Torx vs. Tamper Proof Torx Screwdrivers
- Thread starter Mike83
- Start date
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I use torx on torx and tamper proof on tamper proof. There is nothing saying that you cannot use tamper proof on a regular torx. It will, in fact, work. If I had to buy just one set, i would go for the tamper proof.
Lyaec350
Well-known member
The tamperproof torx will be slightly weaker as the center of the bit is bored out but that should be it. If you're only getting 1 set get the tamper proof set.
Get the tamper proof torx set; I used mine for everything that is torx ... no problems what so ever ... 
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I don't think that it would be substantially weaker... it' not like the hole is near the corners...
Merkava_4
Banned
There's got to be a rule somewhere that says you can't use a Tamper Proof on a regular Torx; I'm thinking the tool manufacture would rather you buy both types.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Save even more money by getting a magnetic screwdriver and tamperproof torx bits.
Merkava_4
Banned
Oh you think so? I bought an Apex #25 Tamper Proof and it was up over $7.00. A hand full of those are worth a small fortune!
-olllllllo-
Well-known member
if your workin on a jeep buy a few handfuls. i've had plenty of em bust up, even "impact torx". not pleased with these. lol
Merkava_4
Banned
Who were the manufacture of those?
Snap-Off, probably.
Although my post was in reference to torx screwdrivers, I did pick up a set of tamper proof torx socket bits at Sears yesterday. It was one of those in store, red sticker specials; got it for $22, normally $40. The set had been there since February. I already have the regular torx set, too. Gotta love the unadvertised specials!
Vincent Vega
Well-known member
What a scam. I went to work on our 2004 Regal. Was stopped dead by tamper proof fasteners on the TPS and MAF sensor. A plain phillips head would have been more than adequate for the application. Even a regular Torx would have been OK. It's very irritating that I have to invest in more tools to do a simple job. I'm not a pro, just a weekender. They aren't "Tamper Proof" if anyone can buy the tool.
billymade
Well-known member
I just bought the same set and the metal looks like it isn't the same heat treated as the normal ones; unfortunately the normal ones in the craftsman line aren't that good either! Generally, on the tamper resistant stuff they aren't the high torque fasteners so hopefully this will be in our favor; I just used mine to remove a MAF (mass airflow sensor) off of a SUBARU which has all plastic housing. Just be careful and as I have said before: make sure you are fully seat in the fastener, clean out the fastener with carb cleaner, metal probe or compress air, and when you are using the bits press down on the ratchet head to keep the socket SEATED in the fastener as you turn the ratchet. Most of the failures I see many times is because the fastener is not fully seated inside the fastener and it just rounds off the very tip of the socket. Of course soft and cheap metal will fail no matter how much care you take in using torx sockets!
If you don't want to spend allot of money; most checker/autozones sell a cheap tamper proff set that are "L" shaped that look like a allen wrench for pretty cheap; I prefer a socket but if money is a issue the L shaped ones are a option.
Item TQR9C: Great Neck 9 Piece Star Key Set Hardened and tempered chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability Also fits square type screw heads Includes handy storage case with belt clip Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T50
Price $6.30
If you don't want to spend allot of money; most checker/autozones sell a cheap tamper proff set that are "L" shaped that look like a allen wrench for pretty cheap; I prefer a socket but if money is a issue the L shaped ones are a option.
Item TQR9C: Great Neck 9 Piece Star Key Set Hardened and tempered chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability Also fits square type screw heads Includes handy storage case with belt clip Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T50
Price $6.30
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You think that is a scam - how about the torx PLUS?! I don't know where you find those, but I guess you risk damage to the fastener and/or tool if you use a regular torx bit on it.
I just bought the same set and the metal looks like it isn't the same heat treated as the normal ones; unfortunately the normal ones in the craftsman line aren't that good either! Generally, on the tamper resistant stuff they aren't the high torque fasteners so hopefully this will be in our favor; I just used mine to remove a MAF (mass airflow sensor) off of a SUBARU which has all plastic housing. Just be careful and as I have said before: make sure you are fully seat in the fastener, clean out the fastener with carb cleaner, metal probe or compress air, and when you are using the bits press down on the ratchet head to keep the socket SEATED in the fastener as you turn the ratchet. Most of the failures I see many times is because the fastener is not fully seated inside the fastener and it just rounds off the very tip of the socket. Of course soft and cheap metal will fail no matter how much care you take in using torx sockets!
If you don't want to spend allot of money; most checker/autozones sell a cheap tamper proff set that are "L" shaped that look like a allen wrench for pretty cheap; I prefer a socket but if money is a issue the L shaped ones are a option.
Item TQR9C: Great Neck 9 Piece Star Key Set Hardened and tempered chrome vanadium steel for strength and durability Also fits square type screw heads Includes handy storage case with belt clip Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T50
Price $6.30
I would never call myself a fan of Great Neck, but for the price this might be a good option for occasional use.
DavidtheDuke
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2008
- Messages
- 559
You think that is a scam - how about the torx PLUS?! I don't know where you find those, but I guess you risk damage to the fastener and/or tool if you use a regular torx bit on it.
You will round it off if you use a regular torx bit. A regular torx bit has 6 flanges, torx "plus" has five. It's all BS, mainly from what I can tell to keep ordinary people out of their cars.
-olllllllo-
Well-known member
that bout sums it up.
idunno, returned the second set for refund, they were some more "craptastic" princess auto impacts (canuck version of harbor freight).
just gonna have "some fun" removing those bolts that needed to be ground off. likely weld on a nut, now that i've learned that way. d'oh!!! never owned a welder b4 the last couple months, so never thought about that method b4 grabbing the grinder.
no luck sofar in finding "good" torx sockets that don't argue too much with the jeeps. any ideas guys, in canada preferrably. and also, "real" experience with stubborn torx ie; jeeps n such, would be great, rather than just shoutin "hey buy a snapon". lol
billymade
Well-known member
In a bind I have been able to punch out the pin in the center; I finally bought a craftsman set when they were on sale the other day for $19.99! We'll see how they hold up but like I said; I find that they usually are are on low torque applications...
eschoendorff
Well-known member
Great advice... but...
Says the man that posted up a $6.30 set of tamper proof torx key- shaped objects!
billymade
Well-known member
I pointed out that set to "vincent vega" because he seemed angry/frustrated that he had to poney up to buying a $40 set of sockets that he would only use once in a Blue Moon! There is always another option; if are in serious cheap skate mode for something you don't use often, well it can get the job done (for how long no one knows!). That particular set is one my brother bought; I have used it a couple of times and it worked! I don't like it but at a little under $7 it is a viable option compared to $40 and up!
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I pointed out that set to "vincent vega" because he seemed angry/frustrated that he had to poney up to buying a $40 set of sockets that he would only use once in a Blue Moon! There is always another option; if are in serious cheap skate mode for something you don't use often, well it can get the job done (for how long no one knows!). That particular set is one my brother bought; I have used it a couple of times and it worked! I don't like it but at a little under $7 it is a viable option compared to $40 and up!
I know... but still, the irony is pretty funny.
Merkava_4
Banned
Price $6.30
I've got a jet ski in the water loaded up with 300 pounds of C4 explosives guided by satellite on its way to the freighter!!!
eschoendorff
Well-known member
I've got a jet ski in the water loaded up with 300 pounds of C4 explosives guided by satellite on its way to the freighter!!!
Great. Blow up my new plasma TV why don't you...
Merkava_4
Banned
Great. Blow up my new plasma TV why don't you...
Well, you said you were tired of my torpedoes ...
I've got a jet ski in the water loaded up with 300 pounds of C4 explosives guided by satellite on its way to the freighter!!!
You Rock!
...but it's probably not wise to post such things on a public internet forum...
The next thing you know, those black Suburbans will be parked in front of your house.