Has any one tried out Astro or Sunex triple square socket sets?

[GophersGarage]

Astro set is M4-M18 roughly $55cnd
Made from Chrome Vanadium S2 Steel

vs

Sunex M4-M14 $65cnd.
Chrome Molybdenum

 

[dnschmidt]

Both work but I do like the the security Torx like design Astro uses for the large sizes. Once you get this big the hole in the middle doesn't hurt strength and might be what you need. Who knows what the evil Germans might be using on those VW and BMW dogs.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have the sunex. They work fine.

 

[DerekV]

Yeah, that Astro set is undoubtedly more comprehensive and functional, and your dollar goes further. In my experience, the bigger sizes are more often tamper proof than not. Both are solid companies with known good support.

Between the two I’d go Astro.

 

[GophersGarage]

good call thanks for pointing that out about the taper proof feature.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

good call thanks for pointing that out about the taper proof feature.

I've never actually seen a security triple square fastener, despite many of my sockets having the hole in them.

 

[GophersGarage]

I too have never seen one and worked on many VW, Porsche cars. but I do notice that the astro set has m18 vs other kit does not

 

[isb cornbinder]

I have SUNEX. They are fantastic.

 

[Tools4Me]

I have the Titan set. Taiwan made. The Sunex and Astro sets are both also Taiwan made products. In general I don't notice much quality or strength difference between Taiwan made impact sockets, they are almost all very close to each other and I mix and match brands regularly without noticing much difference in quality. The larger sizes in the Titan set have the tamper style holes, but what I like the most is that the set spans 3 different drive sizes so the smaller sockets are 1/4" drive and in better proportion with the XZN tip size (better for tight area work), and the larger two sockets are 1/2" drive as they should be in my opinion. M16 and M18 XZN bolts often have torque specs that are way better suited for 1/2" drive tools. All brands will strip out pretty equally, especially in the smaller sizes. I tend to prefer using non-impact 1/4" hex bits for the smaller sizes anyways. The tiny teeth hold up a little better in my experience. I think the main M4-M8 non-impact bits I have right now are Felo.

$28 shipped in the US.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WIWN1U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Here is a listing for the item in Canada, but I'm not sure if that's the best price you can find there or not. It is Titan item number 16138 for search purposes.

$46.18 shipped in Canada.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B004WIWN1U/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[vwpieces]

While my VW experience is mostly pre 1990, I would have no use for those short sockets. The 2 most used XZN bits i use are M10 for head bolts and M8 for inner cv joints. Both of those require long shank bit sockets. Having the fat drive end too close makes those pictured not something useful. So, just a heads up there.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

While my VW experience is mostly pre 1990, I would have no use for those short sockets. The 2 most used XZN bits i use are M10 for head bolts and M8 for inner cv joints. Both of those require long shank bit sockets. Having the fat drive end too close makes those pictured not something useful. So, just a heads up there.

You need the normal length short ones for.... everything. But 12" extension plus a swivel and an xzn12 is common for rear caliper bolts.

They make them super stubby because VAG just jams **** in with no thought as to future service, so you need the low height.

 

[ForrestT]

Is there a difference between triple squares and torx?

 

[shawhite]

Is there a difference between triple squares and torx?

Yes

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Is there a difference between triple squares and torx?

One is actually usable in external automotive applications. The other with its 1/8 inch depth of engagement needs to stick to deck screws.

Triple square is 4 squares, offset around a center point. To make a 12 point internal fastener. Torx has 6 lobes and ***** *** if it's rusty.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Both sets look like they are generic rebranded made in Taiwan sets.

 

[KnurledNut]

One is actually usable in external automotive applications. The other with its 1/8 inch depth of engagement needs to stick to deck screws.

Triple square is 4 squares, offset around a center point. To make a 12 point internal fastener. Torx has 6 lobes and ***** *** if it's rusty.

Triple sqare is 3 squares. Thus the name triple square.

 

[dnschmidt]

Triple sqare is 3 squares. Thus the name triple square.

True, Toyota uses what's called a double Hex for their head bolts. Not the same thing as the angles are different 60 instead of 90.

 

[xjfish]

I've also never seen a "security" triple square fastener. None of my triple square sockets have holes in them.

 

[GophersGarage]

You need the normal length short ones for.... everything. But 12" extension plus a swivel and an xzn12 is common for rear caliper bolts.

They make them super stubby because VAG just jams **** in with no thought as to future service, so you need the low height.

I have a standard set from Vim? Can’t remember brand right now. Used them for my vw days same with my snap on 1/2”drive set for when I did head bolts. Right now I just thought a compact (nano) type would be handy to add.

 

[drokihazan]

I have a set from Capri. They're fine, and weren't expensive.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Triple sqare is 3 squares. Thus the name triple square.

Man I'm really low IQ today. It's right in the name.

Im sure VAG is working on quad-square.

 

[boom10ful]

I have this same set as well. Very strong, excellent fit and finish and inexpensive.

I have a set from Capri. They're fine, and weren't expensive.

 

[Blind1]

Mine are VIM. They work fine.