Budget-Priced T-Handle Hex Key Sets from Harbor Freight
When working on firearms, one is constantly in need of hex (allen) key wrenches in a variety of sizes, both metric and SAE (English). You can get a folding (swiss army knife-style) allen wrench set, but that may not give the reach you need and you can’t apply much torque. For heavier jobs, such as loosening heavily-torqued action screws, you’ll want a set of T-Handle wrenches.
Color-Coded 10-tool Hex Key Sets
Harbor Freight has attractively-priced hex key wrench sets in both metric and English (SAE) sizes. Each $5.99 set comes with a nice, powder-coated metal storage bracket with tool sizes clearly marked on the front. The handle tops are conveniently color-coded in bright primary colors, and key sizes are stamped in the handle. The color coding is really, really useful. For example, I know that a yellow (5mm) metric key works for the action screws on my Tikka, while a green (5/32″) SAE wrench fits the action screws on my Savage. A purple (1/8″) SAE key fits the door jam tensioner on my gun safe. It’s easy to look at the tool holder on my workbench and pick the right hex key.
The SAE Hex Key Set (item 37861-4VGA) contains 10 tools, 3/32″ to 3/8″. The Metric Hex Key Set (item 37862-4VGA) has 10 tools from 2mm to 10mm. The shanks are constructed from carbon steel. Each set is just $5.99.
This Editor has been using the Harbor Freight Hex Key Sets (both metric and SAE) for over a year now, and they have performed well. The handles haven’t slipped, the tips haven’t rounded off, and nothing has rusted. Now I wouldn’t use these bargain tools to wrench a race-car engine, but for simple around-the-house tasks they work fine. I also put the appropriate action-screw hex key(s) in my range kit whenever I go shooting. I really like fact that each tool size has a different color handle with the size stamped in the plastic. The mounting bracket is nicely made and clearly labeled. At $5.99 per set, it’s hard to beat this tool deal.
Torx T-Handle Wrench Set for Just $9.99
Harbor Freight also offers other budget-priced T-handle sets, including a 7-Piece T-Handle Torx Key Set containing T15, T20, T25, T30, T40, T45 and T50 Torx keys. Each key in this $9.99 set has two drive ends: one long to provide up to 25° tilt angle for access in hard-to-reach areas, and one short for extra rigidity under high loads.
