DeWalt TOUGHSERIES Metric Folding Locking Hex Key Set (8-Piece)

I tossed the DeWalt folding metric hex set into my pocket for a week’s worth of bike tweaks, cabinet installs, and machine adjustments to see if a compact all-in-one could replace the handful of loose L-keys in my pouch. It didn’t take long to appreciate the convenience of having the essential metric sizes in one sturdy handle—and also to run into the familiar trade-offs that come with any folding set.

Build and materials

This set uses S2 steel for the keys, a good choice for impact- and torque-heavy applications. In practice, that matters: S2 has a little more spring and toughness than basic chrome-vanadium, and it tends to hold sharp corners longer. After repeatedly breaking loose stubborn 5 mm and 6 mm set screws, I saw no twisting or visible deformation. The edges stayed crisp enough to engage snugly without cam-out.

The keys wear a black chrome finish with nickel tips. DeWalt claims 10× corrosion resistance and 2× more torque than a baseline model. I can’t validate those exact multipliers, but the finish did its job. After sweaty pocket carry and a day in damp conditions, there was no flash rusting, and the nickel ends offered a clean visual reference at the working tips. More importantly, the hex corners didn’t polish over prematurely.

The handle uses construction steel side plates with a TPR (thermoplastic rubber) overmold. The plates keep the frame rigid under load—no obvious flex when I leaned on an 8 mm at the 90° lock. The TPR adds grip without being gummy. It’s comfortable in bare hands and not too slick with light oil, though any rubberized grip will pick up grime and can be sensitive to harsh solvents. After a quick wipe, mine looked fine.

Locking mechanism and ergonomics

A push-button lets you lock each key at 90°, 135°, and 180°. Compared to friction-only designs, the positive lock matters. At 90°, you can apply real leverage without the blade folding on your knuckles. At 180°, the tool behaves more like a screwdriver, handy for spinning fasteners quickly once they’re broken loose. The 135° position gives knuckle clearance when a straight shot isn’t possible.

The button is easy enough to actuate one-handed. With gloves, it required a deliberate press, which is preferable to accidental unlocks. Once engaged, the lockup is confident—no rattly slop. There’s a bit of torsional flex in the longer keys if you really lean on them, but that’s inherent to the diameter and length, not the mechanism. Across the week, the locks didn’t weaken or “settle,” and the leaves didn’t creep under load.

The whole package is pocketable. It’s thicker than a GorillaGrip-style set by a hair thanks to the lock hardware, but not offensively bulky, and the rounded TPR makes it kinder to your pocket than bare steel scales.

Performance and fit

Hex keys succeed or fail on fit and edge retention. These keys seat well. The chamfer at the tip is appropriately small, so the working corners reach deep into the fastener. I didn’t encounter rounding on common socket head cap screws, even those that had seen some abuse.

Torque transmission is solid up through 6 mm. On the 8 mm, I purposely went after a stubborn set screw in a machine pillow block—something I’d usually reach for a dedicated L-key or T-handle for. Locked at 90° and using the handle as a lever, the screw broke free without protest. The key didn’t twist or permanently deform, and the lock didn’t budge. You won’t match the outright leverage of a long-arm T-handle, but for field work, the performance is better than most folding sets I’ve used.

The limitation is reach and body clearance. With the key folded out at 180°, the handle still sits in line behind it. If the fastener is deeply recessed or surrounded by features, the body can interfere. That’s true of any folding set, but worth noting if you frequently work in cramped machinery. Also, these are straight hex tips—no ball ends—so they need to be aligned with the fastener. I don’t consider that a negative; ball ends are great for speed but a liability for high-torque breakaway. If you rely on off-axis access, plan to carry a separate ball-end set.

Size coverage

You get eight metric sizes: 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 mm. That covers most common metric fasteners I meet in furniture, bikes, fixtures, and light machinery. The jump from 6 to 8 mm is sensible—8 mm shows up in pulleys, brake rotors, and machinery guards. The omission of 7 mm isn’t unusual for an eight-piece format, but if you work on equipment that uses oddball 7 mm cap screws, you’ll need a backup. The 1.5 mm works for tiny set screws, though for true micro electronics you’ll still want separate precision drivers.

Durability and corrosion resistance

Black chrome finishes often wear to a sheen on the corners over time, but they resist rust better than bright chrome in my experience. After a week of rain, dust, and pocket carry, I saw no rust blooms or flaking. The nickel tips seemed to shrug off minor scratching. S2 steel can chip if abused, yet I didn’t see micro-chipping at the edges after repeated engagements in slightly damaged fasteners. If you do get them filthy, the push-button area can collect grit; a quick blast of air or a brush keeps it moving freely.

The hinge pins stayed tight. There’s always a fear that multi-leaf tools loosen and turn into a flopping mess. That didn’t happen here. If it ever does, the construction suggests it’s serviceable, but I didn’t need to touch it.

Ergonomics in real use

The TPR grip earns its keep. Cold mornings, sweaty afternoons—it stayed comfortable and secure. Using the 90° position with the handle as a lever mimics a stubby T-handle well enough for most field tasks. The 135° angle is surprisingly useful when a straight shot would bang your knuckles on adjacent hardware.

One small nit: flipping a small blade (like 1.5 or 2 mm) out from the stack with gloved fingers takes a bit of finesse. That’s a folding-set reality rather than a specific flaw, but if you frequently switch between sizes mid-task, individual L-keys are still the fastest.

Warranty and value

The set carries a 1-year limited warranty. For a hand tool that will live in a jobsite pouch, that’s modest—some competitors offer longer coverage. That said, the build inspires confidence, and I’d be surprised if the mechanism or keys failed under normal use. If you’re hard on tools and rely on lifetime coverage, keep the warranty period in mind.

As for value, you’re getting S2 steel keys, a corrosion-resistant finish, and a positive locking mechanism in a compact form. If you already carry separate L-keys and T-handles, this isn’t a total replacement. But as a daily driver for service calls or as a travel kit for cyclists and techs, it’s a strong proposition.

Who it’s for (and who it isn’t)

• Ideal for:

  • Field techs, installers, and maintenance pros who need the common metric sizes in a single, durable package.
  • Cyclists and hobbyists who want a pocketable set with real torque capability.
  • Anyone who’s been burned by friction-only folding sets that collapse under load.

• Not ideal for:

  • Precision electronics work that needs sub-1.5 mm sizes and ultra-slim access.
  • Deep-reach or off-axis tasks where long-arm ball-end keys or T-handles shine.
  • Users who prioritize lifetime warranties above all else.

The bottom line

The DeWalt folding metric hex set gets the fundamentals right: tough S2 blades, a finish that resists rust, and a push-button lock that actually holds at useful angles. It delivers real torque without chewing up fasteners and packs into a compact, comfortable handle that won’t beat up your hands or your pocket. The trade-offs are the usual suspects—limited reach, no ball ends, and a modest warranty—but none were dealbreakers in my use.

Recommendation: I recommend this set as a dependable, compact solution for everyday metric hex work. It’s particularly good for field kits and anyone who wants the convenience of a folding set without sacrificing torque or durability. If your work demands deep reach, off-axis access, or you insist on lifetime coverage, keep specialized keys alongside it. For most users, though, this will earn a permanent spot in the pouch.