Based on an early Threaded article, I bought a Wera 6mm P-handle to replace a Park Tools version that had become worn down from only 5 or 6 years of use on thru-axles and pedals. I realized after the most recent Geek Warning that the Wera is chewing up the thru-axle head on my daily commuter and won’t easily fit into the socket on my new bike’s front fork (Enve gravel). What P-handle wrench would people recommend, instead?
Second question: would a stubby L-shape hex key be better for the clamping bolt on road style shifters? I usually end up using the ball-end of my 5mm P-handle hex key because of the interference from the rubber hood covers. But I worry about stripping the bolt head using that.
It pretty much boils down to your budget. I’ve worked through a number of different sets of hex keys, and hve now settled on 2x PB Swiss sets, which covers most, if not all, use cases,
PB 2212 LH RB - the stubby end is angled at 100°, instead of the common 90°, which is handy for finicky work, like the device mount on the Roval Rapide cockpit.
They’re definitely astronomically priced, so it took a long while to get here, but they’ve been amazing for the time I’ve had them.
For the travelling rider, a shoutout to the Equipt Sardine. Has all the bits I need, and nothing I don’t need.
I really like the PB Swiss 1208. I have the tool in 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm sizes. I use the 6 regularly for through axles. I also have the very similar PB Swiss 1407 in T25 and T30.
I would use PB Swiss for your second question. They used to make the 100 degree L keys in torx, which would be great for my Campy levels, but alas, I think they discontinued them. Anyone have a source?
The short answer is that Wera’s HexPlus design tends to chew up softer materials (aluminium) more than a snug-fitting tool. The coloured hex keys also step up in diameter, which can limit tool insertion depth in some fasteners (certain thru-axles being an example).
Give the most recent Ask a Wrench segment a listen for the full answer.
Depends on the bolt interfaces your rides need I think?
I use the Syncros 19CT multitool since it is the only integrated tool I found that also includes T20 and T30 keys, needed for some Extralite parts on my mtb.
My vote goes to the Equipt Sardine, with Hex #3, #4, #5, #6, and a T25 Torx bit. The #6 is located within the body of the tool, and features a lever on its shaft to aid its extraction when gloved. Very well designed tool, imo.
Check out Wiha 66980 Ball End Hex L-Key Set. They’re strong, fit tightly and won’t break the bank. I purchased my first set for my travel toolbox but liked them so much, I have another set in my home shop.
If it gets regular use, I’m quite fond of the all in multitool. You can use whatever bits you want with it and ergonomics are excellent. It’s the only travel tool I’ve used I would also use as a general purpose tool.
To answer your 2nd question, yes. Use the ball end to quickly nip things up but the final tightening of the bolt, use a non ball end hex key. I’ve seen lots of SHCS ruined by people using ball end hex screws to get the final tightening or the initial breakout.
Can’t answer the 1st question. Plenty other thoughts are mentioned earlier.
This topic coinciding with yet another build on which my Wera P-handle chewed the butter bolt in enve topcap in a single use convinced me to look into PB Swiss. I just got the P handles today and I’m surprisingly underwhelmed.
Wera gives much more premium feeling, the ergonomics is better, softer handle, no random number product codes nor barcodes on the handle. The PB Swiss handle is just so plasticky .( 5 mm PB hex measured 4.94 compared to 4.97 mm on 2 year old Wera.
Now I just need to wait for next premium build to see if the hex profile is gentle at least.
update after few weeks: I got used to the PB handles, the hex profile is indeed superior, very nice to work with. It even passed the enve top cap butter bolt test .)
Holding them in the hand, I would say the Wera and PB Swiss are both head and shoulders above my old Park Tool hex keys (seen here). The PT has hard plastic with molding edges that would cause hot spots if used all day. The main difference in ergonomics is whether you prefer a grip with the long shaft exiting between your middle and ring fingers, which the more symmetrical Wera favors, or between your index and middle finger, which is easier to do with the PB Swiss. Only time will tell whose soft plastic handle stands up to wear. Important thing is the PB Swiss fits snugly into the new bike’s thru-axle. I’ll keep the Wera for changing pedals, when I want the hex to really bite and not slip.
