Best budget master hex/Torx set

[AutoTeck84]

Yeah just like the title says, what is the best bang for the buck master hex/Torx set that can withstand professional use? This is one area I have slacked on during my time as a mechanic and am tired of borrowing odd and end ones from a coworker. I would really like to get a nice complete impact set. I'm not above using companies like Sunex or Neiko but I don't trust people who usually write product reviews on Amazon,ect because most are dyi.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Yeah just like the title says, what is the best bang for the buck master hex/Torx set that can withstand professional use?

I have changed the title of your thread to reflect what you're asking in the first line, Torx, not Todd.

 

[bobcatdan]

Sunnex has very good hex sockets. Can't say anything about their torx, never used them. I would look at VIM. I have the master set threw cornwell, but VIM is the supplier. Very good tools, but I don't know if $300 or a 60 piece is your idea of budget. Pretty sure VIM is normally a much lower price elsewhere.

 

[blown94conv]

In the budget realm, the VIM's seem to have the most respect.

 

[Fedwrench]

Another vote for VIM but, shop around.

Two other options often found on EBAY are OTC and Gearwrench sets.

I would also check Cripe Distributing as the used to have some decent deals on Gearwrench Torx rail sets.

 

[CarsonConcepts]

While not Impact, I got the VIM Master Mechanics set MMS64 for Christmas. Very impressed so far. Coveres SAE Hex 1/8-3/4, metric hex 2.5-22mm, Torx T8-T70, E-Torx E4-E20 and Tamper Torx T10-T55. Comes in a very nice case. Can be had for ~ $125-$155. Highly recommend if you're looking for a very complete set.

~ Carson

 

[T_Roze]

While not Impact, I got the VIM Master Mechanics set MMS64 for Christmas. Very impressed so far. Coveres SAE Hex 1/8-3/4, metric hex 2.5-22mm, Torx T8-T70, E-Torx E4-E20 and Tamper Torx T10-T55. Comes in a very nice case. Can be had for ~ $125-$155. Highly recommend if you're looking for a very complete set.

~ Carson

This looks like a really nice set. Is there any "bad" skips? I see a lot of metric Allen sets that skip 9mm for example.

The only thing set is missing from what i see is torx plus.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[martin666]

Another vote for Vim, I have the Snap On master set, but I also have a set of Vim stubby hex sockets and a set of stubby torx, both have held up great

 

[kylefitz]

I picked up this SK socket set during SK days. Looks to be fairly complete.

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/sockets-1-4-socket-sets-27614.html

 

[cludwin]

For completeness on the hex side I own and like the Carlyle BSTIB46 set.

You can find them on ebay for about $150 + shipping and they are a great deal.
I was impressed with the quality and while I don't use them every day they seem to hold up just fine. Would buy again.

For torx I bought the SK 19763 set and I was happy with it, I forget where I got it but I found a deal on it at the time and so far so good!

 

[BottomLineReviews]

Really happy with my Williams set.

 

[AutoTeck84]

Thanks everyone! Ok, riddle me this, would a new vim set for 150 be better than a used cornwell set for 150? The cornwell set looks decent from what I can tell but you know how that goes

 

[RedneckWelder]

Do you have a Cornwell dealer for an easy warranty exchange? If so I'd consider the used Cornwell set.

 

[AutoTeck84]

I have seen a truck around but it's been awhile. I don't know if he's still in business. I might see if I can get ahold of him somehow and tell him to stop being such a unicorn. Are these made in the U.S.? I just bought a big set of Chinese Cornwell pliers on a whim and wasn't too happy

 

[RedneckWelder]

The Cornwell set is probably made by VIM and as such Taiwan.

Cornwell is a mixed bag when it comes to COO. Their hardline tools are usually their production and USA at that, some of their relabled stuff is US production, some of their relabled stuff is quality offshore (i.e., Taiwan) and some of it is plain ol' **** (i.e., those cheap crappy pliers you brought). Check the items before you purchase. If it says "BluePower" it's a relabel like Snap On's Blue Point or Matco's Silver Eagle.

Personally I buy a lot off the Cornwell truck because my guy has great promos and the sale items are often decently priced. I am careful not to buy the junk. We also have an excellent and reliable driver who's been around a while.

 

[Richard Cranium]

Thanks for the info Guys, I know I was not the op, But info is always great to have.

 

[AutoTeck84]

Yeah I know it was stupid. I was checking eBay for auctions getting ready to end. I seen the set and seemed like a good price but I didn't have time to research because the auction was ending. I am not too familiar with cornwell tool and had the assumption that they are mostly us made or atleast Tiwain. But China? Come on that's crazy. Same goes for Mac I have learned.

 

[jptbay]

Genius Tools is great for bit sockets, and a Garage Journal Alliance member.

 

[stage20]

Thanks everyone! Ok, riddle me this, would a new vim set for 150 be better than a used cornwell set for 150? The cornwell set looks decent from what I can tell but you know how that goes

Corwells are vim.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a Cornwell(vim) and USA made craftsman. Also have some gearwrench. No issues at all. If I was buying new today it would be Gearwrench on a budget and SK for a quality upgrade. Probably would be SK.

 

[1badbird]

For torx I have mac tools kit and has served me very well and can be had on the bay for $50-80. My Allen's are a mix of proto and craftsman, with the proto being my favorite/ go to ones, but its only a small kit and not really what your looking for. Pic of my Mac kit.

 

[Mastermind]

I have Mac (otc), lisle, crafstman, stanley, harbor frieght, matco (and silver eagle), snap on, cornwell (vim), and some old Vermont American torx bits. And about half those in allen. I've had decent luck with most, broken a lot of the Mac ones, hence the higher end replacements. They all break. Wich is easiest to warranty for you? If say you are a jeep guy, a couple t-40 would be a good idea. My most used now are the silver eagle, they come in a case like the Mac set above. Just easiest to grab at the moment. I love the vim ones, and would recommend if instant warranty is not an issue. Craftsman ****.

 

[winlinmac]

VIM (Cornwell) all the way. If there's a Harbor Freight, their Cr-Mo sets work too, easy to warranty.

 

[Dave455]

The problem I find with all of these tools is that they seem to be relatively expensive for what they are!

At the same time, an awful lot of the cheaper sets, even from the better names, tend to be made in Taiwan, and none of them seem to be up to removing a T55 screw from a brake disc without twisting.

This really is one type of tool where you can't really economise too much for professional use!

So, what to do?

Well, the best 'bang for the buck' I reckon are the KoKen! There is good availabliity in all the drive sizes, including different lengths. They seem to put up with heavy use as much as, or better than, any other make, but cost considerably less! If you do manage to damage one, they will also just sell you the insert, which some makers will not!

The alternative, at least for the smaller sizes, is to buy a decent quality magnetic bit holder, from whoever your favoured maker is, and some decent quality bits! Most makers offer a 1/4 inch holder and bits, and some a 5/16 which can handle larger sizes!

Uniquely, Beta tools offer a 10mm bit holder in 1/2 inch drive thst takes their own 10mm bits! These are superb tools. The 10mm hex drive allows for a more rugged bit, all other factors being equal, and the bits are reasonably priced, both hex and torx being available!

 

[AutoTeck84]

Who sells koken in the U.S.? A quick eBay search just netted a few stubby ratchets.

 

[dede2897234]

Who sells koken in the U.S.? A quick eBay search just netted a few stubby ratchets.

AutoTeck84,

There are 3 U.S. based Ko-ken dealers. Two out of three, Tool Network and ToolPan are not recommended. Their stock of Ko-ken is limited, their prices are high, and they have poor customer service. Level Chrome has not updated their website of their current stock in years. However, the owner, Alan, is great with customer service and is willing to get any Japanese hand tools from his distributors in Japan. He also price matches with Frank's Tools.

Frank's Tools, i-Tools, and Mutsuura are all out of Japan. If you search the forum, i-Tools and Mutsuura (both Rakuten Japanese stores) can be cheaper than Frank's depending on shipping.

I just searched the Rakuten i-Tools store for the Ko-ken 3/8" drive impact Torx bit sockets. i-Tools only sells them individually. Without shipping, if you buy all of them (T20-T55), it comes out to $110.05. Here are the links to the individual Ko-ken sockets on i-Tools:

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644327003/ (T20) $12.53

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644327010/ (T25) $12.53

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326679/ (T27) $13.53

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326686/ (T30) $13.53

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326693/ (T40) $14.11

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326709/ (T45) $14.11

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326716/ (T50) $15.19

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/4991644326723/ (T55) $14.52


AutoTeck84, let me know if you want me to research the Ko-ken 3/8" drive impact hex bit sockets.


Dave

 

[AutoTeck84]

I like the idea of getting bits and a holder socket but have some concerns. Obviously the there wouldn't be as tight a fit as a pressed in socket, so would it be exponentialy more prone to break under decent torque loads? And ofcourse bits falling out. I like the sk bit socket for the price. For the most part, are these magnetic or do the bits lock in place. I do like being able to afford top shelf bits with the money I would save. Any recommendations on very good bit? Im guessing wiha would be very good.

 

[Tinner]

My hex sockets are Snap-on in 1/4 and 3/8, Proto in 1/2. The only Torx I had were a couple cheapies bought at the auto parts as needed.

A couple years ago, I got the Genius 41 piece Torx set on eBay for $50, shipped. I must say I'm pretty impressed with them. I've had to reef on a few of them pretty hard and they got the job done without damage to the tool or fastener.

A couple guys at work have the VIM hex sets, they seem pretty good, for the money.

 

[Derek1387]

I am looking at the ATD sets (hex and torx) or the complete VIM set. Havent decided which way to go as of yet.

 

[skruft]

I have found two problems with these sets, both related to working on Jeeps.

I think the T55, as large as it is, should be 1/2" drive, but they tend to be 3/8, so I bought a separate socket. Bolts like the ones that hold the tow hooks or winch mounts on some Jeeps are T55, long, often rusty and can be a lot of work to get out.

Some Warn winches are mounted to their brackets underneath with flat head capscrews that are 3/16 hex. I have some stuck and don't know how I will get them out. The 3/16 wrench or socket just bends.