torx bits question

[Tuc04]

What are the thoughts on my idea to buy some replacement gold snap on torx bits and use them in regular sockets? I would only be using them at home and I am only looking for some of the bigger sizes (T40 - T55).

The replacement bits are around $10/each while the complete socket is around $40/each. I've also considered buying some Zephyr bits and doing the same thing.

Is this feasible? Am I missing anything or are there potential roadblocks to this idea?

 

[jimmyin3D]

they should work as long as the sockets you have take the bits!

 

[Professional Tool User]

Spending that much per socket is way overkill, especially if you are just going to be using them at home. If you are assembling your own sockets for fun, I can understand. However, all bit sockets will break eventually if you use them hard. It's just a matter of how long they last. I would just get something that's at least half way decent that can easily be warrantied. If I were to spend a significant amount of money on torx sockets, I would just buy a VIM torx master set. That shouldn't run you more than $100 online.

 

[MattT]

Regular sockets are much thinner walled and shallower broached. Might be strong enough for hand use but doubt they'd hold up to impact use.

Also you might not be able to get the sizes you need. Some of the bits you want in 3/8" drive may be less than 1/4" hex.

Cheapest way to do this "right" is buy the bits and measure them to determine the hex sizes you need. IIRC the torx bits are all standard hex sizes but check before you buy sockets. Then buy used driver sockets in the sizes you need. You can pick up Snap-on ones cheap with damaged/missing bits but othe brands will work too.

 

[1320]

I've often wondered about doing something similar myself. Bondhus makes bits designed to go into regular sockets.

I don't have any loyalty to a particular company other than I generally "like" US made stuff more. My issue is that it doesn't seem to really be any less expensive, as far as I can tell, to have a large set of hex and torx bits in SAE, Metric, long and short to go with existing sockets than it does to just have regular ready to go bit sockets.

 

[Tuc04]

It seems like replacement bits are either 1/4 or 5/16 at the shank where they go into the socket. I can't specifically find that on Snap On, but it is that way for other manufacturers.

The reason this came up is last night I was removing a lower seatbelt bolt. It is T50 and very tight. My Bondhus socket was too long and and my half cut Vims fit, but are 1/4 inch drive. I got it with the Vim and a pipe on the ratchet, but I was concerned it was going to break the ratchet or strip the bolt.

After more searching I see Vim makes half cut 3/8 drive impacts. Price wise they aren't bad so maybe I'll go that way.

Proto and Wright also have some that I may look into further.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

VIM half cuts are top notch, I'd put them up there with gold snap on/Zypher. I absolutely love mine, as they seem to help keep the bit perpendicular to the bolt head while turning. Torx are always too tight.


I buy replacements for my gold torx bit through zepher, a little RTV or super glue holds them in, as they don't have the detent mark like the snap on Golds. You can buy specific bit holder sockets with a detent ball, but after T40 or so they're numerous different sizes, T30 and down is 5/16 shank IIRC.


Home use? Buy VIM. 1/5 the cost for 90% or more of the product. S2 steel ain't too shabby.

 

[Tallpilot]

Spending that much per socket is way overkill, especially if you are just going to be using them at home. If you are assembling your own sockets for fun, I can understand. However, all bit sockets will break eventually if you use them hard. It's just a matter of how long they last. I would just get something that's at least half way decent that can easily be warrantied. If I were to spend a significant amount of money on torx sockets, I would just buy a VIM torx master set. That shouldn't run you more than $100 online.

VIM has a good warranty. I called them in California and a new socket showed up in two days. ‘All bit sockets will eventually break.’ Buy VIM, Capri, Carlyle: brands known to be both reasonably strong and easy to warranty.

If there is a particular size you use often buy a gold Snap-on if you wish but I assure you, it will eventually break too.

 

[Tuc04]

I ended up buying a VIM 50 pc set of 3/8 impact 1/2 cut bits. It has torx, triple square, metric and sae hex along with some screwdriver bits.

 

[Bryanthegreat]

VIM stuff has performed well for me

 

[HaroRider]

I have the Neiko master torx set. Not terrible for $60. I do some pretty big Euro jobs, but not many of them.

It comes with torx male and female sockets, tamper proof torx, and even torx plus bits.

 

[Tuc04]

This is for reference in case someone is looking for this information in the future. For those who may just want to buy the replacement bit and use their own socket.

The Snap-On heavy duty gold torx bits (FTXB series) are the following sizes:

T15-T40 = 1/4"
T45 =5/16"
T50 = 3/8"
T55 = 7/16"

 

[Schurkey]

This is for reference in case someone is looking for this information in the future. For those who may just want to buy the replacement bit and use their own socket.

The Snap-On heavy duty gold torx bits (FTXB series) are the following sizes:

T15-T40 = 1/4"
T45 =5/16"
T50 = 3/8"
T55 = 7/16"

I cut costs by buying a 1/4" and a 5/16" bit socket, and then buying the Torx bits. The larger sizes (T47-up) I bought the entire bit/socket pairings. My largest is T60 for GM caliper bolts.

The bit sockets have proven useful in other applications.