Specialty Sockets - your preferences?

[T45]

Do you like screwdrivers? T handles?
Sockets? Short? Long? Half-cut? Stubby? Bits? L handles?

For torx and hex, its easy to go down the rabbithole of multiple types every possibly solution.

What are your current "go to" favortites or can't live withouts? What are over-rated tools that just collect dust?

I feel like I need to both slim down my collection and expand it with more specificity

 

[GTO]

Yes.............

 

[Jim Diesel]

I have torx and hex in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 the first two sizes are socket sets that have a handled driver and ratchets also a T handle adaptor. The 1/2 are just sockets on a rail and are both SAE and metric for the hex drive.

I find alot of trucks and equipment coming out of Europe are using those fastners everywhere. So having a comprehensive selection is a must.

Also have a complete set of E-torx sockets and spanners

 

[Adam.C]

I find alot of trucks and equipment coming out of Europe are using those fastners everywhere. So having a comprehensive selection is a must.

Also have a complete set of E-torx sockets and spanners

Agreed 100%. I have T handles, but mostly I use bit sockets. I would get stubbies first, then longs, then regulars. I have swivel torx and they are helpful.

 

[PelicanPines]

I like T handle everything the most...
Sockets second...
Ls get use too...

 

[gdocktor3]

For some reason, I never use chrome swivel sockets. They collect dust for sure. For hex bits, I have Proto, KD USA and Snap On short & stubby chromes, but for longs I bought Bondhus 6" pro hold bits off eBay for real cheap. Then I bought a set of 3/8" HF impact sockets and hammered them in. The Bondhus bits are impact grade which is why I chose the HF impacts. Though, I have never even used them with my impact wrench. These are them from same buyer on eBay. Great deal. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bondhus-336...051111?hash=item41996ed267:g:aW4AAOSwPcVVoaff

 

[T45]

Agreed 100%. I have T handles, but mostly I use bit sockets. I would get stubbies first, then longs, then regulars. I have swivel torx and they are helpful.

I can definitely see short torx being very useful on stubborn fasteners. I'm thinking about getting short L-keys for this reason as well. You're post is helpful but illustrates my concern !! you already have 5 sets of torx...!!

 

[BajaBound]

Triple square because I need them on two vehicles.

 

[four.cycle]

I rarely run into torx fasteners, so I manage to get by with a little folding torx bit thing and some Great Neck 1/4" drive torx bits.
Fortunately lawnmowers don't use a lot of torx or hex fasteners!

 

[gdocktor3]

I can definitely see short torx being very useful on stubborn fasteners. I'm thinking about getting short L-keys for this reason as well. You're post is helpful but illustrates my concern !! you already have 5 sets of torx...!!

I bought these and they've been great. Like you said they're good for those stubborn fasteners. Sometimes the leverage from a ratchet and socket would strip the fastener because it's so hard to keep it perfectly straight and the ratchet parallel. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eklind-1080...492349?hash=item20e006c07d:g:QkMAAOSwfcVUL7rq

 

[Adam.C]

I can definitely see short torx being very useful on stubborn fasteners. I'm thinking about getting short L-keys for this reason as well. You're post is helpful but illustrates my concern !! you already have 5 sets of torx...!!

I have the tools I have because I've screwed up a lot of fasteners on expensive cars with cheap tools. Manufacturers use these cap head screws for high torque, space restricted areas. You won't get a lot of second chances to work these screws clean.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I use bit sockets

 

[T45]

I have the tools I have because I've screwed up a lot of fasteners on expensive cars with cheap tools. Manufacturers use these cap head screws for high torque, space restricted areas. You won't get a lot of second chances to work these screws clean.

yeah, i agree...i'm also loath to use cheap or ill fitting torx or hex for this reason...I may be on my way down same path to multiple sets

 

[Wamsutta]

I use all the items in your list depending on the situation.

Ball hex on L O N G shafts.