Bit Socket Vs. One Piece Design

[sweet victory]

I'm looking to purchase a set of torx and tripple square drivers. Stubby and long length drivers, if that matters. I'm curious which Garage Journal prefers or thinks is the superior design: The two piece design like this, or single piece design like this.

Currently leaning towards the single piece. My head tells me the single piece will be stronger due to less stress risers and better access in tight quarters. In the two piece design, it seems like the socket the bit sits in would create a large bending moment if the ratchet is turned off axis. Not sure what material selection is used though, so the stress risers/bending moments may be negligible. Thoughts?

 

[ocloc24]

For stubbies I have vim in hex, Torx, and XZN. They're great and are reviewed well. I bought mine from my snap on guy(rebranded blue point). They're def the shortest stubby you can buy. For my reg length and long I have the 2 piece style, I don't think there are many options for one piece longer than stubby. I have snap on for all my bit sockets as those have held up the longest for me (I use bit sockets more than reg sockets as an industrial mechanic). I have some proto that have held up good as well.

 

[Jake_J.]

The pressed in two piece style is much more common, so I suspect it may be the better design. I've seen the one piece style twist whereas the two piece will snap the tip if they are going to fail.

 

[sweet victory]

The pressed in two piece style is much more common, so I suspect it may be the better design. I've seen the one piece style twist whereas the two piece will snap the tip if they are going to fail.

Or cheaper to manufacture.


Would you rather your tool twist, or snap bust a knuckle?

 

[sweet victory]

For stubbies I have vim in hex, Torx, and XZN.

Is there a difference between XZN and triple squares?

 

[KnurledNut]

Is there a difference between XZN and triple squares?

They are the same.

There is a double hex that is different.

 

[Tonyuk]

Both really,

I use 1/4" torx bit sockets daily, they're ideal doe stuff T30/40 and under and can also be used on an impact driver or drill easily.

For the larger sizes however i would definitely recommend the 1 piece sockets. Make sure to buy a decent well-fitting brand with a lifetime guarantee. The torx will twist eventually. The same goes for the splines.

I've found torx (and splines) tend to snap if used with impact tools, even the good quality ones.

I would recommend Facom & Mac for the complete sockets. And Wera, Wiha or Dewalt for the 1/4" bits.

I would forget getting the 1/4" bits in a multipack with a load of sizes, i would get them in the tic-tac like boxes of 10 and up, you don't need that many sizes really.

 

[seber]

I've worn out examples of both. When the two piece wears out or breaks you can replace the worn insert cheap. The one piece means a whole new unit. Also the two piece are tempered harder so they last a LOT longer.

 

[sweet victory]

Just wanted to hear guys! Thank you. Since triple squares don't seem to last as long as 6 or 12pt sockets, is this a tool you would recommend not buying used?

 

[ken w.]

I prefer the replaceable bit type. I have both.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

I like the two piece design for long or regular size bits, you can replace the piece that broke on the spot rather than having to wait for a replacement if you have a one piece. Though for the stubby size bits I have always enjoyed VIM.

 

[Fedwrench]

there are good and bad in both types. For example, the one piece Lisle torx bits **** muddy swamp water whereas, the VIM one piece bits are great.

I've broken the chrome portion of an SK hex bit, while the bit was fine.

I would say look for bits made from S2 steel and that come with a decent warranty.

One brand that's getting some praise for their Bit sockets recently is Capri Tools. I'm not sure who makes their Bit Sockets but, they're pretty good and the price is very good if you shop around. Made in Taiwan if that's an issue.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have both, but think of the two piece with the replaceable bit the better choice. When I buy replacement bits, I usually buy spares, much the same when buying smaller drill bits, cutoff wheels, and saw blades.. A person doesn't necessarily plan on busting all that many bits,, but,, I would vote that their breakage comes in second, next to the smaller drill bits.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Also, most of the good bits I own, sk, mac, older craftsman and gearwrench will twist rather than snap. Depending which way you twist it, it will only work the opposite of what you were using it as. For example, if removing a fastener, if twisted you can now only tighten it. If you have a two piece design and replacement bits, you can finish the job. The only ones I've snapped were Stanley torx bits I bought in a pinch.