Commonly used sizes for hex and torx sockets

[ToolGlutton]

Hex keys and torx bits could do most of the easy job.

When it requires strength, we want to use hex or torx sockets. So what's the most commonly used sizes for hex and torx sockets?

I overheard in this forum that

1) someone owns all types of 6-mm hex bit socket (long, short, medium). I guess 6-mm must be a commonly used one.

2) 3/8 hex socket is commonly used for brake calipers.

3) T55, T60 are commonly used for GM brake calipers.

What else?

 

[billymade]

Lisle Brake Caliper Socket Set
Sears item# 00947744000 Mfr. model# 12550 $7.99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00947744000P
Lisle brake Caliper socket set for servicing disc brakes. 8mm hex bit for GM applications, 3/8 in. hex bit for GM applications and 1/4 in. hex bits for Ford.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

On VAG cars 5mm and 6mm are used a lot on all kinds of things, 7mm is used a lot on european cars for brake caliper pins. VAG cars also use T25 a lot on interior screws and undertray screws.

 

[ToolGlutton]

I do not know why they did not mention T55. See below:

--------------
SK 7 Pc Disc Brake Caliper Set
Sears item# 00999503000 Mfr. model# 84227

"7 piece set contains the most popular hex and TORX sizes for servicing disc brake calipers on domestic vehicles (except Chrysler). Contains:1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 8mm Hex Bit Sockets; T40, T45, T50 TORX Bit Sockets Packaged on a rail.

Set does not contain a T60 TORX bit needed for some late model GM vehicles."
------------------------

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I use T50 and T27 torx quite often while working on horton fan hubs.

Although most of the rebuild kits come with a T50.

 

[jesselyons2002]

Don't forget the drain bolts for some Saturn transmission.

 

[billymade]

Volkswagen transmissions use a 17MM Hex for the drain plug!

Socket, VW Transmission Drain Plug/Triumph Motorcycles
(17mm external hex, 3/8" drive) Stock#: CPT110A $16.60
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=12032&group_ID=1611

 

[eschoendorff]

Hex keys and torx bits could do most of the easy job.

When it requires strength, we want to use hex or torx sockets. So what's the most commonly used sizes for hex and torx sockets?

I overheard in this forum that

1) someone owns all types of 6-mm hex bit socket (long, short, medium). I guess 6-mm must be a commonly used one.

2) 3/8 hex socket is commonly used for brake calipers.

3) T55, T60 are commonly used for GM brake calipers.

What else?

It really depends on what you are working on. If you are working on GM cars or trucks, you'll get one answer. Audis and VWs, you get something different. And that is just for automotive stuff. If, for instance, you even need to work on Stihl power equipment, you'll need some high quality T-27 torx.

You might get better answers if you make your query more specific....

 

[Merkava_4]

You might get better answers if you make your query more specific....

Nothing is specific with this dude; he's vague vague vague.

 

[jgromada]

8 mm hex for older (E30 E36) brake calipers

 

[wolf_from_wv]

3/16 for AR15 handle?

1/8 for tub faucet

3/8 for S10 caliper bolts

9mm for Ford Escape calipers?

 

[Tonyuk]

In my service cart i keep a set going from T10-40 and hex in 4-10mm Larger sizes of each in the tool box.

It all depends on what brand of cars your working on, for example with a VW you'll also need spline and triple square, modern BMW have a lot of female torx etc..

I would just get a good quality set of each, undoubtedly you'll run into non-standard fittings that other techs or the owner has put on if the original was damaged or lost.

 

[mikebaker1129]

3/16 is the most common size I use in the HVAC industry . Often found on sheave setscrews and blower wheels.

 

[matt01073]

My thought would be if you dont know what sizes are common , then you probably dont use any and dont need them . What is common for one person may never be used by the next guy.

 

[Jure]

t40 and t45 for drain plugs...opel (GM) oil drain plugs are pretty much all t45

 

[wolf_from_wv]

T6 (or so) for knife clips

T8 (or so) for disassembling computer hard drives

TT15 for coffee pot

T20 or 25 for deck screws

T20(?) for ford Focus door panels

T15(?) for '85 S10 dash screws

 

[maydaymike]

My 2014 Harley has a ton of T27 on the engine. I had to buy a socket, 'cause the set I had skipped that size.

 

[R_einan]

Harley compensator bolts are now a t70, big SOB... you also need a 12mm long hex socket and a 19mm hex to disassemble the forks on '14 and newer touring models.

 

[apollo11]

Volkswagen transmissions use a 17MM Hex for the drain plug!

Socket, VW Transmission Drain Plug/Triumph Motorcycles
(17mm external hex, 3/8" drive) Stock#: CPT110A $16.60
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?store=snapon-store&item_ID=12032&group_ID=1611

First time I saw that I made one by tightening 4 nuts up on a bolt.

 

[skruft]

I have had to use a T55 on very tight bolts quite a bit and feel that the common ones with 3/8 drive put too much strain on that drive - I recommend one with 1/2.

 

[joel63]

I have had to use a T55 on very tight bolts quite a bit and feel that the common ones with 3/8 drive put too much strain on that drive - I recommend one with 1/2.

^ Yes ^

 

[mrborohachi]

10mm hex is common on german and Japanese cars

 

[jgromada]

I think the person who mentioned that you need to specify what you plan to work on is SPOT ON!

No one mentioned Triple-Square, but that is mandatory for VW and probably others.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

T-20 is Ford Focus door panels (already mentioned)

T-30 is Ford Focus undertray

T-47 is Ford Focus seat bolts

You can probably guess what I drive

 

[jgromada]

T-20 is Ford Focus door panels (already mentioned)
T-30 is Ford Focus undertray
T-47 is Ford Focus seat bolts
You can probably guess what I drive

Pretty obvious if you know all the bolt sizes so well! Fix or repair Daily

 

[Dakkyz]

They all love to use T-25 / 27 / 30 / 40 and 45.

7mm allen, 6mm allen, 8mm allen, rarely see anything smaller.

Sent from my SM-G950F using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Spacey_G]

I think the person who mentioned that you need to specify what you plan to work on is SPOT ON!

Yeah no kidding. My most commonly used sizes are .028, .035, .050, T5, T6, and T8. No way I'm using bit sockets though!

 

[ptgarcia]

3mm hex for Keihin FCR carburetors.

 

[Yarpo]

I use H5, H6, H7, H8 and T20, T25, T27, T30, T45 and T47 quite a bit.

 

[wafrederick]

T60 on the older GM W bodied cars,front brake caliper bracket bolts
T50 torx plus,GM 4l60e bellhousing bolts into the case
5mm hex,timing cover bolts in the Subaru H6 engines

 

[MushCreek]

I can't imagine being without full sets. I have T7 through at least T50, 1.5mm through 14mm, and .035 through 5/8". In my trade working on plastic injection molds, everything is socket head cap screws, and insertable carbide tooling is mostly Torx. Then I come home and tinker with cars.

 

[atikovi]

No one mentioned Triple-Square, but that is mandatory for VW and probably others.

Or E-torx found on GM and Chrysler.