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Are telescoping allen/hex keys a thing? (leminal.space)

submitted 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago) by CorrodedCranium@leminal.space to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml

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I'm not talking about a hex key that extends in length but one where it can collapse in on itself to increase in size.

I did some digging online but all I could find was a patent from a company called TeleHex but it kind of sounds like they came and went in the mid 2000s. They're website doesn't seem to exist.

I feel like it could save space in my pocket compared to a typical hex key set or a multibit.

I was hoping I could at least find a bootleg version on Ali Express.

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[–] Thorny_Insight@lemm.ee 6 points 10 months ago (1 children)

Perhaps you could get a bit kit like this and replace the bits with hex bits. This one is made by Victorinox

[–] Rivalarrival@lemmy.today 0 points 10 months ago (3 children)

I wonder if there is a 1/4" hex drive set where the bits work like those old pencils

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[–] cdk@lemmy.ml 4 points 10 months ago

I think this is a great idea! I guess strength might be the biggest issue? The metal would have to be layered really thin to fit all sizes, while being able to withstand strong rotational force. Although all the smaller sizes would fill the gap I'm not sure it would work. Making and testing this idea would be a good YouTube video, maybe send this as a suggestion to some engineering YouTubers?

[–] intensely_human@lemm.ee 2 points 10 months ago

It’s hard to transmit torque through a telescoping mechanism.

[–] CeruleanRuin@lemmings.world 1 points 10 months ago* (last edited 10 months ago)

Depending on what you're using it for, your best bet might be a compact set like this or this.

There are various types of universal "female" style wrenches, but nothing I've ever seen for the "male" type that requires different bits. A set with integrated bit storage is probably as small as you're going to get.