Last week we posted about a hot deal on Knipex mini pliers that we found using ToolGuyd’s Amazon Deal Finder search tool. We asked readers if they could find other great deals, and received a couple of good deal mentions.
Tom found a deal on these Wera ball-end Torx L-wrenches. I couldn’t pass up the deal, and my ordered set arrived yesterday. They’re actually pretty neat.
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While I have plenty of Torx drivers, I could use another L-key set, and the deal price was too good to say no to.
Regular Torx keys have straight tips on both short and long ends. These have ball-end tips on the long end. I use ball-end hex keys almost exclusively, and figure it might be worthwhile to have similar features on Torx keys.
The ball-shaped Torx end should be useful for accessing fasteners from anything other than head-on angles. They can also of course be used head-on.
I have found that, even when a fastener is not obstructed, and is easy to access from straight head-on, ball-end hex keys offer easier engagement. I will usually use the short straight end of an L-wrench for initial loosening or final tightening, or a socket, or other non-ball-end tool.
I haven’t used these Torx wrenches at all yet, but will let you know what I find out. Will they be as useful as ball-end hex keys? I hope so. And if not, maybe they’re at least as useful as regular double-straight-end Torx keys.’
Sizes: T8, T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40
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Price: $13.13
The Wera set I received yesterday was made in the Czech Republic. It also arrived in a small easy-open product box, and not the plastic card packaging as shown in the photo.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
See Also(Bondhus BallStar via Amazon)
If you want a USA-made version, Bondhus has a number of BallStar L-wrench sets, starting at $30 for 8 pieces.
This Wera 967 PKL/9 Torx key set seems to be priced at $27 to $32 elsewhere, leading me to believe the low Amazon price is temporary.
mike aka Fazzman
Thats a good deal,I have this same set they are really nice as one would expect from Wera.
fred
It looks like the Amazon copywriters have struck again. The headline for the item says:
“Wera Hexagon 967 PKL/9 SB L-Key Set, BlackLaser, Ballpoint Hex Key, 9 Piece”
The part # etc. says they are “Ballpoint Torx Keys” – not Hex Keys.
Anyway – more to the point – I’m curious about how you find them in use – particularly when using the ball-end off-axis. I’ve used Bondhus Ball-End Torx screwdrivers like their #12730 and find them hard to apply adequate torque to break some fasteners free. They are good for quick hand tightening.
As you say – the price of the set is very good.
Stuart
Ball-end hex and Torx (by extension) tools aren’t meant for higher torque applications.
I blur the rules sometimes, but for real tightening or high strength loosening, I don’t risk it. Having the ball end of a fastener shear off inside a socket head cap screw often requires a lot of elbow grease to fix.
Speaking of copywriting issues, check out this new Porter Cable 18 gallon narrow crown stapler: http://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-PCC791LA-Lithium-gallon-Stapler/dp/B0185F01N2/
Chris P
Do they make a pint nailer?
fred
LOL – I’m not sure how much lithium is needed to produce a hydrogen bomb – but 18 gallons seems like a good start
Jim D
Hahaha. I saw that too. I assume whoever is selling this knows almost nothing about tools. Worth every bit of the good laugh though!
NERemodeling
Good looking out!! That is a great deal on a tool I dont have. Ordered 🙂 happy holidays to you and your family
Stuart
Thanks, and Happy Holidays to you and your family!