torx sockets

[Piper]

So, I'm looking at buying a set of torx socket drivers. In searching for the various sets, I've found a lot of socket torx sets, ie: not the driver end, a female torx socket. For the life of me I can't remember seeing a torx head that I had to undo. Am I deprived? Where are these connectors used?

Piper

 

[dxdexter]

So, I'm looking at buying a set of torx socket drivers. In searching for the various sets, I've found a lot of socket torx sets, ie: not the driver end, a female torx socket. For the life of me I can't remember seeing a torx head that I had to undo. Am I deprived? Where are these connectors used?

Piper

I'm slightly confused as to what you are asking. Do you have pictures? Are you looking for female or male? Do they have to be handled drivers or sockets?

 

[Piper]

ok, here's what I'm looking for (and found) http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=815&group_ID=158&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

here's a tool set I've never needed (and wonder where this type of bolt head is used) http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=51094&group_ID=370&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[eschoendorff]

The reverse torx sockets that you reference are E-torx sockets....

A good example of the E torx fasteners is on the optispark distributor of a GM LT-1 engine...

 

[dxdexter]

I can't exactly tell you which vehicles use which fasteners, but one has a female head (internal Torx)and one has a male head (external Torx). You may see them also on brake caliper bolts and seat belts and actually have become quite popular.

 

[dxdexter]

If you want a top quality set of internal Torx that are made in Canada (to support your local industries) check out Grays' sales flyer. They have a 7pc set on for $90CAD. Page 11.



Link:http://www.graytools.com/pdf/Having A Blast - EN.pdf

 

[Fedwrench]

here's a tool set I've never needed (and wonder where this type of bolt head is used) http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=51094&group_ID=370&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog[/QUOTE]

GM uses the E4 size to attach the upper steering column trim piece, ignition switches, and wheel cylinders on some vans. I think Isuzu used a larger size on their rodeo engine too. They're out there, just in uncommon places. It's one of those tools that's it's better to have and not need, than to need and not have. A 12 point wrench can get alot of the male Torx heads but, a wrench won't fit in alot of the switch or trim locations.

 

[just_me]

All over German car interiors, among others

Am I deprived? Where are these connectors used?

Piper

But to be honest, for the applications that I need them for, Harbor Freight set ($9, not $90) is fine. In fact, Pittsburg Pro is way better than most assume it to be, and vastly better than the crud they shipped 15-20 years ago.

G

 

[george4]

The reverse torx sockets that you reference are E-torx sockets....

A good example of the E torx fasteners is on the optispark distributor of a GM LT-1 engine...

and the mounting studs for the hydraulic clutch slave on a C4.

 

[dxdexter]

Re: All over German car interiors, among others

But to be honest, for the applications that I need them for, Harbor Freight set ($9, not $90) is fine. In fact, Pittsburg Pro is way better than most assume it to be, and vastly better than the crud they shipped 15-20 years ago.

G

It sure is better than the $192.55 set he is looking at from Snap-on.

 

[Crasen]

I have a Lisle set I bought at sears. I see them all over Dodge Sprinters.

 

[Zeroek]

Oh lord.. I don't like dodge sprinters lol. Crasen you wouldn't happen to know how many quarts of oil those take do you? I was told 9.5 but it seems like it took a lot more than 9.5 qts. And I have a set of HF torque sockets for home and a set of Mac for work.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I am sure to get a scorched *** out of it but here goes! Sears, yea the much despised Craftsman line has offered that (whatever the fancy name) female torx set at an agreeable price for a year or so. I bought a set on sale a few mos ago.

 

[Fedwrench]

I am sure to get a scorched *** out of it but here goes! Sears, yea the much despised Craftsman line has offered that (whatever the fancy name) female torx set at an agreeable price for a year or so. I bought a set on sale a few mos ago on sale.

That's a great set especially when on sale for half off. The only drawback for me is that the set doesn't include an E4 size which is the size I use the most but, it was quickly augmented with a Cornwell E4 for a few dollars.

 

[joenero]

Newer Landrovers and Jags have started using E-torx a lot on their engines and drivelines as well as newer BMWs. Personally, if you don't use it that much get a TAMPERPROOF torx set. Because that's when you'll realize that you spent that money for a torx set then run into a tamperproof torx head. The tamperproof set can do the same things a regular set can too only it's technically "weaker."

I bought a matco set for professional use but replaced a few of the bits with snap ons due to clearance issues (the diameter of the bit being too big to fit in a hole.) Though I have c-mans and harbor freight taiwans at home and they seem decent for light to moderate use.

 

[eschoendorff]

I am sure to get a scorched *** out of it but here goes! Sears, yea the much despised Craftsman line has offered that (whatever the fancy name) female torx set at an agreeable price for a year or so. I bought a set on sale a few mos ago.

Not as much as I am likely to get scorched for admitting that my etorx sockets are actually branded "Pitbull" and, with a name like that, could only be made in China. But the set did include teh E4.

 

[Merkava_4]

Piper,

A lot of these newer type cars will use a threaded stud with a Torx head on the end of it; that makes it nice because you don't have to resort to a stud puller/installer set.

You just slide the component (i.e. A/C compressor) over the studs and then tighten the flange nuts that thread onto the studs.

 

[ImportTuner]

I also have the Lisle set from thetoolwarehouse ... not used very often but when you need it, your glad it's there ...

 

[Rustang]

Data point: 05 a newer Ford Superduty's with "aerodynamic" headlight assemblies use these to adjust vertical aim. E-5.

-Jimmy

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I bought a set from Cornwell.. and it was a very complete set with regular, tamper proof and the e-torx. Cost me about $100 on sale. I havent broken one yet, and I use them all the time with my impacts. But, do be careful since I've broken snap on torx sockets using impacts. But that cornwell set was nice and complete.. very good quality and well priced. I used to have lisle torx.. and they are so easy to break.

Also, 12 point sockets work instead of e-torx sockets.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking if I get a set of E-Torx sockets I'll probably go with Apex unless I get a good deal on some S-O's from eBay.

 

[posaune]

But to be honest, for the applications that I need them for, Harbor Freight set ($9, not $90) is fine. In fact, Pittsburg Pro is way better than most assume it to be, and vastly better than the crud they shipped 15-20 years ago.

I have a Lisle set I bought at sears. I see them all over Dodge Sprinters.

Another low-priced option is the OTC set. I almost bought the Lisle but decided to try THESE instead. For my purposes, they've been perfectly fine. They are made in the USA too.

 

[eschoendorff]

Another low-priced option is the OTC set. I almost bought the Lisle but decided to try THESE instead. For my purposes, they've been perfectly fine. They are made in the USA too.

I have beat the snot out of my OTC stuff and would buy them again. For the price, they're hard to beat!

 

[DavidtheDuke]

Reverse torx sockets are almost the ENTIRE ENGINE bolt assembly on a Mercedes SUV I replace a power steering pump on (twice in the same year I might add, must be a common problem). They are also used as head for mounting studs on all sorts of vehicles from accessory mounting bracket lineup studs to exhaust studs.

 

[MAD]

Another low-priced option is the OTC set. I almost bought the Lisle but decided to try THESE instead. For my purposes, they've been perfectly fine. They are made in the USA too.

Those OTC torx sockets look very nice. I have some of the Lisle ones and have found the Lisle two piece bit sockets to be more durable than their one piece bit sockets. The Lisle one piece torx sockets are a frequent Sears 50% off deal though. They are not bad. They tend to chip teeth rather than twist like the far east cheapies I have used. I don't use torx that much these days though. The only thing I can remember in the last few months was the bridge on my three year old daughters Thomas train set. My standard Craftsman torx screwdriver handled that without any problem

 

[kartracer55]

So, I'm looking at buying a set of torx socket drivers. In searching for the various sets, I've found a lot of socket torx sets, ie: not the driver end, a female torx socket. For the life of me I can't remember seeing a torx head that I had to undo. Am I deprived? Where are these connectors used?

Piper

Chrysler/Mercedes brands

 

[russlaferrera]

The 1st time I seen an E-Torx was in 1981 . They were used on Chysler 4 cyl timing belt pulley. They have been here for a while.

 

[epmills]

Like said before, Mercedes is full of them. I almost use E-torx more than sockets on a lot of jobs.

 

[listb]

Has anyone ever seen external Torx nuts before? Cooper Power Tools has a different female Torx socket design for nut and bolt applications (larger lead-in chamfer for nuts):

http://www.cooperpowertools.com/catalog_pdf/pdf_pages/TC100_47.pdf

It appears that automotive applications involve only external Torx bolts - is that correct?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I'm thinking if I get a set of E-Torx sockets I'll probably go with Apex unless I get a good deal on some S-O's from eBay.

I got mine free, a 1/4" and 3/8" set when i bought my heavy duty torx bits. Not a bad deal at all.

Reverse torx sockets are almost the ENTIRE ENGINE bolt assembly on a Mercedes SUV I replace a power steering pump on (twice in the same year I might add, must be a common problem). They are also used as head for mounting studs on all sorts of vehicles from accessory mounting bracket lineup studs to exhaust studs.

They're very common on Mercedes-benz and GM cars, some BMWs and a few others. Don't recall ever seeing one on a VAG car.

 

[Brookesy]

Use my torx drivers & sockets quite often they seem to be getting quite popular.

Vauxhall astras use a torx bolt on the crank bolt. Ford fiestas on the balljoint bolt, peugeots on the brake caliper retaining bolts.

 

[kvom]

Jeeps have a lot of Torx bolts. I try to replace any I remove with hex bolts where possible.

The starter on my Jeep is held on with two e-torx bolts; I bought a set of e-torx sockets when the started needed replaciing, but haven't used any since.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Ford fiestas on the balljoint bolt.

I have a box of those bolts. Notorious for shearing/stripping/threading if you reuse them. If you're careful you can reuse them. Seen so many guys put guns on them to so them up and shear the end straight off the thread.

 

[TheToolMan]

Alot of Mercedes use them on the rear end of their cars

"edit" didnt read above posts sorry

 

[SCguy]

You need a E torx socket to remove the bar to take the belt off of a Olds 88 3.8.

RD

 

[speed bump]

You need an E-torx for the mirror assembly on Dodge Daytonas/Plymouth or Chrylser lasers. I don't suggest removing unless you have no choice as they shear quite easily.

 

[klswvu]

GM W body and GM J Body use an E-Torx to hold the rear wheel cylinders on. But it is really hard to get a socket in there to remove them.

 

[Major Ramifications]

The first time I encountered these was when I was lying under a '93? Ford Crown Vic in the U-Pull-It yard trying to remove the aluminum driveshaft. I didn't even know this type of fastener existed, but I hammered a 12 point socket on there and got it off.
Does anyone want to buy that driveshaft? Ha ha. I never did use the damn thing.

 

[floppyflankdrive]

ok, here's what I'm looking for (and found) http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=815&group_ID=158&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

here's a tool set I've never needed (and wonder where this type of bolt head is used) http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=51094&group_ID=370&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

My 97 4runners front differential has several of them, as a matter of fact, back in high school I found out that 12pt's are not "good enough" for torx heads, and ever since have always found the right tool for any job It was a very bad situation which ended with a cold chisel, but it taught me a very valuable lesson.

 

[listb]

Has anyone ever used an E-Torx socket larger than E16? Snap On and SK offer E18-E24 sockets. What applications did you use it on?