Old vs New Tools

[LowClassCC]

For ages I have been using a set of Bolink Torquers as my go to hex drivers. Solid aluminum handles have a nice weight and feel to them but I just wish they were a little bigger. I picked up a set of cheap Chinese hex tools Commonly seen on eBay for 9 bucks shipped. When these arrives at how small the handles were and they weighed nearly nothing. The smaller size and near nothing weight made me sit them aside to collect dust. Well Team Associated has their hex tools on clearance on their site (in case anybody is interested) and i grabbed myself a set. I have yet to use them but I do like the handle size. they are much lager than my Bolink handles but these are hollow making them much lighter than the Bolink set.

Anyway has anybody added weight to their hex driver handles or does everybody like the light weight? I would much rather have a tool that has a little weight in my hand when working on anything.

[GoMachV]

I used RPM bitd because I couldn’t afford the Thorp

The torquers were great, but like you said- not perfect

Fast forward to two years ago, I bought some cheapies from China. Maybe Integy? Complete junk. I then bought some Associated. Still have them. They are in my junk tools drawer. The bits are brittle and I was breaking them regularly. The setscrews that hold the bits would loosen even when tightening with the Associated driver

Fast forward to a year ago, finally stepped up and spent the money on the thorp- which is now MIP. They are excellent. Very comfortable and haven’t even started to round out any of em. I do a LOT of wrenching. If I had bought these instead of the Chinese and the Associated I would have spent a lot less in the long run for sure. Well worth the crazy amount of money they get for them in my opinion

[NomadRacer]

+1 on the MIP hex and nut drivers. I also use their turnbuckle wrench.

[NomadRacer]

Note: MIP makes different sizes of turnbuckle wrenches. The 3.70mm is for Lunsford 3mm Punisher series.

[mk-Zero]

I've been using this set for years https://www.mcmaster.com/#7270a59/=1a9t4il
Haven't managed to break or round any of them. Granted they don't have the slick looking anodized handles, but the the tips seem to be indestructible

[NomadRacer]

Those look almost like Wiha brand. I have some Wiha small Torx drivers for working on pocket knives, love them.

[mk-Zero]

Those look almost like Wiha brand. I have some Wiha small Torx drivers for working on pocket knives, love them.

Ding ding ding, we have a winner. Yes, they are Whia's

[LowClassCC]

While I would have no problem in using an MIP tip, modded to fit a different handle, I just don't care for the handles that come on the MIP drivers. Even looking in my garage tool box you will find hundreds of screwdrivers and not a single one has that type of plastic handle. I don't find the handles to be comfortable at all to use. With that being said I do have a lot of respect for their tips.

[TRX-1-3]

I am a sucker for a Tamiya 4-way and random kit tools I have accumulated. Nothing organized. Always looking for something, but always finding it. RC Screwz includes a nice compliment of hex keys. I like a good callous on my fingertips.

[GoMachV]

That’s weird, the MIP to me remind me of the old school screwdrivers and I love the grip of them

[NomadRacer]

Here's a handy dandy tool from way back. It's a Tamiya power/battery pin removal tool. Slide it in over the pin, it depresses the tiny clips, push the plunger in and... wala, pin is out with no damage!

[RC10th]

Most racers prefer the lightweight tools to lighten the load in luggage etc. I liked the weight of the old AE hex stock tools but being solid extracting a broken tip is near impossible. The hollow/drilled handles are easy to remove and replace a broken tip.

[jwscab]

I have a set of the lightweight tools from hobbyking(I think). I have bondhus tools that are inexpensive and work really well also

The one size I never seem to have work well is the .050" for pinions. I also was looking for a more compact tool set so I picked up the associated ASC1655, the multi-tool, it's metric and standard and is pretty balanced as well as having a decent grip. the bits store inside so it's compact too. seems to be working well.

https://www.teamassociated.com/parts/details/1655-ASC1655-ft_8-piece_1_4_in_hex_driver_set/

there are also other bits that can be purchased. it is pricey, but decided to try it out.

[NomadRacer]

Here is a tool that I can not recommended at all.

This Duratrax has multiple tips in metric, standard, flat head and phillips. They store in slots in the handle, accessed by rotating a blue plastic cap on the end of the handle. The detent on the cap is weak, allowing it to rotate to a tip and it falling out while "wrenching". The tip end has a detent lever to hold the tip in the handle, it also allows you to adjust how much you want sticking out. Again, another failure in design. It does not hold the tip securely. While using the tool on some Lunsford titanium screws,the tip was constantly pulling out of the handle due to the precision/tightness of the screws.

In summery, this tool sucks, don't buy one!