Drive bit socket set(s)

[akrisher13]

Hello everyone,

Looking around for a nice/better set or sets to complete some sockets. Mostly the hex, torx, slotted, phillips and those kind of sockets. Probably looking for 3/8 drive due to how common and useful that size is. Any suggestions or knowledge would be nice and greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Look at sets from VMI. Made in Taiwan, but great quality. I have a master Torx and Hex set from them and they are excellent. Mac and Cornwell both rebrand VIM bit sockets.

 

[martin666]

Another vote for the VIM set, I have a Snap On torx/hex master set and a VIM 3/8" drive stubby hex set and more and more reach for the VIM set lately, very impressed

 

[d.mcfarland]

Neiko/Capri from Amazon aren't all that bad for the occasional use from my experience. They are the same price really as the VIM, but the VIM are more tried/true/tested I'm sure.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

I have lots of VIM, I love them. I also have a Blue Point 87 piece set that is very nice also, very complete.

 

[kv501]

Lisle. US made, reasonably priced, and rock solid.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

Sk and proto are my favorites, but if I was starting over I would try VIM or NAPA Carlyle.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I just broke an sk last week, my dealer was out of that size and he had to order it otherwise the warranty is painless.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Lisle. US made, reasonably priced, and rock solid.

Just dont buy the one piece Lisle torx set (all black), they are horrible.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I am very happy with Wiha set.

 

[akrisher13]

Thanks for the comments so far guys, warranty is another thing that is a must.

 

[kv501]

Just dont buy the one piece Lisle torx set (all black), they are horrible.

My standard Lisle sets aren't the one-piece versions, but I do have a T47 Torx in one-piece that I've put through hell and back on calipers and it's still as good as new. We're talking really long breaker bar stuff. Maybe a bad run?

 

[Sanny81]

I've been looking to replace my Craftsman set, how is the Gearwrench set? This one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000N..._SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=gearwrench+hex+bit

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

IMHO GW is not a huge step up from Craftsman in bit sockets. I do have a bit of GW and most of it is good, but I have not been impressed with the GW bit sockets I have.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

If painless warrenties are a concern. I would buy something that is sold locally. For example: I have a local SK, Wright, and NAPA Carlyle dealers. I don't deal with any trucks but those are options for most. If you have a local Grainger or Fastenal that opens up a lot of possibilities for easy warranties (perhaps?)

 

[stonesfan68]

I've been looking to replace my Craftsman set, how is the Gearwrench set? This one:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000N..._SX110_SY165_QL70&keywords=gearwrench+hex+bit

I'm not a big fan of the GW bit sockets. I'm a DIYer and have broken a couple of the bits just using them with a standard 3/8 ratchet- not abusing them with an 18" breaker bar or something like that.

 

[Sanny81]

How about this Williams set?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VMVFX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

How about this Williams set?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005VMVFX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

That's a nice looking set; I wouldn't be surprised if it's made by VMI. Depending on what you work on, that set might not be comprehensive enough. I know my race car requires a 17mm hex and my Bronco has a larger SAE hex plug on the diff cover. Also, the there are no safety Torx or external Torx if you ever have a need for those.

The screwdriver bits can be found cheap on ebay. I think I got a Kobalt USA set from Cripe for a couple of bucks. Honestly, I've used them a couple of times with a long extension when I couldn't get a screwdriver in somewhere, but overall they aren't a commonly used tool for me.

 

[thegroundpounder99]

This is the Blue Point set I mentioned earlier. It has long and short torx and hex sockets and E Torx sockets. It can be picked up on EBay used for $199 or so. I paid $250 new off truck. I also have plenty of VIM sets. My ball torx, ball hex, extra long torx, stubby torx and hex sets are all VIM. They are used everyday and hold up well. (Only broke one, a stubby T20 and that was just last week)

 

[AmishFury]

If you have a local Grainger that opens up a lot of possibilities for easy warranties (perhaps?)

if it's like mine only if you bought it from them (for a drastically inflated price)