

I've got one of these. Quite handy.


http://www.dawsons.co.uk/cruztools-guitar-multi-tool?gclid=Cj0KEQiAtqHEBRCNrdC6rYq9_oYBEiQAejvRl7B788cU1cvMbPMUqxUpWIdcgPwkvNRSUXvHWjy0WOsaAk1O8P8HAQ

[Downdown]

http://www.screwfix.com/c/tools/hex-keys/cat9780003

[dmccombe7]

I've used Bahco tools but not sure about my Allen keys. Got a feeling they might be Stanley.

Dave

[rmorris]

I'd strongly recommend not to use the 'ball end' of any hex driver unless necessary for access (thinking truss rod access at headstock).
They will work off axis by around 30 degrees but will inevitably leave some sort of lip on the screw with repeated use.
Not really much of a problem with M3 / M4 machine screws but def not good at bridge saddle set screw type dimensions.

[MoonBassAlpha]

Simplest thing to do is to Dremel the rounded portion of the Hex key off - hey presto! - fresh hex key with nice square end. (That reads a bit wrong, but you know what I mean!)

[Grangur]

I got a set from Wickes. They've been used a fair bit and never rounded any off yet, although I have had this problem with hex keys from other places.

http://www.wickes.co.uk/Wickes-Long-Pattern-Hexagon-Key-Set-of-30/p/167811

No cheap, but with cheap comes rounded ends.

[peted]

Thanks for your help everyone! Think I'll go with a Bahco set from ScrewFix - http://www.screwfix.com/p/bahco-long-ball-end-hex-key-set-9-pieces/3494k but make sure I don't use them at an angle so as not to overly damage any of the bridge fixings. I'll also see if I can find a buddy with a Dremel tool to re-instate my existing key for backup.

[MisterT]

How's this? £1.60 inc VAT for 5 of them including delivery.

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/0609584/

[rmorris]

[url="http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/hex-keys-sets/0537748/"]/[/url][quote name='MisterT' timestamp='1486227134' post='3230184']
How's this? £1.60 inc VAT for 5 of them including delivery.

[url="http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/products/0609584/"]http://uk.rs-online....oducts/0609584/[/url]
[/quote]

But that's 5 of the same size 1.5mm

But something like this:

[url="http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/hex-keys-sets/0537748/"]http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/hex-keys-sets/0537748/[/url]

would seem to fit the bill.

The Bahco set chosedn should work out well though.

[rmorris]

[quote name='peted' timestamp='1485556970' post='3224998']
Thanks for your help everyone! Think I'll go with a Bahco set from ScrewFix - [url="http://www.screwfix.com/p/bahco-long-ball-end-hex-key-set-9-pieces/3494k"]http://www.screwfix....-9-pieces/3494k[/url] but make sure I don't use them at an angle so as not to overly damage any of the bridge fixings. I'll also see if I can find a buddy with a Dremel tool to re-instate my existing key for backup.
[/quote]

Not sure how a Dremel type tool is going to really help. It can 'clean up' rounded edges but it's still taking metal away rather than restoring the original shape and dimensions...

[MisterT]

[quote name='rmorris' timestamp='1486375342' post='3231132']
But that's 5 of the same size 1.5mm
[/quote]

Indeed, I can lose these things like there's no tomorrow

[mickster]

[quote name='rmorris' timestamp='1486375427' post='3231135']
Not sure how a Dremel type tool is going to really help. It can 'clean up' rounded edges but it's still taking metal away rather than restoring the original shape and dimensions...
[/quote]

[rmorris]

[quote name='mickster' timestamp='1486385412' post='3231268']

[/quote]

fair enough.

Use a small hacksaw and a dremel type tool / file to finish off ?

[MoonBassAlpha]

No, just grind the end off with the Dremel. Allen keys are hardened steel and a bit of a pain to hacksaw. You don't need to take a lot off to restore the end.

[rmorris]

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1486492948' post='3232274']
No, just grind the end off with the Dremel. Allen keys are hardened steel and a bit of a pain to hacksaw. You don't need to take a lot off to restore the end.
[/quote]

You could be right.
Guess I tend to be a little heavy handed with rotary tools and go through more of the cut / grind accesories than I'd like.
I'd likely use a linisher myself as I have access to one at my work but I guess that's not generally an option.

[MoonBassAlpha]

Yes, a linisher is good. Use something to protect the fingers though, it's surprising how quickly a hex key will heat up!

[Grangur]

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1486560754' post='3232766']
Yes, a linisher is good. Use something to protect the fingers though, it's surprising how quickly a hex key will heat up!
[/quote]

Hold the Allen key in a set of molecular grips or a vice.

[MoonBassAlpha]

Gotta love autocorrect!

[Grangur]

[quote name='MoonBassAlpha' timestamp='1486596717' post='3233226']
Gotta love autocorrect!
[/quote]

I use molecular grips all the time, especially for small jobs!