Tool Tech: Straight Hex vs. Straight Tip Drivers

Get the most from your tools with ball hex bits from Traxxas

Traxxas offers hex speed bits individually as well as in sets, in both “straight tip” and “ball-end” styles. The ball-end speed bits are included in the Speed Bit Master Set and 7-Piece Hex Bit Master Set, and can also be purchased separately. To see the full selection of Traxxas speed bits, head on over to our tool page. The straight and ball-end designs each have their own advantages, and having both types in your tool kit will let you tackle any maintenance or repair job with maximum ease and convenience. Here’s what you need to know to choose the right tips for your tasks.

The #8711 tool kit includes both ball-end and straight tip drivers

Just look at the tip to see the difference between the drivers

A straight-tip driver gives maximum engagement with the fastener to efficiently transfer torque and resist stripping. However, a straight tip can only be inserted if it is in line with the fastener. If the fastener is obstructed or there isn’t room to align a straight-tip driver, a ball-end driver will allow you to access and turn the fastener from an angle.

The downside to the ball-end design is reduced contact area between the tool and fastener, which makes ball-end drivers less than ideal for high-torque jobs. If you don’t need to access a fastener from an angle, use a straight-tip driver.

A ball-end driver has more flexibility

A straight tip driver handles more torque

You can get both ball-end and straight tip drivers in 3.0 mm, 2.5 mm, and 2.0 mm sizes (1.5 mm are only available as straight tips). Shape and size etchings on each bit make it easy to grab the one you need.

For maximum convenience and versatility at the RC workbench, having both straight-tip and ball-end drivers in your toolkit is the way to go. If you’re building up your tool collection a piece at a time, get the straight-tip drivers first, then add the ball-end styles. You’ll use straight tips most often, but when the job calls for a ball-end, having the right tool makes a big difference. Click the banner below to shop Traxxas tools sets now.

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