Hex & Torx Bit Socket Sets

[AJHD]

Sorry if this has been posted before. I did some looking and didn't see anything relevant.

Anyway... I'm looking for a well rounded hex and torx bit socket set. They can be individual sets or combined, no preference for one or the other. For the hex set I really only need metric up to say 17mm or 19mm, but I won't complain if SAE equivalents are included in the set. For torx, I'd like to go up to T60 and if the set includes tamper proof, torx plus, e-torx, etc. that's fine too. Also, I don't need stubby, full/regular size is fine.

That said. I can't bring myself to pay $300-$400+ for a Snap On set of each. I know they are the best and I have plenty of Snap On tools already, but that price tag just seems too big of a pill for me to swallow.

So I've listed some alternatives (in no particular order);


Pittsburgh - Cheap route

Icon - Not convinced on price vs. quality

Tekton - They look cheap

Gearwrench - Not a fan of China GW tools

Capri - Interesting option, but are they really any different?

Neiko - Amazon cheap route

Sunex - I like Sunex, but they don't have much hex/torx to choose from

Astro - Like Astro tools, but they only seem to have a stubby hex set

Blue-point - I can get the large bit socket from my SO guy for $400 but I hate paying tool truck prices for off-shore tools

Auto Parts Store brand - Eh, cheaper alts for made in China tools

Craftsman - Old USA Craftsman? Maybe. Current China junk? Pass.

Husky/Lowes - Same story, made in China with cheaper alts


Who did I forget? Any suggestions? Recommendations? Which do you use or pick and why?
Not looking for top of the line, but not something that will break the 1st time it gets used... Thanks!

 

[ssdave]

.....

 

[sponfit]

VIM Tools

 

[Steve_P]

VIM and Tekton are great for the $

 

[stainlessyyc]

I just picked up a Tekton 1/4 drive hex set from 2-8mm and they are worlds better than the Stanley black chrome tire/hex full drive set. Not saying much but I wouldn’t be afraid of the tekton

 

[GrantCee]

I faced the same thing about a year and a half ago. I already had a good selection of hex drivers, but lacked comprehensive Torx. I picked up the OTC 5900A-Plus kit from Amazon. Has Torx, Torx Plus, security Torx, and external Torx. Seems to be good quality and I haven't run into anything the kit didn't have. Very pleased with the purchase.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM would be my first thought. Astro Pneumatic also makes some nice stubby bits in a similar style. I have both; although both are of stubby design.

When looking for bit sockets, my preference has simply to find someone who sells what I need in S2 steel. Long wearing and tough. Eventually anything and everything will break, but S2 works well for me. Full length bits I don't really use, I have snap on "gold" HD removal bits for that use. 95% of the time stubby is preferential, followed by torx screwdrivers for trim, then finally what most would call full/normal length bits. I almost never use my long bluepoint torx, and my long SK hex are mostly for mazda drain plugs. My normal length hex are GP, Mac, williams tiawan, and lisle. Mostly I just use the GP, it's all for brake pins anyways. The 1/4 stuff gets used to take aftermarket wheel center caps off. Really just keep a lookout for S2 steel, I haven't had a bad experience yet with it.

My torx sockets (female tools) are proto/gearwrench for impact capable stuff. Proto makes E10 and E12 in 1/4 drive, must have IMO. For chrome I have a bluepoint set I bought long ago, normally I just use the impact stuff. Torx plus sockets I have some TEMO from amazon, and some CTA, cheap stuff which works well enough when I rarely use it. #1 use is the "toyota torx" torx plus fasteners for the brackets which stabilize the flex pipe. More often than not I just blow the brackets off with the torch as aftermarket pipes don't fit them properly. I can't stress enough the value of sizing things properly. ETorx makes several bad sizing choices, such as e10 usually being 3/8. Makes no sense as basically zero e10 head fasteners can be reached with 3/8 or torqued in the range of a 3/8 torque wrench.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think you should give Capri another look. I have some triple square bits and they're quite stout. S2 steel, nicely finished.

 

[plinker]

For torx in particular, IMO, it's really worth it to get Snap-on (ebay an option?), That said I have Sunex/Napa impact torx and hex bit sockets and while the smaller torx sizes (especially T30) get broken often, the larger sizes hold up. I dont remember breaking one of the hex bit sockets off hand.

VIM has very good bit sockets in general. Carlyle may be worth looking at as well. Williams may also be worth considering as they will either be US made Snap-on clones or Taiwan Blue point clones.

Stubbys are nice to have, I have long length they dont get used an awful lot though, normal length is usually used the most.

Having multiples/spares of come sizes is never a bad thing with bit sockets, torx in particular.

 

[Yarpo]

Sorry if this has been posted before. I did some looking and didn't see anything relevant.

Anyway... I'm looking for a well rounded hex and torx bit socket set. They can be individual sets or combined, no preference for one or the other. For the hex set I really only need metric up to say 17mm or 19mm, but I won't complain if SAE equivalents are included in the set. For torx, I'd like to go up to T60 and if the set includes tamper proof, torx plus, e-torx, etc. that's fine too. Also, I don't need stubby, full/regular size is fine.

That said. I can't bring myself to pay $300-$400+ for a Snap On set of each. I know they are the best and I have plenty of Snap On tools already, but that price tag just seems too big of a pill for me to swallow.

So I've listed some alternatives (in no particular order);




Gearwrench - Not a fan of China GW tools

Capri - Interesting option, but are they really any different?

Astro - Like Astro tools, but they only seem to have a stubby hex set

Who did I forget? Any suggestions? Recommendations? Which do you use or pick and why?
Not looking for top of the line, but not something that will break the 1st time it gets used... Thanks!

The Gearwrench torx and allen sockets are not made in China

The Capri sockets are just as good as the VMI/Astro sockets I have, no preference here.

All 4 of them are great, but I have no experience with the others. Most of the companies are using S2 steel and cranking these out somewhere in Taiwan with great success. Buy whatever sets you can find complete or cheap imo

 

[FuzzyTiger]

I would go for the Mac Tools RBRT Torx and Hex sets. Better than the Snap On in my opinion and cheaper too. I'm in Canada and last month they had a buy one set and get the other set free promotion, I don't know if that same offer is in the US but if you can wait, you might get lucky. Their sets are about $200-300 CDN each so less than the Snap On.

If you're looking for a alternative to the Snap On Heavy Duty Torx bits (the gold ones), you can order comparable individual bits from Nepros for $10-20/each.

 

[ThePostman]

This guy, pay attention to his posts.

 

[ThePostman]

VIM would be my first thought. Astro Pneumatic also makes some nice stubby bits in a similar style. I have both; although both are of stubby design.

When looking for bit sockets, my preference has simply to find someone who sells what I need in S2 steel. Long wearing and tough. Eventually anything and everything will break, but S2 works well for me. Full length bits I don't really use, I have snap on "gold" HD removal bits for that use. 95% of the time stubby is preferential, followed by torx screwdrivers for trim, then finally what most would call full/normal length bits. I almost never use my long bluepoint torx, and my long SK hex are mostly for mazda drain plugs. My normal length hex are GP, Mac, williams tiawan, and lisle. Mostly I just use the GP, it's all for brake pins anyways. The 1/4 stuff gets used to take aftermarket wheel center caps off. Really just keep a lookout for S2 steel, I haven't had a bad experience yet with it.

My torx sockets (female tools) are proto/gearwrench for impact capable stuff. Proto makes E10 and E12 in 1/4 drive, must have IMO. For chrome I have a bluepoint set I bought long ago, normally I just use the impact stuff. Torx plus sockets I have some TEMO from amazon, and some CTA, cheap stuff which works well enough when I rarely use it. #1 use is the "toyota torx" torx plus fasteners for the brackets which stabilize the flex pipe. More often than not I just blow the brackets off with the torch as aftermarket pipes don't fit them properly. I can't stress enough the value of sizing things properly. ETorx makes several bad sizing choices, such as e10 usually being 3/8. Makes no sense as basically zero e10 head fasteners can be reached with 3/8 or torqued in the range of a 3/8 torque wrench.

This guy, pay attention

 

[Tduby]

VIM and Tekton are great for the $

I know you said they look cheap but after seeing them in person they look decent especially for the money. They have a great warranty program for when they do break. They are made from S2 steel no idea what that means but another guy posted it is good. A lot of their sets come on a twist lock rail which is nice quality.

 

[jptbay]

Genius tools.

Have there bit sets in hex, torx and triple square.

They are also a Garage Journal Allience Member sponsor.

 

[Fly YX]

I have Tekton had the same set for a few years. Just got the mm last week.

 

[tez929rr]

I ended up buying the Gearwrench set at Tractor Supply for $99 based on this thread:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=463865

 

[AJHD]

I ended up buying the Gearwrench set at Tractor Supply for $99 based on this thread:

I actually stopped at Tractor Supply over the weekend becomes sometimes they sell GW tools, and I noticed that set but I was still looking. Having looked around at my options, I may have to go back and pull the trigger on that GW set. I don't need the long sockets, but it's good deal at only $90 + tax.

I did pick up a 15" x 50' roll of pig mat for $15 while I was there, also a good deal.

 

[FigureItOut]

Re: Hex & Torx Bit Socket Sets

The VIM 77 Piece Master Set is a good buy at $185, in my opinion. The regular torx bits will hold up in moderately heavy use, and at some point you'll come across a need for the internal torx, torx plus etc.

Sent from my SM-G975U1 using Tapatalk

 

[AJHD]

Re: Hex & Torx Bit Socket Sets

The VIM 77 Piece Master Set is a good buy at $185, in my opinion. The regular torx bits will hold up in moderately heavy use, and at some point you'll come across a need for the internal torx, torx plus etc.

If that had hex in the set, I might be willing to pick it up. I honestly really want to try VIM. I've never owned or used any VIM tools, but I know many guys in the industry like them.

Flat Rate Master is always showing or talking about something VIM, and the tool trucks always had VIM tools on board. I don't wrench for a living anymore, but I'd still like something of good quality and preferably all-in-one set.

 

[shawhite]

The blue-point set is pretty inclusive. Most snap-on guys will warranty blue-point not questions asked so yeah it’s more expensive but you get a lot of the benefits of snap-on. Yes they are made in Taiwan but they are pretty good quality.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

VIM makes great bits that are often rebranded by the tool trucks. I also wouldn't hesitate to buy Tekton as they are Taiwan vs China. Who knows, they could be made in the same place as VIM.

 

[AJHD]

The blue-point set is pretty inclusive. Most snap-on guys will warranty blue-point not questions asked so yeah it’s more expensive but you get a lot of the benefits of snap-on. Yes they are made in Taiwan but they are pretty good quality.

Yeah, I've had a chance to use them and I've had my eye on them ever since. Just never pulled the trigger. I'm waiting for my dealer to get back to me if he has a set on the truck. If he does, I will probably buy them. If not, I will probably just have him order a set for me. I think the warranty might make the set worth the price.

 

[engineer2]

..a well rounded hex and torx bit socket set

Well if you get poor quality, they will be well rounded, LOL.

 

[AJHD]

Well if you get poor quality, they will be well rounded, LOL.

Either that or broken, either way is no Bueno for me.

The Gearwrench torx and allen sockets are not made in China

Care to revise that statement? Almost everything GW makes these days is direct from the big rock candy mountain. They used to off-shore to Taiwan, but in an effort to drop cost and increase profit, they are moving more and more to the People's Republic, ie. attached picture (see lower left corner of the picture).


Anyway, I think my SO guy is on holiday and I needed to get out of the office for a bit. On lunch I decided to stop by Tractor Supply and take a second look at that GW set for $89. While I think it's a great price for a "well rounded" set, I have to pass. I only have a few GW tools left, I ditched most of it due to their warranty process and for reasons I already discussed above.

 

[gjusername]

I like the ones that are all one piece, rather than having a bit inserted in a socket. Not that it really matters, I just like the way they look.

I like my VIM sets for that reason, and because they offer sets that all use the same drive size, and also for their stubbies.

My first torx set I bought was from Stanley and it's fine generally, but it uses mixed drive sizes and it steps up to a 3/8 drive earlier than I would prefer, as it can be beneficial to have the smaller drive size to get into tighter areas.

tbh I didn't even realize at first that torx and hex were more traditionally available as bits rather than sockets. I think I would've been better off if I had started out with a good bit driver and various lengths of bits to use with it, at least for smaller fasteners. Then add a 3/8 impact rated set from VIM for larger fasteners and you should be covered.

 

[Yarpo]

Care to revise that statement? Almost everything GW makes these days is direct from the big rock candy mountain. They used to off-shore to Taiwan, but in an effort to drop cost and increase profit, they are moving more and more to the People's Republic, ie. attached picture (see lower left corner of the picture).

So what evidence do you have that "almost everything" GW makes is made in China? Would you look to revisit that or does a single set make up your mind? **** after all, almost everything Snap On makes now is from China too I suppose

I'm not familiar with that particular set, but it is indeed made in China according to the box - But Gearwrench has always had some "sets" made in China. I'm not saying they're not offshoring product, but I keep buying new Gearwrench tools every few months and I keep getting made in Taiwan.

E torx sockets - Made in Taiwan (1.5 year old picture)

Deep E torx sockets - Made in Taiwan (~6 month old picture)

Long torx sockets - Made in Taiwan (less than ~3months old)

I've got another 20 COO photos I could post but I've got things to do. I honestly don't care, I'm just a contrarian and like to see things backed up with evidence. Glad you posted your picture and I do agree that sets made in China, but to really make the claim you did, you'd need to take pictures of more tools than one, no? Edit; Looking at the amazon reviews for that set, lots of people claim they where made in China as far back as 2018, but none of the above tools I purchased are that old. I'll still ascertain that most Gear wrench tools are not made in China, but I'll add that set to the ones I know of being made in China, certainly. That list is getting longer and longer indeed, but I still don't see the bulk of their products coming from China. **** they just "launched" - Rebranded a whole new batch of American made pliers.