Shopsmith Forums

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

Whuda thunk 0.00123" would make much difference?

0.15625 vs 0.15748

Now WHAT are they manufactured to????

JPG wrote:...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

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

Measure across the flats to compare with spec's.

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

Wear occurs at the 'points'.

The points are what provides torque.

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

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?

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

JPG wrote: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