Second on the Chapman set: Chapman Model 6810 27-Piece Deluxe Screwdriver Set Torx Bits (midwayusa.com) <https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/1007027625?pid=791157&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=bing&utm_campaign=Gunsmithing+-+Tools%2C+Jigs+%26+Fixtures&utm_content=791157&cm_mmc=pf_ci_bing-_-Gunsmithing+-+Tools%2C+Jigs+%26+Fixtures-_-Chapman-_-791157&msclkid=77de464da6b81bd5f83b26a6c260a33c&utm_term=1101100736028> My set is about 25 years old. There were places in some some equipment where that fine toothed ratchet really came in handy. Duane On 7/11/2021 5:10 PM, Jonathan Chapman via vcf-midatlantic wrote:

Wiha is good stuff! Chapman Manufacturing makes some excellent drivers, too:

https://chapmanmfg.com/

The real attraction on the Chapman Mfg. stuff is the ratchet system. Not only are the bits excellent, not only do they fit in a tiny ratchet for hard-to-get places, not only can you use the knurled ends of the bits to start fasteners, but you can also place the ratchet on the extension for the screwdriver handle, which lets you apply pressure into a ratty fastener while turning with the ratchet handle. Kinda like a speed wrench with more mechanical advantage.

For Allen key style wrenches, I personally have Bondhus in the shop. I've been very happy with them. I buy them through McMaster-Carr, they don't advertise it as such but that's what they carry. Made in the USA as well.

Thanks, Jonathan

‐‐‐‐‐‐‐ Original Message ‐‐‐‐‐‐‐

On Sunday, July 11th, 2021 at 16:38, Martin Flynn via vcf-midatlantic <vcf-midatlantic@lists.vcfed.org> wrote:

...

Looking at replacing the Allen wrench at CDL with sets

For the inch sizes:

- https://www.wihatools.com/hex-tools/precision-hex-inch-screwdrivers-8-piece-... - https://www.wihatools.com/soft-grip-dual-drive-ball-end-hex-t-handle-inch-bl...

For the metric sizes: - https://www.wihatools.com/soft-grip-dual-drive-ball-end-hex-t-handle-metric-... - https://www.wihatools.com/hex-tools/precision-hex-metric-screwdrivers-7-piec...

Anyone have suggestions on other manufacturers / options?

Martin Flynn

-- DuaneCraps sdɐɹɔ ǝuɐnp

While I like the Wiha kit, that's a  pretty strong endorsement! Looking at the https://chapmanmfg.com/collections/metric-mm-allen-hex-sets/products/5573-de... kit to start with. Martin On 7/11/2021 6:16 PM, Jonathan Chapman via vcf-midatlantic wrote:

...

My set is about 25 years old. We've got one at Sontec/ITI Audio that's probably 40+ years old. It's in the old red case. Aside from some missing pieces, it's still perfect.

...

There were places in some some equipment where that fine toothed ratchet really came in handy. Yeah, I bought my first set after working on some equipment on-site at a customer's facility. If it wasn't for the fine-toothed, short handle, low clearance ratchet, we'd have had to removed a good bit of machinery covering the control system we wanted to get to.

Thanks, Jonathan