If you work on bikes, even if you just dabble in light maintenance, you’ve probably used one of Park Tool’s bicycle-specific tools. Over many years of maintaining and working on my bikes, I’ve accumulated many of the tools that Park Tool offers, but none like the Park Tool Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench Set (THH-1).
When it comes to individual hex wrenches for my shop, I have always gone the low-cost route. You know, some cheap set from Home Depot or something. They work alright, but never last a long time, and get rounded out relatively fast.
These professional quality Park Tool Sliding Hex Wrenches are the nicest hex wrenches I’ve ever used. They come with a nice wall-mounted holder to keep them organized. The wrenches are well labeled and come in 8 metric sizes, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm. That means you have almost every size that is needed to work on most bikes.
The hex wrenches are made from a combination of chrome vanadium, high-tensile steel, and S-2 tool steel. This translates to strong, durable tools that will keep their precise fit for years to come. The tips are machined and chamfered making insertion into the hex fitting easy.
Unique Features
The integrated Strip-Gripper hex end is specially shaped to aid in removing bolts with stripped or oversized fittings. Another unique feature is the sliding T-handle. This allows the wrench to be held and used in multiple positions, allowing for the proper leverage, and easy access to fasteners in awkward places.
One of my favorite features is the anodized aluminum Speed Spinner, helping to make quick business of long fasteners.
In Use
I’ve had the Park Tool Sliding Hex Wrenches for a few weeks, and find them a total game changer as a much-needed addition to my tool collection. The holder mounts easily where you need it (installation hardware is not included). I usually keep all of my hex wrenches in a dedicated toolbox drawer, so having them out and organized is a pleasure.
I have yet to use the Strip-Gripper side of the tool, so I can’t comment on that yet. But, The other features have been a nice experience. The Speed Spinner feature is really nice when removing a long water bottle screw, making quick work of the task.
I used the sliding T-handle to get in under a seat and tighten a seatpost screw and worked perfectly for that task, as well as tightening and loosening thru-axles. The chamfered ends make inserting and using the wrenches easy, offering a positive and confident connection between the hex fitting and the tool.
The only catch with these, or any sliding t-handle wrench for that matter, is that you have to be aware of the edges of the t-handle when spinning it in tight quarters. Unlike a fixed t-handle wrench with a rubber or plastic coated handle, the exposed metal edges of the tool is more likely to scratch or chip your bike’s frame if you’re careless with the spinning. Also, without a ball end, you may still find situations where a loose L-wrench with a ball end will be a better fit.
I anticipate the Park Tool Sliding Hex Wrenches lasting a very long time. They are professional-grade, highly precise tools that would be an asset to anyone’s tool collection. They aren’t cheap, but high-quality, professional-grade tools rarely are.
You don’t have to be a professional bike mechanic to make good use of high-quality tools. Good-quality tools will last a long time and can be well worth the investment. Over the years I’ve easily spent the cost of this set on numerous replacements of lower quality hex wrenches.
The Park Tool Sliding Hex Wrenches and the holder are available as a set or individually. I highly recommend grabbing a set for your shop. You won’t be sorry.
Retail and Sizes
Retail: $159 (for set)
- THH-2 2 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-25 2.5 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-3 3 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-4 4 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-5 5 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-6 6 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-8 8 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-10 10 mm Sliding T-Handle Hex Wrench
- THH-H T-Handle Hex Wrench Holder
Visit the link below to meet all of your bicycle-specific tool needs.
