Tool Review: Eklind 69207 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set

When you go looking for a hex key set, you have about a million different options.  Folding keys, long arm keys, short arm keys, T-handle keys....  You can even get locking hex keys or ratcheting hex keys.  But if you just need a bare-bones set of SAE hex keys, Eklind Tool Company's 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set (model #69207) is an affordable and effective choice.

I bought this hex set when I needed to remove a sink faucet and only had metric hex wrenches.  This 7-piece SAE set was only $2.65 at a local TrueValue hardware store, so I chose it over several other more expensive, more attractive hex sets.

There is nothing fancy about this set of hex keys.  It comes with seven L-shaped hex keys and a red vinyl pouch.  The pouch has a hole at the top so you can hang it, and it is resealable so you can be sure you won't lose any of the keys.  The keys themselves are made in the USA.

The seven sizes included in this set are 5/64", 3/32", 1/8", 5/32", 3/16", 7/32", and 1/4".  Each key has its size imprinted along the side, though they are hard to see in dim light.  The keys are black metal and so far have proven to be very sturdy, holding up under a strong amount of force.  The paint on the ends of the keys tends to chip off after the first couple of uses, but if that's something that bothers you, then this is not the hex key set for you.  This set is designed for function, not for looks.

Even if you have a fancier set of hex keys, it's always good to have a set of L keys around.  These short arm L keys are great for working in small spaces, plus they give you the benefit of two different leverages.  I had a nice set of folding Husky hex keys at home when I was working on this faucet, but even if I'd thought to bring them, they still wouldn't have worked because they would have been too bulky for the small space behind the faucet.  The Eklind Hex-L keys were the perfect mix of small size and sturdiness.

This is the first purchase I've made of Eklind tools, and I would gladly buy more.  The tools work, even if the company's website doesn't.  (EklindTool.com currently displays "aaaa" and a picture of an eagle in front of the American flag.)

The Eklind 69207 7-Piece Hex-L Key Set gets 3 out of 5 stars.  If you can find it for under $3, it's a great buy.  It currently sells on Amazon.com for $1.14 (plus shipping).