hex and torx socket sets

[water-works]

Looking for new set of torx and hex socket sets, preferably 3/8" drive, in both standard and metric.

Any recommendations? Located in CA.

Comparing Husky, Kobalt, and Craftsman. Any others I should consider? Since craftsman moved some (all?) of their manufacturing to China, I've been reading user reviews of quality decline. Most of my tools get used on vehicles, although I do woodworking too.

Husky - $13 (standard; 7 sockets)
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-3...it-Socket-Set-7-Piece-H3DMM7PCHBSSR/203559457

Kobalt - $20 (standard; 7 sockets)
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-7-Piece-3-8-in-Drive-Hex-Driver-Socket-Set/3387788

Craftsman - $18 (standard; 6 sockets)
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-6-pc...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

 

[Alpine4x4]

This is a pretty comprehensive set for $25, but it is mixed 1/4 and 3/8 drive. I got it a few weeks ago and have been pleased so far.
http://www.sears.com/dewalt-4-1-8-in-hole-saw/p-00999941000P?redirectType=SKIP_LEVEL

 

[Tallpilot]

I like Capri. Strong and good warranty. They have some good master sets.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Vim sets are great bang for the buck.

Other names; Snap on, Bondhus, Wera, Wiha

 

[plinker]

Gearwrench is decent, here's a complete set https://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-80742.aspx

VIM is decent as well, similar master set, https://www.tooltopia.com/vim-mms64.aspx

 

[drtyler]

OTC 5900A set is $65.99 from Tooltopia. It's pretty complete, and the quality is good.

https://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-5900a.aspx

 

[Parrothead]

I don’t know what I’d do now, but about 15 years ago I bought the Stanley hex and Torx bits from Walmart. I wasn’t expecting anything but they’ve been impressive. I had a GMT400 in the junkyard I was removing the seatbelt and had a ratchet and a cheater pipe on it...the bit never twisted and I was positive it would! I’ve used them plenty hard on the cars and in the junkyard and nothing’s bent or twisted yet. I’m 99% sure mine were made in Taiwan, and the current versions are made in China.

Truthfully I’d probably try Tekton, because at the very least they’re great to deal with and they’re affordable.

TEKTON Star Bit Socket and E Socket Set for 1/4-Inch, 3/8-Inch and 1/2-Inch Drive Ratchets, 35-Sockets | 1354 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A50NBMO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Craftsman hex and torx sockets are some of the few tools I have broken under honest use. Not a place to cheap out unless you have redundancy. I've never broken my match, snapon, vim or gear wrench ones though.

I think vim and otc are good bang for the buck here.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

We just sent a half dozen or so impact rated sets to GJ members I've been in contact with who abuse hex and torx for field testing.

Hope to introduce later this year.
Lifetime warranty, but prob wont be $20

 

[Parrothead]

Vim sets are great bang for the buck.

Other names; Snap on, Bondhus, Wera, Wiha

Let’s see...$13,$18,$20, and $277

One of these things is not like the others
One of these things just doesn't belong
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

- Sesame Street

https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-H...it-Heavy-Duty-Removal-Socket-Set-P630929.aspx

 

[seanb02]

I've got one of these sets. Think I caught it on sale somewhere for around $200. Maybe not worth it if you aren't turning wrenches for a living or enjoy supporting USA manufacturing.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC8Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[mikebaker1129]

The craftsman and Husky are both made by Apex.
The Craftsman hex bits and Torx bits are garbage,but the whole kit can be picked up for $29 on sale pretty regular.
This is where I do prefer snap on.

 

[wvhillbillie]

Craftsman hex and torx sockets are some of the few tools I have broken under honest use. Not a place to cheap out unless you have redundancy. I've never broken my match, snapon, vim or gear wrench ones though.

I think vim and otc are good bang for the buck here.

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

I agree the craftsman are junk. I quit exchanging after the second time. I bought individual SK bits to put back in the sockets. I drive out the broken bit and replace it. The new bits seat back in tight and are not loose.

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

CAPRI Tools can’t beat it

 

[gregpack]

I just picked up a nice williams set, 50681, for less than $50 though zoro with coupon. Taiwan mfg. Haven't had a chance to test it yet.

 

[jeepinerdeep]

Proto (or Mac ) makes a really nice traditional hex. Sometimes can find a deal on Ebay.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Stanley-Pr...272685?hash=item33ddb9c9ed:g:OJwAAOSwehZaOnds



Sunex has a stubby style impact that I got and is extremely handy.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Sunex-8pc-...105149&hash=item4414dd2fda:g:YfkAAOSwEVZaWrTi

The only torx I can get to live are S-O gold. I got them on Ebay used, but Bondhus would be a good second choice. I like the bondhus they are just a little too flexy for breaking rusty stuff loose.

 

[bcradio]

We just sent a half dozen or so impact rated sets to GJ members I've been in contact with who abuse hex and torx for field testing.

Hope to introduce later this year.
Lifetime warranty, but prob wont be $20

I look forward to these hitting the market

 

[Wamsutta]

TOPTUL would be the way to go. Better quality than Husky, Kobalt, or Craftsman.

 

[seber]

Maybe I've just been lucky but since I started using a 1/4" impact driver I stopped using the 3/8 drive for these. I have split a few of the bit holders but they are really cheap to replace. Bits break on occasion but they are almost free.

 

[cgv69]

Proto (or Mac )
The only torx I can get to live are S-O gold. I got them on Ebay used, but Bondhus would be a good second choice. I like the bondhus they are just a little too flexy for breaking rusty stuff loose.

Same here. I used to break torx drive bits all the time (and that was always with a ratchet, not a break bar or impact) so I got the Snap On gold set and haven't broke one since

 

[WhiffySpark]

Let’s see...$13,$18,$20, and $277

One of these things is not like the others
One of these things just doesn't belong
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?

- Sesame Street

https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-H...it-Heavy-Duty-Removal-Socket-Set-P630929.aspx

They’re Worth their weight in gold. Torx and hex

 

[Parrothead]

Same here. I used to break torx drive bits all the time (and that was always with a ratchet, not a break bar or impact) so I got the Snap On gold set and haven't broke one since

Let’s focus here guys. The OP asked about Torx sockets listed at $20 and under. At that price range you’re looking at Husky, Kobalt, Pittsburgh Pro, Stanley, Craftsman, Performax, Titan, Duralast, and Tekton. Possibly some others I’m missing. Some of these suggestions are just silly. Snap-on!?! 1,200% over the OP’s highest price point? Really?

 

[Parrothead]

They’re Worth their weight in gold. Torx and hex

While I won’t argue they’re nice, I will argue that unless you’re a pro mechanic using that particular tool all day every day, they’re out of line, especially when the guys asking about $20 Torx sockets. Believe it or not there are useable items that are in the OP price range.

 

[bwringer]

The Pittsburgh Pro sets at Harbor Freight are made in Taiwan (but make sure you check... there have been reports of Chinese junk creeping in), inexpensive, and astonishingly strong. I've abused the hell out of mine. I have long and short and ball end, and they're very handy for motorcycle work.

If you can't stand the thought of HF, then grab a set of Tekton, Gearwrench, AP, or Vim.

If you have a need for them, the black 1/2" drive HF impact hex and torx sets in the larger sizes are amazing -- also made in Taiwan.

All that said, there are times when automotive engineers and/or bean counters make incredibly stupid decisions, and nothing is realistically going to work.

For example, when Ford uses a T50 button head on a suspension bolt with 10mm threads. It's far too small and too shallow to ever remove the bolt after a few winters -- even if your bit holds up, the bolt head will strip out long before the bolt can break loose.

When faced with a highly inappropriate torx, I'll give it a try, but I always plan how I'm going to chisel or drill the ******* out, and I try to stop before the point of a total failure.

 

[Parrothead]

The Pittsburgh Pro sets at Harbor Freight are made in Taiwan (but make sure you check... there have been reports of Chinese junk creeping in), inexpensive, and astonishingly strong. I've abused the hell out of mine. I have long and short and ball end, and they're very handy for motorcycle work.

If you can't stand the thought of HF, then grab a set of Tekton, Gearwrench, AP, or Vim.

If you have a need for them, the black 1/2" drive HF impact hex and torx sets in the larger sizes are amazing -- also made in Taiwan.

All that said, there are times when automotive engineers and/or bean counters make incredibly stupid decisions, and nothing is realistically going to work.

For example, when Ford uses a T50 button head on a suspension bolt with 10mm threads. It's far too small and too shallow to ever remove the bolt after a few winters -- even if your bit holds up, the bolt head will strip out long before the bolt can break loose.

When faced with a highly inappropriate torx, I'll give it a try, but I always plan how I'm going to chisel or drill the ******* out, and I try to stop before the point of a total failure.

We so need a “like” button.

 

[water-works]

Wow, great feedback as always. Love this place.

I should have clarified, I only mentioned the price for comparison, but willing to spend a bit more if it seems worth it. I grew up with Craftsman in my dad's shop, but oh my have times have changed. I still remember the mac tools guy coming by all the time to sell us tools but they were crazy expensive. Last forever though so dad liked them a lot. They seem out of my price range though given this mechanical stuff is not my bread winner. So it's tough to justify dropping crazy amounts of cash. Never heard of some of these brands you guys kicked down. Can't wait to do some more digging into your recommendations. Thanks again

 

[markhm]

I bought the Craftsman set 6 months ago. It is Chinese garbage. The times I tried to use the metric hex bits, the fit on the ball ends was so loose, I gave up and used my old hex keys instead. The set is a waste of money. Not worth the $30 sale price.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I just got the Gearwrench Vortex bit set to replace an older Craftsman set that was lacking. It's pretty extensive and I can use it with my Vortex and square drive ratchets/drive tools. It's both 1/4" and 3/8" drive. I also added a set of large SAE and MM to update my bit sockets. http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrenc...drive-vortextm-bit-socket-set-sae-metric.html

 

[Tallpilot]

If you know exactly which sizes you need just get them individually from Snap-on. However if you aren't sure the Capri master sets get you everything for reasonable cost. BeardedSeaBee82 has been beaing the **** out if his and hasn't broken one yet. That is a sample of 1 but it shows they aren't junk. If you do break one now you know which Snap-on one to buy.

My advice is always to err on the side of buying more sizes than you think you need just in case then upgrade the stuff that needs to be top tier quality. It's the most economical way to prepare for the largest number of eventualities.

 

[cgv69]

While I won’t argue they’re nice, I will argue that unless you’re a pro mechanic using that particular tool all day every day, they’re out of line, especially when the guys asking about $20 Torx sockets. Believe it or not there are useable items that are in the OP price range.

You can argue that all you want but in the end, that's just your opinion and no more "right" than anybody else's

I am an amateur and not even a ********* one. I only do light maintenance type work on my cars (oil changes, brake jobs, etc.) but even I got tired of the cheap ones failing right in the middle of a project so to me, the Snap On's are worth the extra price.

That's just me and maybe it's not you or the OP but the OP should at least be informed of what options exist and what sets the different options apart so he/she can make up their own mind.

 

[crewchief888]

i have the long torx and MM allens from tekton.

so far, i havent managed to mangle any of them.

i needed them for a couple fasteners that are nearly impossible to reach. both low torque applications.

for the price and availability i wasnt gonna waste my time waiting for the SO huy to show up.

 

[Wamsutta]

Williams is another good option that people often overlook.

 

[reptilezs]

We just sent a half dozen or so impact rated sets to GJ members I've been in contact with who abuse hex and torx for field testing.

Hope to introduce later this year.
Lifetime warranty, but prob wont be $20

looking forward to when they come out. i use hex every day. main sizes that i use with an impact are 4, 5, 6, and 8mm. got a proto impact set now. also use the snap on chromes on the impact

 

[Firebrick43]

Same here. I used to break torx drive bits all the time (and that was always with a ratchet, not a break bar or impact) so I got the Snap On gold set and haven't broke one since

?? How are you getting them to survive ?? My snappy ' s don't nesseccarly break but 1/4 / 8mm and below always twist severely and the edges wear quickly causing the fasteners to strip out. I have probably replaced the 4mm 6 times in 3 years and the 6mm 2 or 3 times. The proto,s I have been using for the last 2 years I have not broken one yet and 4mm has been ground back once to restore it's edges and is nearing replacement. Problem with them is that they are longer than most standard allen sockets and I can't get them into tight areas at times.

 

[WhiffySpark]

?? How are you getting them to survive ?? My snappy ' s don't nesseccarly break but 1/4 / 8mm and below always twist severely and the edges wear quickly causing the fasteners to strip out. I have probably replaced the 4mm 6 times in 3 years and the 6mm 2 or 3 times. The proto,s I have been using for the last 2 years I have not broken one yet and 4mm has been ground back once to restore it's edges and is nearing replacement. Problem with them is that they are longer than most standard allen sockets and I can't get them into tight areas at times.

You got the gold ones?

 

[Firebrick43]

You got the gold ones?

As in the gold colored (cadinium plating) replaceable hex shanks themselves? Yes. I haven't paid much attention to colors but really haven't seen any other shanks other than gold on snap on hex sockets that I or coworkers owned.

Or is there another upper model with gold plated sockets instead of chrome plated ?

I am an industrial/cnc mechanic and may remove/install 100+ 6mm pan head screws a day (4mm hex driver) and most of the other components use 8mm and 10mm (6mm and 8mm hex) cap screws with significant torque.

The pan heads especially can be hell if some former farm mech tightened them up to much.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

As in the gold colored (cadinium plating) replaceable hex shanks themselves? Yes. I haven't paid much attention to colors but really haven't seen any other shanks other than gold on snap on hex sockets that I or coworkers owned.

Or is there another upper model with gold plated sockets instead of chrome plated ?

I am an industrial/cnc mechanic and may remove/install 100+ 6mm pan head screws a day (4mm hex driver) and most of the other components use 8mm and 10mm (6mm and 8mm hex) cap screws with significant torque.

The pan heads especially can be hell if some former farm mech tightened them up to much.

We look forward to you destroying our samples

 

[Holmesx10]

I second Capri tools. Great value and supposedly good customer service

 

[6PTsocket]

I have no Idea if they are impact rated but I needed a hex bit in a hurry. I grabbed the HF SAE set. As the spec for the 1/2" bit was 250ft-lb and I do not have that big a torque wrench, I used a old Williams breaker bar and a big cheater pipe. When I saw the breaker bar flex I called it a day. That bit from a $9 set was undamaged. I have a torx bit set, I think it is Lisle, that I have never had issues with either. The bits and sockets are one piece. Cheap has worked for me.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[jimmyin3D]

same here i haven't had any luck with my mac branded hex or torx. i upgraded from kobalt taiwan ones and thought the price would justify since i see them at work often. willing to try some other brands but at this point i'm sorely disappointed, even my coworkers snap on gold ones don't seem great.

Astro when will your guys seta come out? i'm willing to try them out if available soon!