Recommendations for a Drive Bit and Torx Bit Socket Wrench Set

[mau5trap]

Hi guys, any recommendations for a Drive Bit and Torx Bit Socket Wrench Set without breaking the wallet?
I'm about to pull the trigger on this craftsman set, but I want to know if there are any other sets out there I should check out before doing so. Thanks in advance.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-p...ellerId=Sears&prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1#

 

[M6erfan]

You dont mention a budget, but VIM is hard to beat...

http://www.vimtools.com/home.asp

 

[stercorarius]

The Husky set is a really good value. I've never had any issues.

Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk

 

[T45]

You get what you pay for, OP. I would buy fewer quantity, starting with whatever drive size your torque wrench is. If I was seriously broke, I would buy a bit set and a bit-holder socket as a first investment.

$40 - zephyr bitset+bitholder socket (from apexbits)
$60-90 - VIM metric hex and torx sockets (30ish each per drive set)
$120 - Vim Master set (buy once, cry once)
$150 - Start looking at mint used snap on (probably not a 'budget' move)

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I have that same set, and is rather unimpressive. Gearwrench is a much better option in my opinion. I also have a Carlyle Torx set from Napa and have been very pleased with it.

 

[zcbauer89]

Vim makes pretty good bit sockets. I would go with their master set.

 

[imgoin]

I put together a set from Albany County Fasteners.
2",3"&6" are available. While i had a list going with them, put together a hex set also in metric and sae.

 

[ssdave]

How much do you need them? How many do you think you would actually use?

For $30, the set might be worthwhile to have as a "just in case" you need them range of sizes.

When they break, replace the broken one with a high quality one. I'd guess all the Torx that you use will eventually break. The smaller hex probably will also. Once those are replaced as you break them with high quality ones, you will have a worthwhile set, at about the lowest cost you can get. You will have only bought the higher quality ones that you really need, and have "just in case" ones of the less used.

Of the 50 or so hex, etorx, torx and screwdriver bit sockets I own, I probably routinely use about 10. I've broken nearly every non-Snap-On torx that I've used, so torx that are routinely used, I recommend you get Snap-On. I rarely break hex, but occasionally I do. I have Proto, so I just take out the insert and cut a new one off of an L shaped allen wrench to replace them. E Torx I've never broken one. Phillips and flat screwdriver bits are just expendables, they break all the time. Use 1/4" insert bits and a holder socket for them instead of buying more individual sockets.

 

[md21722]

Sears Craftsman has really be down on quality for years. I would try one of the alternatives mentioned. I have upgraded nearly everything I ever bought from Sears except a few punches and hammers. I don't have anything made by VIM but if I would you I would put them on my short list as I've never heard anything bad about them. When I started upgrading years ago high quality Taiwanese parts were not readily available. Everyone seems to like the Snap On Heavy Duty (Gold) TORX bits but they are not cheap. For a DIY on a budget replace what breaks, if it does. If we knew what you are working on we might be able to steer you better.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I have a craftsman set that is less than 10 years old and a set that is 6 months old. I drove the bits out of the older set and pressed in Wiha security torx bits with a vice.

We break every brand and size 9-40 with 1/4" DeWalt impacts some days we break 6 or more T30's

I recommend Wiha or Wera with a socket adapter. For T45&50 gear wrench and husky have done well for us.

 

[md21722]

I have a craftsman set that is less than 10 years old and a set that is 6 months old. I drove the bits out of the older set and pressed in Wiha security torx bits with a vice.

We break every brand and size 9-40 with 1/4" DeWalt impacts some days we break 6 or more T30's

I recommend Wiha or Wera with a socket adapter. For T45&50 gear wrench and husky have done well for us.

What are you doing that you break 6 or more T30's in a day? Just wondering, no sarcasm.

 

[WildwoodChuck]

Detention work. Hanging detention doors on 12-24 or 1/4-20 screws mostly t25, t27 & t30's. Demo wrecks a bunch too. We hang weather strip and that blows out a lot of t20's putting in #8 screws.