Impact Torx suggestions?

[Jason280]

Any suggestions on a set of 3/8" impact Torx bits? I don't need the smaller bits, probably just T30-T55. Extended length would be nice, but not a necessity...only real requirements are impact grade and must be easily replaced or warrantied. Also, would prefer keeping them under $40-50.

 

[zcbauer89]

Napa has a Carlyle set in 3/8. Also GP has a set that is a little longer.

 

[Jason280]

Found the GP ones, around $130 for the 6" set...

 

[Buckgnarly]

I have the NAPA set (pre Carlyle though). I have broken one but my local NAPA had one the next day no problem.

 

[Jason280]

Have a link for the NAPA ones?

 

[Tenex]

Sunex 3670S
T20 - T55

I don't know about a storefront that will warranty Sunex but I keep buying their impact sockets because the value is great.

 

[JJThrasher]

For home use I have Lisle ones from the auto parts store. Reasonable on price and easy to warranty. I usually go for shorter ones and add an extension as needed for flexibility reasons.

 

[redmondjp]

For home use I have Lisle ones from the auto parts store. Reasonable on price and easy to warranty. I usually go for shorter ones and add an extension as needed for flexibility reasons.

I try to do that as well, but lately have been shopping for longer length versions, because the larger diameter of the female drive end always ends up interfering or not fitting in the place where I am trying to work.

 

[ssdave]

For home use I have Lisle ones from the auto parts store. Reasonable on price and easy to warranty. I usually go for shorter ones and add an extension as needed for flexibility reasons.

I had a lisle one in T55, working on removing the torque to yield head bolts on a Ford Focus engine, kept repetitively breaking and warrantying them, couldn't get the head off. (shattered the socket throughout the body; didn't shear off the head). Finally gave up and called my Snap-on guy, he came by and sold me an individual one. about 6 times the cost, but did the job and didn't break.

I had the Lisle one because the local auto store carries them at decent cost and easy to warranty. In this case, low cost and decent warranty wasn't enough to get the job done.

I think that the torque force on a lot of torx bolts exceeds the strength of the driver. Manufacturers are pushing the torque up too high for it to work well for the mechanic on these. I've had this experience on several different torx applications, where the drivers broke well before the fastener broke loose.

 

[Jason280]

I'm going to check NAPA next time they are open, would certainly be a lot easier to warranty in case of failure.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Checked my 2010 NAPA catalog, part number no longer works online.... my guess is my set is Sunex rebranded. Checked the garage for my actual set when ran across my other Torx (always break multiple on jobs in the rust belt and owning a Jeep), and realized you might want to check Bondhus Proguard. I DESTROYED a T40 with my IR2235, and after sending back got a new bit. The bit made a valiant effort, but the 2235 was too much! If warranty time does not matter, the proguard are better and can be mated with impact sockets that you may already own.

http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/star.html

 

[1950mercury]

Don't buy Lisle.....id buy vim,sunex,grey or even hf before Lisle. They are junk

 

[Jason280]

Stopped by NAPA today, and they didn't really have what I was looking for. We checked their catalogue, and couldn't really find a set that I wanted to try. They did have a few 3/8" 1-pc impacts in the Evercraft and Carlyle brand, so I picked up some in T40, T45, and T50. I haven't had much luck with these in the past in other brands, but they have a lifetime warranty and should be easy to exchange...plus, they were only around $3.50 each.

I'll see how they do in a Matco 3/8" 18v impact, and post my results.

 

[KnurledNut]

What about getting just the Snap-on heavy duty insert bits and using them in your own bit socket?
They are $10 each.

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T27
Stock #: FTXB27E2

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T30
Stock #: FTXB30E2

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T40
Stock #: FTXB40E2

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T45
Stock #: FTXB45E2

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T50
Stock #: FTXB50E2

Bit, TORX®, Heavy Duty Removal, T55
Stock #: FTXB55E2

 

[CJM8515]

Sunex http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002UNOX8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[BK13]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[JJThrasher]

I'm kinda sad so many people don't like the Lisle torx bits. Personally I have had good luck with them. Like many Lisle tools I own they have served me well. I will admit I use the Snap On gold torx at work so the Lisle are the back up home use set.

 

[zcbauer89]

I'm kinda sad so many people don't like the Lisle torx bits. Personally I have had good luck with them. Like many Lisle tools I own they have served me well. I will admit I use the Snap On gold torx at work so the Lisle are the back up home use set.

I've some rebranded Lisle torx sockets that have served me real well. Granted, I'm not taking out head bolts, but I've never broken one. I have Snap On gold bits for use on John Deere combines though, but I only have those in 3 sizes, not a whole set.