DeWalt Metric Folding Locking Hex Key Set (8-piece)

Metric Folding Locking Hex Key Set (8-piece)

Features

  • Push‑button locking mechanism that locks at 90°, 135° and 180°
  • Compact folding holder for storage
  • Steel side plate for increased torque resistance
  • Includes eight commonly used metric hex key sizes
  • Keys have flat ends
  • Available in SAE or metric variants

Specifications

Measurement Standard Metric
Number Of Pieces 8
Included Sizes 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 mm
Hex Keys Type Folding hex key
Hex Key Shape Flat end
Maximum Torque Up to 600 in-lbs
Color Yellow
Packaging Carded blister
Product Length (Mm) 250
Product Height (Mm) 250
Product Width (Mm) 100
Product Weight (G) 286
Product Weight (Kg) 0.286
Has Ce Mark No
Set Type Folding hex key set
Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty

Folding hex key set in metric sizes. The keys fold into a compact holder and use a push‑button mechanism to lock in three fixed positions (90°, 135°, 180°) for applying torque. The holder has a steel side plate for added rigidity.

Model Number: DWHT70263M

DeWalt Metric Folding Locking Hex Key Set (8-piece) Review

4.6 out of 5

Why I reached for this folding hex set

Hex keys are the sort of tool you don’t think about—until the day a set screw strips because a key folded under load, or you spend five minutes hunting for the right size in the bottom of a bag. I’ve been carrying this DeWalt folding hex set for a while now, and it’s become my default for on-the-go metric jobs where speed and control matter more than raw reach.

Form factor and build

This is a compact, folding design with eight metric sizes tucked into a single, yellow body. The housing has a steel side plate that stiffens the whole assembly, and you do feel that under load: there’s minimal torsional flex through the handle compared to cheaper, all-plastic folders. At roughly 286 g, it has a reassuring heft. It’s not “pocket knife small,” but it slides into a bag or drawer easily and it’s bright enough to spot in the grass or at the back of a van.

The keys themselves have flat ends, not ball ends. That’s an intentional choice: flat ends seat deeper and transmit torque better, at the expense of being less forgiving when you can’t get perfectly aligned with the fastener.

Sizes included: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm. That covers the most common metric hardware I encounter on furniture, bikes, fixtures, jigs, and machinery guards. If you routinely see 10 mm socket-head fasteners, you’ll want a separate L-key or T-handle for that.

The locking mechanism: the headline feature

The reason to buy this set is the push‑button lock. Press the button and you can swing a key out and lock it at 90°, 135°, or 180°. Each position changes how you apply force:
- 90° gives you a stubby, high‑torque handle to break stubborn fasteners free.
- 135° clears knuckles and obstacles while keeping leverage.
- 180° turns the tool into a straight driver for speed.

In real use, the lock does what it promises: once a key is locked, it doesn’t fold back on your fingers when you lean on it. That’s a big upgrade over friction‑only folders.

One caveat: the lock’s “feel” isn’t perfectly consistent across all sizes. With some keys, I needed to fully depress the button to rotate and engage the detent; with others, a partial press worked better. The first week, I found myself fiddling to catch the detent, especially when all keys were stowed and I couldn’t see the pivot. With a bit of muscle memory—and a tiny drop of light oil on the pivot—the operation became predictable. It’s not a dealbreaker, but there’s room for a cleaner, more uniform actuation.

Tip: preload the key lightly in the direction you want it to rotate while you press the button. That takes pressure off the detent and makes engagement more consistent.

Ergonomics and control

The handle’s broad faces are easy to grip with or without gloves, and that steel side plate gives you a solid, rigid backbone to push against. Locking at 90° turns the handle into a torque arm you can confidently lean into; at 180°, the body sits nicely in the palm as you spin fasteners. The button is reachable with a thumb sweep, and you can deploy keys one-handed once you get the hang of the detent.

Because this is a folding body, it can be bulky in tight cavities where a standalone L‑key would shine. I often start a bolt with the folding set for control, then switch to a long L‑key if I need reach into a recess.

Torque and durability

DeWalt rates the handle up to 600 in‑lbs. I didn’t measure, but I can say this: with the 6 and 8 mm keys locked at 90°, I applied meaningful torque on stubborn socket head cap screws with no alarming twist from the body and no key creep out of its locked position. The steel plate earns its keep here.

As always, the smallest sizes need care. A 1.5 mm hex is basically a toothpick in steel form; the locking handle gives you leverage well beyond what that tiny cross section can handle. Use a light touch on the small sizes and you won’t be snapping tips.

Finish quality is good. Edges on the housing are clean, the keys seat square, and the yellow shell hasn’t scuffed excessively bouncing around a toolbox. I haven’t noticed surface rust, but I also wipe tools down and keep them dry—standard practice.

Flat ends vs. ball ends

If you mostly do bench work where you can get straight onto a fastener, the flat ends are an advantage: firmer engagement and less cam‑out under load. If you often need to approach at an angle—bikes with crowded cable runs, awkward furniture assemblies—ball‑end L‑keys are still king for speed and access. This folder is not a replacement for a long ball‑end set; it’s a robust mobile companion that prioritizes control and safety over off-axis reach.

Speed in the field

The biggest practical benefit is how fast I can go from “what size is this?” to “done.” All eight sizes live together, so there’s no rummaging. The bright size markings are easy to read, and I can flick between 4 and 5 mm in seconds when I’m dialing a fit. The lock means I’m not constantly pinching a swinging leaf to keep it from folding as I turn. For furniture builds, fixture tweaks, and bike adjustments, that adds up.

Maintenance and setup tips

  • Put a drop of light oil on the pivot out of the box. It smooths the button action and helps the detents engage cleanly.
  • Wipe keys after use; grit in the pivot makes the lock feel inconsistent.
  • Resist the urge to “breaker‑bar” the 1.5–2.5 mm sizes. If a fastener is seized, reach for penetrating oil or heat before you snap a tip.
  • If you need off‑axis access, pair this with a long ball‑end set instead of forcing the flat end to do a ball‑end’s job.

What I’d change

  • Tighter lock uniformity. A more consistent button travel across all leaves would reduce the learning curve.
  • Optional ball‑end variant for the larger sizes would broaden its usefulness without sacrificing too much torque capability. As it is, I understand the flat‑end choice—it suits the locking concept—but options are always welcome.
  • Slightly longer arms on the mid‑range sizes (4–6 mm) would improve reach into recesses, though that might make the body bulkier.

Who it’s for

  • Mobile techs, maintenance folks, and DIYers who value a single, sturdy tool that won’t fold on their fingers.
  • Bike owners and furniture builders who live in the 3–6 mm world daily.
  • Anyone who prefers the safety of a locked key under torque.

If you primarily work at a bench, often need angled engagement, or regularly encounter 10 mm and larger socket heads, you’ll still want a traditional L‑key or T‑handle set nearby. There’s also an SAE variant available if your fasteners aren’t metric.

Warranty and value

The 1‑year limited warranty is standard for a hand tool at this level. More important in day‑to‑day use is the solid feel. Between the steel‑reinforced body and the lock that actually holds, it earns its keep by saving your knuckles and speeding up common tasks.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt folding hex set for anyone who wants a compact, road‑worthy metric kit with a genuinely useful locking mechanism. The lock’s slightly finicky feel takes a few uses to understand, and the flat ends trade off angled access for torque and security, but the overall package is sturdy, efficient, and confidence‑inspiring. Paired with a long ball‑end set for tricky reaches, it covers 90% of the metric hex work I do with less hassle and fewer bruised knuckles.



Project Ideas

Business

Mobile Allen Wrench Rescue

Offer on-site micro-repairs and tune-ups for bikes, e‑scooters, strollers, office chairs, and gym gear—most rely on metric hex hardware. The locking positions let you work in cramped urban settings and deliver reliable torque. Sell tiered packages (basic safety check, full tune, fleet service) and partner with apartment complexes and coworking spaces.


Flat-Pack Pro Assembly Service

Specialize in fast, clean assembly of IKEA and other flat‑pack furniture, home gyms, and shelving. The compact folding set covers common M3–M8 fittings, with the 90° mode acting like a T‑handle for stubborn bolts. Offer same‑day booking, protective mat setup, and removal of packaging for a premium experience.


T‑Slot Workstation & Display Installs

Design and install modular 8020-style workbenches, retail displays, and trade show fixtures using metric fasteners. Use the 180° position for speed during builds and 90° for final torque verification. Provide CAD-to-install packages, rental options for events, and quick reconfiguration services between shows.


Workspace Torque & Safety Subscriptions

Sell monthly maintenance to offices, makerspaces, and gyms: tighten loose desk frames, monitor arms, machine guards, and equipment using metric cap screws. The locking hex set helps reach under surfaces and apply repeatable torque without extra drivers. Include a digital checklist with photos and preventative maintenance notes.


DIY Kit Microbrand (Lamp/Stand/Planter)

Launch a small line of DIY kits that assemble with common metric cap screws—adjustable lamp, laptop stand, or plant shelf. Bundle or upsell the folding hex set so customers can build confidently; the lockable positions make the single tool feel premium. Market as sustainable, repairable designs with spare parts and clear torque guidance.

Creative

Flat-Pack Side Table with Captive Hardware

Design and build a compact, knock-down side table that assembles with M4–M8 socket head cap screws and threaded inserts. Use the hex set’s 90° lock as a T-handle for high-torque tightening of leg brackets and the 180° position for fast spinning on long bolts. The flat ends give positive engagement in tight countersinks, and the range from 1.5–8 mm covers inserts, standoffs, and feet.


Kinetic Linkage Sculpture

Create a desk-sized kinetic sculpture with pivoting aluminum arms joined by shoulder bolts and set screws. Use the 135° lock to comfortably adjust friction at awkward angles, tuning motion so parts glide but hold position. The rigid steel side plate helps deliver controlled torque without flexing the tool when fine-tuning clamps.


Modular T‑Slot Wall Grid

Build a reconfigurable wall organizer using metric T-slot extrusions (2020/2040) with M3–M6 hardware. The folding hex set lets you rapidly assemble corner brackets in 180° speed mode, then switch to 90° for final torque on sliders and hooks. Rearrange shelves, bins, and hooks by loosening and re‑tightening with a single compact tool.


Adjustable Task Lamp with Friction Pivots

Craft a modern desk lamp with multi-axis pivots that use M5/M6 cap screws and nylon washers for adjustable tension. The push-button locking hex set makes it easy to torque pivot screws without the tool collapsing, and the 135° position helps reach inside the lamp’s arm channels. Hide a hex access port so the lamp’s tension can be tuned on the fly.


Secret-Fastener Puzzle Box

Make a wooden puzzle box where panels are secured by hidden metric set screws behind sliding veneers. Use the 180° setting for rapid removal once the secret path is found, then switch to 90° for final snugging to prevent rattle. Precise flat-end keys reduce cam-out in shallow, concealed recesses.