Question on my favorite chainsaw tool - Wiha allen wrench

[newforest]

This one pictured looks a fair bit shorter than mine:

I have been considering sawing mine down a little, or a lot. It just seems too long - some of the effort of turning it turns the wrench itself before the nut moves. It seems like when tightening, a shorter wrench would get it done more accurately.

Or is there some odd reason this is better for an Allen Wrench?

I haven't yet found a "tight spot" on a saw where a long wrench is needed to reach in there, though I guess they could exist deep in a saw somewhere - but then I could just pick up a new, long wrench and use a shorter one for the routine external nuts.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

The added length is a bonus when the reach is needed or to keep from over-tightening... but its not necessary and sometimes a hindrance.

 

[newforest]

Thanks. I have been wondering sometimes why there are never 'click-wrench' type torque specs on a few of the critical spots on a saw. Particularly on magnesium bodies. I over-tightened an automotive oil drain plug once on an aluminum oil pan once - big mistake - but it was a pretty high mileage vehicle.

Anyway I plan to cut down the wrench I have and soften the cut edge just a tad, and pick up another one ... butI will keep that over-tightening possibility in mind.

I have to wonder how that would work with an Allen bit on a cordless? But I have no plans to go that route.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

The longer bit makes it more difficult, not impossible. I like longer ones for t-handles and shorter ones on bit holders for a ratchet or torque-wrench.

 

[birdcolonel]

Whia allen wrench

I have the tee-type also, but much prefer these. They don't flex as much under applied torque, have grippy handles, and exit and enter the allen heads faster.

 

[computeruser]

Ever since buying the chainsaw kit, I have started replacing many of my hand tools for WIHA...