Home Forums Bike Forum 1/4″ Drive Hex Bits

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  • 1/4″ Drive Hex Bits
  • woodlikesbikes
    Free Member

    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?

    devash
    Free Member

    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.

    Here’s the link anyhow.

    hot_fiat
    Full Member

    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

    IMG_9524

    nickjb
    Free Member

    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

    NS
    Free Member
    grimep
    Free Member

    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

    woodlikesbikes
    Free Member

    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.

    RustyNissanPrairie
    Full Member

    Wera bought on RS company account then left in my work trouser pockets when I come home. It’s not expensive then.

    alanl
    Free Member

    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

    misteralz
    Free Member

    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.

    Northwind
    Full Member

    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.

    noeffsgiven
    Free Member

    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.

    kilo
    Full Member

    I’ve got two of the bahco sets, one being the one recommended by alanl, they’re good, would recommend them.

    doomanic
    Full Member

    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.

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