Best option for torx bolts

[Lone_Wolf]

I have BMW E46. Most bolts on that car are torx. Is it better to buy torx screwdivers or torx sockets, or something else? What is your opinion and experience? What is the best option to buy? I already have Nepros 3/8 ratchet.

Any help will be great.

 

[jjjrmx5]

You're gonna need both.

Screwdrivers and 1/4" drive bits are good for M4, M5 and M6 fasteners, but once you get up into M8, M10, M12 and M14 bolts, you are going to need Torx bit sockets.

I like the VIM sets, but there are a lot of options for sets that are less expensive than the truck brands but better than HF or low end bits.

It really depends on how often you plan to use them and your budget.
If used often or daily, spend some bucks to get a higher quality set is my opinion.

But you really will need both.

 

[franzdom]

I also have E46 since 2006. You will want a T30 driver for the cabin air filter area which you must remove to do valve cover, spark plugs, install an alarm siren, CCV or pretty much anything around the throttle body, or to simply change the cabin filter. You will also want some torx bit sockets, to change the DISA valve for instance, a T60 for the AC tensioner, T45? for the bumpers...hmm. It seems like a pretty big statement to say most of the bolts are torx, perhaps you mean most of the ones you don't seem to have tools for are torx.
The bolts that I seem to want just about every tool available are the brake caliper bolts. Mine are 7mm hex and you could get by best with a stubby bit socket. The differential is 14mm hex. With aftermarket sway bars I found I needed a very stubby one. Transmission and oil are 17mm std bolts.

 

[willhollin]

http://www.skhandtool.com/products/bit-sockets/product.aspx?ID=4173&view=view

I got this one, does the job nicely.

 

[5mall5nail5]

I have Felo torx screwdrivers and Wiha torx sockets - no issues working on E46 here.

 

[stonesfan68]

I have an E60 and I use both Torx screwdrivers and sockets.

Wiha makes some nice stuff that's not too outrageous.

Wiha Torx Sockets

Wiha Torx Screwdrivers

And their tools are made in Germany like our awesome cars!

 

[mr.speaker]

From my 10 years working with cars, when it comes to torx,reverse torx,hex,and security torx you need to get quality tools . These fasteners seem to strip faster then regular nuts and bots.

That being said I've had real good luck with Kobalt (USA and Taiwan) stuff at home use and SK at work..

 

[2JZGTESC300]

Snap On Torx all the way. You won't regret it. I've worked on numerous BMW and SAAB cars. Their cars mainly consist of Torx bolts.

 

[92GreenYJ]

Whatever you get, get ones you can easily exchange when they break. I bought a set of Husky torx sockets because I have a Home Depot near my house. So it's fast and easy to go and swap them out when they break (notice I did not say if).

Torx fasteners are about the worst thing ever invented. I have them all over my Jeep too. Whenever I have to remove one for something, I generally replace it with a standard hex head bolt and trash the torx head stuff.

Oh and when you inevitably strip out the torx head on the bolt itself, best way to remove the fastener is to weld a hex nut to it and use a regu
At socket on it.

And yes I have done all the above more time s then I care to Count

 

[CloseEnough]

Good quality Torx drivers.


-Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[franzdom]

Good quality Torx drivers.


-Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Try using a torx driver to relieve tension on the AC pulley or to remove the bumper...honestly if you are not wanting to get drivers and bit sockets the best choice is the bit sockets, NOT the drivers

 

[jjjrmx5]

Snap On Torx all the way. You won't regret it. I've worked on numerous BMW and SAAB cars. Their cars mainly consist of Torx bolts.

Yep.

If you own a BMW you better have some $$$ at the ready.

212EFTXY
$300
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674868&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

or 209EFTXBY

$231.50

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...680902&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all
Then you need the T60 and T70 too BTW.

T60
$37
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674868&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

T70
$41.75
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...674920&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

$380ish plus tax for it all out of Kenosha, WI. (Not including the tamperproof stuff you'll need).


Less than a new set of rear tires.

Done.

 

[franzdom]

I haven't found a T70 on my e46 but I do have one on my Subaru. You reminded me why I got into SO tools, they are still a lot cheaper than paying someone else to work on your BMW

 

[jjjrmx5]

I haven't found a T70 on my e46 but I do have one on my Subaru. You reminded me why I got into SO tools, they are still a lot cheaper than paying someone else to work on your BMW

Actually, it's not only doing the work, but doing the work "correctly"

In a fleet of many cars, all but one 2 of mine are not German. Yet everyone with a set of tools insists that they can 'fix it" a'la "Jeff Spicolli" (Sean Penn) from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High." LOL

I had an ex-GF that had a minty fresh E36 M3 convert. that needed a new battery. I expalined the battery was in the trunk (boot) and needed someone with some sort of "know-how" to access and replace.

She dove in, removed, got teh WRONG battery to replace it with (std. 3 series batt instead of the correct one) and in the process lost all the hold-down hdwre into the abyss of the right rear fender and lower pinch welds where the battery sits.

She went back and got the correct battery but thought the hold down hdwre was unnecessary. Then I got the "call" that things were clunking in the trunk and electronics shorting out.

Hmmm.

They are great cars. Sadly the owners vary from caring enthusisats to OMG cool unknowing poseurs.

I care enough to help those that fix things correctly. But it's seldom cheap. LOL

 

[CloseEnough]

Try using a torx driver to relieve tension on the AC pulley or to remove the bumper...honestly if you are not wanting to get drivers and bit sockets the best choice is the bit sockets, NOT the drivers

My bumper is inverted Torx. Which is a good point. You will want a socket set of inverted Torx.

The drivers are ideal for interior work, but like Fran said the sockets are better for mechanical and structural and more versatile as far as finding success using them on the interior as well. I would say buy the sockets and if you are low on cash buy some half way decent drivers. You only need a couple sizes in drivers so it won't be expensive.


-Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[wafrederick]

I rarely use a torx screwdriver.I have a 3.6 volt Black and Decker cordless screwdriver I put screwdriver bits in.Lot faster than using a manual screwdriver.

 

[franzdom]

I remember now the doors pretty much require torx drivers. What BMW do you have? Our bumpers are definitely torx (45 or 55). Etorx is needed for rear axles and for the transmission to do the clutch.

 

[jjjrmx5]

My bumper is inverted Torx. Which is a good point. You will want a socket set of inverted Torx.

Dear Charlie,

It's not inverted.

it's called eTorx for External torx.

An external Torx version exists, where the screw head has the shape of a Torx screwdriver bit, and a special Torx socket is used to drive it, although a standard hex socket can often be used. These are found primarily on automobile engines and transmissions.

Please feel free to call it anything you want on your own. But please don't expect anyone to understand what you mean if not using proper terms for what fastener you have.
But you knew that.

And welcome to GJ.

 

[mvptrukin]

Dear Charlie,

It's not inverted.

it's called eTorx for External torx.
--------------------------------------------------------
Although most mfg. call these eTorx sockets and label them with an "e" followed by the size, some
mfg. call them female torx sockets (Stahlwille, S-K as an example) and label them with an "e" followed by the size, but MAC Tools has indeed called some of their "e" external torx sockets--inverted torx for years! As an example:

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-323303-14-drive-inverted-e8-torx-socket.aspx

Also Matco,VIM and some other mfg. that I can't remeber at this time. Sellers on EBay seem to label them both ways.

 

[CloseEnough]

I remember now the doors pretty much require torx drivers. What BMW do you have? Our bumpers are definitely torx (45 or 55). Etorx is needed for rear axles and for the transmission to do the clutch.

I have a 2001 M3. It has external Torx on the two front main bumper bolts. Also you need eTorx to take the doors off.





-Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[franzdom]

Sellers on EBay seem to label them both ways.

Sellers on eBay tend to do a lot of things both ways

I have a 2001 M3. It has external Torx on the two front main bumper bolts. Also you need eTorx to take the doors off.

Charlie,

Thanks for clarification, I haven't taken my doors off and I haven't worked on a coupé e46 or M3. This is my 5th BMW they are so easy to work on. My e30 318is really put the hook in me for moving from just brakes and struts to being willing and able to take just about anything on. I have modified my current one a bit and switch pads and suspension before and after taking it to the track which I do about 3 times a year now.

-Franz

 

[mvptrukin]

Well how about MAC, VIM? If someone is going to lecture on proper terminology maybe they should do so to the mfg. You only quoted part of my post ! I first heard the term from Matco, they came out with a tool they called "GM inverted torx tool" and I thought WTF another Torx fastener but its just an E torx!
Why don't you start another poll!

 

[CloseEnough]

Charlie,

Thanks for clarification, I haven't taken my doors off and I haven't worked on a coupé e46 or M3. This is my 5th BMW they are so easy to work on. My e30 318is really put the hook in me for moving from just brakes and struts to being willing and able to take just about anything on. I have modified my current one a bit and switch pads and suspension before and after taking it to the track which I do about 3 times a year now.

-Franz

There is a chance that if you work on an M3 bumper that the Torx may not be external though. 2001 was the first year they made the E46 M3 and they made a lot of changes in the following years to the bumpers. Whether that includes the bolts or not, I'm not sure.

Well how about MAC, VIM? If someone is going to lecture on proper terminology maybe they should do so to the mfg. You only quoted part of my post ! I first heard the term from Matco, they came out with a tool they called "GM inverted torx tool" and I thought WTF another Torx fastener but its just an E torx!
Why don't you start another poll!

Haha. Yea everyone I know calls them inverted Torx , but no use in arguing with people on the Internet about it. Everyone has their own lingo.




-Charlie
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[mrbreezeet1]

http://www.skhandtool.com/products/bit-sockets/product.aspx?ID=4173&view=view

I got this one, does the job nicely.

wow, $255.00 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[willhollin]

wow, $255.00 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For a change we get a good deal over here on US stuff!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/160514143888?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[fiatsam]

Any comments on the Craftman screwdriver set (http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-professional-7-pc-torx-screwdriver-set/p-00949302000P) compared to some of the others already mentioned? I've had my eye on these for awhile, but haven't pulled the trigger yet as most of my cars (to-date) have very few if any torx screws / bolts, so I don't have much experience in knowing whether drivers or sockets (and what sizes) would be the best option for very occasional use.

 

[Bill R.]

Any comments on the Craftman screwdriver set (http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-professional-7-pc-torx-screwdriver-set/p-00949302000P) compared to some of the others already mentioned? I've had my eye on these for awhile, but haven't pulled the trigger yet as most of my cars (to-date) have very few if any torx screws / bolts, so I don't have much experience in knowing whether drivers or sockets (and what sizes) would be the best option for very occasional use.

I use that set everyday on bmw/mercedes etc. I have had no problems at all, I usually return them about once a year for the most commonly used sizes mainly because the lettering for the size on the side of the handle and the end wears off after many cleanings with solvent or brake spray. I suspect its the same set that sk sells.

 

[Bill R.]

I also have E46 since 2006. You will want a T30 driver for the cabin air filter area which you must remove to do valve cover, spark plugs, install an alarm siren, CCV or pretty much anything around the throttle body, or to simply change the cabin filter. You will also want some torx bit sockets, to change the DISA valve for instance, a T60 for the AC tensioner, T45? for the bumpers...hmm. It seems like a pretty big statement to say most of the bolts are torx, perhaps you mean most of the ones you don't seem to have tools for are torx.
The bolts that I seem to want just about every tool available are the brake caliper bolts. Mine are 7mm hex and you could get by best with a stubby bit socket. The differential is 14mm hex. With aftermarket sway bars I found I needed a very stubby one. Transmission and oil are 17mm std bolts.

I'm curious what e46 you own, i work on them daily and don't recall any e46 cabin air filters that required any tools to change. Unless you're taking the housing itself off to change the cabin air filter....
I use the bits for the housing with a long 1/4 extension and a cordless electric ratchet, much less effort than the drivers for that application.
Most of my torx ,tamperproof and etorx sets are craftsman and i have had no problems at all with them.

For the hex such as the brake calipers you mentioned i use an older craftsman set where the bits had a ring type retainer and i just took a number of allen wrenches and cut them off to different lengths for some of the unusual lengths needed for bmw and mercedes and insert them into the craftsman hex socket.

For the ZF automatic trans fill plug that is on the side of the housing and very close to the tunnel i have a hex bit socket that was cut down very short to fit in there with a ratchet.

 

[franzdom]

I'm curious what e46 you own, i work on them daily and don't recall any e46 cabin air filters that required any tools to change. Unless you're taking the housing itself off to change the cabin air filter....
I use the bits for the housing with a long 1/4 extension and a cordless electric ratchet, much less effort than the drivers for that application.
Most of my torx ,tamperproof and etorx sets are craftsman and i have had no problems at all with them.

For the hex such as the brake calipers you mentioned i use an older craftsman set where the bits had a ring type retainer and i just took a number of allen wrenches and cut them off to different lengths for some of the unusual lengths needed for bmw and mercedes and insert them into the craftsman hex socket.

For the ZF automatic trans fill plug that is on the side of the housing and very close to the tunnel i have a hex bit socket that was cut down very short to fit in there with a ratchet.

Oops, you are correct it is the 1/4 turn thumb for the filter. I am not a pro and don't change that filter near as much as I need to remove it's housing.
I also have graduated on that T30 from drivers to usually using a long torx bit in a cordless driver. Those things are so handy!

 

[Bill R.]

Oops, you are correct it is the 1/4 turn thumb for the filter. I am not a pro and don't change that filter near as much as I need to remove it's housing.
I also have graduated on that T30 from drivers to usually using a long torx bit in a cordless driver. Those things are so handy!

I agree about the cordless drivers, i use a makita lxt for 80% of my smaller bolts and nuts instead of air. For things that i need a small cordless ratchet i use the skil 1/4 lithium ion that they quit producing. I bought 8 of them when i found out they weren't going to be made anymore, they were 20.00 each refurbished on cpo outlets. I recently thought about buying some new sets of nut drivers then i realized that i don't ever use them anymore, the cordless drivers and sockets have pretty much replaced them completely

 

[Lone_Wolf]

Sorry guys, I was on trip last days. I travel alot because of my job. I have my BMW more than year and it never had any failure! It works perfect!
I want to have tools in my car just for my personal internal peace. Today cars are full with electronics and there is no much help of wrenches and sockets on the road. Road service in my country is too expensive, and in border countries is unreliable. I understand car mechanic because I am physics engineer and work with cars since a was 3 years old. I maintain car by myself with no problem.

In my car torx fasteners are for body parts and metric are for mechanics. This is first time that I have faced with torx fasteners in real life, that is why I have any torx tool. I already have Etorx from Nepros, and my next step will be to buy Stahlwille sockets that I have found on ebay.

Thank you on good and honest advices!

 

[Sick Puppy]

Koken FTW!

(but then I would say that lol)

 

[5mall5nail5]

Fortunately on the older chassis E30, E34, E38 torx was not quite as common.

 

[Lone_Wolf]

Koken FTW!

(but then I would say that lol)

I tried to order some screwdrivers from amazon, but they said that they do not send screwdrivers because of "security issues", whatewer it be!

 

[cgv69]

wow, $255.00 at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYC6I/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Much cheaper on Fleabay... http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-19763-SK-Hand-Tools-SET-Socket-35PC-TORX-W-BOX-/230722704702?pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&hash=item35b825153e&vxp=mtr

 

[5mall5nail5]

I tried to order some screwdrivers from amazon, but they said that they do not send screwdrivers because of "security issues", whatewer it be!

Huh? I have ordered numerous screw drivers from amazon.

 

[franzdom]

Huh? I have ordered numerous screw drivers from amazon.

Perhaps you are not in Croatia?

 

[5mall5nail5]

Rofl, correct, my bad, I am in fact not in Croatia

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Drivers are handy for smaller bits. Sockets for the bigger ones. The extra torque on the fastener is helpful, especially if it is laced with thread locker. Of course heat helps if you can use it. The tap on the head helps too.

Whatever you get, get ones you can easily exchange when they break. I bought a set of Husky torx sockets because I have a Home Depot near my house. So it's fast and easy to go and swap them out when they break (notice I did not say if).

Torx fasteners are about the worst thing ever invented. I have them all over my Jeep too. Whenever I have to remove one for something, I generally replace it with a standard hex head bolt and trash the torx head stuff.

Oh and when you inevitably strip out the torx head on the bolt itself, best way to remove the fastener is to weld a hex nut to it and use a regu
At socket on it.

And yes I have done all the above more time s then I care to Count

Been there done that. Welding a nut on a stripped out seat belt T50