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hex and torx bit sockets

mbaker76

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2010
Messages
9
Needing to replace some of these and thinking of looking at whole new sets. Ive used some snap on that i really liked but cant justify spending the money for my every now and then weekend project, but when i use them i like to have quality stuff.

Any suggestions? Saw some from Williams that came as a set, both torx and hex combined and decently priced, any thoughts on those?
 
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JeremyManning

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Oct 12, 2010
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1,457
Location
Ontario, Canada
Instead of sockets you can just buy snap on bits for a fraction of the cost, this is an example SDMTA45
you can get hex, torx, phillips and flat bits then use a ratcheting screwdriver
 

mrrisotto

Active member
Joined
Apr 7, 2011
Messages
36
Location
Denver, CO
Craftsman has a decent set of Torx sockets for about $40... I bought them to replace the GARBAGE HF set I bought years ago.
 
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mbaker76

Member
Joined
Dec 20, 2010
Messages
9
I have an older set of the Cman hex bits, but have lost some of the bits from the sockets, or otherwise get annoyed because they slip out too easy. They need to be retained better or pinned like the snap on stuff. Maybe the new Cman stuff is better?
 

DrkMtnDew

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Sep 24, 2010
Messages
1,465
there is a really good set of NAPA brand hex sockets. it was the first one i bought and i still use it.
 

boostedgt

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Dec 17, 2009
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983
Location
the D
i have an OTC torx socket that seems like it is good quality, no idea where it came from or if they even still make them
 

bentrotor

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Joined
Aug 4, 2011
Messages
12
I have an older set of the Cman hex bits, but have lost some of the bits from the sockets, or otherwise get annoyed because they slip out too easy. They need to be retained better or pinned like the snap on stuff. Maybe the new Cman stuff is better?

Craftsman has a decent set of Torx sockets for about $40... I bought them to replace the GARBAGE HF set I bought years ago.

I was at Sears today and I briefly considered picking up that $40 set of Torx sockets.

Both sets they had on the shelf had at least one socket where the bit was not concentric with the socket. In other words, totally and completely unusable. :headscrat
 

Skin

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Joined
Feb 24, 2010
Messages
11,713
Location
Boston
What GP and Sunex are to Impacts VIM is to bit sockets. Their S2 steel bit socket sets cannot be beat for price/qty. Even MAC/Cornwell sources their bit sockets from them.

Heres the master set of Torx [34pc $60.00]
http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-tms34pf.aspx
and master set of Hex [26pc $60.00]
http://www.tooltopia.com/vim-hms26.aspx

Try to make a comparable set of Snap-On [great bit sockets just $$] even with the best ebay deals and you'll still be paying in the neighborhood of $500+.
 
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RCman

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Nov 25, 2010
Messages
252
Gearwrench does have a decent set with a lifetime warranty.

Anyone else got a comment on the Gearwrench ones? I'm about to order 4 sets (1, 2, 3, 4) which should give me all the sizes.

Unless some other brand in the same price range is better?
I looked at Wiha, but I don't like how they are missing common sizes and the unlabeled sockets.
 

vssjim

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Aug 5, 2007
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McLean Va.
You should look at Vim stuff as it holds up great and don't cost mutch either. There S2 steel bits are tough as nails
 

Skin

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Feb 24, 2010
Messages
11,713
Location
Boston
I bought mine new off the truck, hex 4-10mm and Torx T15-T55 and i don't think that was even $300 for both sets.

comparable set to whats in those VIM sets. They're far larger than what you got, in addition to what you got they include the tamper proof torx T10-T55, external torx E4 - E20, hex up to 19mm and standard from 3/32-3/4. Matching all that in SO will run you quite a bit more [well over $500 off the truck]. VIM price = $120 ;).
 
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RCman

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Nov 25, 2010
Messages
252
So you guys are saying pick up this set? That's less than 1/2 the cost of the Gearwrench ones I linked above. Very tempting.
 

Farmer Joe

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Sep 28, 2011
Messages
247
Good to know that you guys like those VIM sets. I just put an order through my tool guy for the master torx set, and I was nervous because I've never used any VIM sockets. I ordered it because I was mostly looking around for e-torx set, and I stumbled upon the VIM set, and it had some Torx sockets I didn't have. For the price and all you get, I had to try it out. Now I'm considering ordering the Hex set too.
 

Black89LX

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
154
Location
Wisconsin
i had the gearwrench 39pc set... it worked great until it met a fastener that was rusted tight... then the bits would actually start to twist. I just got my snappy replacements yesterday, I dont think you can beat the quality
 

RCman

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Joined
Nov 25, 2010
Messages
252
Awesome, ordered up the hex set. I'll report back after they get some use.
Thanks for the input guys.
 
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