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Torx Bits

aussiek2000

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Who has the best torx bits out right now for the money? I am currently in the snap on student program if that makes a difference.
 
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Kirbot

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Not Lisle, I can tell you that much.
I think they make their bits out of chewing gum.


I suppose it depends on how much you expect to use them.
I have one snap-on in one size I needed for my Jeep, and it is a tough ******.

I did break it a while ago, but I was using it on a 1/2" impact at the time, and Snap-on sent me a new one right away.
 

Techniker

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Who has the best torx bits out right now for the money? I am currently in the snap on student program if that makes a difference.

There's nothing really special about Torx bits, but you should be good with any of them assuming they come from a reputable tool manufacturer. You can never go wrong with Snap-On. My only suggestion is to get a basic set of Tamper (Security) Torx. When you can afford it, it actually helps to have some larger torx bits, beyond what comes in your standard set. Invariably some Mexican loses his wheel lock key for his special rims and they can be used to get it out. We're talking about the spline-type lug nuts here.

-Techniker
 

johnsdeere850j

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Who has the best torx bits out right now for the money? I am currently in the snap on student program if that makes a difference.

How much of a discount can you get on snap on with that program?

Cheapest and most convenient to get replaced at your convenience without knowing how much of a discount your snap on deal is, I would say craftsman. They really are OK if you are careful with them, careful as in making sure you got the head buried and squared in the fastener before cranking on them. I have got quite a few duplicates of the t50 I use a lot changing injection pumps on 5.9 isb cummins that are a little chewed up on the points. But all in all, I really like them. Wear about the same as the snap on's I have and I dont have to chase down a truck to get a replacement.
 

crewchief888

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i dont run into too many torx applications, but ive managed to manged more than my share of off brand bits.

i say go with SO
they have the best torx, especialy the "gold" hd bits
while you're at it, get your allen bits from SO too.
the best ive found so far


:beer:
 
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A

aussiek2000

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Just to clarify, I am talking about torx bit sockets not screwdrivers.

@johndeere850j, I get anywhere from 10%-60% off list.
 

Kirbot

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....and I dont have to chase down a truck to get a replacement.

I hear a lot of people say that. But if you email Snap-on, they'll send you a new bit right away.
It took about 3 or 4 days from when I emailed Snap-on, until the new torx bit arrived.

Not trying to nit pick... but not many people seem to know you don't have to find a truck to get stuff replaced.
 
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johnsdeere850j

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Just to clarify, I am talking about torx bit sockets not screwdrivers.

@johndeere850j, I get anywhere from 10%-60% off list.

If you can get the snap on's cheap, definitely go with them.....:thumbup:

I hear a lot of people say that. But if you email Snap-on, they'll send you a new bit right away.
It took about 3 or 4 days from when I emailed Snap-on, until the new torx bit arrived.

Not trying to nit pick... but not many people seem to know you don't have to find a truck to get stuff replaced.

Without sending yours in first? Who has to pay shipping?
 

Kirbot

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If you can get the snap on's cheap, definitely go with them.....:thumbup:



Without sending yours in first? Who has to pay shipping?

I just included a picture of it in the email, and the asked me to scrap it, once the replacement arrives.

They sent it via Ups, and paid for the shipping themselves.
 

johnsdeere850j

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They pay shipping, and normally you don't have to return the broken one........but if they want it, they'll pay shipping .:beer:

well i'll be danged.

I just included a picture of it in the email, and the asked me to scrap it, once the replacement arrives.

They sent it via Ups, and paid for the shipping themselves.

didn't know they would do that!
 

48548

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I also think the proto set I got was nice from grainger and pretty cheap and also I got a bunch of wera bits and nice wera holders from chads, but at about 6-7 dollars a pop and plus the 20 dollar holders adds up fast... I also have some gold snap on and regular craftsman that have been holding up well for me.
 

bart1

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I recently bought some Wihas off Amazon. Haven't really used them yet, but I feel like they will be great. Replaceable bits are a good benefit. They were very cheap, too.

Snap On are also top notch.
 

blown94conv

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Berlin, CT
This is one area where Snap-On > everyone else. The Gold bits are the best I have ever used, and I used to remove a lot of seat belt bolts. Never broke one, never stripped one.
 

nato

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+6,000,000 for the Snap On...ESPECIALLY the GOLD heavy-duty bits!!!
They always save the day for me, literally :thumbup:
Don't even WASTE any time trying the others...I have.....not worth it buy the time you come across a good used set, or even new
 

Skin

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For Pro use? SO titanium coated. For every once in awhile occasional use? Craftsman.
 

Fedwrench

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There is no equal to the Gold colored, Heavy Duty Snap on torx but sockets. They too will fail, but long after everyone else's has twisted, snapped, shattered, and stripped out.
Second place would be the S2 versions from VIM.:beer:
 
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MadeInUSA

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Dec 21, 2010
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Is it bad to use security torx in a non-security torx head? they will fit (when its just regular torx) but is it more likely to break or deform since there's less meat on the bit?

in other words, do I need to invest in a set of both when the security set will work for both applications?
 

Kirbot

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Is it bad to use security torx in a non-security torx head? they will fit (when its just regular torx) but is it more likely to break or deform since there's less meat on the bit?

in other words, do I need to invest in a set of both when the security set will work for both applications?

I'm sure they won't be as strong, but if you get them from a company with a good warranty, it would certainly be worth a try.
 

trout

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I wouldn't be comfortable using the larger size security torx in regular high torque situations, for the smaller sizes you should be fine.
 

wafrederick

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Torx plus bits are must too.I have encountered them,the 1998 and up 4L60Es use 8 T50 torx plus fasteners to hold the bellhousing on.Encountered one which holds the valve body on the 4T65Es which is a T30.Do need the security bits and GM does use them including Chrysler.The screws holding the mass air flow sensor on a newer GM 3800 are security torx screws.Chrysler uses them holding the ignition switch in place which one of the 3 or 4 is a security bit on some models
 

zoso

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There is no equal to the Gold colored, Heavy Duty Snap on torx but sockets. They too will fail, but long after everyone else's has twisted, snapped, shattered, and stripped out.
Second place would be the S2 versions from VIM.:beer:

Are the VIM bits you're referring to the ones that are sold by MAC and Cornwell?
 

dirtrider

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Oct 25, 2010
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I would get the Snapon's for sure, I don't own a set of Snapon torx sockets but I do have a set of 3/8 Sae hex Snapon sockets and those things are nearly unbreakable. I had a 5/32 hex socket on a 1/2 18inch long breaker bar with a reducer , while pulling and the hex tip never even flinched.
 

shampoop

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What's the real difference between the standard Snapon bits and the gold ones? Has anyone actually used both?
 

Les Brock

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For the amount of time I use them I have a cheapo set made from S2 steel (not sure if thats any good tho not to clued up on steel specs ?) seem to be fine.

I would, if I used them all the time and got a decent discount get SO
 

nato

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What's the real difference between the standard Snapon bits and the gold ones? Has anyone actually used both?

I've heard mixed reviews on this subject. No, I have not personally used regular, 'black' or 'grey' bit Snap On torx's, but my dealer told another guy at our shop that the gold was just anodizing when he asked him about it....
I don't know if that's the truth or not but the last time I checked, there's a pretty significant $ difference between the two version. So actual strength may play in here :dunno:
 

Wakefield

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Can a Snapon man press out a broken bit from the Snapon torx socket driver and press in a new one? Someone on one of these threads said that the newer non-gold Snapon bits were being upgraded to be as strong as the gold colored ones?
The Torx-plus only seems to come in one color,a sort of metal grey with a hint of tan
I guess a professional,doing a lot of work on things with Torx on them (like Jeeps?) needs to have a couple (backups) in the sizes he works on?
 

bart1

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Can a Snapon man press out a broken bit from the Snapon torx socket driver and press in a new one?

Herein lies the benefit of the Wiha replaveable bit - a small hex key is all you need. I'm not saying these are better than Snap on, but for the money a good option.

2.jpg


3.jpg
 

GeorgiaHybrid

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Yes,

You can put your Snap-on bit socket in a vise, knock out the old bit and press a new one into place in about 30 seconds or less. I don't know about other dealers but mine will replace any of the Torx bits with the gold colored ones when (and if) they do break.
 

Moose-LandTran

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In my experience the ones to buy are the Snap-on gold Heavy Duty or Stahlwille or Hazet. The Snap-on ones are the most readily available for you. For 1/2" and the sizes that you can't get in Heavy Duty ones i go with Hazet and Stahlwille, tough as nails and an unbeatable fit and finish.
 

MattT

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I suppose it depends on how much you expect to use them. I have one snap-on in one size I needed for my Jeep, and it is a tough ******.

More like it depends on what you're using them on. Socket drivers are one of those tools that can fail on the first high torque bolt they meet.

Herein lies the benefit of the Wiha replaveable bit - a small hex key is all you need. I'm not saying these are better than Snap on, but for the money a good option.

IME set screws are worse than Snap-on's pinless bit retainer. Never had a pinless bit work loose but I have had to re-tighten a bunch of set screws. Only thing to watch with SO is be sure to clear out a clean hole from the drive hole to the bit hole in older pinned sockets before you drive in a replacement pinless bit.
 

Skin

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What's the real difference between the standard Snapon bits and the gold ones?

Gold are titanium coated.

My one concern with German or Japan tools is warranty and torx is something you will destroy if you use them daily.
 

Kirbot

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More like it depends on what you're using them on. Socket drivers are one of those tools that can fail on the first high torque bolt they meet.

Good point
I wrecked my Lisle the first time I used it trying to get the rollbar off my Jeep.
 
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