Hex keys

[Kipp Harrington]

Went to do a setup on my Squier PJ tonight and “poof”, my hex key sets have disappeared! Going to buy a Husky set that’s foldable. Just need to know the hex key sizes I need for the saddles and trussrod. That’s the other thing, those are gone too! I’m not in a good mood tonight! I am usually very organized, especially when it comes to my gear. I guess not! Thanks for any information.

 

[mesaplayer83]

Went to do a setup on my Squier PJ tonight and “poof”, my hex key sets have disappeared! Going to buy a Husky set that’s foldable. Just need to know the hex key sizes I need for the saddles and trussrod. That’s the other thing, those are gone too! I’m not in a good mood tonight! I am usually very organized, especially when it comes to my gear. I guess not! Thanks for any information.

The folding sets won't work for truss rod adjustments, more often than not - what you want is a set of metric Allen wrenches - like this:

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[Kipp Harrington]

Thanks mesaplayer. Call me ignorant, but what is the purpose of the ball end? I understand it makes things easier. How?

 

[megafiddle]

A ball end allows the wrench to be used at an angle. The ball acts like a swivel joint.

Note that ball ends are not best for breaking a tight screw or nut loose. This is because the contact area is very small. A standard straight hex key is best for breaking them loose if it can be fitted in.

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[Killed_by_Death]

I would avoid ball-end allen wrenches.

 

[byacey]

Bondhaus make some nice sets, metric and SAE.

 

[mesaplayer83]

A ball end allows the wrench to be used at an angle. The ball acts like a swivel joint.

Note that ball ends are not best for breaking a tight screw or nut loose. This is because the contact area is very small. A standard straight hex key is best for breaking them loose if it can be fitted in.

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Correct - that's why a set like that is ball on the low leverage end, straight hex on the high leverage end... As always, use the right tool for the job at hand...

 

[mesaplayer83]

I would avoid ball-end allen wrenches.

See the above post...

 

[mesaplayer83]

Also, the reason why a folding set doesn't work for many truss rod adjustments is that you often need the shorter shank right angle end to fit in there due to clearance at the headstock...

 

[mesaplayer83]

Bondhaus make some nice sets, metric and SAE.

They do - and IMO, this is one time it's better to spend a little more and buy a quality tool...

 

[Kipp Harrington]

Also, the reason why a folding set doesn't work for many truss rod adjustments is that you often need the shorter shank right angle end to fit in there due to clearance at the headstock...

Makes perfect sense! Thank you!