Looking into hex/torx sockets

[JVB]

Lots of budget options out there but hoping to hear some real world reviews.
Looking for 3/8 drive hex / torx sets with possible use with cordless ratchet/ impact. Budget of around 100$ total .

Tekton seem to run 12$
Gear wrench / vim has a "master" set for around 50
Williams "master" set is 60
Sunex has impact sets around 20-30$


I worry about the Tekton quality as the price is very low.

What do you guys have experience with or do you think is the better buy?

 

[martin666]

If you're looking for the best bang for the buck I think Vim would be your best bet

 

[Sanny81]

I can vouch for VIM. I have the 26 piece hex set and it is tough. And their customer service is top notch. My 19mm socket was damaged out of the box and they sent out a replacement within a week.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have many Sunex impact socket sets and they are excellent quality at excellent price. I also have 2 large metric wrench sets by Sunex that are very good. I have a set of N.O.S. USA made KD hex sockets I bought off Ebay that work well and Proto USA hex sockets that are awesome. I don't personally own this set by ATD, but have used them with Craftsman 19.2 impact wrench and they are very well made and have lasted my buddy a few years so far with no problems. http://www.ebay.com/itm/ATD-72pc-Ma...:g:ViMAAOSwBahVNtkp&item=271845842249&vxp=mtr

Here is a picture of a Snap On (top) and Sunex (bottom) impact sockets. They are exact same design in every aspect and the Sunex is 1/3rd the price. I will forever recommend Sunex tools as they have served me very well. Their torx and hex bits are just as good I'm sure.

 

[LXCam]

Vim. And don't get the GW stuff, you'll be disappointed.

 

[JVB]

I own sunex impact sockets and have been happy with them. They do look very similar in your photo.

On the vim . Does anyone have experience with cordless ratchet or impact? Will they warranty them with air or power tools or should I just look at impact sets ?

 

[jlipsky14]

I vote for vim too. Not sure about the warranty with using them with power question but I use them with my electric/air ratchet all the time and have used them with an impact on occasion and they have all held up fine.

If you want impact grade I would also consider the sunex as I have been happy with the ones I have and they have held up even when being used with a breaker bar or improperly when a torx plus should have been used.

 

[johndeereman]

I have all kind's of sunex and gearwrench impact socket's including torx and hex. They have all been excellent quality i have only broken one (5mm long hex gw) it was my fault.

 

[FigureItOut]

Most of mine are Lisle, definitely very affordable and made in the US. I did have a torx bit socket crumble on first use once, but I don't take that as a indication of their quality, just a fluke.
Others recommended VIM and while I don't have any of their bit sockets, what VIM I do have is impressive.

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[1950mercury]

Most of mine are Lisle, definitely very affordable and made in the US. I did have a torx bit socket crumble on first use once, but I don't take that as a indication of their quality, just a fluke.
Others recommended VIM and while I don't have any of their bit sockets, what VIM I do have is impressive.

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I hate to say it but Lisle is the worst of what was mentioned.... I have sunnex and vim and very happy with both

 

[FigureItOut]

I hate to say it but Lisle is the worst of what was mentioned.... I have sunnex and vim and very happy with both

Well I wouldn't stand on the table and defend them, but other than the one I've had no issues. The fit on fasteners is nice, and the pricing is right. I'd mostly use bit sockets for things like removing seats, seat belt bolts, tailgate panels, fairly light work, so my perspective may not be the most valuable.

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[gdocktor3]

On top of having KD, Proto, and Snap On torx/hex sockets, I also have Lisle and Carlyle torx sockets. I wouldn't hesitate using any of them with a air/cordless drill, ratchet, screwdriver, impact driver, but wouldn't use with an impact wrench if they have pins or set screws holding the bits in. Too much play. Only impact sockets should be used with impact wrenches I think. I also have Bondhus 6" Prohold hex bits that I bought off Ebay which are impact grade. They get hammered or pressed into the socket and are removable if needed. I actually bought a cheap set of impact sockets from HF and pressed the bits into them. They work really well with air tools and are made in USA. They also have them in sae/mm, different lengths and torx. I have included a link to show you what I am talking about. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bondhus-336...051111?hash=item41996ed267:g:aW4AAOSwPcVVoaff

 

[campbell990]

I have the Williams set and they have been great, but I don't think you would go wrong with the vim set either.

 

[Xxslyer1]

I'm looking into getting a master set for my cart so I don't have to keep running back to my box but man I tell ya, when I opened the snap on sale flyer this week they had a 37 piece torx hex bit set........$890.00!!!!!!!!!!! Maybe it's just me lately, but I swear they have been getting absolutely ridiculous the last couple years.
Right below 237hextorxst is the blue point bltphc87 the 87 piece hex torx set for $331.00. Personally I already Matco for torx/hex and a gearwrench kit that I have no idea where it came from but I'm not going snap on this time around.

 

[Sine Swept]

I'll throw out Grey Pneumatic, I have a few master set's of their tools and no complaints from me.

 

[Kirbot]

Vim definitely has a great reputation. IIRC one of the tool trucks re-brands them.
That said, I've had great luck with the cheap S2 steel bits from harborfreight.

And that's coming from a Torx infested Jeep owner who's broken his fair share of snap on bits.

 

[ChrisPace]

I have the lisle sets and have never had any issues. I just bought a snap on set in 1/4" that I just love. I work on bicycles a lot and needed that size.


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