Recommend a good set of allen keys?

Paranoid Mandroid

Howdy,

I've wrecked two allen nuts/bolt edges (and several drill bits :mad:) at this stage trying to remove a pedal and the little bolts to remove brake pads. I've given up on the pedal but I need to remove brake pads and I really don't want to wear out the bolt edges anymore with my crap cheap allen keys. Assuming that's what is causing the issue.

Can anyone recommend a good set of allen keys, long ones if possible?

Rant: It's so annoying when you go to do a 10 minute job that turns into an hour and a damaged part and further from the point where you started.

Cheers!

Planet X

Paranoid Mandroid wrote: »

Howdy,

I've wrecked two allen nuts/bolt edges (and several drill bits :mad:) at this stage trying to remove a pedal and the little bolts to remove brake pads. I've given up on the pedal but I need to remove brake pads and I really don't want to wear out the bolt edges anymore with my crap cheap allen keys. Assuming that's what is causing the issue.

Can anyone recommend a good set of allen keys, long ones if possible?

Rant: It's so annoying when you go to do a 10 minute job that turns into an hour and a damaged part and further from the point where you started.

Cheers!

Park Tools.

Chips Lovell

Park make good tools, but are very expensive. Following recommendations from a friend, I went looking for allen wrenches from traditional tool manufacturers and bought these. They've been excellent to date.

No Pants

I've got something like these. Sounds to me like you're using keys that fit badly and therefore round the bolt.

cdaly_

Paranoid Mandroid wrote: »

the little bolts to remove brake pads. I've given up on the pedal but I need to remove brake pads and I really don't want to wear out the bolt edges anymore with my crap cheap allen keys. Assuming that's what is causing the issue.

I'm not sure that is the issue with the brake pad bolts. Mine are similarly worn and I reckon it's down to too small an allen key size for the bolt size (I think it's an M4 or possibly an M5 and uses a 3mm allen key). I now take off the shoes and then use a pliers to remove the pad bolt. I've replaced one or two with new bolts with cross-heads and they seem to be fine...

Planet X

Draper........Yes. Good value.

Planet X

Tools.
I find it essential to have a "board" to hang them on otherwise they get lost. You only need a few.

TinyExplosions

Planet X wrote: »

Tools.
I find it essential to have a "board" to hang them on otherwise they get lost. You only need a few.

410?

Idleater

If it's any use, I rounded the brake shoe bolts on my front brake, and used a mini hack saw to cut a "flat bladed screw driver" channel. Worked a treat.

AstraMonti

Hm.. seems like it's a common issue with the brake shoe bolts, I've managed to flatten the front brake as well.

Paranoid Mandroid

Thanks for the help folks, much appreciated.

Vladimir Kurtains wrote: »

Park make good tools, but are very expensive. Following recommendations from a friend, I went looking for allen wrenches from traditional tool manufacturers and bought these. They've been excellent to date.

They look great, I think I'll order these.

cdaly_ wrote: »

I'm not sure that is the issue with the brake pad bolts. Mine are similarly worn and I reckon it's down to too small an allen key size for the bolt size (I think it's an M4 or possibly an M5 and uses a 3mm allen key). I now take off the shoes and then use a pliers to remove the pad bolt. I've replaced one or two with new bolts with cross-heads and they seem to be fine...

It could well be that. They did feel snug when I used them but the edge of the allen key was also worn afterwards. Maybe they weren't long enough like the Draper ones linked above. Not sure but I know for sure they are cheap ****.

Idleater wrote: »

If it's any use, I rounded the brake shoe bolts on my front brake, and used a mini hack saw to cut a "flat bladed screw driver" channel. Worked a treat.

I'm an idiot. I tried this and didn't work so I hammered a notch with a chisel and hammer and managed to bend the fecking thing. I then drilled into the bolt and used a wrench to get it out. Problem now is I can't get the brake pad in properly because I bent the pad holder. I wonder can you buy this part rather than having to replace the whole brake?

Cheers.

Brian?

I take things apart for a living, those Draper keys reccomended are grand. You'll get plenty of service from them.

My first preference in hand tools is always Snap-On. Gorrila keys are decent as are Allen. Allen being the original brand of hex key and the reason we all call them Allen. Stay clear Of Stanley or any own brands.

ford2600

Brian? wrote: »

I take things apart for a living, those Draper keys reccomended are grand. You'll get plenty of service from them.

My first preference in hand tools is always Snap-On. Gorrila keys are decent as are Allen. Allen being the original brand of hex key and the reason we all call them Allen. Stay clear Of Stanley or any own brands.

You do pay for Snap On.

In saying that the rachet I use, was purchased new in 1948 and still works like new.

Used by mechanic for 45 years.

Brian?

ford2600 wrote: »

You do pay for Snap On.

In saying that the rachet I use, was purchased new in 1948 and still works like new.

Used by mechanic for 45 years.

Luckily I don't pay for them, my employer does.

They're pricey but worth it IMO

ford2600

Brian? wrote: »

Luckily I don't pay for them, my employer does.

They're pricey but worth it IMO

For a professional, most certainly worth it.

Worked with a guy years ago who bought a 1" snap on rachet with 29" handle off his "friend". The rachet bearings were goosed.

Gave him £10 for it circa 1994. Told him he'd weld it up and us as a tommy bar. "Friend" was happy enough.

Sent it back to snap on and got it reconditioned for free....

cdaly_

Paranoid Mandroid wrote: »

Problem now is I can't get the brake pad in properly because I bent the pad holder. I wonder can you buy this part rather than having to replace the whole brake?

Sure can. Search for 'cartridge brake pads'