In my opinion, Bondhus’ Balldriver L-wrench hex key sets are the best tools of their kind for most DIYers and even many pro users.
Even when that might not be the case, they are a fantastic starting point.
My first experiences with Bondhus tools go back over 18 years. I bought quite a few Bondhus hex tools since then, and continue to use many of them today. Their quality has never wavered – this has been one of the most consistent and reliable hand tools I’ve ever used.
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While not the best hex drivers in my kit, these Allen keys they handle common hex fastener installation, removal, and adjustment tasks quite well.
Bondhus makes these in the USA, and they’re affordably priced. In some cases, you can buy the SAE and metric sets for less than import tools of lower quality.
This bundle set, model 20199, comes with a metric set (10999) with sizes 1.5 to 10mm, and inch set (10937) spanning 0.050″ to 3/8″.
The tools have a corrosion-resistant “ProGuard” finish. The ball end provides convenient off-axis access, and the straight end on the short arm is used for low profile and higher torque applications.
Bondhus backs these tools with a lifetime warranty.
Price: ~$26-27 at the time of this posting
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Don’t want both sets? You can buy the 9pc metric set by itself, and also the 13pc inch set. You save a little on the bundle if you want both.
Not a fan of ball end hex keys? Bondhus has a set with straight hex tips on both ends.
I tend to recommend Bondhus’ standard ProGuard black phosphate finish as a starting point, and they also offer hex keys with different finishes.
For the reader that commented the other day about wanting in-between sizes, Bondhus has even more complete sets, such as a 15pc metric set with less common sizes.
eddiesky
I have these.
The only thing I would fix is that the method to remove is you have to swing all the ones you don’t need out, that are in the way of the one you need. E.g. you want the 2mm but must swing out the 3, 4 and 5mm to remove to use.
I like that Bondhus has a Colorguard set(s).
Jack S
Have both sets. Ditto that and agree with them being an excellent DIY set. None have shown any significant wear from many years of use/abuse. The rounded end has come into use more times than I ever expected. The plastic case has held up well – most commonly used slots are still snug. However, yes, it is annoying needing to pull out larger sized Allen keys to remove the needed one.
928'er
I have the Wera sets (but all green – not the color coded ones). The shafts on the Wera that slide into the holders are round – so to pull out the smaller sizes, you just have to swivel the larger ones out of the way – you do not have to pull them out of the holder.
Nathan
I’ve thought about getting tekton key holder for my bondhus sets. Also only brand I’ll buy I’ve tried a few others but for the money I can’t see changing
Also I buy their power bit sets fantastic fit and use. Search the bondhus webpage for the part number and the search that. I forget where I got mine but use them a lot on EU made cars
MM
These are always a great recommendation. Bondhus may not be as nice as PB Swiss but they are good quality, properly sized, and reasonably priced. These are what I buy for everything but my precision electronics bench–I find I am more likely to lose hex wrenches than any other tool, so buying premium brands not make sense. These are a good tool for a good value.
Mike
These are the ones I carry with my pelican case when traveling. Can’t complain about them at all. Nice and compact which I like. Not some huge plastic housing with extra parts to hook them together or something.
Vards Uzvards
Can anyone compare Bondhus vs. Eklind, quality wise?
Nathan
Bondhus I think are better. Stronger as I’ve only ever broke one of them
The fit might be better but bondhus also have more variety. I got their torx stuff too
Jared
I agree with Nathan – but that doesn’t mean I think Eklind is junk. I have a few different hex and torx tools from Eklind and I think they’re generally pretty good. Bondhus is better though.
Vards Uzvards
Thank you, gentlemen. Appreciate your inputs!
IronWood
Can’t agree more! I have several sets at work, at home, in my wife’s house toolbag. I have the torx l-drivers too and they’ve all been great for many years. A+ value
TomWV
I have several sets of these in different finishes. Like everyone else, I feel they are fantastic for the money. I have one set of eklind (both SAE and Metric) and the bondhus are in my opinion superior. But, one set is not much of a sample size so I don’t want to draw any sweeping conclusions. But my experience is the Bondhus are better. I use them in a woodshop environment changing blades/knives, adjusting machinery, adjusting jigs, etc. You just can’t beat them for the money.
Brad
Since getting these two sets, I haven’t bothered looking at any more expensive sets. Great products, great prices.
Dave
This combo set is one of the first tools I bought well over 30 years ago as a 10-year-old learning to wrench on my bicycles. Still have them today, though instead of being stored in a heavy steel hand-me-down toolbox from Grandpa they reside in a Packout drawer stack that travels with me to home remodel jobs. No complaints, would buy them again today but the old ones are still holding up fine.
Al
If you like to collect the shiny version, Amazon has silver metric: Bondhus – 24512 17095 Set of 15 w/BriteGuard,sizes 1.27-10mm. And the gold SAE: Bondhus 37937 Set of 13 w/GoldGuard Finish, Long Length, sizes .050-3/8-Inch
The gold set is a long wrench. Sorry, I can’t find the links, but I just bought them earlier this year.
Jared
Bondhus tools seem like good quality, but I almost never find myself using L-keys. The exception is if a new thing I bought came with one and I don’t want to go find a better tool.
Otherwise it’s usually insert-bits and a ratcheting bit-driver for me – or a power tool if that makes sense for the application.
Jared
Bondhus used to be my go to but somewhere along the line there quality has suffered… I switched to Wiha Allen wrenches and I have zero complaints! IV had 1 fail and warranty was a snap they had my new Allen wrench in the mail the same day. IV been a machinist for 17 years and I use Allen wrenches every single day trust my when I say Wiha is the way to go.
Jared
There can be only one…
William Adams
I just wish that they would bring back the small/short metric ball-end tools in Goldguard finish — I have the small Imperial set, but missed on the metric.
Briteguard would be okay (and arguably better, since it would differentiate the twain), but not available either….
Aaron Lipner
I tried buying the Bogndus a few years ago but couldn’t find them in stores or at Home Depot or even Amazon at the time. I ended up getting the Wera equivalent set and am pretty happy with it.
Stuart
It’s not a home center brand. Home Depot is likely to only have Husky, and Lowe’s Kobalt and Craftsman.
They’ve been on Amazon for a very long time, but you have to know what you’re looking for.
ess
I have a set. I used to use em on my bike a lot. They seem indestructible. I moved on to using a bit and ratchet set as the grip is more comfortable and easier to turn. Once in awhile I’ll bring em out for clearance reasons plus they have those ball ends. I don’t own any hex ball bits. Anyway great recommendation. I’d replace mines if I lost them.
Will
As a plumber, I keep this set in my tool bag and use them several times per week. They’re excellent tools.
JMG
I purchased this Bondhaus combo set in the early 90ies, during college. They were a part of my regular kit (I’m a union stagehand) for decades. I finally replaced them about 18 months ago with Wiha 66992 MagicRing Ball End Hex L-Key Set In Holders, 22 Piece.
I was always happy with the Bondhaus, eventually enough pieces were lost and the SAE set was lent out and not returned. It was time to replace.
The Wiha keys are great. The Magic Ring sounds like a gimmick but really works well.
The Wiha plastic holder is not great. I’ve already broken one and replaced it.