Viper1GJ

My Feedback: (20)

Help,

I broke one of my ball driver hex bits today working on my scratch built jet project.


This was my "go to" 1/16" ball driver. It broke the ball off when a 4-40 flat head bolt went cross thread in a blind nut.


Here is the complete set. I thought I got it from a company at Joe Nall a few years ago called JR Hobby Hardware. I can't find anything on them any more.

Does anyone know where to get a replacement tool or a complete set of these bits. I really like them because of the slender shafts for hard to reach spots.

Thanks,
Gary

felker14

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http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/rc-j...l-drivers.html

patrnflyr

My Feedback: (7)

That's the exact ball driver I've been looking for when I started the other thread. I tried contacting them via phone & Facebook but couldn't get any answers. I finally gave up

tothemax

Try here
http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-allen-screwdriver-bits/=zwnuu5

Square Nozzle

My Feedback: (1)

Take a look through this site. They may have what you need.
http://www.wihatools.com/indexes/indx_ballhex.htm

Lvan09

Are you sure it wasn't RJ Tools? They have a lot of that kind of stuff, show up at RC shows too.

SkidMan

My Feedback: (17)

Ball hex drivers are much nicer to use, due to their ability to work from a variety of angles. They are, however, going to wear out or break sooner than a non-ball tip hex driver.

The good news is that some companies offer lifetime warranties - something that is especially good on a tool that +will+ wear out if you use it a lot.

I've grown rather fond of Bondhus hex drivers. They are easily available through Amazon. I broke some small ones and the edges on the balls of some were getting rounded off and some would slip in already worn hex socket bolts (I use them a lot). I sorted through the drivers that were wearing, put them in an envelope, mailed them, and the brand new replacements soon arrived.

Good tools. Great service.

Paul

patrnflyr

My Feedback: (7)

I agree. It was J & R Hobby Hardware. I went to their Facebook page previously but no answer. Now, even its gone.

Viper1GJ

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patrnflyr

Sorry I did not see your post before I started this one yesterday. I have exactly the set shown in your photo, both US and metric, even the red rubber holder.

I was sure it was J&R Hobby Hardware. I met the rep at Joe Nall a few years ago and asked where he got the ball drivers. He was very coy and said it was a "trade secret". The problem I have found is that no one carries the very small US sizes of 1/20" and 1/16" like this set had. I broke my 1/16" ball. Strange in this day of internet info.

I did find these stainless steel but they cost a fortune. http://www.steritool.com/tools/bits.htm

More than the whole set of regular steel. I seems like someone would be selling these. I would not think they are that rare.

Gary

patrnflyr

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No sweat whatsoever. I bought the Bondhus and they work fine. The shafts on the J & R ones are much narrower though, making access to small areas much easier.

chris923

My Feedback: (53)

I believe J R Hobby hardware went out of business several years ago.

Viper1GJ

My Feedback: (20)

patrnflyr,

I have the Bondhus sets for US and Metric but have not used them much since I got the thin ones. I agree the slim ones are much easier and pleasant to use.

Still looking. Will post if I find some.

Gary