Good Torx screwdrivers? (not bits)

[n8n]

With the aftermarket front bumper that's on my Jeep (2001 Cherokee) it's a complete pain in the **** to remove the trim around the headlights so to aim them I want a Torx screwdriver that I can slip in there (not a bit holder). Any recommendations? Bonus points if you know what size I need. I see there's a Mayhew set for cheap, is that good? I don't usually think of them for screwdrivers but the price is right.

 

[LXCam]

Wera

 

[FigN⋅m]

I'd be partial to Bondhus or Tekton / HT

 

[KnurledNut]

T15

 

[lardy1]

I had some cheap Chinese garbage that were flaking chrome and needed an upgrade. I bought Bondhus and they're pretty nice. Domestic, which I like. A lot of makers to choose from, for sure.

 

[Etchase]

I really like these protwist handles. They make t-handles as well. The latter are anti-slip.

https://a.co/d/8LCm14e

 

[tincanoe]

Maybe a set of Craftsman V Series Torx screwdrivers (CMHT65630V). Amazon for $45.87. Generally considered to be rebadged Facom, made in France. They could be had cheaper back when the V Series stuff was being blown out at Lowes, still not bad at current prices.

 

[n8n]

Maybe a set of Craftsman V Series Torx screwdrivers (CMHT65630V). Amazon for $45.87. Generally considered to be rebadged Facom, made in France. They could be had cheaper back when the V Series stuff was being blown out at Lowes, still not bad at current prices.

heh... I bought a set of Craftsman years ago, probably early 2000s, the first time I used one it was to set the choke housing on a brand new Edelbrock carburetor. The shaft twisted in the handle before the first screw broke loose :/ they were the old style black/clear acetate handles though not like you linked.

That was one of the first experiences I had that made me stray from the Craftsman path; about the same time I realized that my Craftsman flare wrenches were absolute garbage as well.

 

[BTL-A4]

Do you only need one? Just buy that one instead of a set. I did that for the airbox on my truck; I needed a longer handle and just bought the Torx screwdriver (Wera) I needed.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

Tekton high torque torx is where it's at

 

[cody1325]

The Torx screwdriver I use around the house (T20) is a Mac Mac Grip. Some stuff I took apart uses a T25, so looks like it's back to the truck for that one so that I can have the driver for the screws as I filled a box with them. They make a T27 (for Stihl work), but it seems the guy here doesn't stock them--hoping Snap-On may have that one in Instinct.

 

[Vinny]

I like the Vessel ones with the wood composite handle. I have Bondhus ones that are the security end style, but they don't go up that high for size.

 

[n8n]

Do you only need one? Just buy that one instead of a set. I did that for the airbox on my truck; I needed a longer handle and just bought the Torx screwdriver (Wera) I needed.

I only need one right now, but I figured a set isn't a bad investment. (I also am not sure which one I need) Of course I've been getting by with bits and sockets for over 20 years so...

I like the Vessel ones with the wood composite handle. I have Bondhus ones that are the security end style, but they don't go up that high for size.

Funny you should mention that, I just last night used my Vessel #2 but with the real wood handles to change the headlights (Jeep had some cheap Amazon LEDs and I had some Truck-Lites left over from my previous XJ) that was a lifesaver because the screws were well stuck in the buckets. Got all 8 out without damage and of course used anti-sleaze when putting them back in. Almost makes that purchase seem not extravagant. Also was using my Vessel ratchet bit holder as well. I'll have to look at those.

 

[GeoBruin]

I've become really fond of the Bhondus drivers. I now have them in torx and ball-end hex (metric and sae).

 

[tincanoe]

heh... I bought a set of Craftsman years ago, probably early 2000s, the first time I used one it was to set the choke housing on a brand new Edelbrock carburetor. The shaft twisted in the handle before the first screw broke loose :/ they were the old style black/clear acetate handles though not like you linked.

That was one of the first experiences I had that made me stray from the Craftsman path; about the same time I realized that my Craftsman flare wrenches were absolute garbage as well.

I think the Mac and VSeries screw/torx drivers are both Facom inspired Stanley products, made in France, not your typical Craftsman product. Might want to give them a look.

 

[Dave455]

Lots of good options out there.

Torx drivers need to be a fraction higher quality than say a slotted driver. Both in terms of accuracy, and metallurgy.

The best, if you want them, are probably PB Swiss and Snap On.

Both have superb tips. PB Swiss probably win it for general use, Snap On for automotive.

Snap On give you a decent size handle, even on the smaller drivers, which I like.


The Japanese, who generally offer superb screwdrivers, sometimes struggle on Torx. These Vessel are good. Durable handles.


Wiha are o.k. Not quite the quality of the above, but not bad. Good value.


I own examples of all the above.

Wera are a similar proposition to Wiha. The blades might even be a bit better, but I don’t like the handles. The softbinserts are not durable.


Facom seem good all round. If you could get these, rebranded, by some other part of the SBD empire, they could be a good buy.


I’ve used Wera and Facom but don’t own them

 

[B_Bimmer]

Personally I like t handles for torx. They are almost always too tight for a screwdriver to be too effective. Adjusting headlights may be an exception to that though.

 

[n8n]

I like the handles on the PB Swiss. Of course those are likely the most expensive except for Snap-On. (I like the traditional Snap-On hard handles too BTW. But do they even sell them anymore?)

 

[n8n]

Personally I like t handles for torx. They are almost always too tight for a screwdriver to be too effective. Adjusting headlights may be an exception to that though.

yeah unlike the mounting screws the adjusters thread into plastic nutserts. I always just took the headlight trim off before, but on this XJ you have to also remove the parking light lens and then finagle it out just so, so a real screwdriver is in order. There's a brush bar that it'd be real nice if it were about 3/16" farther forward than it is, but here we are. (also possible someone tapped something with it and it was supposed to be a hair farther forward; I bought it like it is.)

I'm very familiar with this hardware because when the hood cable snaps on an XJ, you have to remove the headlight buckets to unlatch the hood. I *should* remember what size it is but I don't, and I didn't think to check last night while I had the trim off.

 

[Dave455]

I like the handles on the PB Swiss. Of course those are likely the most expensive except for Snap-On. (I like the traditional Snap-On hard handles too BTW. But do they even sell them anymore?)

Yes, those are the Multicraft handles, which I quite like too.

For me, the PB Swiss are about a third of the price of the Snap On - probably why I have a fair bit!

Snap On still offer the traditional hard handle, and they’re my favourite choice too, but I got a deal on the Instinct’s so went for it.

 

[GrayFlattop]

I've had a set of hard-handle Stanley 100+ Torx drivers for quite some time. Bought them new - made in USA.They remain my preferred torx driver, but I think they would be hard to find as NOS. I have the Wera set in the basement shop and they aren't bad,once you get used to the handles

 

[swsman]

A few I own are PB Swiss, quality pieces.
I bought a 6 piece set (blue top) a couple years back or so.

My go to screwdrivers are PB Swiss. Vessel on the left are for JIS hardware.

 

[JradM]

Mayhew products are excellent. If you already spotted a cheap set you like - why not?

Craftsman has a set of V-series T-handles with "X-tract technology" that are also worth looking at. That's their moniker for RBRT-related technology. I realize you asked for screwdrivers, but getting that tech at Craftsman prices is kind of a bargain in my opinion.

 

[Steve_P]

I have Wiha. IMO, their drivers are awesome, readily available, and very fairly priced for the quality you get.

 

[Wamsutta]

Look no further. These are the best on planet earth.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I bought some tekton for interior screws, they work well. I have them mixed with an Older, and discontinued, VIM set.

 

[ohhimark]

You could throw a dart at the suggestions here and I don't think you'd have a dud. Price and handle preference should narrow it down. I have a Wera set in the garage, and they haven't twisted/distorted. The handle shape isn't my favorite on "normal" screwdrivers, but doesn't bother me on the Torx.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Step 1... Make sure you have the correct sizes. The v series Craftsman I think starts at 20.

Snap on of course, but expensive. I do not own any torx.

Channel lock. I like them but some people dislike the handles (slippery if covered in oil) made in USA . I own some.

Tekton is made in USA and a good price. I own these as drivers, bits, and sockets.

T10 - T30 Williams SuperTorque TORX Screwdriver Set 6 Pcs - JHWSPRS-6T. Made in Spain. I prefer the enduro grips, but the super torque are ok. I own a bunch of these but not the torx.

The mayhew set is made in China so I bought the Tekton instead.

Love PB swiss. Have lots of these but not specific torx drivers.

 

[Ohio Andy]

But I didn't mention is that if I have concerns about the thing I'm removing, I'll probably grab my grip edge, but those are bits

 

[KnurledNut]

For that particular application, I’d go with a 6” blade since you’re not removing the bezel.
I mention this because the smaller size torx screwdrivers typically tend to be short in length.
Also, if they haven’t been adjusted in a long time, they may put up a fight.

Of note, the V-Series set above does not contain the T-15 needed.

 

[Buster21]

I have a set of Protos and an old SK set

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Felo.



Just make sure - whatever brand you go with - you get T and not TR (with the hole) for potential stubborn/rusted fasteners. While manufacturers have claimed there is no mechanical disadvantage, the holes are a pain in the @ss to clean - especially in that very moment you need that TR driver for exactly that hole.

The Felo in my box are TR.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[Hannahranga]

I think the Mac and VSeries screw/torx drivers are both Facom inspired Stanley products, made in France, not your typical Craftsman product. Might want to give them a look.

The facom stuff is nice, I've got some of it branded as sidcrome (). But yeah the sidcrome quality is pretty variable.
Vaguely on topic I've got some Milwaukee torx drivers and they're okay, wouldn't use them on anything outside but they're not complete trash (needed them asap and were about the only option available locally)

 

[n8n]

Personally I like t handles for torx. They are almost always too tight for a screwdriver to be too effective. Adjusting headlights may be an exception to that though.

Yeah, I really need just a straight screwdriver. Not sure that a T handle would clear the brush bar. Headlight adjuster screws screw into a plastic thing that looks like a license plate nut deal. Real fear is that the plastic disintegrates but that's a solvable problem if it happens.

 

[Rinspeed]

My vote would be PB Swiss with the Swiss grip.

 

[dnschmidt]

TOPTUL makes very good ones but since I'm out of that business they are basically unobtanium. I'd go with Bondhus or Vessel. Felo are very good as well and P. B. Swiss is always a safe choice. In the old days of computers there was a saying that nobody ever got fired for buying IBM. The same can be said for P. B. Swiss.

 

[DarryT]

For 1. NAPA Carlyle.

 

[n8n]

so I'm leaning toward ordering the PB Swiss kit with the orange acetate handles... is there a preferred supplier for these? Only PB Swiss tools I currently own are some Pozidriv bits and I honestly don't remember where I got them (and it was 10+ years ago)

 

[lardy1]

Look into DRPD. They have a rep active in these forums and are legit. Lot's of us have bought from them.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Look into DRPD. They have a rep active in these forums and are legit. Lot's of us have bought from them.

Yeah they're easy to work with. Nice place. where I order unless they don't have what I want