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Deep Offset E Torx Box End Wrenches

Lesserstore

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My dad and I were working on his Benz and there are some spaces where you can't or can barely get a 3/8 ratchet in, and I would use a 1/4 but no one makes that big a size in 1/4. So I was thinking that deep offset or flex head e torx or spline would do the trick. I can't seem to find any online, so does anyone know of any?
 
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Tools4Me

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Offset e-torx wrenches are out there, but companies call them different names. Some call them external torx, inverted torx, e-star, external star, etc. E-torx wrenches often aren't very useful in tight areas. Using an e-torx wrench is like using a 6pt box wrench. You need to be able to rotate the wrench handle a full 60 degrees to remove the wrench, rotate it, and get it back onto the fastener. Often that's not possible in a tight area.

You mentioned a 1/4 ratchet will fit, but a 3/8 won't. Would something like a thin drive adapter on a 1/4 ratchet work for your situation? That would allow you to use a 1/4 ratchet with any of your 3/8 drive sockets. Mine are Koken brand, but I have seen them branded MAC and a few other brands as well.


There are also quite a few pretty nice 3/8 drive ratchets which have 1/4 drive sized heads. Some have the strength of a 1/4 drive ratchet and others have the strength of a regular 3/8 ratchet. The Astro Pneumatic nano ratchet head is as thick as your average 3/8 ratchet head, but it has a narrow head widthwise (only 1" across) if that's where you need the extra clearance. It also has the strength of a regular 3/8 ratchet.

 
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Fedwrench

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I checked Hazet's web site and their E torx boxed end wrenches seem to all be zero offset. However, have you considered e torx swivel sockets. In close quarters sometimes you can improve access with some stand off either from a swivel socket or combined with a wobble extension. Gearwrench and others offer long (almost too long to use sometimes) 120xp flex head ratcheting spline wrenches that can be used on etorx fasteners. good luck in your quest. :beer:
 

Rabid Badger

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If ratchet width is the problem, get a ratchet with at 3/8 anvil in a 1/4 head. If depth is the issue, grab one of those double-ended 3/8 & 1/4 ratchets from Harbor Freight.
 

gigamel

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Quick fix:
8mm or 5/16" 12-point (combination, DBE, 1/4" socket) will fit E10 bolt heads.
3/8" 12-point for E12.
11mm or 7/16" for E14:
IMG_2360 (2) - Kopi.jpg
Best solution:
Get E10 and E12 (E14) sockets in 1/4" - I did - My E-torx socket set only went up to E8 in 1/4".

Snap-on E12 1/4":

Beta E14 1/4":

My problem was that the socket it self was to big in 3/8" so 3/8" square in 1/4" ratchet did not work.

And like said above, DBE E-torx are not very practical due to 60 degree swing.

Stahlwille used to make deep offset DBE E-torx, the 20TX series, they are now discontinued, but you can get them on Amazon?:

411EkAFS0DL._AC_SL1000_.jpg
 
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Odd-job

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Looking for these too in E8, E10 and E12 mainly. Benz's are what I primarily work on as a DIYer.

Swivels and 0 offset wrenches are what I have been getting by with in tight situations. Need to expand to more 1/4 inch swivels (looking into Koken). Also the snap on low profile 1/4 sockets seem to be only game in town. Trying to get over the fact that the 5mm difference with Koken in an E10 is worth 6X the price...
 

Tools4Me

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Looking for these too in E8, E10 and E12 mainly. Benz's are what I primarily work on as a DIYer.

Swivels and 0 offset wrenches are what I have been getting by with in tight situations. Need to expand to more 1/4 inch swivels (looking into Koken). Also the snap on low profile 1/4 sockets seem to be only game in town. Trying to get over the fact that the 5mm difference with Koken in an E10 is worth 6X the price...
The main benefit of the Snap-on low profile E10 isn't the overall length being 5mm shorter, it's the 11mm hex on the outside of the socket, so it can be turned with an 11mm box or ratchet wrench without anything extending beyond the length of the socket itself. If you don't need that feature, your money might be better spent elsewhere.


Matco sells E8, E10, E12 low profile sockets with 1/4 drive and 11mm hex outsides (just like the Snap-on ones) for $10 each. I assume they're Taiwan COO.
Part of this set
 
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2ndGearRubber

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E-torx suffers from a design standard which makes several socket sizes too large for the fastener they are engaging. For instance, E10 is common on m6x1 thread bolts. Which, if they had a 6-point head, would be 10mm heads typically. No reason they should be a 3/8 socket, and yet....

As another member stated, 12 point SAE has coverage to some e-torx. Very nice trick to know. Getting 8/10/12 in 1/4 drive is a must. E-torx wrenches are less useful, as they are akin to a 6 point box end, and thus have swing arc issues. IMO an impact style 1/4 swivel joint, wobble extensions, and the 3 1/4 sockets I listed will get you quite far into a benz engine bay.

Try pricing some snap-on e-torx universals if you want some sticker shock. The low profile torx from SO combined with a wobble extension will get you into so tight areas.
 

Odd-job

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The main benefit of the Snap-on low profile E10 isn't the overall length being 5mm shorter, it's the 11mm hex on the outside of the socket, so it can be turned with an 11mm box or ratchet wrench without anything extending beyond the length of the socket itself. If you don't need that feature, your money might be better spent elsewhere.


Matco sells E8, E10, E12 low profile sockets with 1/4 drive and 11mm hex outsides (just like the Snap-on ones) for $10 each. I assume they're Taiwan COO.
Part of this set
Thanks good to know there was another option for low profile etorx. Wish there was something outside of the tool truck brands. May **** up the sticker shock and go with snap on. The 11mm hex feature would be handy and where else can I justify the 11 mm ratcheting wrench that takes up room on my tool cart. Actually kind of wish all of the low profile stuff would have this feature.
 

Fedwrench

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If you're looking for Torx tools, look at vimtools.com
they have a wide selection and produce many items for most of the tool trucks.
I believe Mayhew also launched some low profile torx bits too.
 
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