hex and torx socket sets

[stonesg]

Second on the Taiwan HF hex socket set.

Also I've got several of the larger impact hex and torx and I don't think I could break them.

The reason I bought the hex sockets is that I stripped my Kobalt 5mm and the price for replacing this much used size with a decent non-Kobalt was more than a Set at HF.

I'm moving away from Kobalt for several reasons and gearwrench was the direction. HF Taiwan stuff gets the nod now because I've a suspicion they are made if not by the same company, at least to the same standards.

TG

 

[Jure]

Vim sets are great bang for the buck.

Other names; Snap on, Bondhus, Wera, Wiha

i have wera torx set and they *****,small sizes likes to twist and larger snapped like a glass.

 

[CR888]

I found Wiha make strong Torx tips much better than the alright quality ones from Taiwan. I don't buy cheap torx bits anymore some of the Wihas can take serious abuse.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Let’s focus here guys. The OP asked about Torx sockets listed at $20 and under. At that price range you’re looking at Husky, Kobalt, Pittsburgh Pro, Stanley, Craftsman, Performax, Titan, Duralast, and Tekton. Possibly some others I’m missing. Some of these suggestions are just silly. Snap-on!?! 1,200% over the OP’s highest price point? Really?

The brands of sockets he asked about are all priced at $20 or less, but the did not say $20 was his budget price. I have experience with Stanley ,Husky,Craftsman,Proto, Williams, Armstrong,Easco ,Napa,and Snap on.
In my opinion Snap On/Williams USA really shine here. Proto are very good also,as are Armstrong, but they are gone. Craftsman and Husky are both made by Apex and are the same garbage with a different name.
You can find new Proto for $25 on eBay ,so if $20 or so is the budget then that would be my suggestion,based only on price point.

 

[johndeereman]

I have had real good luck with my Carlyle hex bit sets.

 

[nbpt100]

I picked up this Gearwrench set which I am very happy with.
Pretty comprehensive set in a well layed out hard plastic case.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NA9PG8A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I like the case and organization so when I go on the road I am organized. It has security bits too.
It ncludes external torx sockets which I would likely never used but it is like an insurance policy. If you did not have them.....a situation would arise where you would need them.
My only critical comment is that it does not have long SAE ball end hex drivers. If all you work on are cars it would be unlikely you would need SAE hex bits. When it comes to industrial machinery or ODPE it would be nice to have.
More than $20 but you get a lot more and I think it is a good value.

 

[fordgasm]

Id spend the $32 on the Tekton set on Amazon. Never had issues with Tekton and their warranty dept Ive heard is amazing.

 

[johndeereman]

I also have some Gearwrench, SK, and USA Craftsman hex and torx sockets that are equally as nice. You now how it is on Garage journal short,long,ball end, impact rated and the list goes on.

 

[anndel]

I have Snap On. I busted several Tekton torx and got new ones under warranty but when my SO driver had a promotion on it I bought a set from him.

 

[Al Borland]

Current set of Torx sockets are Duralast, had them about 8 years or so. No casualties so far.
Allen sockets are (mostly) Husky. No casualties either. Added a couple Duralast ones for specific sizes (17MM for oil plug in NV3500 trans, etc).
Had Craftsmans and HF before, no big problems, but like any socket/bit, they do wear out and they do "disappear" sometimes.
I generally view them as consumables, like screwdrivers and such.

 

[HaroRider]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004LE0XBC/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Allen

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004XD0Z6O/?tag=atomicindus08-20 Torx

For under $100 thats probably more than you will ever need for both Torx and Allen.

This is what I have as a DIYer, they are pretty complete and have gotten me by. I have yet to break any.

I dont do a ton of Euro work, but I have worked on both Volvos and BMWs and have gotten my moneys worth out of the Torx. For the price I really cant complain. If I was a pro I would go Snap On for at least the Allen sockets.

 

[nbpt100]

Those Nieko sets are pretty comprehensive....just wondering how often and were do you see Torx plus fasteners?
Read many of the reviews and they pretty much say great set for the price. There is no hiding that the quality is lower but generally good enough for the home gamer.

 

[Tonyuk]

I'm a fan of Wera, Wiha, Mac & Facom.

What sizes of torx and hex are you dealing with?

If its just the smaller sizes (T40 and under) your probably better off buying a set of 1/4" bits and a 3/8" bit adaptor for your ratchet.

Spend good money on them, but dont expect them to last forever, they'll snap and deform eventually no matter what brand.

With torx (and hex) its vital that the bit fits the fastener correctly, a bit thats even a bit too small will round a rusted out torx right away imo, dig the head out with a pick and make sure its seated well.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007BZ2A3M/?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[jalind]

Williams has various sets. They're one of Snap-On's industrial tool brands.
https://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/DSN/wwwsnaponindustrialbrandscom/Content/PDF/Snap-on%20Industrial%20Brands%20CAT4%20308.pdf

A couple of the 3/8" drive sets I found on Amazon are under $45.

In addition to Williams, Snap-On's other industrial brands are Bahco (the Swedish tool company), CDI (torque tools), and Sioux (pneumatic and power tools):
https://www.snaponindustrialbrands.com/

John

 

[225]

I have the Williams set. They're great.

I wish I could find a organizer for them other than a rail I keep them on.

 

[jalind]

I'm a fan of Wera, Wiha, Mac & Facom.

What sizes of torx and hex are you dealing with?

If its just the smaller sizes (T40 and under) your probably better off buying a set of 1/4" bits and a 3/8" bit adaptor for your ratchet.

^^^^^
This

I've never needed much beyond a 1/4" driver handle for T-30 and smaller - or a 1/4" hex driver with equivalent size hex bits. Had to nudge a couple over-torqued T-30 once using a 1/4" ratchet on top of the 1/4" driver handle to break them loose (has 1/4" drive socket on top). Proto makes a great 1/4" drive handle. The steel shaft goes through the handle to the 1/4" socket on top. Inexpensive on Zoro. Wouldn't even bother using a 3/8" bit adapter with them. My philosophy regarding smaller diameter fasteners is limiting how much torque I can exert on them, and the bits, with the driver I'm using. I've got similar thoughts about 5mm and smaller Allen screws (and the equivalent SAE). Using a 3/8" drive on them is a bit of overkill.

John

 

[CR888]

I have a set of the green handled Wiha T handles torx drivers and their red handled T but drivers. Small engine OEM's have Wiha make their OEM service tools for good reason. They are damn tough!! How torx bits 'look' or how shiny the chrome is, is not that important. However as bits are consumables their service life does matter. Few companies do them really well.

 

[nbpt100]

I have a set of the green handled Wiha T handles torx drivers and their red handled T but drivers. Small engine OEM's have Wiha make their OEM service tools for good reason. They are damn tough!! How torx bits 'look' or how shiny the chrome is, is not that important. However as bits are consumables their service life does matter. Few companies do them really well.

That is a good point regarding small engines and ODPE....lots of 2 cycle engines use Torx. Generally they are smaller in size, I would say most are T27 and under. Occasionally I find a T30. Just used a T30 socket on the drive gears on a Troy Bilt self propelled. I find that the screw driver handled torx are pretty good for the most part on small engine Torx screws. You can go faster. Occasionally I need more leverage so have I have my sockets and ratchet on standby.

 

[Gordon0652]

Not to hijack the thread but anyone have experience with Sunex? Seems reasonable and from 'Amazon' reviews they do not sound bad . . . Sunex makes a lot of hex and torx socket sets

 

[nbpt100]

Not to hijack the thread but anyone have experience with Sunex? Seems reasonable and from 'Amazon' reviews they do not sound bad . . . Sunex makes a lot of hex and torx socket sets

I don't have experience with them but from reading other threads a fair amount of people like their impact sockets for the price.

 

[CJM8515]

IDK I wrenched on stuff pretty hard and I still have the stanley sets I bought at wally world. Only one I broke was a 6mm, which coincidentally is the most used size. One phone call and they sent me a proto one

 

[Alpine4x4]

Not to hijack the thread but anyone have experience with Sunex? Seems reasonable and from 'Amazon' reviews they do not sound bad . . . Sunex makes a lot of hex and torx socket sets

I've had good luck with their impact sockets so far. I have their 3/8 Torx impacts as well, but havent had to use them yet.

 

[Parrothead]

I don’t know what I’d do now, but about 15 years ago I bought the Stanley hex and Torx bits from Walmart. I wasn’t expecting anything but they’ve been impressive.

IDK I wrenched on stuff pretty hard and I still have the stanley sets I bought at wally world. Only one I broke was a 6mm, which coincidentally is the most used size. One phone call and they sent me a proto one

It must have been a hidden Stanley gem as we had the same experience with the same product from the same retailer.

Good to know about the Proto replacement. I’ve had great service with Stanley and their warranty.

 

[CJM8515]

I don’t know what I’d do now, but about 15 years ago I bought the Stanley hex and Torx bits from Walmart. I wasn’t expecting anything but they’ve been impressive.



It must have been a hidden Stanley gem as we had the same experience with the same product from the same retailer.

Good to know about the Proto replacement. I’ve had great service with Stanley and their warranty.

Yea I had no issues with them and was happy overall. I was shocked they sent me a proto replacement too.

FWIW I have a lot of older stanley/husky chrome sockets. I havent ever broken any or had issue. I used to buy the ratchets for 10 bucks at walmart to use in my road box and I abused and used them that once done Id chuck them and buy another. great value for what the are. Im not paying 200 bucks for 10 sockets from the truck.

 

[Tallpilot]

I have Snap On. I busted several Tekton torx and got new ones under warranty but when my SO driver had a promotion on it I bought a set from him.

I have Tekton wrenches and sockets. I did not get their bit sockets though due to poor reviews.

 

[WhataTool]

I've bought Tekton (CR-V?), Sunex (CRO-MO) and Wiha and they've all failed me.
AP just sent me some stubby ones that look the part, so I'm excited to see how these do as well.

 

[Parrothead]

Yea I had no issues with them and was happy overall. I was shocked they sent me a proto replacement too.

FWIW I have a lot of older stanley/husky chrome sockets. I havent ever broken any or had issue. I used to buy the ratchets for 10 bucks at walmart to use in my road box and I abused and used them that once done Id chuck them and buy another. great value for what the are. Im not paying 200 bucks for 10 sockets from the truck.

I've had pretty good luck with the 3/8 chrome deep's I have too, never broken one either.

As for the ratchets...well...not so much. I'm on my 3rd warranty and honestly I've never even used it. They did send me a free rotator ratchet for the trouble, so that was nice. I got the standard replaced and left it in the package. I should probably donate it somewhere and be done.