Bit inserts (primarily torx) to replace worn/bad ones, USA made preferred?

[67King]

Have some older SK sockets (older as in 15 years or so.....the Ideal owned version). Have had to warranty a couple of things. First one they replaced with a USA made one. Second one they were out, so they gave me a store credit for the cost of the tool. It was a 10mm triple square. Bought a Lisle USA made bit and replaced it.

I have a set of Torx bit sockets that are, frankly, useless. The heads are more rounded, they don't fit well, and they don't grip well. Sometimes I even have to go one size smaller. Mostly use an inexpensive Sunex set I have, instead. It looks from what I've seen here that folks that have truck brands will have the guys on teh truck swap out the bits, but other companies like SK just replace the whole thing.

Anyone know of any bits, 1/4" and 5/16" to fit the sockets, that are good, high quality, that I could buy? Preference is USA, but if I need to go elsewhere, I wouldn't mind at least keeping it to Taiwan. Lisle has a set of tamper proof Torx, but from looking at them, I can't tell if they are sockets or bits. I THINK they are bits, but again, tamper proof. https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-tools/tamper-resistant-torx-bit-set

I have some older Wiha bits that are USA made, but everything I see now is China.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I don't have time to verify, but, I would look at first companies such as

Qualtool I think those are made in

Zephyr for example the zms-29 set. Zoro sells individual bits but they're really expensive that way.

Chapman for sure are but they won't work in standard drivers. I have a large set of those

I think that Montana makes their own bits in Montana, but I think they have a limited selection of star bits if I remember correctly. But I need to go eat

 

[lbhsbz]

VIM tools makes excellent bits

 

[Ohio Andy]

VIM tools makes excellent bits

Yes, but Taiwan

 

[nadogail]

I buy the Stanley inserts sold in Plastic packaging at Home Depot









p

 

[Ohio Andy]

Side note, proto is made in Taiwan for their bit set with a ratcheting screwdriver, but, J61906 shows made in the USA and claims includes T6 to T40. Is available at Zoro. Depending on the sizes you want, look at J4739P (T10 - T30) first under $20. J5239P is up to T50

 

[Odd-job]

Recently bought Zephyr 5 packs of metric allens recently from Zoro. PM me if you need a 20% coupon. Also have them in torx. Used to get individuals from McMaster. Made in USA. I think it ended up a little over $1 a bit for

I have a lot of VIM/Vega Taiwanese stuff and I think I like the Zephyr bits are better in non impact form. They have almost a PB swiss feel in terms of fit and stiffness.

The non RBRT Proto stuff tends to be USA made, but IMHO is nothing special. The RBRT is great for buggered up stuff, but is made in Taiwan if that matters to you.

 

[AEAdam]

If you are wearing out bit sockets, or don’t like the quality, this is Gods way of telling you to buy Snap On. Ill fitting 5 and 6mm Allens are one of the tools that drove me to buy Snap On 30 yrs ago. The gold torx are probably the industry leaders. I would not waste your time fixing SK sockets and looking for bits to fit.

If you want to save money, don’t have truck service etc, buy a worn out set on eBay then order the replacement bits from customer service. If you wear any of those bits out, I’m sure they will replace them for free.


My experience is poor quality bit sockets both wear quickly and are more likely to strip bolt heads. Infuriating. Good quality bits don’t seem to wear. I’ve never replaced one of mine, tho my 8mm triple square is looking a little dicey. Fortunately, my kids destroyed my last German car! So I have nothing with triple squares at the moment. Sad, I know.

 

[Chipm]

On a related note I just replaced a bit in an old Ace T25 with whatever bit I had lying around. This set is from when I first started working on cars and still gets daily use. Could I upgrade? Sure. But these are sentimental and therefore better.

 

[67King]

Thanks for the great responses. I think I buried the part int here about USA being a preference, not a deal breaker. I'm okay with Taiwan. It seems that may be where I go. T8-T30 are the most important. After that, matching the insert size will be tough. My T40 is 5/16, next two are 3/8", then my T55 is 1/2". The shape of the business end is also less of a mismatch on the larger ones than the smaller ones.

And Odd-job, thanks for the discount offer, I get the same flyers at least once per month from them! Funny that I see many on ebay that are listed higher than the manufacturer's site, but the shipping makes a single purchase better.

 

[67King]

If you are wearing out bit sockets, or don’t like the quality, this is Gods way of telling you to buy Snap On. Ill fitting 5 and 6mm Allens are one of the tools that drove me to buy Snap On 30 yrs ago. The gold torx are probably the industry leaders. I would not waste your time fixing SK sockets and looking for bits to fit.

If you want to save money, don’t have truck service etc, buy a worn out set on eBay then order the replacement bits from customer service. If you wear any of those bits out, I’m sure they will replace them for free.


My experience is poor quality bit sockets both wear quickly and are more likely to strip bolt heads. Infuriating. Good quality bits don’t seem to wear. I’ve never replaced one of mine, tho my 8mm triple square is looking a little dicey. Fortunately, my kids destroyed my last German car! So I have nothing with triple squares at the moment. Sad, I know.

Sorry I was not clear. I'm not replacing them because they are worn out, I am replacing them because their shape is a bit different than the others, meaning they dont' fit fasteners well (interestingly, I found a post looking for a solution where someone was comparing the gold with others and found them to be odd shaped, as well). When I say they are "rounded," I mean that the "points" of the bits are radiused more than other bits, so they don't grip the fasteners very well.

I've had to replace two bits in the span of 15 years. That's pretty darn good in my book. That said, I actually had issues with Snap-On about 20 years ago, as they were so hard that they snapped. Application was the CV joint on a Merkur XR4Ti. Bit of a cult car, those of us who had them discovered that some cheap hardware store brand gave the best combination of hardness and compliance where they'd loosen the bolt, but neither snap, nor yield. Interestingly, the 5mm allen I had to replace wore down. Likely from shallow engagement from fasteners that are very prominent on mountain bikes. The triple square did the opposite, it snapped (like the Snap-On from 20 years ago).

All that said, I'm a DIYer. I've been selective in my tools, as I don't need to rely on them for a living. My toolbox is full of USA made tools for the most part, such as SK, Wright, Mayhew. Lots of German Knipex. A few Taiwan like the Williams versions of Snap-On shorty ratchet wrenches, and a few Sunex sockets (long reach ball end allen, and that second set of torx I mentioned). I limit my super expensive tool purchases to ratchets, I have 6 dozen Snap-On ratchets, as well as the 1/2" drive digital torque wrench.

The bigger problem I have with all these torx bits is that the stupid fasteners on these bikes are so small, and often so shallow, that the fasteners strip. Stupid 2mm internal drive hex bolts on some of the controls are the worst (I'm looking at you, Wolf-Tooth!). On some, I actually use a torx, rather than allen, because they get a little bit better grip on them.

 

[67King]

Here is what I'm trying to rectify. Couple of pics. One is SK vs Wiha 1/4" impact, other is SK vs Sunex socket.

 

[Chipm]

Are you sure it isn't torxplus instead of torx? Torxplus has fatter flutes.

 

[67King]

Are you sure it isn't torxplus instead of torx? Torxplus has fatter flutes.

I think you are right. Just looked at sockets, they are T##P, rather than just T##. Well, that's embarassing.

 

[liliysdad]

Back the original question, I have never had Snap On bits outside of the bots in the ratcheting driver, but I have had many, many years of luck with Brownells Magna-Tip bits. A bit of research indicates Zephyr makes both Snap On and Brownells bits, so that makes sense.

 

[lu787a]

I thought I would chime in with a Torx request of my own here. I'm looking for tamper resistant Torx but sockets but long. I found these inexpensive ones, any other alternatives?

ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc.

Buy ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc. with an everday low price and fast shipping! ATD Tools 13776 | JB Tools

www.jbtools.com

 

[Ohio Andy]

I thought I would chime in with a Torx request of my own here. I'm looking for tamper resistant Torx but sockets but long. I found these inexpensive ones, any other alternatives?

ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc.

Buy ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc. with an everday low price and fast shipping! ATD Tools 13776 | JB Tools

www.jbtools.com

If I ignore the multitude of unnamed similar bits on Amazon, I was unable to find any named bit sets that had them, ****. If push comes to shove, DeWalt makes a relatively thin locking bit extender.. I say that in the singular but they have all different links on these. They work really well, they are impact rated. They're available in multiple lengths .

Here is a link to one of them on Amazon. Something like that might be usable with a shorter locking bit. If you need something else, want something else.

DEWALT Drill Bit Holder Extension, Impact Ready, 6-Inch (DWA6HLDFT) - Amazon.com

DEWALT Drill Bit Holder Extension, Impact Ready, 6-Inch (DWA6HLDFT) - Amazon.com

a.co

In my mind I thought that grip edge had long ones. They don't when I thought that Tekton offered long ones and they don't.

 

[MJD1]

Apex

 

[terrific]

Side note, proto is made in Taiwan for their bit set with a ratcheting screwdriver, but, J61906 shows made in the USA and claims includes T6 to T40. Is available at Zoro. Depending on the sizes you want, look at J4739P (T10 - T30) first under $20. J5239P is up to T50

That J61906 set is actually not a bad deal, though it contains some bits I doubt I would ever need. The holder looks very much like one of Mayhew's (compare Mayhew 18015), but I don't know if Mayhew manufactures ones with multiple rows. Maybe Mayhew is the supplier?

 

[Ohio Andy]

That J61906 set is actually not a bad deal, though it contains some bits I doubt I would ever need. The holder looks very much like one of Mayhew's (compare Mayhew 18015), but I don't know if Mayhew manufactures ones with multiple rows. Maybe Mayhew is the supplier?

And given the price of the Proto didn't it say like $90. That seems high for what you get

I have this one

Proto 12 in, Drive Size: 1/4 in , Num. of pieces:91 J61390 | Zoro

Order Proto 12 in, Drive Size: 1/4 in , Num. of pieces:91, J61390 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Kind of wish the bits were impact rated but they're not.

I think it's made in China. Not a bad set. Lot of bits for sure. You won't use most of them, but you get a set like that just so that you have it if you need that oddball size

Ironically, the thing I like best about the set is the wing nut bit I've used it for hooks and similar

 

[KnurledNut]

I thought I would chime in with a Torx request of my own here. I'm looking for tamper resistant Torx but sockets but long. I found these inexpensive ones, any other alternatives?

ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc.

Buy ATD Tools 13776 Extra Long Tamper-resistant Star Bit Socket Set, 7 pc. with an everday low price and fast shipping! ATD Tools 13776 | JB Tools

www.jbtools.com

Without a stated budget, drive size, range, desired length, its hard to gauge a recommendation, but something like this Tone set might be a little better quality:

Or perhaps KTC:


Or Koken:


I own several Genius bit socket sets and they have been acceptable quality:

 

[terrific]

Looking into it a bit more, it seems those bit holders are made by a third company named Mechanics Time Savers, so Proto and Mayhew both probably get those supplied and it remains a mystery who manufactures Proto's bits.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Looking into it a bit more, it seems those bit holders are made by a third company named Mechanics Time Savers, so Proto and Mayhew both probably get those supplied and it remains a mystery who manufactures Proto's bits.

I just assumed they were just generally manufactured by Stanley Black& Decker wherever they happened to make bits...

Last I checked the big Proto set that I own with over 100 bits and including a ratcheting screwdriver and a t-handle driver shows country of origin as China.

Would be very interested to know exactly where the bits are manufactured though.

I mostly as the Proto one. I want to just grab something to take with me. Currently my primary used bit sets are either PB, Swiss or vessel.

https://www.zoro.com/vessel-torsion-bit-impact-ball-52pcs-set-ib52p01u/i/G412470764/

Not said, I've also filled out my own sets. I have seven of these bit holders that I filled up

https://a.co/d/1ZJyqbY

They are attached to tool cabinets since they're magnetic and they have all sorts of different bits and driver adapters and things like that bristling out of them.

I populated those with bits manufactured by vessel, PB Swiss, Apex, crescent, Milwaukee, Craftsman.... And a couple others....

 

[glenng]

That J61906 set is actually not a bad deal, though it contains some bits I doubt I would ever need. The holder looks very much like one of Mayhew's (compare Mayhew 18015), but I don't know if Mayhew manufactures ones with multiple rows. Maybe Mayhew is the supplier?

The J61906 bit holder is like a million other ones on amazon. Olsa tools makes that kind of bit holder too.

The Mayhew bit holder is just one row of bits with a magnet. I haven't really seen a single rail magnetic bit holder like this.





On another note, Mayhew bits are USA made, too. I noticed they have a bunch of power bits USA made too, but never tried Mayhew for bits. Does anyone know if they make decent bits?

 

[glenng]

Looking into it a bit more, it seems those bit holders are made by a third company named Mechanics Time Savers, so Proto and Mayhew both probably get those supplied and it remains a mystery who manufactures Proto's bits.

I have one of those Mechanic Time Savers like the Proto one, but just googled and they make the single row magnetic for 12 bits. Never seen that single row before. Made in USA too. Nice. Thx.

 

[nadogail]

i buy Name Brand bits made by reputable companies, I prefer Bosh but Stanley is ok too.

 

[KnurledNut]

The J61906 bit holder is like a million other ones on amazon. Olsa tools makes that kind of bit holder too.

The Mayhew bit holder is just one row of bits with a magnet. I haven't really seen a single rail magnetic bit holder like this.





On another note, Mayhew bits are USA made, too. I noticed they have a bunch of power bits USA made too, but never tried Mayhew for bits. Does anyone know if they make decent bits?

Mayhew started offering USA made bits after acquiring Bestway Tools who is a manufacturer. I don't know if the quality has improved, but the original BWT bits left a lot to be desired.

 

[mikebaker1129]

eBay is a great source for replacement bit for bit sockets.

 

[glenng]

Mayhew started offering USA made bits after acquiring Bestway Tools who is a manufacturer. I don't know if the quality has improved, but the original BWT bits left a lot to be desired.

Yeah I zoomed in on a pic on amazon after I posted that and saw they didn't look like anything special. Then I saw the address on the back of the package was Ormond Beach, FL and figured it was BWT. Thx.

 

[KnurledNut]

Yeah I zoomed in on a pic on amazon after I posted that and saw they didn't look like anything special. Then I saw the address on the back of the package was Ormond Beach, FL and figured it was BWT. Thx.

I bought some stuff from them after the acquisition and it arrived missing bits. I contacted Mayhew and they didn’t feel it was their responsibility to correct their mistake. So I don’t personally recommend them.

 

[Steve_P]

McMaster sells individual USA made bits.

Wiha sells a pack with one each of a lot of torx sizes. Wiha bits are made in Vietnam, in a Wiha factory, but they're excellent in quality and was one of the top performers on the Project Farm test.

Edit- here's the Wiha set

Wiha Torx Insert Bit Set 10 Pc 72595 | Zoro

Order Wiha Torx Insert Bit Set 10 Pc, 72595 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

 

[AEAdam]

The J61906 bit holder is like a million other ones on amazon. Olsa tools makes that kind of bit holder too.

The Mayhew bit holder is just one row of bits with a magnet. I haven't really seen a single rail magnetic bit holder like this.





On another note, Mayhew bits are USA made, too. I noticed they have a bunch of power bits USA made too, but never tried Mayhew for bits. Does anyone know if they make decent bits?

I would not recommend bits like those in the picture. Notice how they are designed to share a common chrome socket. The far left one actually necks down to fit the chrome. This is terrible stress concentration. Good bit sockets should have a hardened bit that isn’t machined. That means each chrome piece will be unique to that one size.

 

[glenng]

I bought some stuff from them after the acquisition and it arrived missing bits. I contacted Mayhew and they didn’t feel it was their responsibility to correct their mistake. So I don’t personally recommend them.

That *****. Thx for the info.

McMaster sells individual USA made bits.

Wiha sells a pack with one each of a lot of torx sizes. Wiha bits are made in Vietnam, in a Wiha factory, but they're excellent in quality and was one of the top performers on the Project Farm test.

Edit- here's the Wiha set

Wiha Torx Insert Bit Set 10 Pc 72595 | Zoro

Order Wiha Torx Insert Bit Set 10 Pc, 72595 at Zoro.com. Great prices & free shipping on orders over $50 when you sign in or sign up for an account.

www.zoro.com

Bought all these bits before Wiha started outsourcing to Vietnam. Each bit is stamped Germany. I also have a 25-pack of Phillips #2 Made in Germany and some power bits that are made in Germany, and the master set of precision 4mm bits made in Germany.

I would not recommend bits like those in the picture. Notice how they are designed to share a common chrome socket. The far left one actually necks down to fit the chrome. This is terrible stress concentration. Good bit sockets should have a hardened bit that isn’t machined. That means each chrome piece will be unique to that one size.

Yeah when you zoom in on amazon the bits don't look that good.

 

[Steve_P]

Bought all these bits before Wiha started outsourcing to Vietnam. Each bit is stamped Germany. I also have a 25-pack of Phillips #2 Made in Germany and some power bits that are made in Germany, and the master set of precision 4mm bits made in Germany.

True. I also have a lot of the old Germany made sets like you show above. But if you're buying Wiha bits now, AFAIK everything is made in Vietnam. I can't tell the difference other than the markings, the Vietnamese one seem to wear just as well as the German ones. The reality is that it's probably the same steel and same equipment, because they are still relatively expensive even though they're made in Vietnam.

 

[AEAdam]

True. I also have a lot of the old Germany made sets like you show above. But if you're buying Wiha bits now, AFAIK everything is made in Vietnam. I can't tell the difference other than the markings, the Vietnamese one seem to wear just as well as the German ones. The reality is that it's probably the same steel and same equipment, because they are still relatively expensive even though they're made in Vietnam.

Steel isn’t the same around the world. It’s a little like chocolate chip cookies. Yes, all cookies taste pretty similar. Yes, all are made from essentially the same ingredients. But slight variations in the recipe and different processing results in different tasting cookies,

Viet Nam very likely gets its steel from China. Sad part is, it’s possible Germany did too.

In the end, it doesn’t really matter if you like the cookies. But the Vietnamese cookies may have stuff in them you don’t want and will vary batch to batch. Most people are fine with that. Most people will lose their bits before they wear them out.

 

[glenng]

True. I also have a lot of the old Germany made sets like you show above. But if you're buying Wiha bits now, AFAIK everything is made in Vietnam. I can't tell the difference other than the markings, the Vietnamese one seem to wear just as well as the German ones. The reality is that it's probably the same steel and same equipment, because they are still relatively expensive even though they're made in Vietnam.

Good to know they are still high quality. I've been hesitant to buy them since they moved to Vietnam. Maybe I'll check them out.

 

[mrjaw14]

Be careful with Genius tools. I tried to warranty an impact bit socket that shattered first use on a weak-sauce impact and they never replied. I did both warranty form on their site and email to their support, and it's been 3-4 weeks now and I've heard zero response from them. If warranty is important to you I'd look elsewhere.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have a large order of Zephyr bits coming soon. Ordered from Zoro. I also have many PB Swiss bits. None of these are Impact rated though; and I have never tried them in an impact. I have always just kept them "loose" and then put them in bit holders attached to my metal tool chests (magnetic holders). I finally ordered the Zephyr Professional 31 Piece Bit Kit (ZBB-4) because

<enter lie mode> I really needed another bit kit <exit lie mode>

Ironically, the kit will contain my first Zephyr bit holder.

 

[Jeff]

Vessel (Japan) makes an excellent set of impact bits. By using the JIS standard, the function, fit, and finish are top rate.

Vessel Bits

 

[Ohio Andy]

Vessel (Japan) makes an excellent set of impact bits. By using the JIS standard, the function, fit, and finish are top rate.

Vessel Bits

That's what I use, but the bigger set... I also have some impact rated apex and Milwaukee. Have not used the apex much yet