Torx for smaller things

[signcrafter]

I have a decent set of snap on heavy duty torx sockets in the bigger sizes, I got tired of snapping the cheap ones. But I would like to either get a set of torx screwdrivers or torx T handle drivers for use on mostly smaller things. Things like dash work and what not where a socket and ratchet isn't always ideal.

So first, do I want screwdrivers or T handles? I'm leaning towards T handles for the leverage. Second what is a decent brand for the money? I have to order a part off amazon so would like to order them off amazon if they have a decent set. Otherwise I can order from somewhere else if there is a better deal. Looking for a decent quality set that won't snap when it looks at a bolt but also won't be using them everyday and will mostly be lower torque on smaller screws so don't need the most expensive set either.

 

[stonesfan68]

Bondhus 33034 is a nice set that is made in USA and won't break the bank.

 

[southalabama]

Ditto bondhus. I don't have a set. I bought a few miscellaneous sizes at a closeout dealer.

 

[ken w.]

I prefer screwdriver handle torx. For interior work you don't need that much leverage. I have a mix of SO Mac and recently I have found some Craftsman Pro series with the red soft handles on the discount shelf. I bought a set of stubbies and regulars for about 60 % off.

 

[signcrafter]

What about these T and L combos like this astro set, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000LQHWUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20 I kind of like the T and L combo for breaking loose and then spinning out.

 

[90zcar]

I have a bunch of all the small stuff as bits in a bit set from snap on. Came as a set in a plastic case.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[PC PaiN]

As much as I love t-handle it sounds like a screwdriver type would be perfect for what you're using it for IMHO

 

[91bronc300]

I've found the Wiha drive-loc drivers to be really handy working in and under dashes because you can adjust the length of the driver. They're expensive though.

For electronics size torx the Husky driver you can get at Home Depot for 6 bucks is actually really nice and has good tips.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100087664?productId=100087664&catalogId=10053&storeId=10051&langId=-1

 

[shockwave]

Imo screwdrivers would be best for interior vs t handles and I like the witte brand the best.
Also look at sunex they offer a bit set with bit ratchet that is great

 

[superautobacs]

For precise torx profile/geometry, PB Swiss is great. I have some torx keys and the fitment is awesome.

A bit pricey, but they are the best, if not, one of the best available in the market.

http://toollady.com/products/products/for_torx_screws

 

[jeremy v]

If you happen to have a SnapOn ratchet screwdriver and/or a SnapOn stubby ratchet screwdriver you might want to think more along the lines of a set like this. You have a lot more variability in the shaft lengths you can create, you can use them with bit ratchets, etc. I have a full set of Wiha torx screwdrivers and they are nice quality, but I have never been very happy with them for anything under a dash. I don't see how t-handles would be any different, and in some cases they would be even worse because they need more space in order to spin.

You could just get 1" hex bits, but I have found that 2" bits do a better overall job getting to screws that are slightly recessed, right next to a relay, in a tight area, etc. without being too long most of the time. I don't have this Wiha set yet, but it will be purchased soon because I love all my other German Wiha stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313K0UI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

NOTE- There are 2-3 other websites that are a little cheaper than Amazon for this item, but the OP asked about stuff to add to an Amazon order, so that's why I am providing this link instead.

 

[PC PaiN]

If you happen to have a SnapOn ratchet screwdriver and/or a SnapOn stubby ratchet screwdriver you might want to think more along the lines of a set like this. You have a lot more variability in the shaft lengths you can create, you can use them with bit ratchets, etc. I have a full set of Wiha torx screwdrivers and they are nice quality, but I have never been very happy with them for anything under a dash. I don't see how t-handles would be any different, and in some cases they would be even worse because they need more space in order to spin.

You could just get 1" hex bits, but I have found that 2" bits do a better overall job getting to screws that are slightly recessed, right next to a relay, in a tight area, etc. without being too long most of the time. I don't have this Wiha set yet, but it will be purchased soon because I love all my other German Wiha stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313K0UI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

NOTE- There are 2-3 other websites that are a little cheaper than Amazon for this item, but the OP asked about stuff to add to an Amazon order, so that's why I am providing this link instead.

Might have to pick some of those up to throw in the tool box. Could be useful in my ratcheting t handle, ratcheting bit driver, or even cordless driver

 

[azhatchback]

Snap on soft grip ACR torx set is the best in my opinion. I use them at work on a daily basis. The torque you can put out on these babies with out hurting your hands is incredable. I used Cman's at work and the smaller handle ones such as the T15 wich I used alot started killing my hands. The machinery I work on has about 100 of these on a module so you could imagine the strain on your hands. The environment I work in you can not use power tools of any kind. Hand tools only. The nice ACR soft grip fat handles saved my hand! The set is very complete with 9 drivers. Yes they are $200 but worth the money if you have to deal with lots of torx. My hands were in agony till I got these.

Same goes for nut driver. I use the ACR socket driver. Not a true nut driver but you add sockets to it. I have retired my nut drivers. I can snap bolt heads with this thing. Comes in 1/4 or 3/8 drive. ACR line is very ergonimic for me but everyones hands are different.

Here is link in red. I like red but they have other colors too:
http://store.snapon.com/Standard--Set-Screwdriver-TORX-174-Instinct-Soft-Grip-Red-9-pcs-T8-thru-T45--P646639.aspx

 

[signcrafter]

If you happen to have a SnapOn ratchet screwdriver and/or a SnapOn stubby ratchet screwdriver you might want to think more along the lines of a set like this. You have a lot more variability in the shaft lengths you can create, you can use them with bit ratchets, etc. I have a full set of Wiha torx screwdrivers and they are nice quality, but I have never been very happy with them for anything under a dash. I don't see how t-handles would be any different, and in some cases they would be even worse because they need more space in order to spin.

You could just get 1" hex bits, but I have found that 2" bits do a better overall job getting to screws that are slightly recessed, right next to a relay, in a tight area, etc. without being too long most of the time. I don't have this Wiha set yet, but it will be purchased soon because I love all my other German Wiha stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00313K0UI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

NOTE- There are 2-3 other websites that are a little cheaper than Amazon for this item, but the OP asked about stuff to add to an Amazon order, so that's why I am providing this link instead.

I'm really liking those! I never really thought of bits because all I've ever seen are the 1" long ones that you can't get in recesses. Those 2" long ones look like they would work in most places. I might have to pick a set of these up. Thanks

 

[Adam.C]

+1. I use a Snap On soft handle stubby ratchet screw driver with a long shaft for car interiors. I generally don't like magnetized tools, but they seem to help with interiors, since, often, only the fastener is metal. I still see a need for good quality sockets tho. Last interior I worked on had some pretty hi torque t30 screws in the center console. I used 1/4" drive for that. I needed the leverage of a ratchet handle for these.

For pretty small stuff, I have used Snap Ons mini drivers. I have both the old hard handles and the new mini instincts. I prefer the instincts as they are slightly larger and easier to grip.

 

[azhatchback]

I have a snap on and a Cman ratchet driver and rarely use them. I really don't care for the ratchet action on a driver. I can't seem to get used to it. I only use them on home projects like driving screw into stubborn sheet rock while streched out on a ladder. Installed some new smoke detectors for the mother inlaw and they were great for that. Anything where you have to push hard while screwing in and not let up is where these shine.

When I break the screw loose on most other items the ratchet action is useless especially in metal. Now my snap on ratchet T handle is another story. I love this thing. Once screw is broke loose i twirl the long shaft with my fingers using both hands to get screws out lightning fast. The majority of my professional work involves metal. I have a project fox mustang and pull interior parts frequently. I like my classic black handle magnetic C'man bit screwdriver for this. This car has torx/phillips mix interior. Could even use nut drivers on the torx screws as it's torx inside a hex head.

I have various stuff for different projects. Brand name to me is squat. If it works it works. I do love snap on ACR's though. I started as an industrial mechanic at age of 20 and am 38 now. Wrenched on cars since the age of 5 with my old man, grandfather, and uncle. Dad and uncle were racers grandpa was a master machinist and ship engine mechanic in navey and master brick mason after military. The years of wrenching have started to hurt my hands really bad this year. Now I really look for the ergo factor in tools. I also like Klien and C'man cushion grip drivers.

 

[RCStocker]

Bondhus 33034 is a nice set that is made in USA and won't break the bank.

I just got both types form Bondhus. One set of each for myself and one set for one of my sons who is a plant mechanic. He keeps bottling machines repaired as well. they we go 2 different sets of hex wrenches wit ball ends. Regular Allen style and straight handled ones. They are great. They US made and very reasonable at Amazon.com I have Amazon prime and get free shipping. Well worth joining up if you order as much as I do. It also gives you free returns and a bazillion movies to watch as part of the package.

Bondhus gets my vote.

 

[azhatchback]

I just got both types form Bondhus. One set of each for myself and one set for one of my sons who is a plant mechanic. He keeps bottling machines repaired as well. they we go 2 different sets of hex wrenches wit ball ends. Regular Allen style and straight handled ones. They are great. They US made and very reasonable at Amazon.com I have Amazon prime and get free shipping. Well worth joining up if you order as much as I do. It also gives you free returns and a bazillion movies to watch as part of the package.

Bondhus gets my vote.

+1 My first set of Bondhus ball end hex wrenches recieved at age of 20 when i started at my plant 18 years ago. Still in service with zero breaks. I have snap off'ed many of snap on Ball ends

+1 for Amazon. Amazon rocks for SK tools. Cheapest I have found. Use sk super awesome most user friendly tool site ever and copy item # and paste into amzon. Some times you can't find things by discription. I was looking for a holley 4150 ultra double pumper in black and only found the other two colors for about $670. I went to holley got the part number and pasted into amazon and deal of a life time poped up. Carb I was looking for was $340. Generally the black model is $100 more than ones above. I had to tell my wife to check it for me I thought something has to be wrong. She said order it now!!! It was a real deal and brand new with Holley's seal on the box!

 

[cheechi]

I haven't used anything Torx from Bondhus but I do love their hex keys. I want to get a nicer set of them but I have sooooo many in the drawer now, just waiting for more to break to make room for new ones.

Nearly all of my torx is insert bits at this point. I know you said you don't want a ratchet, but I'm curious how much difference are you going to see with T handles vs a bit ratchet. I know things can get tight, that's not what I'm questioning. I have a few T handle ratcheting drivers and usually with Torx that's what I will grab.

Torx is great at not destroying the fastener head but I go through bits pretty quickly breaking things loose compared to phillips. I'd still rather buy the bits than wait for drivers and half my T handle set to get warranted frequently.

 

[galianowu]

I have a bunch of all the small stuff as bits in a bit set from snap on.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Wiha

For the really tiny ones (<7) you want a regular handle.

 

[Dave455]

Another vote for regular screwdriver handles for the smaller sizes! I use 'em together with 3/8 drive bits in the larger sizes, with a good overlap!

I'd probably vote for PB Swiss as well as Snap On at the top end! Wiha are fine, and good value as well!

A set of 1/4" Torx bits that you can use in any bit driver are an economical alternative, and versatile!

 

[signcrafter]

I'm really liking these wiha 2" bits,


They are about the same price as the astro T/L handle set. But I think the insert bits would be better, instead of carrying a whole set of T handles over to work you can just grab the little holder and a bit ratchet and go to town. I never liked bits since the shorter ones limit the depth of the hole you can reach into but these 2" long ones look like they would work in most situations.

 

[davethorik]

+1 for Amazon. Amazon rocks for SK tools. Cheapest I have found. Use sk super awesome most user friendly tool site ever and copy item # and paste into amzon. Some times you can't find things by discription. I was looking for a holley 4150 ultra double pumper in black and only found the other two colors for about $670. I went to holley got the part number and pasted into amazon and deal of a life time poped up. Carb I was looking for was $340. Generally the black model is $100 more than ones above. I had to tell my wife to check it for me I thought something has to be wrong. She said order it now!!! It was a real deal and brand new with Holley's seal on the box!

Amazon does that sometimes, I am a machinist I run cnc and manual milling machines and I love Starrett back plunger indicators. About a year ago I smashed the only one I had not paying attention on a mill setup. Starrett actually makes 2 variants of this indicator, model #196 which has been made forever, and model #650, which is heavier duty, longer stem, etc. I smashed a #196 and thought maybe the heavier duty #650 would be the way to go. Hopped on Amazon and I got it for $96 + $8 shipping brand new sealed in Starrett box. Now on Amazon they are $321. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000VDRVQC/?tag=atomicindus08-20




back on topic,
I dislike the small plastic handled torx keys superautobacs posted. They come with a lot of cnc milling tools, which mostly use T15 headed screws to hold inserts. Not just pb swiss, all of the keys this style.

I don't have a picture but I have a Craftsman bit driver handle that I am pretty sure is USA made, but you can pull the shank out of the end of the handle and stick it in the side to make a T-handle driver. I love it at work because sometimes the extra leverage is nice.

 

[absolutelybillsmood]

Epstein's has a nice SK set of torx screwdrivers

 

[superautobacs]

*snip


I dislike the small plastic handled torx keys superautobacs posted. They come with a lot of cnc milling tools, which mostly use T15 headed screws to hold inserts. Not just pb swiss, all of the keys this style.

*snip

Can you tell us why you dislike them? There's the offset flag handle and the zero-offset flag handle. Do you dislike them both?

 

[signcrafter]

I'm really liking these wiha 2" bits,


They are about the same price as the astro T/L handle set. But I think the insert bits would be better, instead of carrying a whole set of T handles over to work you can just grab the little holder and a bit ratchet and go to town. I never liked bits since the shorter ones limit the depth of the hole you can reach into but these 2" long ones look like they would work in most situations.

What is the warranty with wiha bits like these? Or are they good enough where they shouldn't strip the ends?

 

[superautobacs]

What is the warranty with wiha bits like these? Or are they good enough where they shouldn't strip the ends?

If they are ground to proper profiles, hardened as they should be, and inserted properly into the fastener, the fasteners would get eaten; not the bit.

I don't know about warranty.

 

[davethorik]

Can you tell us why you dislike them? There's the offset flag handle and the zero-offset flag handle. Do you dislike them both?

Yes I just dislike the small style. I personally have an easier time using a full sized handled driver so that is what I prefer.