Mac R.B.R.T

[Xcursion88]

Anyone have experience with Mac's R.B.R.T in any or all variances?

Torx/star (they call it star)
Hex
Extractors.. foreign object..???

Impact variety and non...


Ready, set, go

 

[dstblj52]

It's been great to me really pricy but IMHO especially in proto branding when zoro runs 20% off coupons it's some of the best value for money high end bits available

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I have every type of Mac torx rbrt socket and they are fantastic. You can absolutely notice a big difference in performance.

I've seen a Mac rbrt hex bit pull out a completely stripped bolt.

I haven't tried any of their impact bits yet but I feel like it might not be worth it in impact.

Overall I feel like rbrt is kind of like flank drive. A great design that once the patent expires, everyone will copy it. But for now you have to pay the premium.

Edit : I think they call it star because torx is a trademark and their design is not torx technically even if it is intended for use with torx fasteners.

 

[Buckgnarly]

It's the real deal. I have the torx, hex, and triple square and the all work excellent.

 

[Xcursion88]

I asked this because the MAC guy been trying to sell me these and I just had a SO T30 get all chewed up.....
Yes the SO is warranted but that **** annoys me.

 

[dstblj52]

I asked this because the MAC guy been trying to sell me these and I just had a SO T30 get all chewed up.....
Yes the SO is warranted but that **** annoys me.

You can save some money and buy them through zoro in proto and facom colors if that's the hump you're trying to get over

 

[Xcursion88]

You can save some money and buy them through zoro in proto and facom colors if that's the hump you're trying to get over

No...my only hump was replacing something from SO with MAC.

 

[woody 73]

Please could someone give me a link from the Zoro web-site on the proto R.B.R.T sets.

Thanks.

woody

 

[Buckgnarly]

Please could someone give me a link from the Zoro web-site on the proto R.B.R.T sets.

Thanks.

woody

Just cross reference from the Proto literature onto Zoro site...that's how I found them.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&url=https://www.protoindustrial.com/literatures/Brand/Proto/MKT-3089_ICPRADVHBSKTSS_PROTO_Advanced%2520Hex%2520Bit%2520Sockets.pdf&ved=2ahUKEwixtcOyn6XyAhWDQ_EDHdW6AjsQFnoECAcQAQ&sqi=2&usg=AOvVaw28ApsLT1nI4mVvl9dZKo8f

 

[Skin]

You can save some money and buy them through zoro in proto and facom colors if that's the hump you're trying to get over

Facom has no warranty in the US and Proto has a questionable past for mail in service. Bit sockets are essentially consumable and will get destroyed. Its one of the few tools where the truck warranty may actually work in your favor despite the higher up front cost. If it were wrenches or ratchets we were talking about I'd agree to just go with Proto but for bit sockets the MAC markup does serve a purpose here.

The design itself works well but they're more about removing damaged or partially rounded fasteners. This is most notable on hex around the chassis that ends up getting heavily corroded. On healthy fasteners there really isnt a huge difference. Buy a few singles and see how you like them. The only downside is MAC has been rather stingy with the sales. I've been waiting for a while for the RBRT extractor master set to be in the flyer.

 

[FuzzyTiger]

Facom has no warranty in the US and Proto has a questionable past for mail in service. Bit sockets are essentially consumable and will get destroyed. Its one of the few tools where the truck warranty may actually work in your favor despite the higher up front cost. If it were wrenches or ratchets we were talking about I'd agree to just go with Proto but for bit sockets the MAC markup does serve a purpose here.

The design itself works well but they're more about removing damaged or partially rounded fasteners. This is most notable on hex around the chassis that ends up getting heavily corroded. On healthy fasteners there really isnt a huge difference. Buy a few singles and see how you like them. The only downside is MAC has been rather stingy with the sales. I've been waiting for a while for the RBRT extractor master set to be in the flyer.

I find with torx it's best to just use rbrt bits every time. They tend to do less damage to the fastener and have a more solid fit.

As far as warranty goes, the design by its nature makes the bits more fragile I think so I wouldn't want to own them without warranty. My speed star bits especially.

 

[Xcursion88]

The whole problem with these fasteners is the person who messed with it previously.

They put in what fits and attempt to loosen.
The slightest bit of debris or corrosion distorts the proper size and they ultimately use the wrong sized bit...and there's your hogged out hex/torx fastener.

Here in the rust belt we see this **** all the time.

 

[Buckgnarly]

My favorite application is swaybar end links...those damn things NEVER come off easy. The Proto hex versions that I got have done AMAZING in that application with impact on the other end.

 

[Odd-job]

Because of this thread have some in my Zoro cart waiting for a 20% coupon. The Zoro website I swear makes it hard to find these. Could not find the Proto Torx RBRT though.

Here's links to make it easier for the next person:

Proto 1/4 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 10 pcs J7440R8MM | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 10 pcs, J7440R8MM at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto 3/8 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 7 pcs J4990R7MM | Zoro

Order Proto 3/8 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 7 pcs, J4990R7MM at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[woody 73]

odd job you are the Man thank you!

 

[Buckgnarly]

Because of this thread have some in my Zoro cart waiting for a 20% coupon. The Zoro website I swear makes it hard to find these. Could not find the Proto Torx RBRT though.

Here's links to make it easier for the next person:

Proto 1/4 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 10 pcs J7440R8MM | Zoro

Order Proto 1/4 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 10 pcs, J7440R8MM at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Proto 3/8 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 7 pcs J4990R7MM | Zoro

Order Proto 3/8 in Drive Socket Bit Set, Metric, 7 pcs, J4990R7MM at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

As far as I know there is nothing other than Proto hex versions, only the 3 different drive size hex sets.

 

[Odd-job]

As far as I know there is nothing other than Proto hex versions, only the 3 different drive size hex sets.

Thanks. Maybe I got confused as I thought there were separate sets for torx and triple square since you mentioned having those. Have been dealing with mostly stripped hex and sometimes torx heads.

 

[Fedwrench]

I didn't think you would want RBRT bits since they're made in Taiwan.
there's a You Tube Channel, Dan the RBRT guy that probably shows more info than any MAC dealer can.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Thanks. Maybe I got confused as I thought there were separate sets for torx and triple square since you mentioned having those. Have been dealing with mostly stripped hex and sometimes torx heads.

I should clarify....my chrome hex versions are Proto, the rest I got from Mac. If I could get them all Proto I would, as Mac CS has been horrible in the last year or so....and I know they are the same parent company, just seems the Mac side is where they send the worst CS workers!

 

[Odd-job]

I should clarify....my chrome hex versions are Proto, the rest I got from Mac. If I could get them all Proto I would, as Mac CS has been horrible in the last year or so....and I know they are the same parent company, just seems the Mac side is where they send the worst CS workers!

Thanks for the clarification. The MAC pricing makes me think I don’t need them that badly. Would be great if we could buy them via Proto via Zoro one of these days. Impacting would be sweet too.

 

[DantheRBRTguy]

I didn't think you would want RBRT bits since they're made in Taiwan.
there's a You Tube Channel, Dan the RBRT guy that probably shows more info than any MAC

I didn't think you would want RBRT bits since they're made in Taiwan.
there's a You Tube Channel, Dan the RBRT guy that probably shows more info than any MAC dealer can.

Thanks!

 

[JradM]

The new Craftsman V-Series tools (not available yet) seem like they're using some sort of half RBRT tech. Craftsman is calling it X-TRACT technology:

 

[mikebaker1129]

Thanks for the clarification. The MAC pricing makes me think I don’t need them that badly. Would be great if we could buy them via Proto via Zoro one of these days. Impacting would be sweet too.

You can , Zoro is where I purchased my rbrt Proto.

 

[Odd-job]

You can , Zoro is where I purchased my rbrt Proto.

Only hex chrome rbrt at least I could find. If you can figure out the Zoros search algorithm for other options like impact hex, torx and the speed bits please post links.

My 1/4 hex rbrt came in. They work very nice. Was able to get a 3mm rounded titanium bolt
out of one of my bikes that was intimidating me. Almost made it too easy.

Also the Mac website pricing doesn’t seem half bad. $10 for a 1/4 socket makes a full 8 piece set at $82 (plus $10 shipping). My proto set ran $77 from Zoro. Going to get some bits though at $4 a piece to run in bit ratchets and bit holders. Of course they are sold out of 5mm Allens and T30’s right now .

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Nice to see some feedback on RBRT. Most of my bits are VIM, those that arent are at least s2 steel. Perhaps I should consider a set though.

 

[Odd-job]

Nice to see some feedback on RBRT. Most of my bits are VIM, those that arent are at least s2 steel. Perhaps I should consider a set though.

The irony is I think did the damage initially with a VIM bit socket.