Stubby 1/4" T30 bits - different styles

[The Critic]

I am in the market for some stubby 1/4" dr torx bits - noticed there are now different styles of them?

Style A:

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/a1tx30va/1-4-drive-stubby-x-t30-torx-driver?referer=RHJpdmVyc1RPUlgxLzQ

Style B:

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/a1p30txpa/1-4-t30-1-piece-hex-torx-socket-bit

Style C:

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/a30txs/1-4-drive-t30-torx-driver

Style B looks like the traditional stubby bit, but with some type of coating to improve durability.

Style A is the one that I am most curious about - it looks like a shorter version of the traditional 2-piece design. Curious if it will be stronger than the one piece design that most people are familiar with.

 

[purplezr2]

The last one looks like a VIM bit.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The last one looks like a VIM bit.

Agreed, and I own that VIM set. I watch their videos a lot and the VIM guys say they do a lot of contract manufacturing for other tool companies but dont disclose specifics out of respect to them.

 

[The Critic]

The last one looks like a VIM bit.

Agreed, and I own that VIM set. I watch their videos a lot and the VIM guys say they do a lot of contract manufacturing for other tool companies but dont disclose specifics out of respect to them.

Gold one looks a lot like these:

Mayhew | Dual Drives & Bits | Dual Drive Bit Sets - TORX® | 11 PC TORX® DUAL DRIVE SET - Mayhew Steel Products

Made from S2 Tool Steel with proprietary heat treat for superior strength and durability, Mayhew's dual drive bits have a precision tip profile for positive and precise fastener engagement. A titanium nitride coating provides added strength and wear resistance. All bit sets feature a convenient...

mayhew.com

The first one is a mystery.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

The first one is a mystery.

The second two appear milled/stamped/forged from one piece of metal. The first one appears to have a bit that's press fit into a socket base.

 

[purplezr2]

Gold one looks a lot like these:

Mayhew | Dual Drives & Bits | Dual Drive Bit Sets - TORX® | 11 PC TORX® DUAL DRIVE SET - Mayhew Steel Products

Made from S2 Tool Steel with proprietary heat treat for superior strength and durability, Mayhew's dual drive bits have a precision tip profile for positive and precise fastener engagement. A titanium nitride coating provides added strength and wear resistance. All bit sets feature a convenient...

mayhew.com

The first one is a mystery.

I would guess an oversees manufacture, based on that the "adv" label is typically the cheaper line that is produced in Taiwan.

 

[nicks78camaro]

B is a Mayhew rebrand.
C is a VIM rebrand.

I've worked with the VIM stubby 1/4 and Mayhew versions. They're both good.

Sometimes I like to have a two piece torx bit for extra length/extra clearance near the fastener.

 

[Wamsutta]

That Mayhew set is the one I'd get. And I think I spy an American flag on the box too.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Those specific Mayhew bits are Taiwan, most of their other stuff is USA

 

[Wamsutta]

It's got the sweet GearWrench style socket rail that I like too.

 

[Wamsutta]

But being that I like it, Critic won't buy it.

 

[terrific]

Mayhew bits are Taiwan, most of their other stuff is USA

Going off on a tangent, Mayhew's 1/4" bits are made in the USA, but the one-piece sockets in question are made in Taiwan. I like their catalog and how each table lists country of origin, but I think they could do a little better job when they use the assembled in USA (A-USA) code. In the case of their bit insert sockets, I think they probably manufactured the bits, bought a bunch of 1/4" sockets and etched them, and then assembled everything here. But it's less clear for things like their E-torx sockets, which are also listed as A-USA. Did they... put someone else's sockets on a rail and count that as assembling?

 

[KnurledNut]

I have CTA and Bluepoint.

https://ctatools.com/products/5058x30

https://shop.snapon.com/product/TORX-Stubby,-Chrome-(Blue-Point®)-(1/4")/1-4"-Drive-TORX-T30-Stubby-Bit-Socket-(Blue-Point®)/BLPTS1430

 

[Wrench97]

Style B can be used with a ratcheting wrench or a 3/8" drive ratchet.

 

[Wamsutta]

Style B can be used with a ratcheting wrench or a 3/8" drive ratchet.

He's not going to get Style B. I ruined it for him.

 

[Fedwrench]

I could be wrong but, I don't think style A is a two-piece design. I think it just has a silver painted base with a black bit section.

I would go with the mayhews since they have that nice hex shaped base.

 

[nadogail]

I buy whatever Home Depot is selling, BOSH if I can get them, Dewalt is acceptable,

 

[Wamsutta]

Hey Critic! Tell dnewton3 I said Hi.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I would go with the mayhews since they have that nice hex shaped base.

Same especially if you can buy em from a tool truck for the warranty. I assume you could since you have three Matco links in the original post.

 

[rust in the eye]

I have one VIM to replace a lost Blue Point, the VIM is ever so slightly bulkier* if that matters.
VIM also makes some stubby hex drive bits, my T30 is only 5/8" long
* it doesn't fit well in the Blue point set's holder, so they probably are not the maker of B.P.

 

[moemc]

I have one VIM to replace a lost Blue Point, the VIM is ever so slightly bulkier* if that matters.
VIM also makes some stubby hex drive bits, my T30 is only 5/8" long
* it doesn't fit well in the Blue point set's holder, so they probably are not the maker of B.P.

I am searching for a low profile T30 hex bit just like the one in the bit ratchet in your photo. I wonder if VIM still makes it. I cant find it in their catalog.

 

[KnurledNut]

I am searching for a low profile T30 hex bit just like the one in the bit ratchet in your photo. I wonder if VIM still makes it. I cant find it in their catalog.

They call them half cut bits.
https://vimtools.com/product/vhct30/

 

[moemc]

They call them half cut bits.
https://vimtools.com/product/vhct30/

Thank you! Definitely placing an order today.

 

[KnurledNut]

Thank you! Definitely placing an order today.

Are you set on VIM?
I have the KAIFNT K451 Ultra Low bit set from Amazon and they are even a tad shorter at 15mm. They are pretty decent quality. My only real complaint is they don’t mark each bit.

 

[cmandp]

How do you guys feel about using these low profile torx bits as your primary set?
I feel like it would be easier to keep the bit engaged properly.

 

[moemc]

Are you set on VIM?
I have the KAIFNT K451 Ultra Low bit set from Amazon and they are even a tad shorter at 15mm. They are pretty decent quality. My only real complaint is they don’t mark each bit.

I am not, I mean... I was about to place the order right now. But that doesnt lock me out from buying 7 more tools for the same job.

What I am liking about the VIM is the individual bit availability. Snap-on has them too, individually, but I would hate to have to pay the $25 or whatever shipping for a $5 bit when the time comes.

I was thinking of getting the VIM HBR3 as well. I like the "breaker bar" bit holder on the one end. I just wish it was longer. I haven't found any longer not-ratcheting bit wrenches though.

Reason I dont want it to ratchet is because this tool is going to be used to hold a torx screw from spinning while a nut is torqued to it. Having as low profile and right angle as possible will help me keep steady. Its for repetitive product assembly, which is the only reason I am being particular about it.

 

[nicks78camaro]

Do you need a set or just a T30?

 

[moemc]

Do you need a set or just a T30?

It is currently all I need for this assembly station. But I usually complete a set or at least a meaningful range even when I dont anticipate needing the other sizes

 

[Wrench97]

I usually just cut one down to make it a shorty.

 

[nicks78camaro]

$8 shipped for 10 bits

 

[merkyworks]

I preffer style B cause you have the option to use ratchet drive or a ratchet wrench in the exterior flats.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I have no stubby socket bit sets, but when I really need lower profile, I break out the VIM VHC77. I vaguely remember hearing that it is their best seller (I have doubt and don't remember where I heard it). I also understand that it is a favorite for guys who do interior stuff in cars... And that I believe.

 

[moemc]

I ordered the VHC T30 bits I wanted (set of 3) along with the HBR3 and HBR12 bit ratchets. This will be my first dip into the VIM pool.

I will circle back and get the rest of the VHC torx bits, and maybe some hex

 

[moemc]

$8 shipped for 10 bits

That is a good deal I will probably get that too lol. I really want the super short ones. I will use normal 1" length ones like this in the meantime since the stubby VIM probably wont get here for over a week. The VIM VHC bits is relatively more expensive but still was less than $10 for 3 of them and I will be surprised if I ever break the first.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I ordered the VHC T30 bits I wanted (set of 3) along with the HBR3 and HBR12 bit ratchets. This will be my first dip into the VIM pool.

I will circle back and get the rest of the VHC torx bits, and maybe some hex

The VHC77 that comes with the hbr5, which is very similar to the hbr3. The hbr3 has a standard 1/4-in bit ratchet on one side and a quarter inch fixed socket on the other. The hbr5 has a quarter inch bit ratchet on one side and a 5/16-in bit ratchet on the other. I'm not certain where my hbr3 is, but my notes state that I prefer the hbr5 over the hbr3. Ironically, my notes also show me that I purchased the hbr3 twice, and I'm not sure where they are.

I've never tried the HBR 12. I did consider getting the hbr8, which is essentially hbr5, but 8 in Long. Most of my bits are 1/4 inch but I have a couple 5/16.

I'll be curious how you like the hbr12.

The closest I have is that I own a gear wrench 81032, which has a 45-piece flexhead bit driver tool set. This comes with a 6 in and a 12-in bit wrench with flex head.

 

[moemc]

The only thing that attracted me to the hbr3 is the 0° fixed end. I wish it were much longer. If there was a hbr12 with the ratchet flex 1/4 on one side, and the fixed 0° on the other, that would be perfect for me.