Torx bit sockets SK vs VIM

[FSUwelder1212]

Good evening gentlemen. I’m currently looking to round out my torx bit sockets. I currently have Snap-on gold and regular torx bit sets, but am looking to add tamper proof and torx plus. Normally I would go straight to snap on but the pricing, even used, for these is real tough to swallow. So I’ve been looking at VIM because they seem to have an excellent reputation for their bit sockets and they are quite reasonably priced. However, I like to buy US when possible and SK, while twice the price of VIMs, is still within what I consider acceptable pricing. My question is, am I giving anything up by going with the SKs? I’ve never used anything SK other than wrenches so I’m hoping to get some real world feedback and insight on how the SK vs VIM stack up with price not being a consideration. Thanks!

 

[pstemari]

I can't give you a comparison, but I have SK Torx and Torx-Plus bit sockets and absolutely love them.

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[Professional Tool User]

All torx bit sockets will eventually break if used hard enough. There are some who say that the VIM and VIM rebrands like Mac tools are as good, if not better than Snap on. The key is to find something that's halfway decent that can be easily warrantied. I would honestly avoid SK because of their questionable quality control record from just before they went bankrupt.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have VIM Torx and have no complaints. Mine are branded Cornwell.

 

[Steve_P]

I have both SK and VIM torx bit sockets. And others. I'm in a low salt state and havent broken either. The VIM are nice because they make very short 1 pc bits where the SK are conventional size with a 2 piece construction. Sk's warranty service is awesome but you may need to send the broken item back. I believe they both advertise S2 steel bits

 

[four.cycle]

All torx bit sockets will eventually break if used hard enough.

^ agreed.

I destroyed two T55's last time I pulled the six bed bolts on my Ranger. Had to use a 3/4" drive ratchet with a drive adapter to break them loose.

I have not used every brand under the sun.

When all of the bits I'm using now break, I'll go with VIM, which gets overwhelmingly positive reviews on this site.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM is snap-on quality. Great bit sockets. My Sk stuff is all S2 steel as well, and I've had no issues with it.

The fact that VIM is available in half-cut length means it's the default answer IMO.

 

[plinker]

For torx sockets I recommend having more then one of each size, preferably some that are easy to get replaced. I've had instances where I'd go though 3-4 of them doing one job from time to time

The 1/4 drive 1pc Vim sockets are pretty good (I have Matco rebrands), Snap-on (gold bit) are very good as well. Carlyle/Napa have been decent with impact and chrome varitiys, They are not as good as the Vim & S-O (IMO), but I can get them warrantied same day or next day so they are worth having. Their hex bit sockets have been pretty good IME. I have not really used any S-K bit sockets, they are probably ok, but given the when not if of needing to replace the bit that put them low on my list without having a local source.

 

[vssjim]

The VIM and SK bit sockets are both very good, both are S2 steel bits and both holders are very strong as I have both. Cornell, MAC, NAPA Carlyle, TEKTON and VIM and others use well made Taiwan made bits sockets that are all basically the same quality the US made SK tools are a very good choice for USA made bits also. VIM does have a one piece stubby's that are a big help also.

 

[B_Bimmer]

I have used all the mentioned brands, they all break, go with what you can warranty easy, for me that is SK as there is a local supplier that sells SK, and snap on because there are trucks everywhere. Does vim even have a warranty anyone has used?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

In the time I've had my VIMs, I've easily warrantied a dozen or more of the gold snap on HD removal bits. Most are for tip wear issues. Zero VIMs have worn out or broken in that time. I feel a lot of that is related to the VIM being 1/2 the height of the snap on and less likely to drive crooked in the fastener. The VIM site lists "Limited Lifetime Warranty". A search on amazon for VIM T30 shows singles as available. I'd probably just buy another if mine broke, they owe me nothing.

Unless a local supplier of SK has open stock, most warranty experiences I've had with local tool houses are "Sure I can order you a new one, it'll be here in 2-6weeks". It's faster to just buy another one and toss it, unless it's a true factory defect which broke instantly.

 

[four.cycle]

For torx sockets I recommend having more then one of each size,

After the experience removing the bed on the Ranger I now own no fewer than seven (7) T-55 bits, made by various manufacturers.

 

[RPH]

Vim warrantied some bits and they worked well to handle it. The supplier I bought it from was horrendous at solving the issue (jbtools) they sold a set incomplete and refused to do anything about. Even Vim said they should have covered. Vim, I will buy, Jbtools I won’t.

 

[RPH]

Duplicate post.

 

[Hammer1963]

VIM. No question

 

[parks31]

Another vote for vim. I have a master set.

 

[jshillin]

My triple square bit sockets are VIM and never had trouble with them.

 

[wkndwarrior29]

VIM half cut sockets are extremely useful in removing stuck fasteners and partially stripped fasteners. I've used the 1/4 drive ones with a 3/8 impact and adapter with no issues. If you are not careful you can strip a torx using them though, so i use standard torx bit sockets first.

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[Sine Swept]

No complaints about any VIM I own, the Torx Plus set I have and shout out to their bit ratchet

 

[jimmyin3D]

Vim for sure. But SK does have an excellent warranty.

With Torx/Hex it’s always best to have several options though, no matter what brand they end up getting worn or you hit a seized bolt. I currently have torx keys, SO gold torx sockets, Vim half cut bits, and Vim security torx sockets.