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Best impact torx bits for the money

Farmall450

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I know Sunex or Gearwrench will probably come up, but how about economical USA options? I'd like to get a set like these Blackhawks...without the >$100 price tag.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-B...:g:ZW0AAOSwnNBXYgVf&item=122046891179&vxp=mtr

s-l500.jpg


Thanks in advance. :beer:

EDIT: Looks like it's $30 for an 8 piece NAPA set, kinda hard to beat that I'm guessing.
https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/NPT610318/NPT610318
 
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Jason280

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Not sure about the VIM's, but I've been using Carlyle branded ones from NAPA simply because they are easily warrantied. Not that I have had to warranty one yet, but owning Jeeps means its only a matter of time.
 
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Farmall450

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Not sure about the VIM's, but I've been using Carlyle branded ones from NAPA simply because they are easily warrantied. Not that I have had to warranty one yet, but owning Jeeps means its only a matter of time.

My HS had NAPA torx and long allen bits. Seemed pretty decent but not US made. I'll look into a set. :thumbup:
 

Buckgnarly

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Not sure about the VIM's, but I've been using Carlyle branded ones from NAPA simply because they are easily warrantied. Not that I have had to warranty one yet, but owning Jeeps means its only a matter of time.

This.... though I have had to warranty a few of my Napa Pros... replacements the next day no questions asked:thumbup:
 

Gautama

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I've found the HF torx to be extremely cost effective. At less than a penny each when bought by the pound, I figure I can easily go through 3-4 a minute before it isn't worth it, and I barely do half that! :thumbup:
 

gdocktor3

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Here's the answer - Bondhus Pro Hold bits. They come in different length bits that you then hammer or press into sockets of your choice. They are impact grade and made in USA. While I don't have the torx, I do have the 6" metric and sae sets that I pressed into a cheap set of 3/8" HF impact sockets. I figured I would probably never use them with an impact, but in case I ever do, the HF sockets should be ok. You can also use your existing chrome or impact sockets if you like. For $32 you get the bits then choose your sockets whether they're Snap On, Craftsman, HF, etc... The size's marked on the bit's are the corresponding sockets to be used. You can also buy them from Bondhus with bits already installed in sockets. Which might be easier for the smaller 7/64 and 1/8 bits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-T55-Tor...964868?hash=item486427a444:g:9-oAAOxySy9STXST
 
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Farmall450

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Here's the answer - Bondhus Pro Hold bits. They come in different length bits that you then hammer or press into sockets of your choice. They are impact grade and made in USA. While I don't have the torx, I do have the 6" metric and sae sets that I pressed into a cheap set of 3/8" HF impact sockets. I figured I would probably never use them with an impact, but in case I ever do, the HF sockets should be ok. You can also use your existing chrome or impact sockets if you like. For $32 you get the bits then choose your sockets whether they're Snap On, Craftsman, HF, etc... The size's marked on the bit's are the corresponding sockets to be used. You can also buy them from Bondhus with bits already installed in sockets. Which might be easier for the smaller 7/64 and 1/8 bits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-T55-Tor...964868?hash=item486427a444:g:9-oAAOxySy9STXST

That is an interesting solution. However I pretty much only plan on using them w/ a 1/2" impact in tight situations so I don't think this would be my best bet. (torx on calipers)
 

hangfirew8

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I know Sunex or Gearwrench will probably come up, but how about economical USA options? I'd like to get a set like these Blackhawks...without the >$100 price tag.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Blackhawk-B...:g:ZW0AAOSwnNBXYgVf&item=122046891179&vxp=mtr

If you meant the Blackhawks were USA made, I don't see any indication that they are, there on eBay, or on Amazon.

It's not USA, but I have the Sunex 1820S 12pc set since December, cost me $28.99 on Amazon. The price fluctuates right now it's $35.75 so it's worth waiting it out. I've only used it a few times so far, but it was on stuck parts with an air impact, and they're still good bits.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UNOX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm sure there are other good options. NAPA tools would be more appealing to me if the local NAPA was open something more than banker's hours.
 

cheechi

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I bought HF ones. I don't use them heavily, in fact the twice I think I have used mine were on other people's jeeps. Having a tool chest in a garage in an apt complex. You can only guess what kind of things can happen.

However, gdoc has the right idea. I will try anything Bondhus is going to put their name on. So far they haven't let me down. I have only ever had to warranty one tool it was something real small like 1/16 or 0.5mm hex key. Can't remember the overall turnaround time but it was quick considering it had to be shipped.

I don't have that exact Bondhus set but the one they make premade very similar. 3/8" long reach ball end metric hex. I have abused the 4mm still works like new.
 
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Farmall450

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If you meant the Blackhawks were USA made, I don't see any indication that they are, there on eBay, or on Amazon.

It's not USA, but I have the Sunex 1820S 12pc set since December, cost me $28.99 on Amazon. The price fluctuates right now it's $35.75 so it's worth waiting it out. I've only used it a few times so far, but it was on stuck parts with an air impact, and they're still good bits.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002UNOX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I'm sure there are other good options. NAPA tools would be more appealing to me if the local NAPA was open something more than banker's hours.

I don't think that'll work the best, as the 3/8 drive T55 is the one I really need the most in a tight spot...on a mini 1/2" impact. An adapter is a big of a c-block. I really like know the NAPA one is all 1/2" drive, if I'm going to get an import that is.

I agree on the hours, mine has gotten marginally better but not much.
 

Finky198

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Another +1 on the HF I have all their 1/2" drive impact hex and torx. I use and abuse them regularly they have held up very well. I have yet to break of damage one. Its been about 3 years now since I've bought them. If you did something like Hvy eqip mech i would look else where, but I think most would be hard pressed to wear out the HF sets...
 

Polski-Chevy

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I don't think that'll work the best, as the 3/8 drive T55 is the one I really need the most in a tight spot...on a mini 1/2" impact. An adapter is a big of a c-block. I really like know the NAPA one is all 1/2" drive, if I'm going to get an import that is.

I agree on the hours, mine has gotten marginally better but not much.

VIM the impact 1/2 cut 3/8 drive socket set, is great for tight spots.

I did break a T55, one call and a replacement arrived the next day.

http://www.vimtools.com/Flyers/Impact%2050%20Flyer.pdf
 

lazer50

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An impact socket or allen type is a lot different than a t o r x.ive had several impact socket brands that hold up but tried to use inferior brand t o r x in several size situations not even impact.they either dont fit right twist or break.i would go with what you can get a replacement for locally.
 
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JD08

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Here's the answer - Bondhus Pro Hold bits. They come in different length bits that you then hammer or press into sockets of your choice. They are impact grade and made in USA. While I don't have the torx, I do have the 6" metric and sae sets that I pressed into a cheap set of 3/8" HF impact sockets. I figured I would probably never use them with an impact, but in case I ever do, the HF sockets should be ok. You can also use your existing chrome or impact sockets if you like. For $32 you get the bits then choose your sockets whether they're Snap On, Craftsman, HF, etc... The size's marked on the bit's are the corresponding sockets to be used. You can also buy them from Bondhus with bits already installed in sockets. Which might be easier for the smaller 7/64 and 1/8 bits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-T55-Tor...964868?hash=item486427a444:g:9-oAAOxySy9STXST

Inside the T8-T60 set they clearly state they are suitable for impact applications as well. In a tight spot you can get on them with a combination wrench. That's a damn brilliant idea right there.
 
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Farmall450

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An impact socket or allen type is a lot different than a t o r x.ive had several impact socket brands that hold up but tried to use inferior brand t o r x in several size situations not even impact.they either dont fit right twist or break.i would go with what you can get a replacement for locally.

Part of the reason I'm leaning NAPA, despite banker's hours as another member quoted from my dad :lol_hitti
 

jd.4955

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Mar 13, 2014
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Ohio
I have the blackhawk set off amazon and so far they have been great.



I had them at work, key word had, they would always break. But that was using them on an impact quite a bit, I ended up upgrading to snap ons, so I can't say what is a good mid price brand but I really didn't like the Blackhawks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

wafrederick

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Grey Pnuematic too made in Taiwan.You don't want to buy Grey Pnuematic on Amazon,can't warranty them and not an authorized Grey Pnuematic dealer.I have Sunex too,waiting one being replaced under warranty called on back order.Just found this out yesterday.Sunex makes good tools,I see it's a hassle under their warranty now
 

beamrider

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Columbus OH (displaced from Wheeling)
Here's the answer - Bondhus Pro Hold bits. They come in different length bits that you then hammer or press into sockets of your choice. They are impact grade and made in USA. While I don't have the torx, I do have the 6" metric and sae sets that I pressed into a cheap set of 3/8" HF impact sockets. I figured I would probably never use them with an impact, but in case I ever do, the HF sockets should be ok. You can also use your existing chrome or impact sockets if you like. For $32 you get the bits then choose your sockets whether they're Snap On, Craftsman, HF, etc... The size's marked on the bit's are the corresponding sockets to be used. You can also buy them from Bondhus with bits already installed in sockets. Which might be easier for the smaller 7/64 and 1/8 bits. http://www.ebay.com/itm/T10-T55-Tor...964868?hash=item486427a444:g:9-oAAOxySy9STXST


I bought a set of the Pro Hold Torx bits a few years ago. Haven't had a problem yet. Tough little bastards.
 
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Farmall450

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Grey Pnuematic too made in Taiwan.You don't want to buy Grey Pnuematic on Amazon,can't warranty them and not an authorized Grey Pnuematic dealer.I have Sunex too,waiting one being replaced under warranty called on back order.Just found this out yesterday.Sunex makes good tools,I see it's a hassle under their warranty now

Huh, that's too bad about their Warranty. Isn't Grey a little spotty too?

I had them at work, key word had, they would always break. But that was using them on an impact quite a bit, I ended up upgrading to snap ons, so I can't say what is a good mid price brand but I really didn't like the Blackhawks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

2 JD guys in one thread, my thread nonetheless. That's odd...for the price I'd expect pretty good quality. :willy_nil

Sorry farmall when i go back to the shop tomorrow i will check.

I think for $30 I'll just go with the imported Napa. They're all 1/2" drive too :thumbup:
 

Buckgnarly

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I also have a set of the proholds, cool thing s you can use them on whatever drive impact socket you want. I have broken one, but it was a smaller sized in my IR2115, did not expect it to survive. Bondhus replaced it no problem.
 

bwringer

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Another +1 on the HF I have all their 1/2" drive impact hex and torx. I use and abuse them regularly they have held up very well. I have yet to break of damage one. Its been about 3 years now since I've bought them. If you did something like Hvy eqip mech i would look else where, but I think most would be hard pressed to wear out the HF sets...

I know the OP wanted US-made, but I don't think it exists.

I have to agree -- I've beat the hell out of my HF hex and torx impact bits with a VERY stout 1/2" impact, and never had a problem. They're made in Taiwan and 100% legit.

All that said, there are way too many Torx fasteners that are sized completely inappropriately and manufactured poorly (I'm lookin' at YOU, Ford...) and simply aren't going to move no matter what kind of monster bit you use. A shallow T50 button head on a 10mm thread suspension bolt just ain't gonna move after five years of salt.

image_24604.jpg
 
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Farmall450

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Farmall450

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I know the OP wanted US-made, but I don't think it exists.

I have to agree -- I've beat the hell out of my HF hex and torx impact bits with a VERY stout 1/2" impact, and never had a problem. They're made in Taiwan and 100% legit.

All that said, there are way too many Torx fasteners that are sized completely inappropriately and manufactured poorly (I'm lookin' at YOU, Ford...) and simply aren't going to move no matter what kind of monster bit you use. A shallow T50 button head on a 10mm thread suspension bolt just ain't gonna move after five years of salt.

ima24604.jpg

I agree they look good. But that's the same price as NAPA, and I trust them a touch more. Thanks! :lol_hitti

Here's the link tho for anyone else nearby. http://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-67896.html
 
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