Tell me about VIM tools

[Lolaralph]

I stumbled across a video for VIM tools on YouTube tonight. I have never heard of them before. I use mostly Snap On but the tools that were shown look really interesting. Particularly the 1/2 length bit set for tight spaces.
Anyone care to share their opinions of these tools, and does anyone know where they are manufactured ?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Fedwrench]

Most VIM tools are made in Taiwan. Vim makes several tools for the tool trucks. They've been in business for quite awhile now.

 

[four.cycle]

Durston / Durston Mfg. Co., LaVerne, CA 91750 / https://www.vimtools.com/ / "VIM" Tools / Vim Tool Co., originally at 507-15 No. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN (Ray Durston, of Pasadena CA purchased VIM Tools in 1932 and set up shop on Allen Ave in Pasadena. Now VIM Tools (Durston Mfg.), LaVerne, CA ) / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#vim / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vim-tools-durston-manufacturing-co.406087/ /

my VIM stuff is kind of old so I don't use it any more.

VIM seems to do a pretty good job at what they do. Recent comments are mostly complaints about their shipping charges.
If you're looking at BITS, you might want to peruse one of the "BIT" threads here - lately it seems a couple other brands are getting more positive comments from members.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Good, underrated tools. I have lots of oddball stuff made by them, like ZXN, Torx plus, other bits, etc. Have not been let done by any of it.

 

[four.cycle]

^ THAT stuff they get high marks on.... sorry... I was referring above to 1/4" HEX drive "bits" in my post just above (which seem to be a recurrent topic of discussion here.)

 

[elidas]

When I was working I bought a VIM TORX and HEX set. It was my go to and never failed me.

 

[signcrafter]

Vim tools are great. Like mentioned most of my vim are bit sockets. Great tool for a good price.

 

[mv213]

I have a tiny Vim 1/4” hex bit ratchet. I mean tiny! I like it for tight spots but otherwise don’t use it. Googled pic due to laziness.

 

[Newell33]

Somehow I was pointed their direction about a year or so ago (probably from Garage Journal). I ended up purchasing their MMS23 metric hex driver set at a very reasonable price. I think it was listed as clearance or closeout. It's been a great set so far. I see now that it's listed at $123.97. I think I only paid about a third of that back then.

 

[SILVERPLATE]

Post from Hot Deals

VIM Closeout Deals

They might have brought back (some of) the clearance deals?!? https://vimtools.com/product-category/close-out-deals/ The 3/8 roto ratchet seems like a good deal for $20, although I swore it was cheaper when I bought mine in early 2021...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[dnschmidt]

They're great. Very high quality and reasonably priced tools and normally very clever designs. If TOPTUL had their imagination and innovation I'd still be selling them.

 

[Daslucas]

I have a set of VIM external torx swivel sockets and they are trash. Pins keep walking out of the holes and they fall out. Warranty replacements did the same. Ended up buying snap-on ones which while costing 5x as much don’t need to be replaced after every use. Would not recommend.

 

[joel_400]

I've got a set of VIM torq plus sockets at work. Needed them for some ******* bolts on Duetz diesel engines when doing timing belts. Used them quite a bit the first year I had them and haven't touched them in a couple years...they're still there it I need them though! Never had issues with them, but the independent tool guy I used to deal with didn't like selling them as he said he had to fight with the company for warranty purposes. I told him not to worry as the set was cheap enough I wasn't too worried. I think it cost less than a single socket from Snap On at the time!
Joel

 

[fatfillup]

I have had a lot of Vim bit sets come through the store. For the price, they are great for lower usage applications.
Have not heard complaints. I am talking torx and allens and such

If its a high use application, or extra tight fasteneers, Snap on would be my choice.

Overall, good bang for the buck, especially for the DIYer

 

[WWheeler]

VIM Magrail TL is by far the best socket rail and tool organization system, bar none. It's also one of the most pricey.
The magnets let you place most any tool or set of tools on vertical surfaces or even upside down and the way they are used do not magnetize your tools in any way.

FYI, VIM Magrail TL's inventer is a GJ member.

 

[Odd-job]

Echo magrails, hex/torx socketry particularly the stubby/half cut stuff for tight access applications, love the VIM made Matco scissors if you can find them, external torx stuff such as the double box ends and deep sockets are also very nice.

 

[vssjim]

Durston / Durston Mfg. Co., LaVerne, CA 91750 / https://www.vimtools.com/ / "VIM" Tools / Vim Tool Co., originally at 507-15 No. 7th St., Minneapolis, MN (Ray Durston, of Pasadena CA purchased VIM Tools in 1932 and set up shop on Allen Ave in Pasadena. Now VIM Tools (Durston Mfg.), LaVerne, CA ) / http://alloy-artifacts.org/other-makers-p3.html#vim / https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/vim-tools-durston-manufacturing-co.406087/ /

my VIM stuff is kind of old so I don't use it any more.

VIM seems to do a pretty good job at what they do. Recent comments are mostly complaints about their shipping charges.
If you're looking at BITS, you might want to peruse one of the "BIT" threads here - lately it seems a couple other brands are getting more positive comments from members.

A family from Florida bought them out and moved the company to Tampa, as far as warranty I have never had any problems and only ever had a couple over the years.

 

[Lolaralph]

Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond. All good info.
I will more than likely try one of the “gimmicky“ tools I see they offer and go from there. The stubby/half cut hex bits look interesting

 

[Madjik Man]

Looking forward to buying a new tool box just so I can buy the VIM Magrails

 

[nbpt100]

I have two VIM roto ratchets and I like them very much. My only complaint is you need two hands to change the direction dial. But that is a small complaint in comparison to how nice the rest of the tools are.

 

[Steve_P]

Vim is one of the best tool companies that most people have never heard of. They may have some duds, as mentioned above, but their forte are bits, and bit sockets IMO. I have a bunch of their bits, and bit sockets, and they're just phenomenal; and especially for the $. I also have a couple of their bit ratchets, including the one shown above, and they're really nice. The ratchets may not hold up under daily use, dunno about that, but for home use they've been fine for me.

 

[GTO]

VIM | JDTCo.

A variety of hand-selected tools and accessories from the VIM line.

www.jerseydiscounttoolco.com

Family Owned

 

[Odd-job]

I have two VIM roto ratchets and I like them very much. My only complaint is you need two hands to change the direction dial. But that is a small in compared to how nice the rest of them are.

+1 . It complements the other roto ratchets well if you are a roto ratchet fan. The 3/8 is shorter than the Carlyle, Cornwell, Icon, etc. equivalent which is nicer in some situations.

$20 is a steal if you can find more stuff to order with it.

RLR6 - VIM Tools

Roto-Lock Ratchet, 3/8" sq.drive, head rotates 180 degrees and locks

vimtools.com

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I've got their hex bit set and a Cornwell rebranded VIM torx bit set. I've never broken one, which is rather impressive. I'm a fan.

 

[ianguilly]

I have a ton of VIM s2 short cut 1/4 bits that I use everyday and love them. Just don't break anything right no since a ton of their stuff is on intergalactic back order I've been waiting 6 months for a Phillips bit warranty.

 

[Vvmvbb]

HBR5 is a must have

 

[BolognaBlake]

They used to run really good sales and closeouts on their website. They had a sale on long 1/4" bit driver sets. I bought the SAE and Metric hex and a torx set and when they arrived it was all Matco branded. I've been very happy with it. I also bought one of their spring load universal funnels and it's been my go to funnel.

 

[nbpt100]

+1 . It complements the other roto ratchets well if you are a roto ratchet fan. The 3/8 is shorter than the Carlyle, Cornwell, Icon, etc. equivalent which is nicer in some situations.

$20 is a steal if you can find more stuff to order with it.

RLR6 - VIM Tools

Roto-Lock Ratchet, 3/8" sq.drive, head rotates 180 degrees and locks

vimtools.com

You are right on. A steal at $20. The 3/8 is a shorter length ratchet. That is why I also have a longer 3/8 roto Kobalt for those situations where the extra length is beneficial. Sometimes the shorter is better. When you are using it like a nut driver the shorter length and rubber grip handle is desirable. The 1/4" roto can convert into a "T" handle nut driver to give some extension when you do not feel like going to get an real extension.

VIM fits a nische in the tool world. They certainly do not have a comprehensive line but what they do offer is generally well designed and made. I am going to have to try their bits and bit ratchets as it does seem that is one area they offer a lot in.

 

[pennsylvaniaboy]

HBR5 is a must have

^^^^this, one of my favorite tools.

 

[nbpt100]

^^^^this, one of my favorite tools.

I have to get me one of those. I can drop the 1/4" drive to bit adapter. Or keep it for when you need another bit of reach.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I like to watch their weekly videos they started putting out on Youtube the last year. Dont own much more than their magrails, which I like.

 

[plinker]

They have some short length air hammer bits with brass, aluminum & nylon tips that work rather well, specifically the brass ones. Saves whatever you're beating on from getting too beat up.

The long bit ratchet (HBR12, IIRC) had done pretty well for me, Honda CRV water pump bolts have low clearance and this fits in there pretty well. The bits sockets are good as mentioned.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM is top notch. Tool trucks rebrand numerous of their products.

 

[Outahere]

They make some unique tools like this spring loaded 1/4" drive extension

DSE46A – VIM Tools

6'' L 1/4'' DR. DOUBLE JOINT UNIVERSAL LOCKING EXTENSION W/ SPRING-LOADED MALE END

vimtools.com

 

[Ballinator]

Love all my VIM tools. Their 1/4" bit ratchets (made by High-5 in Tiawan) are great for tight spots. Spring loaded crowfoots for stubborn power steering line fittings. Locking extensions, brake bleeder wrenches, all good. I have a couple of their distributor wrenches that are old enough to have "USA" stamped on them.

 

[Ricky Vargas]

Most of my bit sockets are VIM and they have served me very well. Can not recommend their spring loaded crowfoot wrenches though.

 

[908Jim]

Very good quality tools at fair prices and probably the best quality bit sockets Taiwan produces. There's a reason they are an OEM for a few professional grade brands

I've got some oddballs like extended reach from VIM and they've been great.

 

[driftpin]

I have purchased several sets of their slot-head and Phillips bit impact tips for my hand impact drivers and have gotten good service out of them.

 

[mikey03]

There prices seem kind of high tbh there offering 20 % off this month so was looking on there site but idk I think Tekton is a better value but vim got some interesting adapters and low pro stuff.

what kind of real unique stuff these days from them I should be looking at?

 

[liliysdad]

I bought a locking swivel head 3/8 ratchet on recommendation from a certain YT channel...and I think its a piece of junk. It has, admittedly unjustly, soured me from the entire brand.