Torx 10-30 sockets: Tekton vs Husky?

[Shelbylex]

I need to takle couple of things when it gets worm: BMW sport seat thigh support (Torx 10,20,30) and may be clean the radiator (27,30 if I remember correctly)
(basic link if somebody wants to remember thigh support torx sizes

)

I rarely use torx - was thinking getting something which is not expensive:

Tekton set, 1/4 inch sockets (https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-drive-torx-bit-socket-set-shb90103) - 25$, S2 steel - most likely made in Taiwan
Pros - probably higher quality between the two. Likely easy warranty

Husky set: mix of 1/4 and 3/8 " sockets (https://www.homedepot.com/p/Husky-1...Bit-Socket-Set-11-Piece-HTXBS11PCSR/203559459) - $26 - says "Product of Taiwan, finished in Mainland China)
Pros: Lifetime warranty - Home depot is everywhere, easy to pick up and replace if they break...

If anybody has any experience - please advise

... Yep, I know that Snap On with golden inserts, Bondhus, Koken, etc are better. Just not sure if spending more money will improve the outcome or serve me better (I will though look for used ones for few weeks to see if I can catch an amazing deal on FM,CL, etc...)

Thank you in advance!

 

[ForrestT]

I had the same dilemma. Love Tekton. Great warranty. Con-down time waiting a couple days for replacement. Thought about Home Depot and husky. They’re everywhere. They are farther from my house than advance auto and autozone. I went with advance auto and diehard brand for ease of warranty and speed perks rewards. Almost went autozone with duralast but it’s a little further from advance and I don’t like their rewards program as well as advance.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, ForrestT. Did not think about Duralast. Looked up online - can not find 1/4drive torx set though - they have a mix of all drives...

 

[drtyler]

I think either will be fine for that job.

The first time I encountered those on a BMW sport seat, I bought a driver handle with several torx bits in it. Those cheapies worked to disassemble the seat, nothing fancy required.

 

[charbar]

No experience with either brand but if you happen to break one in the middle of a project are you ok waiting 2 weeks for a replacement from Tekton while your car is apart or would you rather drive down the road to Home Depot, get a replacement, and be back to your project in 35 minutes?

 

[BrandonV]

Is the Icon set an option? Easy warranty process and I've been happy with it.

1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Professional TORX Bit Socket Set, 12-Piece

Amazing deals on this 12Pc 1/4In, 3/8In Pro Torx Bit Sockets at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[Shelbylex]

Chabar, that's a good point. I have a small backup - I have backup security torx bit set, couple of random T-10 bits and a slightly rusty bit set I got with tool purchase a while ago (just checked - will try to wirebrush and see how good or bad they are undermagnifying glass)

BrandonV, thank you for the link. Harbor Freight is a little far from me. They have S2 steel which is good. Not sure why they put markings upside down. Reviews are definintely good on the site!

 

[M6erfan]

Not sure why they put markings upside down.

Because, Snap-on.

 

[AEAdam]

Is the Icon set an option? Easy warranty process and I've been happy with it.

1/4 in., 3/8 in. Drive Professional TORX Bit Socket Set, 12-Piece

Amazing deals on this 12Pc 1/4In, 3/8In Pro Torx Bit Sockets at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

You might be okay with the small sizes from HF. When you get to the bigguns I wouldn’t risk it. Strip out a torx head bolt and you are in for a bad day.

High quality bit sockets were the reason I went to Snap On 30yrs ago. Fail one fastener with the cheapest torx bit socket money can buy, and the $30 Snap On charges will start looking like a bargain.

I have Taiwan made bluepoints and they are garbage.

 

[Dave455]

Fellow BMW owner here.

I’ll add my voice to the others advising against the cheapest Torx bits. They really are not great. Certainly disregard anything from China,

Some suggestions to keep the cost down.

Firstly, make sure you have a set of conventional Torx screwdrivers. You can get “mid grade” screwdrivers from Wiha, Wera, Vessel etc that work just fine. If you have the room to use them, these would be my first choice for smaller sizes (say up to T30) anyway.


Secondly, get a set of 1/4” Torx bits.

Again, there are “mid grade” options that work superbly without spending Snap On money. My favourites in this regard are probably Wera, who offer small sets of Torx.


Once you have the bits, you can drive them with a bit holder attached to a standard 1/4” ratchet.

Or with a dedicated bit ratchet.


I do seat repairs occasionally, and I find life would be difficult without the bit ratchet.

With regard to cost, I could buy the Torx screwdriver set, the bit set shown, the bit holder, and the bit ratchet for considerably less money than one set of Snap On Torx bit sockets.

I find that these bit sockets always seem to be a lot of money for what they are anyway.

 

[GaryM909]

I have the Husky ones from Home Depot and as a home mechanic they work fine. I also bought a bunch of random ones from an used tool store for 50¢ each just in case.

 

[Steve_P]

Thank you, ForrestT. Did not think about Duralast. Looked up online - can not find 1/4drive torx set though - they have a mix of all drives...

This is what you want IMO. You don't want a 1/4 drive T50, a 1/4 drive 22mm hex socket, etc; the drive size should correspond to the bit (fastener) size, and the drive size increases as the bit/fastener size does. This is one thing that I don't like about the Tekton bit sockets- I think they should sell a set that combines all three drive sizes like VIM does. And speaking of VIM, they're another good brand to consider. But if you're interested in local warranty....

 

[2ndGearRubber]

This is what you want IMO. You don't want a 1/4 drive T50, a 1/4 drive 22mm hex socket, etc; the drive size should correspond to the bit (fastener) size, and the drive size increases as the bit/fastener size does. This is one thing that I don't like about the Tekton bit sockets- I think they should sell a set that combines all three drive sizes like VIM does. And speaking of VIM, they're another good brand to consider. But if you're interested in local warranty....

Actually on the newer mini cooper's that 1/4 drive t50 is ideal for the oil filter drain port. 7nm or something?

I concur with having two sets. IMO you want a mixed drive set, and a 1/4 only set. VIM makes a very nice set of the latter.

 

[Steve_P]

No experience with either brand but if you happen to break one in the middle of a project are you ok waiting 2 weeks for a replacement from Tekton while your car is apart or would you rather drive down the road to Home Depot, get a replacement, and be back to your project in 35 minutes?

And what if your local source, like HD, is out of stock when you break something, and they can't give you a new one? Then what? Sit around for a week with your car apart? No, you get out the wallet and go shopping in either case.

Irrelevant for this situation, but FWIW Tekton typically ships my orders in one business day.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I’ve got both of those brands. The Tekton is definitely a lot more noticeable in the quality. Husky is ok. Duralast and Husky are made by the same company and either should be fine but also take a look at Capri as well. Same level as Tekton and you get rewards points too if you buy from their website just like Tekton.

 

[BrandonV]

You might be okay with the small sizes from HF. When you get to the bigguns I wouldn’t risk it. Strip out a torx head bolt and you are in for a bad day.

High quality bit sockets were the reason I went to Snap On 30yrs ago. Fail one fastener with the cheapest torx bit socket money can buy, and the $30 snap on charges will start looking like a bargain.

I have Taiwan made bluepoints and they are garbage.

I agree. Some of the Icon like all cheap sets feel a tad suspect at times in fasteners.

For Snap-on money I'd still buy a Hazet, Gedore, or Stahlwille set first.

I find it questionable that Snap-on is better than the three companies that dominate German automotive toolboxes who love Torx.

Outside of truck service the Snap-on $ is tough to swallow. If I was a professional technician I wouldn't even think twice however for the truck service.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I agree, which is why I own the German brands and KoKen/Nepros.

For moderate priced, I’d go with Felo. Their bits are very durable and fit well. I use them on job sites which can be very hard on them, they are unbothered by it. I think they’re the best deal going in German made, which they still are.

In the shop I like PB Swiss but they are not impact rated as far as I’m aware, so I run them with a ratchet or screwdriver. PB Swiss are considerably more expensive then Felo and marginally better.

For occasional use and working on a budget I wouldn’t spend the money for a set of sockets. Instead a 3/8” bit holder and a set of bits in the T10-T30 range, even T40.

I drive lag bolts into timber with T40 bits, the good stuff is plenty durable.

KC Tool had Felo impact bits for around $2/ea. PB Swiss are around $4/ea at DRPD

Add in a good holder (KoKen 3/8 is nice) and even with PB Swiss your in for around $30-$40.

Use with a bit ratchet for tight spaces.

I have the socket sets and rarely use them over of the bit holder and bits. Being able to replace the bits as they wear is appealing.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you. Sometimes it's hard to have too many options : )

Dave 455 and BPwoodworking, I guess having a better quality bit set is also a good option (I just used bits from unknown manufacturer till this point since I barely use torx - I think last time I used it was to remove an airbag on Acure steering wheel to replace LED lights)

It also seems that it's better to go up T30 in 1/4 drive and higher in 3/8 drive (may be an overlap for T30 in both drives).

 

[BrandonV]

I think last time I used it was to remove an airbag on Acure steering wheel to replace LED lights)

This is probably when I would buy a good set. It's one thing to round out a random bolt you can drill without worrying. Something like an airbag? That bolt I don't want to touch.

 

[ptabatcher]

I recently got a USAG set of regular torx and e-torx sockets from Ultimate garage. got it mainly for the e-torx so I haven’t used the bit sockets yet. https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=1278&products_id=8570

As pbwoodworking said, bits are great. I’ve been happy with the Wera torx bits and a bit holder. Recently got some of their newer bits with the “holding function” from KC Tools. Work surprising well to reduce the chance of losing something compared to their standard torx bits.

I have a koken holder in 3/8” and a felo in 1/4”. The koken is much nicer than the felo. I also have a wera rapidaptor in 3/8”. It’s also nice. Maybe a bit chunkier than the koken. I would’t worry about losing a bit with the koken.

 

[KnurledNut]

@Shelbylex

The ICON set from HF would be handy for that seat job.
Its $40 but with a coupon like the 25% they just had, its an easy pill to swallow.
Grab a cheap 1/4 drive bit adaptor, perhaps a 1/4 bit driver handle too, and you'll have a pretty versatile kit, in a very nice compact storage case.

 

[amolaver]

I'd counter what i think some folks said/implied and insist the smaller sizes are where quality is more important. Small absolute differences in fit are magnified, and torque has a lot less cross section to support it.

I'll say I've generally been happy with sunex socketry...but these impact torx..not so much. The t20 was unused before a slightly corroded EBCM module replacement on a chevy truck. I initially thought the screw was letting go..but nope. Looked at the rest of the set and saw two more twisted..

The longer bondhus did the job no problem. But now i need to find a replacement set of shorties.. Bit sockets prob work most places, but the added height can be an issue although I'd guess a bit ratchet would be no taller or possibly even shorter..just limits ratchet choice as i only have 1 or 2 vs ... More

ahm

 

[lardy1]

It's outside the OP's query but Blake's mention of Capri is a fair suggestion. They are mixed drive sets and hold up to my non professional use. I have torx and hex and they're both pretty nice sets. I got them on a big promotional sale a couple years ago not expecting much for the price but they are well worth what I paid. I do see they have increased prices like everyone else.

 

[M-technik-3]

Bought the Home Depot as the store is walking distance and have had two snap so I spent a few bucks more on Tektons via Amazon and been trouble free.

 

[Shelbylex]

OK I am keeping Tekton in mind, but if I am going to do the bit pathway, does anybody have experience with Hazet?
They have Titanium Nitride sockets (which are expensive) and regular torx bits like this.
This is Hazet 2240/N51 set
... Around 50-55$...

Wera set suggested by Dave455 is around $28. However, it did not have T27. This set is more expensive, but has doubles of T10-T40 as well as security torx

... I used my cheap security torx bit set yesterday to fix my Panasonic Microwave which uses Security Torx 20 for the third time in few years...

 

[bwringer]

Hazet makes superb tools, and $55 for that set is a bargain.

 

[Dave455]

OK I am keeping Tekton in mind, but if I am going to do the bit pathway, does anybody have experience with Hazet?
They have Titanium Nitride sockets (which are expensive) and regular torx bits like this.
This is Hazet 2240/N51 set
... Around 50-55$...

Wera set suggested by Dave455 is around $28. However, it did not have T27. This set is more expensive, but has doubles of T10-T40 as well as security torx

... I used my cheap security torx bit set yesterday to fix my Panasonic Microwave which uses Security Torx 20 for the third time in few years...

I have some Hazet 1/4” hex bits. They seem to be very good.

My only observation is that my bits have a matte grey finish, and are made in Germany. Not sure if Hazet make them “in house”, they may be subbed out to a firm such as Witte, but the quality is fine.


The bits you show are something Hazet has offered only recently. The style is different, and unless the image is enhanced, so is the finish. So, I will defer judgement till I know more.

The TiN coated bits, certainly in 3/8 and 1/2 drive are excellent. Up there with the very best, by which I mean Stahlwille and KoKen (regular). They are tougher than Snap On for sure, as I have removed screws with the Hazet that have twisted my Snap 0n. I’ve heard mixed things about the 1/4” ones, but don’t have many, and have not used them hard.


The one piece bits with the parkerised tips are, I think, the best I have ever used. Sadly, only available in 1/2” drive.

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, Dave455. Reviews are 4.6 stars/5 on Amazon with some people stating the quality is suboptimal - I hope that somebody on GJ will have the experience with this particular set.

 

[bpwoodworking]

I’d be pretty surprised if the Hazet set were suboptimal. I think some folks perhaps do not like the satin finish on German tools.

I’d buy Hazet, Stahlwille or KoKen based entirely on what you can get for the best deal. Or, PB Swiss, which would be bits only rather than a socket set.

 

[MarcSeattle]

OK I am keeping Tekton in mind, but if I am going to do the bit pathway, does anybody have experience with Hazet?
They have Titanium Nitride sockets (which are expensive) and regular torx bits like this.
This is Hazet 2240/N51 set
... Around 50-55$...

Wera set suggested by Dave455 is around $28. However, it did not have T27. This set is more expensive, but has doubles of T10-T40 as well as security torx

... I used my cheap security torx bit set yesterday to fix my Panasonic Microwave which uses Security Torx 20 for the third time in few years...

I have that Hazet set. I'm very impressed by the fit. Very precise. I also like the easy to read labels. The number is 2240N/51. Screaming deal at €30 on Amazon.de (after currency conversion and minus the VAT credit it will be US$27).

I also have Snap On torx sockets from T7 up to T60. Very nice but not worth the money IMHO as there are high-quality equals. A quick check shows prices today for a single T30 socket: Snap On for $40 vs Hazet at $18 (Amazon.de) vs Koken at $9 (Amazon Japan).

 

[Shelbylex]

Thank you, MarcSeattle. There were some complaints that the beats tend to fall out of the places they are in. How are they held?
They are $50 on Amazon which is local to us...

Prices on amazon.de and amazon.jp sound good, but how much do you pay for shipping? (and how do you get VAT back?)


... Snap On prices are not for me at this point - I rarely use it. But its good to know that Hazet and Koken are so much cheaper!

 

[bpwoodworking]

I bought a set of wrenches on Amazon DE and I don’t think they charged for shipping. Pretty amazing, especially knowing the typical costs involved.

 

[MarcSeattle]

Thank you, MarcSeattle. There were some complaints that the beats tend to fall out of the places they are in. How are they held?
They are $50 on Amazon which is local to us...

Prices on amazon.de and amazon.jp sound good, but how much do you pay for shipping? (and how do you get VAT back?)


... Snap On prices are not for me at this point - I rarely use it. But its good to know that Hazet and Koken are so much cheaper!

I don't understand the first sentence. Could you rephrase that?

Shipping costs are easy. Put items in your cart and it will calculate shipping based upon your address, and put it in dollars too. When the order is shipping out of the EU, Amazon will automatically deduct the VAT from the price you pay.

Amazon oddly requires a separate account for each country but it's possible to use the same email and password for all of them. I have accounts at Amazon Germany, Japan, Italy, UK and Belgium.

The shipping cost is pretty high of course, but that's just incentive to buy a bit more since the shipping costs don't go up much if all they're doing is dropping another item into the box. It's easy to hit that crossover point where the savings on the tools more than offsets the cost of shipping.

Shipping is reliable. Amazon Germany uses DHL because the German post office owns DHL. My last order from Amazon Japan came by UPS.

Also, note that the prices on Amazon Germany will jump up and down depending on, I dunno, the phase of the moon or something. It's weird but just check back until you get the price you want. I saw a torque wrench vary weekly at anything from $120 to $170 over the space of a couple of months. The same item was a steady $250 at Amazon US.

 

[Shelbylex]

I guess my brain was not working at midnight : )

What I was trying to say that people complained that the bits tend to fall out of their slots in the box. I was wondering how are they held inside - ? magnet, small peg?

 

[vssjim]

I have a few Tekton Torx sets like you are asking about and use them daily at work and they work perfect with none failed at all

 

[Qualitytools]

OK I am keeping Tekton in mind, but if I am going to do the bit pathway, does anybody have experience with Hazet?
They have Titanium Nitride sockets (which are expensive) and regular torx bits like this.
This is Hazet 2240/N51 set
... Around 50-55$...

Wera set suggested by Dave455 is around $28. However, it did not have T27. This set is more expensive, but has doubles of T10-T40 as well as security torx

... I used my cheap security torx bit set yesterday to fix my Panasonic Microwave which uses Security Torx 20 for the third time in few years...

+ 2 On HAZET, excellent choice.