DeWalt 8PC Imperial Hex Key Set

Why this folding hex set earned a spot in my everyday kit

I keep a folding hex set in my electrical pouch, my HVAC bag, and the glovebox of my truck. The draw is simple: one compact handle, a spread of common sizes, and no loose keys to misplace. DeWalt’s folding hex set in SAE fits that role well, with a push-button locking mechanism that’s more than a gimmick—it’s the feature that makes this tool stand out.

Locking positions that actually matter

Most fold-up hex tools rely on friction. Pull a blade out, hope the pivot tension is just right, and try not to pinch your fingers when it swings shut under load. This one uses a push-button lock with three fixed positions—90°, 135°, and 180°—and in practice, that translates to real usability:

• 90° gives you a T-handle feel for breaking fasteners loose. With the handle as a lever, you can apply respectable torque.
• 135° is the sweet spot for working around obstructions while keeping your knuckles out of the way.
• 180° is inline, so you can spin hardware quickly like a screwdriver.

The lock clicks into each position positively, and mine didn’t budge under reasonable torque on sizes from 3/32 up to 1/4 inch. On small sizes, I still default to common sense: the tool can take it, but tiny keys will twist before the handle even notices. The lock helps you modulate force so you can push confidently without surprises.

Build and ergonomics

The housing has steel side plates that stiffen the handle and keep flex to a minimum when you lean on it. That makes a difference when you’re trying to loosen a stubborn 1/4-inch cap screw. The handle fills the hand without being bulky, and the bright yellow shell is easy to spot in a dark tote or under a dash.

The pivots on my sample were set up snug out of the package and remained consistent after a few weeks of jobsite use—adjusting conduit fittings, aligning door hardware, and doing a couple of light automotive tasks. The keys deploy with enough resistance to feel deliberate, and the button sits slightly proud of the side plate so you can find it by feel with gloves on.

Size coverage and what’s missing

You get eight imperial sizes: 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, and 1/4 inch. For electricians and HVAC techs in the U.S., that covers most set screws and hardware you’ll see on dampers, pulleys, and panel latches. In carpentry and general construction, it handles a range of brackets and fixtures. In automotive and appliance work, it’ll get you through a lot of trim and accessory fasteners that aren’t metric.

A couple of caveats:

• The smallest sizes below 3/32 aren’t included. If you work on electronics or hardware that often needs 1/16 or 5/64, you’ll want a separate set.
• This is an SAE set. If you do furniture assembly, bikes, or imported machinery, you’ll need the metric variant alongside it. I carry both to avoid rounding off a fastener in the field.

Also worth noting: these are straight hex ends, not ball-end. That’s typical for folding sets and contributes to strength, but it means you’ll need a more direct approach to the fastener. If you frequently work at steep angles, a dedicated ball-end L-key set is a better companion.

In use: where it shines and where it doesn’t

I used the 1/8 and 5/32 keys the most—tightening set screws on dampers, aligning door levers, and tweaking cabinet hardware. The 180° position is excellent for spinning longer fasteners once they’re broken free. The 90° position lets you snap things loose without the blade collapsing, and the handle provides a stable grip without digging into your palm.

There are two inherent trade-offs with this format:

1. Reach. Folding sets have shorter blade lengths than long-arm L-keys. In tight cavities or when you need extra reach, you’ll hit the handle before you reach the fastener.
2. Clearance. The handle itself can block you in clustered assemblies—think closely spaced set screws or recessed fasteners. The 135° position helps, but there are moments when a single L-key is the only practical option.

Neither of these is a flaw unique to this tool—it’s the nature of folding hex sets. I treat this as my first-line solution for most tasks and switch to long L-keys or T-handles for deep or stuck fasteners.

Fit and feel in fasteners

The keys seat cleanly with minimal slop in quality fasteners. I didn’t see burrs or poorly cut corners on mine, and they engaged set screws without cam-out. There’s no wobble introduced by the locking mechanism—once positioned, the blade behaves like a single piece with the handle. As always with hex keys, keep the key fully seated before applying torque, especially with the smaller sizes.

Durability and maintenance

The steel side plates are the right design choice for a folding set; plastic-only housings flex and wear faster under torque. The push-button mechanism remained crisp through daily use. I didn’t notice the pivots loosening, and there was no binding or gritty feel after some dusty attic work. I avoid over-lubricating folding tools because oil attracts grit; a quick blast of compressed air and an occasional wipe-down keep it moving smoothly.

There’s a one-year limited warranty. Hand tools like this rarely fail under normal use, and there’s not much to “service,” but it’s good to have a safety net.

Portability and day-to-day convenience

The whole point of a folding set is convenience. This one is compact enough for a pocket, and the bright yellow makes it easy to fish out of a crowded bag. The integrated format also means you won’t lose the 7/64 or 9/64 keys—the sizes that seem to vanish first from loose sets. The trade-off is weight compared to a single L-key; that’s a non-issue unless you’re counting ounces.

How it stacks up

Against budget folding sets, the locking mechanism alone puts this tool ahead—no collapsing blades, better control, and safer knuckles. Compared to premium brands known for long L-keys and T-handles, the DeWalt folding hex set isn’t a replacement; it’s the practical everyday companion. If your work leans heavily on hex fasteners all day, a full kit (folding set plus long-arm and ball-end keys) covers every scenario. For mixed-trade jobs, this single tool handles most of what you’ll face without digging for the right loose key.

Who will appreciate it most

• Electricians and HVAC techs who need quick access to common SAE sizes and value a tool that stays put under torque.
• General contractors and maintenance crews who want a compact, robust set for varied tasks.
• DIYers who are tired of losing individual L-keys and want a reliable, easy-to-spot solution.

If your work is predominantly metric, get the metric version (or carry both). If you routinely need long reach or off-axis access, pair this with a set of long, ball-end L-keys.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt folding hex set for anyone who needs a dependable, compact SAE solution with a genuinely useful locking mechanism. It’s well-built, the steel side plates inspire confidence under load, and the three-position lock makes it more versatile than friction-based fold-ups. The limitations—shorter reach, no ball-end, and SAE-only coverage—are typical of the format, not flaws in execution. For everyday jobsite and shop tasks where convenience, control, and quick access matter, this earns a spot in the bag. Pair it with long L-keys for deep or stubborn fasteners, and you’ll have a setup that covers almost everything without fuss.