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Replacement bits for MAC torx bit socket

cgrutt

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Broke a T40 bit in an older MAC torx bit socket. It appears to have a 5/16" shank and has a groove cut in bottom of shank that locks in with a hex set screw on side of the socket. Can anybody recommend a replacement brand / part number for this? Searched but most T40 bits seem to be 1/4" shank and the few 5/16" shanks I've seen didn't have the groove for the set screw. Also interested if any brands are better than others (as far as longevity / not breaking). Thanks!
 
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Snaparxon

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If you find a 5/16 bit you can grind a notch in with a cut-off wheel.

Have you contacted MAC? Maybe they would send you one?
 
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cgrutt

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If you find a 5/16 bit you can grind a notch in with a cut-off wheel.

Have you contacted MAC? Maybe they would send you one?

Hadn't thought of that, lol... Thanks!

facepalm-calvin.jpg


Looked on MAC website but didn't find anything. Snap-on has some bits that might work.
 
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R_einan

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My Mac guy would probably just replace it. But if you really want to repair it, Check Proto, they are the same bits.

As for the best torx I’ve used, snap on heavy duty (gold coloring) have been stellar.
 
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Snaparxon

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I think MAC torx and allen sockets and bits are all foreign now. They don't say USA on them, that I can see. They are probably different than your old hex screw style socket
 
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cgrutt

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Thanks, the Snap On gold colored heavy duty bit is part number FTXB40E2 does anybody know if the shank on this is 5/16"? Snap on website is less than helpful sometimes...

Yeah, I've had this set a long time and its the first time I remember breaking one of the bits. They were definitely USA made and have held up a very long time. Broke it changing brakes on my wife's car yesterday, Grrrr!!!!
 

R_einan

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Sorry, just put a caliper on it, measured at .2505.

Checked the Proto catalog for bits, here’s the page that seems pertinent.
 

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cgrutt

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Thanks @r_einan appreciate your help. If I can't find a direct replacement I think I'm going to order a Stahlwille that is impact rated. Have to post a picture of the bit later, it has a really unusual shape where the set screw goes. Never saw one quite like this before.
 
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R_einan

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You can get the bit I reference on amazon for $10, sorry I didn’t have a better answer for you. Please do post the pic, I’d be interested to see it. G/L:beer:
 
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cgrutt

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You can get the bit I reference on amazon for $10, sorry I didn’t have a better answer for you. Please do post the pic, I’d be interested to see it. G/L:beer:

Yeah, I saw that I'd prefer to get a bit that is impact rated if I can't find a direct replacement. I'll post a pic in a few minutes. Thanks again for your help.
 
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cgrutt

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Here's a pic. Broken bit is T40. I also show the T30 for comparison.

41626501230_cafe88d387_c.jpg
 

R_einan

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That is different from others I’ve seen. Those are still available in the MAC catalog, ST11T-T40. They are identical to the Proto, probably because the are both SBD made and owned. I’m surprised MAC couldn’t take care of you on it.
 
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cgrutt

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That is different from others I’ve seen. Those are still available in the MAC catalog, ST11T-T40. They are identical to the Proto, probably because the are both SBD made and owned. I’m surprised MAC couldn’t take care of you on it.


Thanks for part number I only looked on website didn't speak with them about it.
 

Professional Tool User

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I would just get my Mac guy to warranty it. If it is USA made, it is probably the same as the Proto ones given the Stanley connection. The Mac ones these days are rebranded VIM ones. If you're looking for impact torx bits, I would just go with the Harbor Freight ones. Bit sockets all eventually break.
 
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cgrutt

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Don't have a MAC guy anymore just looking to replace bit. Served me well since 1980s no problem buying a new one. Wouldn't use with impact driver just want something that's reliable.
 
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cgrutt

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Btw I wound up buying a complete set of torx sockets from auto zone for $15. Needed to get the calipers back on the car LOL. They worked fine...
 

Michael_in_DE

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I called SO to warranty a hammer and buy a hex bit. He was all too happy to just warranty the hex bit for me, despite me asking to pay for it.

I have called MAC once before, they were a little more rushed but seemed amenable enough.
 
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