T Handle or Screwdriver Torx?

[nezzman]

I am looking to buy a torx set for general use. Car repairs, home repairs….

I already have sockets, and l keys, but sometimes the hole leading to the bolt is too narrow to let me in with sockets, and the l keys are pretty short.

Question is, am I better with screwdriver handles, or t handles?

Cheers

 

[Aaron_W]

Both?

I don't actually use Torx much, and have been served just fine with one of those screwdriver handle sets that includes a variety of replicable tips providing Torx, Allen, Phillips etc. I do like my T handle Allen Wrenches though and prefer them over the multi-holder (Swiss Army Knife style), L keys or multibit screw driver if I'm doing more than just one or 2 screws. Then again I am quite happy with a regular screw driver for Phillips or slotted screws...

Sorry probably not much help.

 

[kjbenner]

I like the screwdriver style. If you have the space for a T-handle you've probably got the space for a ratchet since you said you've already got the sockets.

 

[nezzman]

I was leaning towards the screwdriver style. Anything large, I will use a socket.

The majority of torx I come across are things like interior trim screws, or fixing my washing machine, the screws where all torx.

I would guess a set up to t25 would do ok.

 

[JradM]

I like the screwdriver style for most things. I have both though and enjoy using T-handles. I think your instincts are probably right.

 

[Dave455]

Depends on the size.

Smaller sizes - T10, 15, 20, 25 for sure, definitely go with screwdriver handles.

Bigger sizes, it’s nice to have the leverage of T handles, but I have both, with a fair degree of overlap!

 

[KnurledNut]

I have a set of 6" power bits.
Depending on task, ill mate them with a bit ratchet, ratcheting wrench, t-handle, bit handle, drill, impact, or by themselves.
The versatility is great.

 

[f121]

Screwdrivers. Typically if the fastener is big enough to need more leverage, the hole is big enough for a bit on a ratchet

 

[seber]

Or you could use these.

Amazon.com

 

[Tools4Me]

Bits will always be more flexible than screwdrivers or t-handles if you can get yourself away from premade bit sockets (especially for work in tighter areas), but I also understand the issue of insert bit sockets not working for anything recessed. Most of the time, I get around that issue by using power bits instead of insert bits. Hex power bits are very common in 2" and 3" (or longer) lengths and the shaft is usually also narrowed for at least an inch, so they will work with most recessed fasteners.

If you want to use longer power bits in a regular insert bit socket or insert bit handle, use a metal cutoff wheel in an angle grinder to cut off the base of the bit (cut where shown in my attached pic). I have full sets of regular and modified power bits in my tool drawer for ultimate flexibility. If you really want shaft length, think about buying 4-6" long power bits with fully narrowed shanks instead of buying additional screwdrivers or t-handles. If you don't want to modify any power bits, buy a bit handle that is designed to hold power bits (non-ratcheting Malco Connext bit handles are great).

A much more flexible setup overall.

 

[dnschmidt]

Both. They aren't that expensive so why cheap out. You will find a need for both.

 

[nezzman]

I might just buy both and see what I like best. I will buy the drivers in the smaller sizes, and a full set of t handles.

cheers

 

[Alpine4x4]

Both. I use the screwdrivers a lot, but ran into instances where the torque on the T-handle would be nice and I feel I get much better engagement with T-handles vs sockets so I got the T-Handle Torx as well. Like you said, some areas require the thin shank of the driver to get into and most Torx socket sets have a short bit so they wont work. T-Handle and Screwdriver fit the bill.

 

[jsaw]

I have a set of 6" power bits.
Depending on task, ill mate them with a bit ratchet, ratcheting wrench, t-handle, bit handle, drill, impact, or by themselves.
The versatility is great.

I do this as well. If you want a screwdriver type, just use a bit holder handle

 

[bwringer]

There's a lot of stuff with deep holes where you can't get a bit driver down in there.

 

[Bubba Fett]

You can use longer power bits and a collet-style drive handle, like the Malco Connext or something similar. This is a good choice for a portable kit, and more or less unlimited bit selection.

 

[Ronson25]

I use both but prefer my bit sockets over them... Id probably get screwdrivers first tho if i had to start over

 

[rslaback]

Or? That's a thing?

 

[Ton ton]

Screwdrivers are what I would start with. You could branch out from them later.

 

[bwringer]

Or? That's a thing?

Agreed. When will people learn? Around here, the only correct answer to "which kind of tool?" is "all the above".