Looking for a good T30 Torx socket, any recommendations?

[jgelack]

Hi, I need to purchase a good T30 Torx socket to remove the stator bolts from the OEM cover on my motorcycle that won't strip them out, and was wondering if you guys had any suggestions. I'm planning on heating the bolts first, then using the Torx socket with either a ratchet or impact driver to loosen the bolts. I'd really appreciate any advice you guys could give me. Thanks again!

 

[oldwino]

they ain't cheap but SnapOn will do the job.

 

[KBigg]

Carlyle impact torx seem to hold up well. I used mine with a manual impact driver to remove the rusted seat bolts in my old k1500

 

[_Riddle]

Capri makes a good set you can find on Amazon, Neiko also makes a set that works well. I've used both brands on my VW which has a lot of Torx fasteners which haven't been stripped by either brands. VIM also makes a great stubby torx set that I've been wanting to pick up.

 

[Dave455]

Snap On are pretty decent, as you would expect.

I tend to use Hazet a lot, as their torx and hex bits seem to be about the toughest out there, but I’m in the U.K. where Hazet are a lot cheaper then Snap On.

Another good option are KoKen, which tend to be reasonably priced.

The above are made in the U.S.A, Germany and Japan respectively. A lot of other torx bits tend to be made in Taiwan. While Taiwanese tools have improved enormously over the years, I find that these bits are one type of tool where the Taiwanese seem to struggle with making tools that don’t twist, so I’d avoid them in this case!

If you are using an impact driver, make sure you get a bit designed for impact use, or even the best quality will twist!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM would be my first choice. Low profile means you are less likely to pull off center line with your ratchet. Many of their sets are impact rated too.

 

[Yarpo]

VIM, Capri, Gearwrench, Carlyle, I've used the first three and am very pleased, I have a Tekton set at home and they look fine too, just haven't used them much at all so I can't comment on how well they'd hold up quite yet. Snap-Ons are also great, but spendy.

 

[gatlibs]

Cheap end Lisle. Middle end Bondhus. Top end that is affordable SK.

 

[L.Cheapo]

When I really need to get a torx bolt out on the first try, I use only these:

https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-H...y-Duty-Removal-Bit-Socket-Driver-P631264.aspx

You only need one. $31.50 delivered to your door. Cheaper than the aggravation of stripping a bolt!

 

[Jtels85]

Look up a seller called Sellular216 on eBay. He sells new old stock NAPA Auto parts tools, pre-Carlyle.

He has a comprehensive 36 Pc. Torx socket set (rebranded Gearwrench) for $39.99 + shipping. I’ve had my set for nearly 3 years and they’ve served me very well, of excellent quality!

 

[kb1982]

I would get a manual impact driver that you smack with a hammer and a bit to go with it.

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[vssjim]

SK are good for hand tool use and the Astro impact set are real tough with power tools or impact driver

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

I would say buy snap on for anything critical. Their gold torx seem to be the best out of what ive used. Also, a manual impact driver and some heat wont hurt. you just dont want it to break. Stripped out can be handled, beat another allen or torx size into the hole and use more heat, or hammer an extractor socket over it. Broken off can be a whole nother problem.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I would say buy snap on for anything critical. Their gold torx seem to be the best out of what ive used. Also, a manual impact driver and some heat wont hurt. you just dont want it to break. Stripped out can be handled, beat another allen or torx size into the hole and use more heat, or hammer an extractor socket over it. Broken off can be a whole nother problem.

Try VIM. I would put them above the standard snap on torx for sure. The gold "HD Removal" bits I have seem to wear more than VIM, but have not become worthless yet. I do replace the bits from time to time in the smaller sizes. I pretty much always grab the VIMs now, unless the stubby design of their products gives me issues with fitting around obstructions. VIM being stubby also give a huge advantage in helping you pull perpendicular to the fastener. The further the drive handle is from the fastener (due to extensions or bit length) the greater the odds of slipping due to improper engagement angle.

 

[plinker]

Vim & Snap-on work well, I have an older Napa/Danaher USA set that have done well. Keep in mind any brand can or will break at any time.

 

[Jtels85]

$31.50 for 1 (ONE) Torx socket?

That thing better come with a free wrister

 

[3footpipe]

I just bought a set of these. I have only used the torx 40 for one job. I don't know how they will hold up yet. They are impact rated and the price isn't bad.
NPT 610318 Socket Set, Internal Star, Carlyle - T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T47, T50, T55
[https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NPT610318

 

[MattPersman]

Snap-on or VIM. You can typically buy just the gold bit from Snap-on and insert it in a currently owned socket for use. They typically run about 10 bucks https://store.snapon.com/TORX-174-H...RX-Heavy-Duty-Removal-Driver-Bit-P651634.aspx


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[catron44]

I've been happy with the Bondhus socket I have in a T-55. I'm sure they make it in a T30.

Bondhus 44255 T55 ProHold Socket Star Bit with ProGuard Finish, 2" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003A0563S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

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[CTyankee]

If you use an impact driver, it better be a manual one.

X2
Using a manual impact driver to remove them is probably more important than the brand of socket. JMO....YMMV.

 

[BillK]

I am going to add my vote to the Snap On crowd. They are the only ones that seem to hold up in the long run.

 

[jgelack]

Thanks for the advice guys, I ended up picking up a set of the Stubby VIMs