Home Forums Bike Forum Hex bit sockets or 1/4 drive hex bits?

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)
  • Hex bit sockets or 1/4 drive hex bits?
  • Jordan
    Full Member

    Gradually loading my bike tools cabinet with decent quality tools and today turned my attention to hex bits. I have a nice set of Facom P-handled hexes but still use socket bits quite a lot, especially with the torque wrench. The socket bits I already have are pretty low quality so was looking around for a new set and came across the 1/4 drive screwdriver type bits and wondered if they would make a good alternative.

    What does the STW hive mind prefer and why?

    igm
    Full Member

    Everything I’ve ever bought from Wera has been a) expensive and b) really good.

    I like to think expensive tools save you money by not breaking / rounding / trashing your stuff.

    I’m probably wrong, but you’ll like this link…

    https://products.wera.de/en/tools_by_trade_tool_sets_for_bicycles_and_e-bikes.html

    dovebiker
    Full Member

    I have a 20 year+ set of Halfords Pro 3/8” drive hex bits – only the 3mm one is getting a bit worn. Mainly used with a Facom 300mm swivel-head bar handle. I use it for everything apart from high-torque stuff like BB installs, cassette lock rings. I do have a set of 1/4” drive bits and sockets but they rarely get used – only some long, thin-wall sockets for things like internal nipples- but I don’t like the flexiness of 1/4” drive compared to 3/8” for workshop duties as it’s harder to judge how much force you can put through seized/stuck fasteners.

    bigyan
    Free Member

    I use 3/8 drive hex bits most of the time on bikes (when not using an allen key)

    1/4 hex bits for access with a bit ratchet or use with some low range torque wrenches for damper internals

    1/2 drive for tight cranks

    bikesandboots
    Full Member

    Screwdriver-type bits, adapter for 1/4 and 3/8 drive ratchets and torque wrenches.

    coatesy
    Free Member

    I use the Wera screwdriver bits in the workshop (went for the heavy duty option from RS Components, Facoms I used previously just weren’t up to the job, 2mm ones snapped if you looked at them the wrong way), and they’re very good. You may want to be a bit picky about which holders you use though, mine are a little long for some of the more awkward jobs I come across (useful tip, a 1/4″ Bahco ratcheting wrench fits these bits nicely, and is ideal for adjusting brake lever reach on some of the more awkward designs like Promax & Tektro)

    Jordan
    Full Member

    Cheers for the links and sugestions folks! Going to have a look at those Wera heavy duty bits, not come across those yet. I guess I was really looking for some revalatory insight as to why one type would be superior to another but I guess everyone has their own preferences.

Viewing 7 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic.