RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets Review

Let’s Dive into RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets

Every serious reloader understands the importance of having the right tools. Fine-tuning your equipment is essential for consistent results. The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets promise to be that convenient all-in-one solution, designed specifically for RCBS equipment.

My reloading bench has become a chaotic collection of mismatched hex keys over the years. Finding the right size always seems to be a treasure hunt, costing precious time and frustration. The promise of a compact, organized set, purpose-built for my RCBS gear, was immediately appealing.

Upon opening the package, the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets felt surprisingly lightweight. The keys are silver and fold into a housing that resembles a pocket knife. Honestly, the initial impression was that it felt a bit…cheap.

Compared to a similar fold-up set from Bondhus that I’ve used for years (primarily for gunsmithing), the RCBS set felt noticeably less robust. The Bondhus set has a heft and solid feel that inspires confidence, while the RCBS set felt like it might bend or strip easily. I hoped this wouldn’t be the case during testing.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic, mixed with a healthy dose of skepticism. I was eager to see if the convenience factor would outweigh my concerns about its perceived durability. Time to put these keys to the test.

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Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets to the Test

First Use Experience

I put the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets to work adjusting my RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme press and my RCBS Uniflow powder measure. These are the two stations where I find myself making frequent tweaks and adjustments, so they provided an excellent first test. The keys fit snugly into the various hex head screws on the press and powder measure.

However, I immediately noticed that the keys seemed to have a bit of “play” or slop within the handle. This made precise adjustments a bit more difficult. The smaller keys, in particular, felt a bit wobbly and raised concerns about stripping the screw heads.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, my initial concerns about the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets have unfortunately been validated. The smaller keys have shown a tendency to bend slightly when applying moderate torque. This is especially problematic when dealing with stubborn set screws.

I’ve also noticed some slight rounding of the edges on a couple of the more frequently used keys. This further reduces their ability to grip the screw heads securely. Cleaning and maintaining the set is straightforward, as there’s not much to it. However, I do anticipate the pivot points becoming loose over time, further exacerbating the wobble issue.

Compared to my experiences with higher-quality hex key sets, the RCBS offering falls short in terms of durability and overall feel. It’s adequate for very light-duty tasks, but it’s not a tool I would rely on for serious reloading work or any application requiring significant torque. It definitely does not outperform my expectations, especially considering the price.

Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets

Specifications

The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets include eight heat-treated hex keys. The sizes included are: 0.050, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64 and 5/32-inch. They are silver in color and come as a single set.

These sizes are designed to fit most hex head screws found on RCBS equipment. The fold-up design is intended for easy storage and portability. However, the relatively small size and thin construction contribute to the overall feeling of flimsiness.

Performance & Functionality

The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets perform adequately for light-duty tasks such as tightening small set screws or making minor adjustments. However, the lack of rigidity and the tendency for the keys to bend under pressure limit their usefulness for more demanding applications. The keys do fit the screws on RCBS equipment, which is their primary purpose.

The key weakness is the lack of durability. This limits the amount of force that can be applied without risking damage to the tool or the screw. It also does not meet the expectations for a tool bearing the RCBS name, which is generally associated with quality and reliability.

Design & Ergonomics

The fold-up design of the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets is certainly convenient. It allows for compact storage and easy access to all the included sizes. However, the handle is relatively small and offers limited grip.

The lack of a textured surface on the handle also makes it somewhat slippery, especially when working with oily or greasy equipment. There’s a noticeable learning curve only in the sense that you quickly learn to avoid applying too much force. Otherwise, it is very intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

As previously mentioned, durability is a major concern with the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets. The keys themselves are prone to bending, and the pivot points are likely to loosen over time. This will reduce the tool’s overall lifespan.

Maintenance is simple: just wipe them clean after use. However, the tool’s inherent weaknesses make it unlikely to last as long as a higher-quality hex key set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets come as a standalone tool with no included accessories. There are no customization options available. The set is intended to be used as-is, with its selection of fixed hex key sizes.

Because of the limited quality, there is really no good reason to consider pairing it with any expensive equipment. It’s a very basic tool designed for a specific purpose.

Pros and Cons of RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets

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Who Should Buy RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets?

The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets are perfect for reloaders who are just starting out and need a basic set of hex keys specifically for adjusting their RCBS equipment. This set is also good for those who prioritize convenience and portability over durability and are willing to accept a lower-quality tool for the sake of ease of use. It could be good for very basic adjustments on the range.

However, reloaders who demand high-quality, durable tools should skip this product. Those who frequently make adjustments requiring significant torque will likely be disappointed by the RCBS set’s limitations. A set of individual hex keys or a higher-quality fold-up set from a reputable tool manufacturer would be a better investment.

A must-have modification would be to handle with extreme care and avoid any heavy-duty tasks. Otherwise, there are no necessary accessories.

Conclusion on RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets

The RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets offer a convenient and affordable solution for basic hex key needs on RCBS reloading equipment. However, the tool’s lack of durability and overall cheap feel detract from its value.

At a price of $17.99, the price is barely justified, considering the quality. You can find better-quality individual hex keys for a similar price.

Personally, I would not recommend the RCBS Fold-Up Hex Key Sets to serious reloaders or anyone who values durability and performance above all else. While the convenience factor is appealing, the tool’s inherent weaknesses make it a poor long-term investment. Save your money and invest in a higher-quality hex key set from a reputable tool manufacturer. Your reloading bench (and your screws) will thank you.