Hex, torx bits/sockets: Got a favorite?

[Wolverine]

Any difference in manufacturers. I think (may be mistaken) that Jim once commented that he was NOT a fan of SK's hex/torx bits? I thought about going with these or the Craftsman ones.


Got a favorite?

 

[kartracer55]

Im not a big fan of the SK, your right. The larger sizes use a set screw, so they arnt bad, and the steel is extremly durable, but I still wouldnt recomend them.

I have a set of Kobalt metric and SAE that I use at the track... The 6mm is the most commonly used and shows a little bit of wear, but only the finish, The steel hasnt worn or anything. For the $ you cant beat these things, and the bits are pressed in. Im 99% sure they are the same as craftsman, and youc an get the craftsmans on sale for a great deal. Protos im sure will be nice as well, and they use setscrews. Snap ons are super nice, and they use setscrews too, but you pay big$ for them. The only thing about set screws is you need to check every once in a while to make sure they arnt backing out so you dont loose your bit lol.

Jim

 

[iiibdsiil]

My SK hex sockets seem very cheap construction. I was very disappointed when I went to use them the first time. The part that holds the hex and allows you to put you ratchet in seems like very cheap steel.

Edit:

I have assosted between Snap-on, Mac, Matco, and SK for these kind of things.
Mac Long and Short hex socket = Nice
Snap-on Torx sockets = Nice
Matco Triple Square = Nice
SK Hex = Seems cheap

 

[eschoendorff]

Let me preface this by saying that there are a lot of junkyards and salvage yards in the Flint, MI area. Ther is a tool supply store in Flint that I frequent and one of the owners and I were having this same discussion. He told me that the guys working in the junkyard bought some SK torx and hex sockets and would snap multiple pieces a day. Of course, they were also using them on impact guns - but these guys are serious about tearing cars apart quickly. Then they started using the Allen brand, and have much fewer returns with the same kind of abuse.

Now, the Allen brand and the OTC torx and hex sockets look similar, if not the same. I have a full set of the OTC, and I also have a set of Craftsman, and then a few Allen. For the $$$, I would say go with OTC. You can get a full set for under $30 (at... where else but www.thetoolwarehouse.net) and they seem very similar (if not identical) to the Allens that the junkyard boys abuse.

Now, if warranty is your issue, go with Craftsman. Just don't expect to find anything larger than a T50 or a 10mm.

My .02.

Ed

 

[kartracer55]

The SK sockets FEEL cheap because of the design. It is a 3 piece design consisting of the Bit, a retainer, and the socket. This allows you to replace the bits if they wear instead of buying new sockets. Its actually a good idea. The only problem is when the bits get stuck. When you use an allen wrench or bit or whatever it happens to be, and your turning really hard, the tool can wedge itself into the hex, so it takes a bit of effort to get it out... you know what Im talking about. I had this happen pretty badly with an SK and the bit seperated from the socket (as the design allows) Unfortunatly it wasnt supposed to happen under this circumstance.... this is when I warrantied the thing.

The steel they use on the SK bits are superior to the craftsmans... Mine and even my dads show NO signs of wear whatsoever. I was pointing out the quality of the craftsmans/kobalts because they are relativly cheap compared to the other brands... but for the record, the steel SK uses is of superior quality.

Jut my findings

Jim

 

[iiibdsiil]

Hrmmm. I was thinking the steel of the socket itself was inferior. It seems really really really really light, but maybe I'm just smoking too much crack today.

 

[YJTypeR]

I just got the craftsman torx set yesterday for $19.99. I messed one up some time ago (twisted up the end, my fault) and they warantied it no problem. I don't know why Craftsman gets so much **** on this board. I really haven't broken anything of theirs and I beat the hell out of my tools, but most always use the appropriate tool for the job (not using a screwdriver as a chisel etc).

 

[Uncle Buck]

 

[kartracer55]

I just got the craftsman torx set yesterday for $19.99. I messed one up some time ago (twisted up the end, my fault) and they warantied it no problem. I don't know why Craftsman gets so much **** on this board. I really haven't broken anything of theirs and I beat the hell out of my tools, but most always use the appropriate tool for the job (not using a screwdriver as a chisel etc).

Hey I dont think youll find a person on here who doesnt own a set of craftsman somethings or others. There are just brands who make certain products that are superior... IE proto, snap on and SK make nicer ratchets... Proto makes more comfortable wrenches than craftsmans or snap on. ITs all about everybodys preferences

Jim

 

[chevy302dz]

The OTC bits seem to hold up well. I did have one pull out of it's socket once, but after pressing it back in with a vise I have'nt had a problem since. APEX is supposed to make the best bit sockets however they are quite expensive.

 

[YJTypeR]

The steel they use on the SK bits are superior to the craftsmans... Mine and even my dads show NO signs of wear whatsoever. I was pointing out the quality of the craftsmans/kobalts because they are relativly cheap compared to the other brands... but for the record, the steel SK uses is of superior quality.

Jut my findings

Jim

Just stuff like this, do you have metalurgical proof? Do you KNOW that it is a different grade of steel? Have you personally worn out the steel on anything Craftsman? Not everything about a tool is determined by the chrome finish on it.

 

[kartracer55]

Just stuff like this, do you have metalurgical proof? Do you KNOW that it is a different grade of steel? Have you personally worn out the steel on anything Craftsman? Not everything about a tool is determined by the chrome finish on it.

I dont have any metalurgical proof but what I DO have is experience with them... I wore out the box ends of two craftsman wrenches after only two seasons of racing. Granted they were the two most used, but even so, this probably wouldnt have happened with one of thier pro wrenches on an SK. Anybody could tell you these wrenches were wearing out, and even new hardware was looking like it had been around forever.

Just for you, I mic-ed out my kobalt 6mm and my SK 6mm. Both are used about the same amount, but I have had the SKs for a year and a half (ish) longer. The unworn portion of both bits shows up to be .235 buton the kobalts worn portion the nice black finish (black oxide?) is worn off totally exposing what appears to be bare steel and is reads .0005 or so thinner than the SK. If you dont believe me, Ill post pictures tommorow for you.

I have found, for the most part, the SK tools hold up better than craftsmans do. I own a hell of alot of craftsman because they are so "cheap" (relativly), but liek I just said, They dont hold up as well as my more expensive tools do. Take it for what its worth.

Jim

 

[YJTypeR]

5 ten thousands of an inch is nearly negligible in practicle use. I'd bet that if you grabbed another SK is wouldn't be the exact same to that accuracy. Not to mention that the black coating is probly thicker than .0005 anyways. I don't have any doubts as to SK's quality, but in my opinion it is for the most part right in line with Craftsman. Not to mention the warantee issues with SK. Hell, I even have a few SK tools, granted they're only punches. I just think it's stupid to knit pick a tool down to this degree. Their precision is only one aspect of their quality anyhow.

And as for the wrenchs go, you ought to compare two equivelant wrenches, like the pro line to the SK.

 

[Elroy]

What he said

 

[kartracer55]

Im not looking to argue... Ill show you the socket tommorow... their is very apparant visible wear on about three of them.

Somebody had asked, I was giving my opinion. You have yours, I have mine, I stated mine and my reasons why.

Jim

 

[rhandwor]

If your buying bits buy SK or Matco Snap-on are different size and won't fit a normal bit holder large ones only,but are cheaper than Matco. $10.00 each for Snap-on. http://www.ntxtools.com/ In a hurry http://www.matcotools.com/ http://www.snapon.com/
They sell SK bits for a good price. Use search and type in torx or torx plus. Their shipped from SK but are slow shippers. http://www.chadstoolbox.com/ have a decent price for bits.
Use their search use ipr for torx plus tamper.