Adam Savage's Favorite Tools: Bondhus Hex T-Handles!

$25 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (balldriver, Metric): amzn.to/2WGH1y3
$30 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (balldriver, Imperial): amzn.to/2KZKguR
$30 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (Metric): amzn.to/2KXbrq6
$25 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (Imperial): amzn.to/3dioI8K
Of all the allen wrenches, this set of Bondhus T-handled hex wrenches are Adam's absolute favorites. They're nearly indestructible, feel great when you’re using them, and are durable enough to use as a thwacker in a pinch! They’re also made in both short and long forms, and of course in both metric and imperial. Adam loves them so much that he has multiple sets in the cave for easy access!
Shot by Adam Savage and edited by Norman Chan
Disclaimer: Tested may earn an affiliate commission when you buy through the links here.
Subscribe for more videos (and click the bell for notifications): kzbin.info_c...
Tested shirts and more: teespring.com/stores/adam-sav...
Twitter: / testedcom
Facebook: / testedcom
Instagram: / testedcom
Tested is:
Adam Savage / donttrythis
Norman Chan / nchan
Simone Giertz / simonegiertz
Joey Fameli www.joeyfameli.com
Gunther Kirsch guntherkirsch.com
Ryan Kiser / ryan.kiser
Jen Schachter www.jenschachter.com
Kishore Hari / sciencequiche
Sean Charlesworth / cworthdynamics
Jeremy Williams / jerware
Kayte Sabicer / kaytesabicer
Bill Doran / chinbeard
Ariel Waldman / arielwaldman
Darrell Maloney / thebrokennerd83
Kristen Lomasney / krystynlo
Intro bumper by Abe Dieckman
Set design by Danica Johnson / saysdanica
Set build by Asa Hillis www.asahillis.com
Thanks for watching!
#AdamSavage #FavoriteTools #ShopOrganization

[@tested]

$25 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (balldriver, Metric): amzn.to/2WGH1y3 $30 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (balldriver, Imperial): amzn.to/2KZKguR $30 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (Metric): amzn.to/2KXbrq6 $25 Bondhus Hext T-handle set (Imperial): amzn.to/3dioI8K

[@JosephLaycock]

My favourite hex keys are a set of Wera hex+, quick to flip between ball and non-ball end, but mainly can get WAY more torque on these things than anything else and not mess up the screw head ( such a pita for bikes) the multi coloured version is better, so you can keep track of them. I have some T handle hexes too but could feel the shaft twist under tension, are these good enough to give a bit of welly (particularly on the smaller sizes)?

[@Troph2]

@@JosephLaycock I was gonna say the same thing, I love my bondus stuff, but Wera stands alone with quality, fit and torque application. The price point is what scares people off i think. With the hold function you are talking $60+ a set.

[@zachazlett]

Bondhus are great! Made in the USA, fairly cheap, and they used have a cool gorilla on them!

[@Paperclown]

Adam has been social distancing from Jaime Hyneman for decades.

[@mazman117]

I actually need something like this but Torx instead of Hex. Does anyone have any recommendations?

[@gaffyh1745]

Can anyone else hear Scrooge McDuck swimming through his coin vault in the background audio?

[@DavidPlass]

Yeah it was very distracting.

[@TiagoDaCunhaCaetano]

Pretty sure is Adam’s mom separating LEGOs. Or swimming in them.

[@RjWolf3000]

I was going to comment, "Is that Adam's mom sorting legos?"

[@michaelomahony4218]

Annoying AF

[@RolandVonRose]

This comment made it bearable just for the mental picture.

[@T-Waldo]

This video brought to you by the author of "Every tool's a hammer"

[@williescott5439]

I can't tell you how many times I've used these as a hammer! They're great.

[@Richard_Cunningham]

And every object is a nail

[@timowallin8020]

Yes. Was just going to write that. Every tool at least on car's has its hammer side. :)

[@rich1051414]

Every tool's a hammer... at least once :)

[@thejunkman]

And everything is a nail.

[@LunnainnsCoffeeBreak]

I just love how genuine Adam is about all these things, his joy and love for the things many seem to take for granted.

[@SuicideNeil]

Me: Purchases new piece of flat-pack furniture, which includes a basic L-shaped hex wrench Also Me: this will make a fine addition to my collection...

[@MrCaptainNObeard]

I recently bought a table that came with a small wrench for each bolt, so now i have 16 #10 wrenches.

[@EchoConstellation]

I always toss them. If you don’t realize you grabbed the IKEA somewhere around 4mm wrench, and kill a critical 4mm screw, you’ll regret ever saving them.

[@engelberthumperdinck2235]

That small 5mm allen is a life saver, and that flat tin spanner you get with multiple sized slots cut into it. The type you get with a new set of football boots

[@captainzero1]

Been using Bondus tools for 35 years and I absolutely love them, they are the best.

[@gonzosoldier8179]

"First order retrievability stack of mission critical tools" is peak Adam Savage and I love it

[@stuartstephens]

Bondhus wrenches are good stuff, and they're made right here in the USA - in Monticello, Minnesota.

[@reallunacy]

You just piqued my already piqued interest.

[@EtwasMartin]

Adam's shop organisation simply shows you, how important workflow is. I love that you constantly tweak every aspect of your shop, even going the extra mile of keeping multiples of tools just so you always have them where you need them. Your cave might seem cluttered at first sight but after spending just a little time in it, everyone should realize that it is set up to help you be productive.

[@readmore8974]

Somebody is definitely playing with Legos in the background

[@PartisanGamer]

Probably his mom sorting. He said in a previous stream that she is there almost every day sorting Lego.

[@Sweetasthesun]

It's Norm 100%!

[@CodeDoe]

Came here to say that lol!

[@AdlersAesthetics]

I thought he was just playing with a thesaurus in the background when he busted out the word recalcitrant in a sentence.

[@tested]

@@PartisanGamer That's exactly right.

[@leelewis8270]

Truer words have never been spoken. No matter how skilled you are, you never get the right size! Awesome.

[@CathodeRayKobold]

My favorite thing about these is that they go woobity-woobity when you spin them in space.

[@colonelbill7277]

One thing I really like about that style of wrench is the build up of torque the wrench gets when you slowly turn a stuck bolt. Slowly turning a stuck bolt will build up flex in the wrench and eventually crack the stuck bolt with barely any effort at all. (Also it’s so amazing when it breaks basically by itself)

[@shadowski1839]

Truley we are all living through a magical time in Tested history. These videos are a bright light that help get us through our days right now. Seeing this many cool Adam videos is simply wonderful and they have been an inspiration at building my work/shop area in my new garage.

[@yoda112358]

This is one of those things that Adam should go to talk about with a bicycle mechanic.

[@mortenst7276]

I am a bicycle mechanic and for sure the ones Adam has are very good, but there are these new park tool ones, which are for sure better then te bondhus and the wera L handel ones are also super nice, especially for the price I think I have 4 sets of the wera ones,

[@benjaminjaspers430]

@@mortenst7276 Park is trash

[@benjaminjaspers430]

It's true, we have highly developed opinions on hex wrenches. Don't even get me started on screwdrivers...

[@mattbradshaw6456]

I am a bike mechanic and I have not used Bondhus allen keys, T handles aren't usually a great option on bikes because the are too long in a lot of cases. I really like wera L or swiss tools L handles. There is a version of the wera's with a spring loaded detent in the ball that will help hold a bolt, which is great for starting a bolt in a cramped area. For most things I don't like ball ends, because you shouldn't use them to apply torque. In my personal bench I use Wera L handles, Unior P handles and Park Tri keys. The tri keys are great for bolt checking work because the most common sizes are in one tool, the wera's are great for tight spots, or bolts that need a better tolerance Allen key, or really high torque applications where they sit closer to the face of the bolt than P handles. Unior P handles are used to work fast comfortably, essentially just an L handle T handle hybrid that let you work fast comfortably

[@jamesconroy7030]

When I was a bike mechanic, I mainly used a Park folding set. Of course there's times when you need the regular L wrenches (like BMX brakes on the top of the chainstay). Really, the only thing I like T handles for is road bike brake levers where you need long reach, and high torque.

[@J3ff9519]

I'm a mechanical engineer and we have two sets of allen keys at work. I pick the Bondhus set every. single. time. They're as great as you said!

[@Trent-tr2nx]

The great thing is that you can buy individual ones from McMaster for cheap! And they carry the long ones and the stubby ones too.

[@paintball130]

I love how for every tool there is always a company that stands out and does it better than everyone else. For Allen wrenches Bondhus is the way to go. amazing product

[@EchoConstellation]

For hex T handles, Bondhus. For hex wrenches or sockets: Wera. For hex bits under 3mm: Wiha.

[@reprobite]

@@EchoConstellation haha no way, that's exactly what I own myself

[@EchoConstellation]

@@reprobite good choice!

[@amoose136]

I really like the color coded T-handles and for key sets I like what Wera sells.

[@zacharynohre]

Thank you for the video Adam, your joy in sharing your craft is infectious 😊

[@varjen018]

In the Bondhus office in a few days.... "What do you mean -Sold Out-?"

[@palandersen9580]

amazon actually says: Due to increased demand, we temporarily have reduced product selection available for delivery to your region. We are working to improve selection availability as soon as possible.

[@bonserk]

Isn't that the truth. Almost anything Adam recommends is gone by 10 minutes after the video is released!

[@bdemaree]

Gotta wonder how much free shit he gets sent. If I had an idea for a tool Adam would definitely get one of the first prototypes.

[@MrEFHATCH1990]

I use these every day at work, they’re great. I’m about to get a set for home.

[@nicolep3158]

I've been waiting for a video on these for how often we see them. Love the idea of these - was one of the first things I added to my "want" list of tools when I saw them used in a video ages ago!

[@briansandvig9858]

Bondhus Corporation!!! From my little hometown of Monticello, MN !!!!

[@locke3141]

Brian Sandvig same here. Took me halfway through the video to be like “wait, is he just pronouncing it differently than I’m used to?” Sure enough, he was.

[@Qeelin]

I recognize the sound of someone digging through the Lego bin to find that one particular piece in the background. That WAS the sound of my childhood. Oh.. and Allen wrenches are great.....

[@housdrmoon]

Absolutely, nicely arranged tools make his making better!!

[@Confoundedjoe]

Works in a shop but I hate t-handles in a tool bag. I went from working on machines with everything Phillips to everything hex and keeping a sorted bag is a nightmare and because of the narrow shaft on hex drivers standard grips suck to use so you need t-handles.

[@Schwiin]

This “new” video format works really well. Please consider making more of these low-key-filming-by-yourself-videos even after the self-isolation situation changes.

[@deeranfoxworthy6069]

eyy!! First tool you've shown that I have that exact model already! They are amazing!

[@kiwdwks]

Always appreciate your tool recommendations. I'll give them a try...

[@Badpoison1]

Thank you for your work in inspiring us hesitant builders. Many times I have sat down to watch one of your videos and thought "why not just through this on in my shop?", And I usually do. Hell, my shop I set up after watching one of your videos and just pulled the trigger on it.

[@timcarter1164]

I love these quick little episodes. Highly informative, and entertaining. I do a lot of work on guitars, and even Allen bolts with minimal torque, can strip out an allen bolt or an allen key fairly quickly. Definitely going to look into a set of these for myself.

[@AnonymousMycologist]

I am LOVING these videos! Thank you so much!

[@TheMrBeezley]

I've always loved your meticulous methods and reasonings Adam!

[@Freestila]

I really like your shop, all the small things hidden everywhere :) And how enthusiastic you are about this, it's just heartwharming. I only have a ~ 3x4m cellar space with a high of around 1.80m (so smaller then i am high), but i love having boxes with tools etc.

[@chemgeektim]

I just bought a set of Forstner bits this week after that video, and now I need to go get some of these hex keys, I didn’t know the brand until now, but I have used them in the past and they are amazing. Another great tool upgrade for my set up! Thanks!

[@davidgeorgemercer8750]

Awesome stuff just bought a mill and was looking through KZbin videos to see what everyone was using but didn’t know the brand, this Video has helped greatly. Thank you

[@denispol79]

Regarding grabbing the right size - I always grab 3 keys: One that seems the right size and one from each side next to it :)

[@MrReichennek]

Bondhaus is what we use in the machine shop. they'll wear out with production use, but for home use they're indestructible. Wiha is another solid choice.

[@RK-pz4lm]

I've been looking for a good set of T handles for a while. These are exactly what I wanted. Ordered a set. Thanks Adam!

[@Lime-ct7ux]

I'm not a maker. I don't have a shop. I don't use tools in my day to day life. However! Watching Savage talk about his tools is one of my favorite things to do.

[@chrisose]

I have the T-handle Bondhus as well a set of their hex screwdrivers. I picked them up at a local hobby/model shop for use in my RC models and they have become part of my first order tools.

[@quinns4560]

Only Adam could make me feel actual joy at the idea of an Allen Wrench.

[@richardmartin7179]

The thing that I love even more about Bondhus Allen and Torx wrenches is the prohold line. The prohold line has a insert in the head of the tool to hold onto the fastener which is really handy when you're working on boat engines! 👍

[@richie4540]

Really enjoying this mini coved series and like T head Allen keys as well.

[@N0biKn0bi]

Man, I learned so much from Adam, in particular: the word "thwacker" - love it

[@kevincozens6837]

Interesting that you mention those tools. I recently picked up one of them for use with my 3D printer.

[@toxicvoid13]

We have a set of those here at work, great tools. One of ours has bee twisted into a helix but the tip is fine and has not broke yet still useable. Thumbs up!

[@dragonhello]

I would love a master list of Adams favorite tools. Love these types of videos

[@YaGottaBeKidding]

I couldn't agree with you more, Adam. I'd found the Bondhus a few years ago and now am spoiled for any other Allen wrench. I like them for all of the reasons you've touched upon. You're the man, one of the very few whose reviews I trust. Thank you!

[@ducvuhoang]

I like when he made "TV money" he just bought more tools haha 😆. Awesome.

[@kronographer]

Kinda like when Dave Grohl started getting Nirvana money, he was like "Holy shit, now I can go buy a bigger grill!!"

[@orijimi]

The implications of that sentence are depressing, though. He has deserved that "TV money" always.

[@ducvuhoang]

@@kronographer haha!

[@ducvuhoang]

@@orijimi True! I also like to think he is happy with what he has now :). And I don't think he comes short on money.

[@warw]

Love a good Allen key set, haven't tried bondhus(yet) but the set by wera I purchased have saved my ass numerous times with a bolt someone else stripped with the wrong size key. Thanks for the videos man!

[@kubagornowicz]

Was that recorded at the shore of lego ocean?

[@ytadmin]

This comment wins. Thank you for the laugh.

[@tested]

Ha! It's Adam's mom in the background, helping him sort LEGO blocks.

[@JamesCollins80]

@@tested We need a show and tell from Adam's mum :-D

[@keetrandling4530]

@@JamesCollins80 Yes!

[@cbalan777]

Just stepping on one is bad enough, but a whole ocean!

[@hummelshoj]

I bought a set of Vera Hex Plus L-keys, that has different colour codes for the sizes, and a specialy milled slanted surface on each of the six sides, so it mates more squarely in the head, rather than putting the torque on each tip. They were expensive, but I've yet to regret buying quality tools. I highly recommend them!

[@talexander7217]

I inherited a metric set of Bondhus long T handles from an old systems engineer from Delphi. The Vandalia, OH test plant was closing down and our company bought all of their ATDs (crash test dummies). THey had multiple sets so he told me to keep a set for myself. He told me they are the best money can buy. I had never heard of the brand before. After 11 years of hard use, they are still going strong.

[@lkinzey1]

I love mine. I also bought the Green handle torque set. I kept them setting on my lathe like you have. I also have all three in the small folding set in my range bag. I work on a lot of guns. Great review. Thank you

[@77martinv]

Love the chatter of lego in the background :D .... i love the t-shape handles as thwackers too

[@ianowens5255]

Bondhus has some incredible hex tools, an old machinist gave me a set of bondhus Allen keys years ago, my prized wrench set

[@EternityForest]

I just got a small beam type bike torque wrench and I love it. Not much bigger than an Alan key, and it reveals how completely wrong I had been torquing these this whole time!

[@whydesign6805]

I love it when people can talk so passionately about seemingless simple things!

[@Simon_Rafferty]

Thanks Adam - I was looking for a decent set, having rounded several of my current ones. Just ordered these - they're surprisingly inexpensive too!

[@davidbonner4556]

When I was working as an Electronics Tech I liked the X-cellite brand of tools. These were the highest grade tools of their kind I found... Modular. They had Stubby, Long, Ratchetting T-handle and Ratchetting Long handles that accepted all of their blades... Slot, Phillips Allen, Socket head, Torx, everything you could ever ask for in your repair kit. They weren't as Robust as your sets are but electronics work is in a smaller scale than you use. I love the tool videos, please keep presenting them.

[@geekmoto1363]

I just used a 5mm hex key to swap out an armrest on my computer chair, and i endorse these completely. They are now part of my permanent tool collection. i will never use the included hex keys with chairs and furniture ever again. these are worth getting, for anyone on the fence about getting these. DO IT! Just DO IT! inexpensive and reliable and dang handy when you need them

[@mantaz603]

Love you tool series. Keep it up please.

[@millwrightrick1]

I have been a millwright for well over 30 years and Bondhuis Allen keys are the best. Love the ball end.

[@gerrittklashorst7306]

After growing up with a dad in construction bondhus Allen wrenches are all I have in my bike shop(former bicycle shop owner and wheel builder). to this day a parktool bondhus Allen set is my daily got to when working on anything bike related. For my own personal builds I use a mixed set I personally collected both metric and imperial standard allen sockets from an older good quality craftsman tool set because I can add a t-handle driver and take them on rides

[@brickct123]

I'm a professional hex key user (roboticist) and my bondhus T Handles are second only to my long & short Wera hex keys in my heart. Infinitely recommend.

[@EchoConstellation]

As a retired small device tech, I also love Bondhus’ T handle hex. They were my go to. There is one other hex set everyone needs: Wera’s hex plus keys. If I came across a stripped or otherwise recalcitrant hex screw, the Wera’s became my go to. They stripped less fasteners than the Bondhus or PB Swiss, and got out fasteners the Bondhus wouldn’t grab. They saved me using extractors or drilling numerous times. I use the abondhus more but would never be without the Wera hex plus keys. I’d honestly suggest them first, then if you use hex keys a lot, buy the bondhus too.

[@hamishgrove7722]

Thank you i now know who makes them. A set has been ordered already.

[@cosmolv]

These going to my shopping list. Thanks! 👍

[@hank_says_things]

Yes! I have three sets of metric L-shape Bondhus allens - a partial set I scavenged from a job 20 years ago, a full set I bought soon after, and a set of long ball-ends. Time I got some T-handles, obviously. And I can vouch for the whackingness. 10mm L-shape is a badass for impromptu picture frame repair :D

[@TheM750]

Bondhus is great, but I also really love Wiha.

[@roberthousedorfii1743]

Adam, don't feel bad about the multiple sets. When we moved into our house, I was always going looking for my box cutter. One day in HD, I bought a LENOX Gold box cutter. At least once a month for the next 4 months, I would buy ANOTHER one, because every time I needed it, the closest one was 20+ feet away. After about 4 or 5 months, I just bought every one the store had. Went home, loaded each one up with 4 blades, and placed them strategically around the basement, house and garage. I never looked back... ( I love the LENOX gold because they have built in blade storage, and tool-less blade changes )

[@joeringer8925]

I have a 4mm and a 5mm bondhous screwdriver type Allen wrenches. They are 14 years old. They are still in great shape. I use them every single day.

[@dannysplace7]

I was introduced to these as a printers assistant working on flexo presses. They are fantastic.

[@AllThingsMech]

This is actually a perfectly timed video for me. I'm finally getting my lathe and mill set up in my Conex Box shop behind my house, and I've been looking for a good set of metric and SAE ball-end t-handle hex wrenches to replace my el-cheapo husky set. I'll be giving these a hard look.

[@adanielweaver]

These are great. I use the smaller sizes (4mm or less) all the time on my bike, although for bigger sizes they don't often have enough torque. The Wera hex plus L keys are the best.

[@A-staticCal]

As a cyclist and bike wrencher, I've always loved the Bondhus sets. The kids get all the cheap ones. Gotta have the ball end.

[@matthagan1]

For every day use I love Bondhus. I have been using them nearly exclusively for the better part of a decade. For anyone who tends to work on motors where there are tiny loctited metric screws. The Wera hex plus stuff is an absolute life saver.

[@shokrefumi]

I'm with you on this one Adam, they feel so nice in the hand!

[@shawnmyer2747]

righteous! I finally found a set of tools that my old man doesn't have! These are great!

[@theazzats5415]

Best things on those though days, is seeing Mr.Adam almost everyday..

[@CalebJasik]

i love these tool videos! ty adam

[@nearzero1555]

That’s so funny Adam. I just ordered these two weeks ago! Standard and metric.

[@Conorsev]

Standard and imperial*

[@Ebyknives]

The heavy handle is designed so that once you get a bolt a little loose you can give the handle a good spin and the momentum will extract the bolt the rest of the way with little effort.

[@bluetoes591]

My favourite part of Bondhus T-handle allen wrenches is using the weight of the handle to spin a loose fastener quickly. Very satisfying.

[@andrewspohrer7183]

Ur totally right on the account that people may need more specific needs for their allen keys, like having a loaner set so people aren't always borrowing your good set and losing/breaking stuff, I have a whole bucket full of rescued throwaway tools and lower quality tools for the 3-4 guys who NEVER HAVE THE TOOL THEY NEED!

[@avj317]

awesome! Was in the market for a new set of allen wrenches! These are great! Btw, can TOTALLY relate to not being able to use the right allen wrench, always ends up being one size smaller or bigger, so i end up bringing the whole set

[@robg836]

They are a very fair price for the quality. I also like that you can cut and grind the ball end down if it gets a worn out. Some companies (Wera) have a round shank with a machined ball end so you are stuck buying another set if the ball end gets worn out.

[@jerryjohnsonii4181]

I love my Hex T-handles too , Adam !!!!!!!! I use them every time , when i clean my firearms of put a scope on my rifles.

[@jasperscholte5211]

Do I hear your mother sorting lego's? Love you Adam and your gentle ways.

[@johncfalk]

Woohoo! I bought these after you talked about them on a Still Untitled a while ago. Love em. They’re so awesome. They feel GREAT in the hand. I use my em for everything. Last two times were my bike and lightsaber. I just saw you use one as a hammer and (duh your book) and a whole new world has opened up.

[@MaxMakerChannel]

I colour code my small wrenches. Every bit, straight handle and T-handle with ball and straight end of one size gets the same colour spray painted on. Otherwise I cannot tell the small sizes apart at a glance.

[@triplebasic]

These are great if you have a shop and a tool drawer to pick from. If you're in the field with just a tool backpack or whatever, unsure of what you're going to run into, you need something that has many sizes in a compact package. My Wera L Allen wrenches are the bees knees for my service work.

[@bfm1q2w]

I’m in the aerospace industry and hard use these on the daily. They’re incredible tools.

[@crashk6]

Been watching Adams Bondhus obsession grow over the years. Somehow sensed this would be the next video after the table saw tweaking. They really are good hex wrenches; I keep sets in metric and US customary sizes in my work spaces. Though, I don't tend to use mine as hammers. ;-)

[@russmiddleton5486]

Yay, we have sets of those in our test rigs. They're so much better than the curved version you get in normal tool sets.

[@chrisstraley2002]

I could listen to Adam talk about his favorite tools for hours...

[@shanestrains4724]

I have a set of those in metric...love them.

[@cbryantbear6498]

I love the stuff on your walls!!!

[@kunot99]

I have so many! My fallback is always I guess is my Craftsmen that looks like Swiss Army thing. Still a keeper and I mostly do plastic builds! Starting to do molding and having fun with that!

[@laukc7085]

I can totally relate to the “it’s always one size up or one size down” statement made. Being an auto tech I can never guess the Allen size the first time either