How to get USA Craftsman tamper proof torx bit?

[Goldhawg]

I broke my T20 tamper proof torx bit yesterday and I go into Sears and all they have is a complete set made in China. They didn't have individual sockets (which are often still USA), so I was loathe to ask them to pull a China unit out in exchange. What can I do to get a good replacement socket or bit to get my T20 back in gear? And BTW, I need something soon because what I was working on still has to come out.
Thoughts?

 

[Brownsfan]

Back of peg hooks and small not busy stores. Also if you have a Sears hardware or an ace hardware would be the best place. I doubt Ace will exchange it. You may have to Exchange The whole set.

 

[PelicanPines]

Ace has been having issues getting stock. The two stores near me... the craftsman shelves are getting mighty thin.

 

[jaggedscars]

I actually had the same issue as you. The tamper proof torx bits now seem to all be going China. When I exchanged my broken, they actually made me exchange the whole set. To me, wasn't as much of a deal because the set I had was China already. For you with the USA stuff, possibly eBay or smaller Ace stores.

 

[PelicanPines]

I wouldn't replace garbage with garbage... even if it's free. I would just find a quality replacement and pony up.

 

[sberry]

I agree,,, buy a new one first then fuss with the pos if you feel its still worth the agony. The quality of most of the China bits are pretty good now. An auto parts store will likely have a single.
As a side note my sets were looking pretty shabby and wife scored a set from Walmart. I have bought 3 or 4 sets of those type things there and all worked way better than expected.

 

[MAD]

If your socket is one of the Craftsman USA tamper proof torx made by SK, you can take a pin punch and tap out the broken bit. You will then see that the insert bit for that size is just a regular short 1/4" insert bit like you would use in a power drill bit holder. Buy a decent quality bit (or a pack) that has a retaining groove similar to the one you damaged and tap in a new one.

In this case don't worry about the warranty- move on and be happy.

 

[foodgroup]

I recommend this Dewalt set ($8 at HD).

http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Torx-Bit-Set-7-Piece-DW2067SCR/202504238

The description doesn't say, but they are security bits. They also have a good Urrea bit adapter (free shipping to store):

http://www.homedepot.com/p/URREA-1-4-in-Bit-Adapter-4771/202796514

 

[Mohawk Dave]

Buy an apex or vim bit and put it in the cman socket

 

[Mechanical Noise]

I've seen the full sets of tamper proof torx bits at a Sears Outlet Center and I'm pretty sure they were made in the USA, but finding them now will be a hit or miss deal. And I don't know if the outlet centers do exchanges.

I'd be happy with a more durable bit in the Craftsman set.

 

[zcbauer89]

As others have said, punch out the old broken bit and press in a new USA bit. It's an easy procedure. You can buy bit individually anywhere online.

 

[Richard Cranium]

if it is like the sockets, just call apex and tell them you got a craftsman set and see if they will send you a new craftsman replacement, I bought a set of sockets and was missing one and called and they sent me out one, really quick, had it like in 3 days....Rich

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Sears outlet by me has complete sets of USA tamper proof for $10.

 

[sonvolt]

Sears outlet by me has complete sets of USA tamper proof for $10.

Pick up a set for me lol ! They are 40.00 bucks here if you can find USA NOS.