What do you guys recommend for a nice (preferably USA) set of Torx bit sockets, I have a Blue-Point 1/4 service set that has T8-T27 but I'm looking for a 3/8 set. It will be primarily used on small engines but on cars/trucks as well. I'm thinking used SO but what are your guys' preferences and is there any ones better than the SO's?
Torx socket set
- Thread starter JUNK-MAN
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gdocktor3
Well-known member
Not USA, but I bought a Carlyle set that have worked really well. I also have some Snappys I picked up here & there, but the Carlyles work just as good. You can also check Eklind, Lisle or Bondhus. Bondhus sells hex and torx bits called "pro hold" that are impact grade and you press or hammer them into your current sockets. They range from 2"-6" long and are really good, made in USA tools. I bought the 6" metric and sae bits and pressed them into 3/8" impact sockets. I just bought a cheap set of HF 3/8" impact sockets and hammered them in. The torx will probably come soon.
Here's an example, but I bought mine cheaper on eBay. http://www.mutualscrew.com/product/...Z2Ee2xmE6jTjHHz3Xm2NpVY-uDA5Z4WTW4BoC8E_w_wcB
Here's an example, but I bought mine cheaper on eBay. http://www.mutualscrew.com/product/...Z2Ee2xmE6jTjHHz3Xm2NpVY-uDA5Z4WTW4BoC8E_w_wcB
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SuzukiGS750EZ
Well-known member
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- Apr 26, 2012
- Messages
- 3,273
VIM TMS34PF is a very complete set. http://www.vimtools.com/store/page9.html
I own snap on ones and don't regret getting them one bit..........but
For the amount that I use them I think I would have been happy with a "VIM" set. I own vim triple square sockets I got from Amazon and I am super happy with their qiality
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For the amount that I use them I think I would have been happy with a "VIM" set. I own vim triple square sockets I got from Amazon and I am super happy with their qiality
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I have craftsman and kobalt all about 10+ years old. Never had any under a t30 fail. The large size T50 - T55 etc I would say get snap on. I had to remove bed bolts on a ranger they are a t55 I think and broke a craftsman and 2 other off brands before I borrowed a snap on from my brother. It either removed the bolt or broke the bolt, not the torx bit.
I have the ATD set. Pretty dang good for the price!
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=ATD125
http://www.tooldiscounter.com/ItemDisplay.cfm?lookup=ATD125
thegroundpounder99
Well-known member
USA made only thing that comes to mind is SO. I had Matco but didn't have good luck, don't even know if they offer anything USA in torx. Now I have VIM, Blue Point and some SO in select sizes. The SO ones our quite expensive so hopefully you can find some used. I'd be interested to see if somebody posts some current torx made in USA besides SO.
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jlipsky14
Well-known member
The only two I would buy are VIM or the gold SO if you have a truck coming or don't mind spending the money. I have VIM.
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
New Snap On gold bits are the way to go. Don't buy used and abused and hope they work. At that point you might as well just get the Neiko set on Amazon for like $14, at least they will fit the fastener the first time you need them.
drewvdw
Well-known member
I just upgraded my standard snap on torx to the gold, just bought the bits. I don't know if that would be cheaper or not, but then you have spares in the event they break mid-job and snap on man was there yesterday. If I remember correctly, I think I spent like $50 or $60 for the bits in the standard set, which is a lot, but they are so much better than the standard ones.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Am I missing something here? Wiha, Eklind, Lisle, Bondhus, Proto, SK, Armstrong, Wright too I think?
thegroundpounder99
Well-known member
Never seen Eklind or Bondhus in a 3/8 drive. Wiha is German I thought. I'm gonna check some of these out I'd like a USA made set also. Thanks for the suggestions.
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bob15
Well-known member
Snap On gold. I wouldn't bother with anything else.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
You got me on the Eklind. You are correct. No sockets. I was getting excited. Sorry.
As for Wiha, yes, you got me again. They are German made, but easily and readily available in the USA, unlike some other German brands. Again I got excited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20
The Bondhus are the Pro Hold bits I mentioned earlier that you press or hammer into your own sockets, but they can be purchased already installed in sockets. http://www.bondhus.com/bondhus_products/tool_categories/socket_bits/star.html
I have the Bondhus Pro Hold hex bits and I think they are the best deal going. They are impact grade, made in USA, and you can use them in your existing sockets. That saves a bunch of money. Again, I purchased a cheap set of HF impact sockets to use with mine. I figured I would most likely never use them with an impact wrench, but if I do ever need to, the HF's will work. Then, if either the socket or bit ever breaks, they are under warranty. You can buy 8, 9, 10, or 13 of the Bondhus bits way cheaper than any other USA made torx impact socket set.
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
That girl in your avatar looks like she's got plenty of money to buy you an SO set. She must have $10K in those ***** alone...
Coach James
Well-known member
I have this set. Not USA, but they have worked fine.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A50NBMO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Coach
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00A50NBMO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Coach
Those T50 and T55 that are machined down to 1/4" hex will break. I wouldn't buy any bit sockets that use std.hex so they can cheap out on the chrome, using one socket for multiple bits. And the fit should be a press fit. If the bits are loose at all, they will break prematurely.
Here are some toptul I got from Dennis.
Proto set I bought as well.
8mm hex is alot stronger than 1/4. Most bit manufactures switch over to 5/16 at T45. The pics may be an optical illusiion, hard to tell which you have without measuring.
If they are truly 1/4 (not 5/16) they would be for light duty above T40 for sure. Kind of like having a screwdriver or T-handle in that size--they make them but caveat emptor. Not for abuse.
If they are truly 1/4 (not 5/16) they would be for light duty above T40 for sure. Kind of like having a screwdriver or T-handle in that size--they make them but caveat emptor. Not for abuse.
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Those are more for use with screwdrivers, cordless 1/4" drivers and drills doing small assembly/disassembly, etc. Not really meant for heavy use with breaker bars or anything like that.
twertsy
Well-known member
I have a set of S-K that have served well, along with SO. Are the S-K torx made in the US?
gdocktor3
Well-known member
Ahh. I see. Thanks.
I HAD a craftsman set that looked like that, but they were fit to chrome sockets. I broke the t50 or 55 removing seats from a Ford Econoline.
michael.lewin2
Member
- Joined
- Apr 14, 2016
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- 6
Lisle & Harbor Freight believe it or not. Ive twisted more craftsman than I did either of those two. My coworker snapped a HF one on me but I had the non impact set & he used an impact wrench on it. The Lisle one are impact grade & go up to T60, HF foes to 50 I believe but they are good quality for the money
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I picked up one of these while they were still USA made.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
While Cman may not be the best, for the $30 sale price, it's not a bad deal and will probably suffice if you're intent on building a larger and more expensive set a few pieces at a time.
http://www.sears.com/craftsman-42-p...SellerId=Sears&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3
While Cman may not be the best, for the $30 sale price, it's not a bad deal and will probably suffice if you're intent on building a larger and more expensive set a few pieces at a time.
ssdave
Banned
I tried to go cheap (and easy to buy at the local auto parts store) with Lisle black impact ones, I broke and warranted a T55 repeatedly trying to remove torque to yield head bolts. I called my Snap-on guy, he sold me his version of it, and no problems from there. So, I have one empirical test that Snap-on was better than the Lisle, so I've bought only them since, individually as I've needed them. I do have a comprehensive set of cheaper ones that I try first, when they break or yield then I buy the snap on. I've only had to buy 3 or 4 so far. Sometimes the others work.