Milwaukee is coming out with new folding hex and Torx key sets.
The new folding hex key sets are designed to provide users with the easiest key access while wearing gloves.
Features include access zones, elevated keys, high contrast size markings, chamfered tool ends, rust and corrosion-resistant black oxide finish, and a full metal body for greater durability and to withstand high torque.
Advertisement
Each fold-out tool can rotate 270° for greater access and torque delivery in tight spaces.
There will be 3 tools – metric, SAE, and Torx.
The metric folding hex key set (48-22-2182) features 8 sizes – 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm.
The SAE folding hex key set (48-22-2181) features 9 sizes – 5/64″, 3/32″, 7/64″, 1/8″, 9/64″, 5/32″, 3/16″, 7/32″, 1/4″.
There will be a 2pc bundle (48-22-2183) with SAE and metric folding hex key sets.
The folding Torx key set (48-22-2184) features 8 sizes – T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40.
Advertisement
Pricing: $16.97, $29.97 for the SAE + metric 2pc set
ETA: February 2023
Discussion
The metal body is a welcome feature, as is the tool access notch.
The “elevated keys” aspect should also help with tool retrieval.
From the product images, it looks like the pivots have hex-recess fasteners, which I take as an indication they can potentially be loosened or tightened up over time.
The metal body, easier-access tools, clear markings – and color coded to tell the folding tool sets apart from each – all seem like compelling features.
The pricing seems a bit high – for folding hex key sets – but could be justified if the quality and user experience are a step or two above others currently on the market.
Competing Products
If you cannot justify the $17 price tag for individual tool sets, take a look at Bondhus. I prefer standard L-shaped Allen keys or T-handle hex wrenches, but folding hex key sets are convenient at times, not to mention comfortably pocketable.
Bondhus sets are typically priced at $6 – 8.
It’s not a new concept, for folding hex key sets to have metal housings, although all of the ones I’ve seen resemble the Klein Tools set shown here.
I have been hesitant to try “classic” styles of folding hex key sets like this, based on memorably poor experiences with my father’s tools when I was younger.
The Klein Tools folding hex key sets are typically $8 – $10.
Who are these for?
Milwaukee Tool depicts their new folding hex and Torx key sets being used for a wide range of tasks, and by users with both bare and gloves hands.
They show the tools being used on plumbing fixtures, bathroom hardware, hand rails, industrial applications, control panels, and even in attaching a belt clip to an M18 drill or driver.
Generally, folding hex key sets are useful when you need or want a range of sizes in a pocketable package. The housings can also serve as more comfortable handles for higher torque delivery.
What’s your take on the new Milwaukee folding hex and Torx key sets, or folding tool sets in general?
See Also: Folding Hex Key Sets – Yay or No Way?
Jared
They look a little bulky, but if that makes them rigid, maybe it’s a reasonable tradeoff.
I used to pack a three-pack of folding hex and Torx keys, but I prefer a bit driver and bit set now. However, I bet these “deploy” faster than I can dig out the right sized bit.
Joellikestools
Interesting choice to go after this style of tool. I really don’t care for these all in one driver sets. It seems like they are trying to make improvements though. The one time I like this style is for security torx. A lot of times they are in exterior spots and might have an oddball size like 27. I generally prefer ball end Allen’s or the Bondus screwdrivers. A lot of what I do is tight enough I need a bit driver to get at, so these aren’t too appealing.
Steve
Not sure why it took them so long to come out with these. Would like to see some individual hex wrenches with the ball ends as well. Has been missing from their lineup for some time…
Stuart
This is a space where it’s very hard to innovate and differentiate, but they’ve been steadily expanding their hand tool offerings. It was only a matter of time.
Ryan Guldbrandsen
If you want hex’s with ball ends. The Wera ones are the ones you want.
Josh
I’m basing this off of the pictures shown, but the body looks like a die cast aluminum. It should be more than strong and rigid enough, but also is most likely the reason why the tool looks to be so bulky. There’s minimum wall thicknesses that need to be maintained to get good parts from die casting, which constrains how small you can make parts.
I’ve never used folding hex sets as my go to tools, they’re more of a emergency option when I don’t have access to anything else. Because of that (and the higher price), it would have been nice to have ball end hexes for tight spaces. Sure it reduces the strength of the keys, but most of the promotional material looks to be for lower torque applications.
Jared
I bet part of the choice not to have a ball-end is the size of the handle – that must provide a lot of leverage.
MM
I think you’re right, a handle that big would make it very easy to accidentally break the smaller sizes, which the manufacturer will no doubt be blamed for, and then will have to deal with returns, negative reviews, etc.
Ct451
On folding tool sets in general: The thinner sizes don’t last. The one you use most will go first. Also you get half life from the same steel because you only use one end and you can’t spin it as fast because of the permanent handle. You can get a “pocketable package” with regular L-shaped ones that detach. Or better yet, get 1/8th or 1/4th bits for you favorite handle or driver.
Frank D
Missed the opportunity to make them with ball heads, and they look bigger / bulkier than both sets I already have = pass. Sometimes the bulk gets in the way and you need a bit more angle … for which I then pull out stand alone ones with the ball head ends.
Rog
Ugh, I strongly dislike these fold out style sets. They never seem to stay in place and the bulk of the rest is annoying. I’d much rather have a magnetic set that they somehow clip together and can be pulled apart.
Richard
Same. I find most of the time they won’t fit where I’m trying to work.
If I’m doing a bunch of hex stuff like ikea installs I like 1 inch and 2 inch bits in a micro ratchet (mine is wiha) and if it can fit: chucked in an m12 surge.
Kh
So do I
James+C
I always chuckle when these require a hex key to adjust the pivot. Kinda like scissors or a knife that comes in a plastic clamshell package.
Ball_bearing
Husky, Klein, and Duralast say Hi.
Blocky
One hand washes the other.
John
I like the design, easy to unfold, very good markings.
Mark
Stuart, this post seems like a good opportunity to ask, whatever happened to all the US-made Milwaukee hand tools? I haven’t seen any on the shelves anywhere. Thank you.
Stuart
I have not yet been provided with an ETA yet.
I did not expect to see them in stores for the holidays.
I asked for an update, but don’t expect for more details until the tools are ready to ship.
Mark
Thanks!
Julian Tracy
Considering these folding sets are always a compromise, paying $15-18 each is just silly. Husky has a decent set of all three: SAE, metric and torx for $10 as part of their Xmas asst. I have a lot of Milwaukee stuff, but might well buy German stuff at $45-50 for a complete set.
SamR
Agreed
MFC
Nope, I only use individual Allen keys. They’re already awkward enough without the silly bulk of the handle.
NoDak Farming
Whether it’s these new ones on a Christmas promo, or the reasonably priced Bondhus sets, I’m getting some. It was only two days ago in sub-freezing weather that I dropped a very small, Bondhus “L” wrench. It was an aggravating 30 minutes with flashlight & magnet, to try and find it. It never appeared. And now I’m short one specific metric L wrench that I need. These would have been nice to have. And I could have even kept my gloves on!
They will go in my Field Tool Box, where I keep bulkier “they’ll get the job done” tools. Eventually they will get used exactly as Milwaukee depicts them. With a glove on, & making adjustments to hydraulics.
Dave in VT
Look in the cuff of your pants, if you have one. I had that experience more than once.
Blocky
For my go bag, the Bondhus 12550 covers most things — it’s combination metric and sae:
https://www.acmetools.com/set-8-star-lwrench-12550/037231125509.html
They also seem to manufacture the same for Klein:
https://www.amazon.com/Grip-12-Key-Hex-Set/dp/B0002RI8PA/
And this Klein set also sports the side clearance cutaway:
https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-70550-Folding-Wrench/dp/B07SR11TC4/
Stuart
That Klein is in a different league; it’s huge with large sizes.
Ball_bearing
Keep a large/strong magnet with a string (or get one of the cheap parts trays that come with the magnet attached). If you drop something ferrous on the ground, just sweep around with the magnet, it will eventually pick it up. I got tired of losing BBs, and tiny screws.
Jamanjeval
What? No integrated LED light? Pass!
😉
SamR
Good one lol
fred
Another choice could be the USA-Made ones from Elkind:
https://www.amazon.com/EKLIND-25036-Ergo-Fold-Fold-up-wrench/dp/B0010OESD0/
Jared
I like Eklind’s hex and Torx tools too. However, I think Bondhus is generally a bit stronger. I use Eklind when they’ve got a design I prefer or if I find a deal.
I really like the “Power-T” style, for example: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eklind-Power-T-T-Handle-Ball-Hex-Allen-Wrench-T-Key-Combo-9-in-Inch-MM-2-Sets-19-Pieces-60825/315484289
I have T-handle Bondus too – but they’re bulkier and heavier.
Saulac
The body, if in fact is all metal (I would have guess guess composite from the pics), would set this a part from others, which I have only seen with either stamped metal or composite/plastic body. The size marking seem especially clear compared to others.
Nathan
I guess I’ve always considered the folding key things to be easy pack and exchange items – but not a daily use tool. Ie I’m not using one to rebuild my bike tomorrow – but I might carry one on a trail. Well I used to until I found fix it sticks.
I used to keep one in the kit in the car etc. but for the dollars and slight more space I just buy a full L key set. I like Bondhus fur the price and quality and a set it’s that much more space really. Guy up on a pole, needing a 5mm to tighten up his grinder or move a guard on a tool – different story. but I don’t see me buying these, but I know the person this will appeal to.
Biggest thing I do like about them is the opening sweep angle – the rest is meh.
Norm
Make regular Allen key sets and t handles with holders