torx sockets - gearwrench vs HF?

[obsessive]

The Taiwan HF Pittsburgh torx set is about $7 on sale at HF.
The Gearwrench 80722 torx set is about $21 on sale at AA.

For anyone who has regularly used them, does the HF torx set have good fit and durability? And what about the Gearwrench torx set?

 

[jhn9840]

I have the Gearwrench set from Advance Auto and no problems. Never had the HF set.

jhn9840
John

 

[mikevango]

If you look on the hf clearance rack it is filled with torx sets with pieces missing. This tells me they break and people are returning them. I'd get the gearwrench.

 

[chevy302dz]

The Taiwan HF Pittsburgh torx set is about $7 on sale at HF.
The Gearwrench 80722 torx set is about $21 on sale at AA.

For anyone who has regularly used them, does the HF torx set have good fit and durability? And what about the Gearwrench torx set?

I have never used the Gearwrench torx sockets but I do have a HF 1/2" set to go along with my OTC set and they have been great. I have used them to pull rusted old seatbolt bolts with a impact and have had 0 issues to give you a idea of the quality.

 

[jhelrey]

I have Snap On and they are for sale!

 

[bart1]

I bought Wiha for $20. Scour Amazon and other places to see if you can't get a quality Torx. GW may be, but I doubt the HF ones are really high quality.

Think this is the set I have. Replaceable bits, Ernst rail, German made Wiha bits...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RLYoung]

I've used the Husky set from HD (http://tinyurl.com/65sx7qs) and they seemed alright. Of course nothing like truck brand and they are outsourced but the price point is in between HF and some of the others. It's another option to look at at least.

 

[Damian]

HF Torx sockets are not strong at all. If you're using them for light duty work, they're OK. If you need something that's going to handle some TQ while snapping a torx bolt loose, do not buy the HF. They will break. I have a set of HF as back ups and I've broken and/or twisted half of them already.

 

[obsessive]

Thanks everyone. That's the information I was looking for.

 

[joshthedieseltech]

I got the HF, Gearwrech and Craftsman Evolve, all have had my 3/8" impact on them and not broke.

The evolve T10 is the only one that I have had round.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I bought Wiha for $20. Scour Amazon and other places to see if you can't get a quality Torx. GW may be, but I doubt the HF ones are really high quality.

Think this is the set I have. Replaceable bits, Ernst rail, German made Wiha bits...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0032FOUPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have some Wiha 1/4" hex bits, T10-40, and they're great. Had them for about 5 years, not a single problem and showing no wear. They're very tough and an excellent fit, used them in socket adapters, mini impact drivers, etc and they just keep going and going.

How do the larger ones hold up?

 

[Ford12508]

I have a set of Performance Tools torx sockets I had to buy in a pinch, and they have worked out well over the course of 1.5 years. They do not see daily use, but I broke the head off of a 3/8" diameter grade 5 bolt with one. I have yet to round or break one

 

[bart1]

I just got these Wiha, all I have done it checked fit on a couple. The replaceable bit seems great to me, but they might not be perfect, especially for impact use. I only plan to use them with a ratchet and I have no reason to think they won't serve my occasional needs for years to come.

 

[mrholeshot]

I know guys using the HF (satin finish) and have great luck with them. Just don't buy the Lisle

 

[bart1]

I know the Lisle XZNs ****.

 

[MrMark]

That Amazon Wiha set cannot be beat for price vs. quality. I have their bits and if I didn't have the SO set I would have that Wiha set as the Craftsman are poor in this particular tool.

 

[obsessive]

I prefer to buy tools that can be instantly warrantied (if necessary) locally, rather than dealing with phone calls and shipping. I also prefer US-made tools, but in the case of torx there don't seem to be any affordable, acceptable quality options.

So I bought both sets - GW ($22) and HF ($7) - to compare. Fastener fit feels identical. The finish on the GW set is gray and smooth, much nicer than the flat black finish on the HF set. The HF set is listed on the package as chrome vanadium, but the bits are all stamped CV S2. The smaller GW bits are stamped S2, the larger are just listed as alloy, I'm guessing chrome vanadium also.

 

[pipsters]

You'll be happy with the HF ones they are of good quality.

 

[davidj]

I've used the Husky set from HD (http://tinyurl.com/65sx7qs) and they seemed alright. Of course nothing like truck brand and they are outsourced but the price point is in between HF and some of the others. It's another option to look at at least.

I also have the husky set. i bought them because I was in a pinch and had to get some before the stores closed. hd was the place closest to my house... they have been good so far. between the two you have id have to go with the gearwrench. its a good brand and tons of places carry gearwrench tools so if you do need to warranty it then you arent limited to just hf.

 

[obsessive]

I took another look at the HF bits last night. The package says chrome vanadium, but the torx bits themselves are clearly marked S2 chr van - all of them. In the GW set, only the smaller bits are S2 CV - the larger aren't.

From your reviews, it sounds like either set would work for me. These shouldn't see rough or frequent use in my garage. Pretty much everything I work on is newer and clean.

 

[KU_MechE]

I have the Harbor Freight chrome E-Torx, and HF Torx, but haven't used them yet.

I found this on the shelf yesterday at HF though. The splines of the E14 socket were totally rounded out and stripped. P/N: 67898

FAIL: Impact E-Torx sockets.

 

[fxt]

how many times you going to post the same thing?

 

[KU_MechE]

how many times you going to post the same thing?

obviously twice since both threads are relevant to this failed tool. I'll check with you before I post next time.

 

[obsessive]

I wonder if someone tried to use them on a hex fastener and stripped them.

 

[rapyoke]

I wonder if someone tried to use them on a hex fastener and stripped them.

Yeah that does not seem like a poor quality tool- somebody was using it somewhere they shouldn't have been.

 

[obsessive]

Although the GW were more visually attractive, in the end I decided to keep the HF and return the GW for a few reasons.

1) four thumbs up in this thread, plus more in other threads
2) $7 vs $22
3) same COO (Taiwan)
4) HF - all are S2 CV, versus GW only the smaller sizes are S2 CV
5) unlike many other tool manufacturers, HF seems to be making their tools better as time goes by. If I do have a failure in the future, I'll get the same or better quality for a replacement.
6) if down the road I decide I don't like them, I can always go get the GW again

Thanks for the info everyone.

 

[6PTsocket]

The spec for the hex flat head head bolt in the center of my trailer hitch is 250ft/lbs. I don't have torque wrench that reads that high. One HF 1/2" hex bit on an SK 1/2" drive breaker bar with a jack handle over the end was the setup. I pulled until the breaker bar began to bend. The bit was undamaged. The problem is they come on a useless plastic rail that often breaks getting the sockets off. I am not even sure it was intended to be more than display packaging. If you add in the cost of a decent rail that has six 3/8 posts and three 1/2 posts, they are not such a bargain. Whatever rails you buy, you end up having to buy several sizes or buy extra posts to store Torx and hex bit sets, that have more than one drive size. Aside from that, the HF bits are as strong as any, from my experience.

 

[Al Borland]

The spec for the hex flat head head bolt in the center of my trailer hitch is 250ft/lbs. I don't have torque wrench that reads that high. One HF 1/2" hex bit on an SK 1/2" drive breaker bar with a jack handle over the end was the setup. I pulled until the breaker bar began to bend. The bit was undamaged. The problem is they come on a useless plastic rail that often breaks getting the sockets off. I am not even sure it was intended to be more than display packaging. If you add in the cost of a decent rail that has six 3/8 posts and three 1/2 posts, they are not such a bargain. Whatever rails you buy, you end up having to buy several sizes or buy extra posts to store Torx and hex bit sets, that have more than one drive size. Aside from that, the HF bits are as strong as any, from my experience.

And Harbor Freight has the rails for $.99. so for $1.98, you put the clips you want on one rail... You can even cut it off so it's a custom fit for your bits.
You also have spare parts for other custom rails this way.

 

[winlinmac]

VIM and OTC and some, just some... HF Torx Bits
Want to go cheaper, Neiko's aren't that bad

Taiwan S2 Torx / XZN all the way (unfortunately)

 

[Finky198]

I have those inverted e-torx pictured above and have run them on IR 2115, IR air ratchets and hammerhead and I have yet to break one seems like a Typical harbor freight user that doesn't know what they're doing... And then returning them cuase " they didn't work right"

We all know the employees just put it right back on the shelf for the next "mechanic" to buy.

If your shopping at Harbor freight and don't check your purchases before you leave maybe you need to think twice about where you shop... Before you complain about >$10 worth of quality.

I have there torx bits as well there decent but have there limitations....

 

[LXCam]

The spec for the hex flat head head bolt in the center of my trailer hitch is 250ft/lbs. I don't have torque wrench that reads that high. One HF 1/2" hex bit on an SK 1/2" drive breaker bar with a jack handle over the end was the setup. I pulled until the breaker bar began to bend. The bit was undamaged. The problem is they come on a useless plastic rail that often breaks getting the sockets off. I am not even sure it was intended to be more than display packaging. If you add in the cost of a decent rail that has six 3/8 posts and three 1/2 posts, they are not such a bargain. Whatever rails you buy, you end up having to buy several sizes or buy extra posts to store Torx and hex bit sets, that have more than one drive size. Aside from that, the HF bits are as strong as any, from my experience.

Ok I gotta know. What in the hell were you searching that pulled up a 6 year old thread and you didn't notice. Just wondering.

Now what's funny is how many guys are gonna jump in and not notice either.

 

[Finky198]

Lol ^^^

 

[Banana Man]

Snap On only. I would never again use a single HF tool. So Gearwrench then.

 

[yamaha0343]

Gearwrench all day. For $21 I won't even think about stepping in HF.

 

[asm154]

This is an old thread, but I frequently use Garage Journal as part of my research prior to making a purchase.

I'd like to set the record straight on the GearWrench Made in Taiwan Torx and Tamper Proof Torx sets. Both use all S2 steel bits. They do not switch to a different alloy at T30 and above. The S2 marking is covered by the socket above T30.

I confirmed this with a manager at GearWrench.

Switching to a different alloy wouldn't make much sense anyway. After all, there are low cost alternatives using S2 steel. Husky & Duralast to name two. And VIM if you buy a set.

Secondly, while their licensed Chinese made products may be considered substandard by some, it is hard to argue that their Taiwan made products marketed to pro's are. They wouldn't sacrifice their reputation using an inferior alloy like Cr-V above T30 when S2 is a cost-comparable alternative. If anything, I was more curious as to whether they were using what they considered a superior alloy to S2.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'd go with the HF. If one of these breaks it's no big deal as it's not like a tap breaking off inside of a hole which can be an end of the world scenario. You take it back to HF and get another set and keep on trucking.

 

[smuro04]

This is an old thread, but I frequently use Garage Journal as part of my research prior to making a purchase.



I'd like to set the record straight on the GearWrench Made in Taiwan Torx and Tamper Proof Torx sets. Both use all S2 steel bits. They do not switch to a different alloy at T30 and above. The S2 marking is covered by the socket above T30.



I confirmed this with a manager at GearWrench.



Switching to a different alloy wouldn't make much sense anyway. After all, there are low cost alternatives using S2 steel. Husky & Duralast to name two. And VIM if you buy a set.



Secondly, while their licensed Chinese made products may be considered substandard by some, it is hard to argue that their Taiwan made products marketed to pro's are. They wouldn't sacrifice their reputation using an inferior alloy like Cr-V above T30 when S2 is a cost-comparable alternative. If anything, I was more curious as to whether they were using what they considered a superior alloy to S2.

Most of the Gearwrench hex/torx single and master sets found online now a days are COO China. Did the Gearwrench manager happen to mention any change in alloy for the newer China bit sockets, or are we assuming that they too use the S2 alloy?

 

[disston]

I use OTC for most things. I like the older style of the OTC 6100 set because it has this rubber holder that holds up for many years in the trunk of my car.

I just ordered a new one because the rubber holder gave up after about 10 years. The one without the holder will now go in my big box.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have snap on and vim. Extra long torqs are gear wrench. My big hex sockets are gearwrench. I put one in front of a 3/4 gym yesterday and it didn't shatter. I was surprised

 

[WildwoodChuck]

I use Gearwrench security T45 and T55 in DeWalt impacts on a regular basis at work and I haven't broken one yet. The Husky T45 security bit has been a good bit too.

Extra information I use 1" off brand, Apex and Wiha on a regular basis I broke 4 T20's in the impact and 1 T10 with a hand driver this week. I can tell you the Wiha 6" T30 has held up really well in the impact. As many screws as I put in with 1 6" I would have broke at least 8 1" bits.