Homemade torx socket bits

[rick carpenter]

I'm making my own mid-length torx socket bits, and I have the T40, T30, T25, and T20 made with cut-down torx keys epoxied into 1/4 deep Craftsman sockets. Now I'm looking for 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 deep sockets for my remaining T27, T15, and T10 'bits'.

The T27 fits into a 3/16 socket, but I can't find it available as a single from CM. I'd druther find the 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 out of the same mfr if possible, not necessarily CM.

 

[nato]

I've made a couple before. Same process as you, too. No issues really, other than most of the non-serviceable sockets (bit holders), are a friction-fit anymore, simply retaining those bits by a tight fit, it's pretty much the same all across the board.

If you get a system up and going, it will be nice to make a few extra bits and use those normal sockets, that way if one wears out, you just drive the bit part out & replace it just like some of the major truck brands.

Beats paying $$$$ for the other kits when you'll only use them a handful of times.
Plus, custom lengths are always nice (like some you may not be able to actually purchase).

 

[rick carpenter]

It's funner to make your own than just buy, you get what you want and for cheaper too in my case. I've found plenty of torx socket bit sets for sale but they're mixed 1/4 and 3/8 std, mine are all 1/4 deeps so far.

But I didn't actually ask the question I intended to ask. So... who makes quarter inch drive 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 deeps (with ball detents if possible)? Second choice would be std depths.

 

[muskaman67]

It's funner to make your own than just buy, you get what you want and for cheaper too in my case. I've found plenty of torx socket bit sets for sale but they're mixed 1/4 and 3/8 std, mine are all 1/4 deeps so far.

But I didn't actually ask the question I intended to ask. So... who makes quarter inch drive 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 deeps (with ball detents if possible)? Second choice would be std depths.

"funner" lol but yes great idea. definitely saves money in the long run.

 

[shoturtle]

I would have skip the epoxy and drill into the socket, tap it, and used a small set screw. torx bits are really a wear item over time. And it makes it a bit easier to change when the times come.

 

[R-C]

I've been using the same set of stanley torx bits dayly for years. They all fit snug still

 

[shoturtle]

We used them every single day at work, and we change the bits about every 6-9 month because of the wear they go through. If you do not abuse them they can last for years. But on an industrial front, they do not. We have worn out william, snap on, wiha, wright, armstrong and pretty much every single high end brand.

 

[rick carpenter]

My Eklind bits will be used on my cars, so no heavy usage. Shoturtle, I thought about that but I don't have the setup to drill and tap sockets. Epoxy can be melted and the bits replaced, and the sockets are not compromised for regular use should I ever be torx-free.

So back to the question of who makes 3/32, 1/8, and 3/16 deeps, maybe electronics or modellers suppliers?

 

[MJB24]

5MV65 Westward 3/16
12A292 SK 1/8
12A294 SK 3/16
I found those on Grainger, you can go there to get mfr. part number. these are 6 pt. Is that what you need

 

[rick carpenter]

To make a short story much longer than necessary, as I look online these things are available but I thought homemade with the sockets going down in size as the shanks went down in size would be cool. Looks like even hex bit sockets (pop the hex bits out) in the sizes I still need are more than I wanted to spend, so... I'll probably just go to necked down 1/4 drive.

 

[rick carpenter]

5MV65 Westward 3/16
12A292 SK 1/8
12A294 SK 3/16
I found those on Grainger, you can go there to get mfr. part number. these are 6 pt. Is that what you need

Thanks MJB!, you posted before I updated my thread. The Westward I can afford so I'll get that one. The two SKs are $12+ each

 

[rick carpenter]

Grainger carries CM Industrial as well, and for not much more than Westward, $5+. But their regular ground shipping is $9+ which is ridiculous. I've received larger packages from other suppliers reg grd free shipping. Oh well.