Shopsmith "Toolbox"

[DLB]

I have recently acquired a new version Shopsmith Toolbox and it is the best I've ever used. Its most unique feature is the size, 4.0 MM rather than 5/32". This makes it about two thousandths (.002") larger than my previous favorite Eklind 5/32", and a better fit in most, if not all, Shopsmith setscrews. My new one is a Bondhus (made in USA) T-Handle 9 inch length, PN 15360, but 4MM T-handles are available from Eklind and others.

My 4MM preference came after helping another member here with a screw he had stripped the head on using a 5/32" tool. It turns out that several of the PowerPro screws are metric, though the instructions call for a 5/32" Allen Wrench. While checking that, I noticed that the 4MM was a better fit in everything I tried it in, including a brand new 5/32 setscrew on a sanding disc.

Try this for yourself. If you have any kind of 4 MM driver compare it to a similar 5/32" driver on your Shopsmith. See if you prefer the feel. I was sold instantly. I chose the Bondhus because another member had recommended the brand in another thread. (I think that was Buckeye Dennis, but I'm not certain of it.) I agree with that recommendation, a well made tool with a great feel.

- David

[JPG]

Whuda thunk 0.00123" would make much difference?

0.15625 vs 0.15748

Now WHAT are they manufactured to????

[DLB]

...Now WHAT are they manufactured to????

I wondered the same. With dial calipers I measured 0.156" for the 4MM and 0.154" for the 5/32", both slightly undersized compared to the number printed on the tool. I don't have anything at hand that will measure with more resolution. These measurements were similar over a few different tools I checked, nothing unique to the Bondhus. Technically these are +/- 0.001" measurements, so... But the difference in feel made an impression on me and I ordered a T-handle the same day.

- David

[JPG]

You are measuring across the flats. What do they measure across the 'points'?

[dusty]

Measure across the flats to compare with spec's.

[JPG]

Measure across the points to determine if it will 'slip'.

Wear occurs at the 'points'.

The points are what provides torque.

[DLB]

The 4 MM measures just over 0.175" at the points, the 5/32 measures just under 0.173". I'm measuring this where there is not wear, same with the flats above.

- David

[dusty]

The "right tool" vs a "properly maintained" tool.

Of course an oversized hex wrench (in this case a metric) works better than a worn standard hex wrench.

The question, from my perspective is "do both wrenches work equally well" when used where intended?

[JPG]

I think the thing to take from this is that a 4mm hex wrench will typically work 'tighter'(less sloppy) than a 5/32.

[DLB]

I think the thing to take from this is that a 4mm hex wrench will typically work 'tighter'(less sloppy) than a 5/32.

Yep, exactly. Resulting in less wear on both tool and fasteners. I did not compare new Vs. worn tools. Worn fasteners were unavoidable, kind of the point really, but I tried new and low use fasteners where practical in case I found something that the 4MM would not fit.

- David