What brand were you using that shattered and was it a socket type or L shape?
This is the set I own:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=79984&group_ID=11478&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
but I bought them Specifically for working on forks (getting to the cartridge/damper rod bolt) and they can be a bit of a pain to deal with in other situations. Still, I have Abused these things for over a decade as both a dealer and independent mechanic and only the 6mm is starting to show any signs of needing to be replaced (rounding off of the points).
This is my opinion, but if you can, buy used (the warranty is the same). And Blue Point stuff is the same quality as Snap-On, carries the same warranty and is sometimes cheaper.
Sorry, I forget what brand and product does not have it stamped, have had them for 5 years and use them a few times a month. I use a torque wrench and the riser screws were torqued to 18 ft lbs a few days ago when I installed the Murph bar risers (I did use blue thread lock on them)
.. again was very surprised when this broke.
Product stamped with
- Chrome Vanadium 6 mm (on chrome plated body of socket)
- Taiwan (on chrome plated body of socket)
- Allen shaft has 6 stamped on it and crack runs through the the 6 ......
See photos
Question: I always thought the longer the hex shaft the more "give" .. "gummy" feel in the torque feedback .. so a stubby hex would be stronger than a standard length hex shaft that would be longer than a long length shaft?
Snap-on if "what brand is best" is still the topic