Best Hex / Torx sockets?

[Grant Gunderson]

Lots of threads here on Hex keys, but not so much on hex and Torx sockets. I'm looking to build out a few workstations, and don't mind spending the money for the best. These will get used daily by my techs.

I've been a big fan of PB Swiss and finally broke the first one after almost 20 years of daily use. Sadly they no longer make sockets. WTF? these had the best ever faster engagement, and never really wore.

The Snapon ones are garbage. Way too soft, and not very good faster engagement. Snapon is on the left, a Nepros is on the right, I started adding in Nepros a few years ago and have been slowly adding more, they seem to not wear so far, but the faster engagement isn't as good as what PB Swiss is, but so far is the next best I've found.

Snapon VS Nepros T40

I also have a set of Proto RBRT ones, but to be honest, I'm not overly impressed with the RBRT function or the quality of these.

The Wera tips with the spring loaded ball are nice for holding onto fasteners o the L keys I have, but haven't tried their sockets yet.

So looking for the collectives options on what's the best out there. Dont bother with suggesting Bondhause or Park as I have found both are garbage and their faster engagement ***** and they wear very fast.

 

[designer485]

You have probably already considered it, but what about a few Bit Holding Sockets from Wera / Snap-On etc, and a full set of PB Swiss bits (short and long, hex / torx / etc). If they wear, they are easy to replace and you already like the fit / fastener engagement. You could also use a dedicated bit holding ratchet from Snap-On (you probably already have one) with the PB Swiss bits.

All of the other options I can think of have limited sizes / lengths and are not what I would consider a full set.

I do like the look of this set from Beta (but they don't offer enough sizes).
https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...sb/25202.html?gmc_currency=3&SubmitCountry=US

 

[Grant Gunderson]

You have probably already considered it, but what about a few Bit Holding Sockets from Wera / Snap-On etc, and a full set of PB Swiss bits (short and long, hex / torx / etc). If they wear, they are easy to replace and you already like the fit / fastener engagement. You could also use a dedicated bit holding ratchet from Snap-On (you probably already have one) with the PB Swiss bits.

All of the other options I can think of have limited sizes / lengths and are not what I would consider a full set.

I do like the look of this set from Beta (but they don't offer enough sizes).
https://www.misterworker.com/en-us/...sb/25202.html?gmc_currency=3&SubmitCountry=US

Im my experience all of the bit holding sockets have play in them. That Beta set looks promising and very close to what the PBswiss set was, its too bad they dont make that type in long and also in ¼ drive too. Cant tell but it looks like the rest of the sets they press the bit into the socket....

 

[designer485]

Im my experience all of the bit holding sockets have play in them. That Beta set looks promising and very close to what the PBswiss set was, its too bad they dont make that type in long and also in ¼ drive too. Cant tell but it looks like the rest of the sets they press the bit into the socket....

I don't have any experience with this one from Koken, but it does mention locking and looks interesting. I am curious if it clamps down on the bit once installed (kind of like a collet).

https://palmac.net/products/ko-ken-tools-impact-bit-holder-3-8sq-dr

 

[Rinspeed]

Proto and Snap On hold up the best in my experience. Eventually they all will break so I have extras in the most used sizes.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

I don't have any experience with this one from Koken, but it does mention locking and looks interesting. I am curious if it clamps down on the bit once installed (kind of like a collet).

https://palmac.net/products/ko-ken-tools-impact-bit-holder-3-8sq-dr

Those look interesting. Expensive tho! But maybe the ticket to use PB Swiss bits.

 

[jmf535]

I only have their hex sockets (assuming torx will be just as good), but Hazet is far and away the best that I have used. Better fit than PB Swiss, and no issues with durability.

The only downside to them is that they aren't available in a long, 1/4 drive version.

Koken torx are also pretty solid. Their hex's fit a little looser than I like.

 

[lu787a]

How used are those Nepros examples? From the photos, they look barely used.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

How used are those Nepros examples? From the photos, they look barely used.

The t25 has a few years on it of daily use. The T40 is brand new.

 

[Dave455]

A subject close to my heart, and I await the contributions of others.

I’ve pretty much come to the same view as yourself regarding Snap On. They’re reasonably good, and the sockets are beautifully finished, but I have twisted a couple (usually on brake disc screws) and I felt they twisted a bit too easily. The bits were replaced under warranty.

As to what to use, I think it’s a choice of three.

Stahlwille. Quite tough tools, and I quite like these. The socket finish isn’t as uniform as some, and I have twisted one of these, but I was using it with an impact!

The downside to Stahlwille, is that despite offering predominantly two piece bit sockets, they don’t sell the bits separately, so what’s the point?


Hazet. They are real specialists in these, and I think they are pretty decent. The finish of both the sockets and bits is superb and they offer a lot of options. There’s hex, Torx, XZN, and quite often different length options.

Hazet are also (almost) unique in offering (in 1/2” drive) two different types of bit - two piece and one piece. The two piece have TiN coated bits and are probably the best finished of any, except perhaps Nepros.

The one piece bits seem to be about the toughest out there.


Increasingly though, my “go to” are KoKen. The sockets are nicely finished and the bits are quite tough. But they score in two areas. The range on offer is simply huge. They do everything. In 3/8 drive, non impact, chrome, for example, there are four different lengths of bit to choose from!

The other thing I like about KoKen is that spare bits are readily available. Order a spare set with your sockets and you’re covered against twisting or breakage.


I’m tempted to mention Wera. They offer a nice range, good features, come with sensible storage, and are reasonably priced (this side of the pond at least). I don’t think they are as tough as the other tools mentioned, but I quite like them.

 

[lu787a]

Those look interesting. Expensive tho! But maybe the ticket to use PB Swiss bits.

I have this bit holder. It is a standard lift the knurled ring to release the ball inside that holds the bit. I find the amount of play in the holder to be pretty average, it was not exceptionally great. Here is a post with some additional details: https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/tools-of-japan.97563/page-302#post-11481928

 

[Steve_P]

If you watch the TTC hex key test, you'll see there's not much of a difference between the premium brands. I'll bet that the same is true for bit sockets, because....

The reality is that any premium bit socket is using S2 steel bits, and there's not going to statistically be much difference in strength between them. Bits are consumable, so I just keep spare Wiha bits to replace them in the sockets when they fail.

 

[Etchase]

MAC, Proto, Facom, Craftsman v-Series are good.

 

[terrific]

The advice I needed back in the day was to use 1/4" bits for the small sizes, buy dedicated sockets for the medium sizes, and don't buy the larger sizes (large bits are for really large fasteners). I have several bit-holder sockets so that I don't have to swap bits out all the time.

Bondhus sells hex and torx in 2", 2.5" and 6" lengths. They make excellent keys, so I stuck with them here.
I don't think they manufacture the sockets they use, which have the thinnest walls I've ever seen. So if you wanted to, you could probably swap the bits over to an old socket set and end up with a hyper-thin-wall set of sockets as well.
I would recommend skipping a step, buying only the inserts (which they sell separately) to start with and pressing them into an old socket set.

Watch out for the full sets, which go into really big sizes which you probably don't need. I bought a metric set before coming to that realization, so do I have a 17mm hex bit socket? Yes. Will I ever use it? I hope not. If I need to use it, would I actually be able to generate enough force to break the bolt free? I doubt it.

 

[ADKAmateur]

GripEdge are the best ones I have found. If you are working on cars they are a lifesaver as they have an anti-rounding feature so they will bite even the most rounded or rusted hex and torx bolts. I can't tell you how pleasantly surprised I have been with what they will get out. There was also a Torque Test YouTube video where they tested allen keys - Wera was second best IIRC, after Bondhus (don't quote me on that). They were keys not sockets, but some indication of the quality of the German stuff.

 

[crashmtb]

If not pb then Koken - check out drpd.cc. They sell Lista too.
Also Hazet, but harder to get at reasonable prices in the US.

 

[Dankotaru]

I use hex and torx sockets pretty regularly working on motorcycles, and Wera hex-plus are the only ones that I've broken. The fastener retention works alright, but they seem weak. Here's a 6mm that broke while torquing down some front rotors on a CBR, only 30 lbs as I recall:



At least KC Tool has always warrantied the sockets for me, so kudos to them. Also, Wera's hex plus bits have all been great. I use them all the time in my T-handles and bit drivers without issue.

In addition to the Wera, I have an assortment of old Craftsman, Lisle, and Snap-On hex and torx sockets. But the sockets I use most often now are the Mac RBRT. They grip well even on new stuff, and are exceptional on rusty old automotive fasteners.

 

[T45]

Difficult situations, try also Snap-on GOLD heavy duty (I have these on common sizes like t45/t30 in 1/4 dr) and STUBBY half-cut torx (comes in a whole set).

Also as mentioned, In the large sizes you can get good quality bit-holding sockets.

I have these in IMPACT as mextric in-hex up to 19mm from APEX. They have ± 5/8 or 16mm drive (just for the insert), and goes up to T70 (differential drain plug on subaru) in torx with the same socket base.

 

[Hakeem]

I was blown away by the RBRT Torx the other day after it removed this stripped out fastener:


I’m surprised to hear the less than favorable reviews of the Snapon Torx sockets. For the money they charge (~$40/socket) I’d expect them to be the best.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

A subject close to my heart, and I await the contributions of others.

I’ve pretty much come to the same view as yourself regarding Snap On. They’re reasonably good, and the sockets are beautifully finished, but I have twisted a couple (usually on brake disc screws) and I felt they twisted a bit too easily. The bits were replaced under warranty.

As to what to use, I think it’s a choice of three.

Stahlwille. Quite tough tools, and I quite like these. The socket finish isn’t as uniform as some, and I have twisted one of these, but I was using it with an impact!

The downside to Stahlwille, is that despite offering predominantly two piece bit sockets, they don’t sell the bits separately, so what’s the point?


Hazet. They are real specialists in these, and I think they are pretty decent. The finish of both the sockets and bits is superb and they offer a lot of options. There’s hex, Torx, XZN, and quite often different length options.

Hazet are also (almost) unique in offering (in 1/2” drive) two different types of bit - two piece and one piece. The two piece have TiN coated bits and are probably the best finished of any, except perhaps Nepros.

The one piece bits seem to be about the toughest out there.


Increasingly though, my “go to” are KoKen. The sockets are nicely finished and the bits are quite tough. But they score in two areas. The range on offer is simply huge. They do everything. In 3/8 drive, non impact, chrome, for example, there are four different lengths of bit to choose from!

The other thing I like about KoKen is that spare bits are readily available. Order a spare set with your sockets and you’re covered against twisting or breakage.


I’m tempted to mention Wera. They offer a nice range, good features, come with sensible storage, and are reasonably priced (this side of the pond at least). I don’t think they are as tough as the other tools mentioned, but I quite like them.

How’s the fastener engagement on all of those? Besides not wearing out the PB Swiss ones were very snug in the fasteners so that prevented stripped heads. That’s my complaint with Nepros is they are a bit loose in the fasteners but at least they don’t wear.

 

[bigfunwmu]

Are you doing assembly, disassembly, or both? I really like the RBRT style sockets from Matco for removal but I don't use them for install at all.

I wish they offered a mid or deep version, might have to look at those Protos above.

I also view all of those bits and sockets as a consumable and keep spares on hand for the sizes I use the most. My goal on disassembly is to not round or strip the fastener. If that means I need to replace a few screws when I go back together because the bit chewed them up, thats just fine.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I’ll second the Stahlwille and Hazet recommendations. Given your experience, I think it would be best to order some samples and see if they meet your requirements.

I use the Stahlwille on my bike and their (one piece) hex sockets get literally sucked into the fasteners for a snug fit. (I do have a couple of their Torx sockets as well, but I don’t use them on bolts/ mechanical type stuff - only on wood screws. And there the fit is allover the place depending on the screw manufacturer.)

The Hazet, as long as they are the TiNi/ gold coated Made in Germany sockets, get a lot of praise. As I’m set with the Stahlwille, I never saw the need to buy into them. I might give one a try if I ever have to replace one of my Stahlwille.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Professor Gascan]

I picked up sets of stubby torx and hex insert bits from CTA that I've been pretty impressed with. I bought them for a specific job with very little clearance that they worked great for.

They have as good a fit the fasteners I've used them for as my sets of Snap Ons and because they're so short they stay more squarely in the fastener head as you apply torque. In the end of a standard 12mm box end wrench they are no deeper than the bit itself which are 20mm long and even in a standard 12mm socket they are roughly 2/3rd the length of a standard SO bit socket. Got a 12mm u-joint socket? works great in that too.

Maybe not the best, but they're not **** and surprisingly versatile without breaking the bank. Options are never a bad thing working on impossibly cramped modern cars imo.

 

[Dave455]

How’s the fastener engagement on all of those? Besides not wearing out the PB Swiss ones were very snug in the fasteners so that prevented stripped heads. That’s my complaint with Nepros is they are a bit loose in the fasteners but at least they don’t wear.

It’s difficult to be precise, as the variation is very small. Certainly harder to measure than with hex keys, which I was able to messure quite accurately.

Also, I don’t have any Stahlwille close by, as they are in my shop.

However, taking two new metric cap screws (industrial quality not hardware shop - one 10.9 and the other A2 Stainless) new 6mm bits, and a sliding T handle, I measured the “slop” with the cap screw in a vice.

Best I could tell, the Hazet had about 14mm of handle movement at the tip. Most was the bit in the screw, but some would have been in the handle. This felt pretty good.

The Koken did a frac better, at about 13mm, and felt a frac tighter. I think this probably came from the corners, which look to be a little sharper on the KoKen.

The PB Swiss gave about 12mm, and felt to be about the best. This was a used bit too - the only type I have sadly, but as noted they don’t show much wear.

All felt to be “acceptable”.

It was hard to compare the Wera, as the sprung ball gave a different feel, so it was hard to measure the slop. Twisting by hand it felt surprisingly close fitting, but as stated above, these don’t seem to be the toughest so I don’t use them for demanding applications. They are fine for small stuff that’s not torqued to a high value or corroded.


Most of the time I’m using Stahlwille or KoKen as that’s what’s in my shop and I don’t really have any complaints. Some PB Swiss for precision stuff, some Snap On as well, but it’s the Stahlwille and KoKen that see the use.

I have the Hazet in my “emergencies” box, but it get’s carried more than used, and doesn’t get carried that often! I have total confidance in the Hazet though.

 

[KnurledNut]

The "best" can depend on application so context matters.
Grey Pneumatic is heavily used in the industrial field I'm familiar with.

 

[KnurledNut]

If bits become a consideration, Apex USA are engineered for use in high volume manufacturing lines.
Their tools aren't out to win the beauty contest, but are designed to have consistent reliable tolerances, high strength and longer life.
They are often used in aerospace, automotive and heavy industries.

 

[willf650]

If bits become a consideration, Apex USA are engineered for use in high volume manufacturing lines.
Their tools aren't out to win the beauty contest, but are designed to have consistent reliable tolerances, high strength and longer life.
They are often used in aerospace, automotive and heavy industries.
The bit holders shown here are 1/4 sq drive with 1-5/16" (33mm) Apex insert bits.

View attachment 2493761

I got a bunch of apex stuff from a friend in the aviation industry. He was manger of the tool room at the time. They are noticeably better than other bits I’ve used.

 

[RoninB4]

If bits become a consideration, Apex USA are engineered for use in high volume manufacturing lines.
Their tools aren't out to win the beauty contest, but are designed to have consistent reliable tolerances, high strength and longer life.
They are often used in aerospace, automotive and heavy industries.

-During the late 80's the stamping house I worked at used Apex hex bits in IR guns for the frequent disassembly of stamping dies that's part of standard maintenance for high run tools. The Apex brand were better than all other brands we would occasionally try. The type of steel and the heat treating meant they very seldom broke, deformed, or exhibited wear despite the constant severe duty. I kept the few that broke as they made excellent small chisels that would be expendable. Have no idea what the quality of the brand is now, back then they were the only choice I'd consider for industrial duty.

 

[LXCam]

If bits become a consideration, Apex USA are engineered for use in high volume manufacturing lines.
Their tools aren't out to win the beauty contest, but are designed to have consistent reliable tolerances, high strength and longer life.
They are often used in aerospace, automotive and heavy industries.
The bit holders shown here are 1/4 sq drive with 1-5/16" (33mm) Apex insert bits.

View attachment 2493761

-During the late 80's the stamping house I worked at used Apex hex bits in IR guns for the frequent disassembly of stamping dies that's part of standard maintenance for high run tools. The Apex brand were better than all other brands we would occasionally try. The type of steel and the heat treating meant they very seldom broke, deformed, or exhibited wear despite the constant severe duty. I kept the few that broke as they made excellent small chisels that would be expendable. Have no idea what the quality of the brand is now, back then they were the only choice I'd consider for industrial duty.

Grant, count me in with these guys too. We use apex for construction and they’re the only ones I’ve found that hold up to impact abuse. All the way from a T8 on up. I’ve an apex guy since the 80’s for a reason. But hunting down what you’re looking for might be a little difficult. It used to be apex was the only brand McMaster carried, but that’s changed at some point.

 

[KnurledNut]

The options Apex offers can be mind boggling.
I do wish more manufacturers offered wedge Torx (TorxAlign) which is basically what the heavy duty Snap-on bit sockets use. They work very well for tough removal and eliminate wobble during installation.
Apex, Zephyr both do/did offer them as well as Wiha.
Apex does the small size hex bits exceptionally well.
Anyways, sorry for the thread detail and randomness! Carry on with other suggestions and banter.

 

[richfinn]

I have two sets of 3/8" Ko-ken Torx in a couple of different lengths.

I keep a few popular sizes of Ko-ken one piece impact hex sockets.

They have held up well in a tough work environment

 

[KnurledNut]

I have two sets of 3/8" Ko-ken Torx in a couple of different lengths.

I keep a few popular sizes of Ko-ken one piece impact hex sockets.

They have held up well in a tough work environment

Like these? BTW, interesting that Koken mixes impact and chrome in this set. Don't see that often.

 

[lu787a]

Like these? BTW, interesting that Koken mixes impact and chrome in this set. Don't see that often.

These may be black oxide, but these (4012M), Koken says, they are hand use only. The 14012M are their 1/2" impact sockets

 

[KnurledNut]

I feel like all the attention on RBRT has taken the limelight off of the high quality of the standard Proto hex bit sockets. These were common in industrial mechanics toolsets and while not treated lightly, held up well.

 

[KnurledNut]

These may be black oxide, but these (4012M), Koken says, they are hand use only. The 14012M are their 1/2" impact sockets

I am not well versed in Koken so thank-you for sharing that info. I learned something new.
That set I pictured is #4227M and the catalog confirms your wisdom of hand use only. Very interesting option.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I was blown away by the RBRT Torx the other day after it removed this stripped out fastener:


I’m surprised to hear the less than favorable reviews of the Snapon Torx sockets. For the money they charge (~$40/socket) I’d expect them to be the best.

I recently picked up the OptiGrip from Matco and those are awesome albeit really snug on fasteners. Those GripEdge, OptiGrip, RBRT bits are no joke. This is also where buying from the truck makes sense because you can warranty your bit sockets easy peasy.

As far as Snap-on, those bits ****. They are retained with the two little spot welds on the bit and it’s always breaking loose on mine and then the bit is rattling around and falling out. They also seem to be really soft. After buying a couple for specific jobs, I don’t think I’ll be buying anymore.

I feel like all the attention on RBRT has taken the limelight off of the high quality of the standard Proto hex bit sockets. These were common in industrial mechanics toolsets and while not treated lightly, held up well.
These here are 3/8 drive.
View attachment 2495011

I have a set of Proto hex bit sockets in 1/2” drive from 6mm to 17mm and they are great. The only downside is that stupid pin they use to secure it to the socket. I’ve busted that pin a few times and the bit gets really loose. Plus you need to buy Proto replacement bits due to the pin.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

For just regular Torx and hex bit sockets you can’t go wrong with Capri or Tekton I use them all the time at work and have yet to break a single one. Some of the other brands I had snapped immediately but never a Tekton or Capri one.

 

[Hakeem]

I recently picked up the OptiGrip from Matco and those are awesome albeit really snug on fasteners. Those GripEdge, OptiGrip, RBRT bits are no joke. This is also where buying from the truck makes sense because you can warranty your bit sockets easy peasy.

As far as Snap-on, those bits ****. They are retained with the two little spot welds on the bit and it’s always breaking loose on mine and then the bit is rattling around and falling out. They also seem to be really soft. After buying a couple for specific jobs, I don’t think I’ll be buying anymore.

I have a set of Proto hex bit sockets in 1/2” drive from 6mm to 17mm and they are great. The only downside is that stupid pin they use to secure it to the socket. I’ve busted that pin a few times and the bit gets really loose. Plus you need to buy Proto replacement bits due to the pin.

Yes, I have the Opti grips from Matco too. Which regular Torx bits have you had the best luck with?

For just regular Torx and hex bit sockets you can’t go wrong with Capri or Tekton I use them all the time at work and have yet to break a single one. Some of the other brands I had snapped immediately but never a Tekton or Capri one.

I’ve never had an issue with my Torx bits either (Quinn from HF) but I just have this stupid itch to upgrade them. More money = more better, right ??

 

[liliysdad]

I’ve got a few various Torx and Hex sockets. Cornwell, Proto, Mac, Icon. The only ones I’ve ever broken are the Torx Icons.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have a set of Proto hex bit sockets in 1/2” drive from 6mm to 17mm and they are great. The only downside is that stupid pin they use to secure it to the socket. I’ve busted that pin a few times and the bit gets really loose. Plus you need to buy Proto replacement bits due to the pin.

I have seen that happen. Usually "fixed" with a piece of safety wire!
For 1/2 drive, I like the compactness and storage case of my Mac impact set.
The narrow bit holder has access benefits. Same for the bits as they are a shorter length.
I have had to warranty a bit, but it was more user error.
Of course the reduced shank on the larger sizes have obvious limitations.
https://www.mactools.com/products/sva15b?_pos=1&_sid=f36647dec&_ss=r