Is this normal or should I be concerned?

[Spyder994]

I recently bought a set of USA made Lisle external torx sockets so I can do Saab brakes, control arms, and other oddball stuff. I know these aren't necessarily top shelf tools, but I do expect a reasonable level of quality from them. I got to looking at them today and noticed that there is a good bit of cracking metal inside the socket. It is probably 2 or 3 mm thick in most places and does not easily move when prodded with a screwdriver. Even if this is normal, I would think that it would have been "cleaned up" during finishing. All of the sockets have this same issue. I don't know of any better way to explain it, so here are some pictures. Any thoughts?

 

[DRhodes]

That's why I quit buying Lisle tools. The QC has went downhill. I dont think you need to be concerned as it does not look like it has any effect on usage, but I would take note of it before buying another Lisle tool.

 

[reptilezs]

my lisle hex bit socket are like that. its the way they broach it or something. kind of odd

 

[Skin]

just looks like they werent cleaned after broaching, i wouldnt worry about it. Lisle is basically bottom of the barrel when it comes to bit sockets. Quite honestly you would of been better off with an import brand like VIM.

 

[BigAl62]

It's normal, poor quality that's all.

 

[usdemt]

All of the torx sockets (not e torx) I had were the same. They are junk, if you can still return them I would. I like Lisle stuff but there sockets and bit sockets are horrible. I tried to use mine on my Makita Impact with the circlip retainer and they dont hold on at all, just fall right off.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

I would contact Lisle and ask them for replacement / exchange.

 

[Spyder994]

Grrr. I paid a few bucks more for the USA made stuff, expecting it to be better. I can return the Lisle, buy this set and break even. What would GarageJournal do?

There aren't many choices out there when it comes to an E-Torx set that covers the smallest size I need (E5 for Volvo ABS modules and E20 for Saab brake caliper bolts).

 

[Steevo]

It is just shaved off material from the broaching process. If it bugs you, put a punch in there and knock out the extra pieces. They are sockets, not jewelry.

 

[Danglerb]

Not pretty enough isn't much of a complaint.

 

[greasemonkey44]

heh after looking at this thread i think ill buy the etorx by lilse; like someone else said they are sockets not jewelry who cares abt finish

 

[2oolhound]

I agree with the last three posts. The price is a lot better than the top brands so if they fit snug and don't break too easily I'd live with em and be happy. Functionality is king.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

I've got sockets from several makers that have that same "problem", nothing but leftover shavings. Somewhere in the dark recesses of my gangbox is a 1-3/8" spline drive that has the same issue. It works without any concerns on a major league impact.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

every single lisle bit i've seen looks like that, so i'd say it's normal.

 

[MrMark]

Why not get the Heyco/Wiha set? German made and very high quality. The price is very reasonable. I have them and the Snap-on in E-torx and I use them interchangeably.

 

[Spyder994]

I've got sockets from several makers that have that same "problem", nothing but leftover shavings. Somewhere in the dark recesses of my gangbox is a 1-3/8" spline drive that has the same issue. It works without any concerns on a major league impact.

That makes me feel better about it. I've never seen a socket with this issue, so I was a bit alarmed when I saw it.

I think I'll keep this set and just try not to look down inside the socket at the ugliness .

Why not get the Heyco/Wiha set? German made and very high quality. The price is very reasonable. I have them and the Snap-on in E-torx and I use them interchangeably.

The Wiha set is nice (and expensive), but doesn't include the E20, which I'd have to buy separately. All said and done, I think it would cost about 2.5 times as much as the Lisle set.

 

[fatfillup]

Great pics!!! Actually better then great.

I need to get better at close ups.

Do not buy Lilse Torx bit sockets. Guarantee to twist and break. Don't have any experience with their E torx.

 

[earlthegoat2]

Hopefully it is a form follows function thing. My Lisle 3/8 hex socket does not look like much either and it has worked through 50 or more brake jobs. Yours does look worse than mine though. Looks good structurally at least.

 

[frbl]

While not contributing to all to answering your question, I would like to send you kudos for your macro photography skills. And on an all-black subject, no less! Many posters on online forums (especially for car DIY projects) would benefit from your mastery. Thank you for so easily helping us understand exactly what you are talking about.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

Great pics!!! Actually better then great.

I need to get better at close ups.

Do not buy Lilse Torx bit sockets. Guarantee to twist and break. Don't have any experience with their E torx.

That's news to me! I use mine with an impact and have never broken one.

 

[Bart Simpson]

It is normal and a nonissue , other companies sockets look the same inside.

 

[dieselmike]

It is just shaved off material from the broaching process. If it bugs you, put a punch in there and knock out the extra pieces. They are sockets, not jewelry.

yep. dont worry about it. use it to do your job. who cares if it has a couple "imperfect" looking spots on the inside. it will work. support the domestic economy. we, the consumers control our countries economies

 

[JSBriggs]

Ive had my Lisle E-torx set for about 8 yrs. Bought them to do the head gasket on my E34. They work fine, and have the same broaching slag in them. I have other brands that have this slag as well, even older script Snap-on have it, just not as pronounced.

-Jeff

 

[Spyder994]

Ive had my Lisle E-torx set for about 8 yrs. Bought them to do the head gasket on my E34. They work fine, and have the same broaching slag in them. I have other brands that have this slag as well, even older script Snap-on have it, just not as pronounced.

-Jeff

Thanks Jeff. This makes me feel a ton better about them.

While not contributing to all to answering your question, I would like to send you kudos for your macro photography skills. And on an all-black subject, no less! Many posters on online forums (especially for car DIY projects) would benefit from your mastery. Thank you for so easily helping us understand exactly what you are talking about.

Thanks for the compliments. I believe it's more the camera than it is my photography skills though. The better shots above were taken in macro mode using a Pentax KX SLR with a standard 18-55 kit lens. This camera is an absolute boss in macro mode and I would love to see what it can do with an actual macro lens.