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Triple square set recommendations

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jimbothecricket

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I need to do some work on my sister's car (VW new beetle) and will need an M10 triple square (access isn't a problem for the bolts I will be getting at so stubby isn't a requirement). At a minimum, I will order a single M10 bit socket from tekton for $5. However, since I need the one, I might as well buy a set. I don't have access to tool trucks and don't want to spend over $100 (cheaper is always nice lol). I'm looking at Tekton, Capri, and VIM sets but am open to any and all suggestions. I've heard bad things about HF triple square sockets but maybe your experience has been different.

Look forward to hearing your recommendations!
 
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four.cycle

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^ I bought mine in "K-D", which was one of the only brands available here in the 1970s when I had the Opel. They held up fine. I wasn't working on head bolts, though - just intake and exhaust manifold.
It was pretty much just a "bit" you turned with an open-end or popped into the end of a socket.
12mm pic below:
 

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T

tamaraw

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For triple square on a VW, I would think of Hazet. They have a long history with the brand and their bit sockets are excellent.

Not exactly cheap, but you could get a couple sizes within a $100 budget or stretch a little for a set:


www.jensputzier.com

Hazet 163-460/7 XZN Screwdriver socket set

✅ Buy your Hazet163-460/7 set right here ✅ Authorised Hazet dealer ✅ We are engineers ✅ Fair prices ✅ Fast shipping from Germany ✅
www.jensputzier.com www.jensputzier.com
 
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AJHD

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J

jimbothecricket

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Thanks for all the recommendations so far! I'm looking for recommendations based on personal experience or some other reason. The "maybe try X brand on amazon" suggestions are not very helpful (I've already looked at amazon, HF, and other common places to buy tools).

The reason I mentioned Tekton in my original post was because I can easily and cheaply order just the socket I need with easy customer service.

I mentioned VIM as I seem to recall a random youtube video where a VW tech swore by VIM triple square bits and sockets.

I mentioned Capri as their set is cheaper than tekton and both are reputable mid-tier tool companies.

I've read/watched reviews of the HF Icon set which describe them as being rather disappointing. HF also doesn't need more of my money lol.

The Metalnerd set is appealing as it would be supporting a small US business. I also found a few good reviews on other websites where they resell the set, one mentioning 10 years of use without issue.

Tamaraw's suggestion of Hazet was a great recommendation as he points out that Hazet is known for bit sockets and implies personal experience.

GJ has a lot more experience with tools than Amazon's search bar :D
 
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Callelle

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When I was working automotive for a bit, I used a set from Capri and it was good enough. Haven't used them since switching to HD, but considering Navistar is part of Traton group (VW), I've wondered if it's only a matter of time till I start seeing them in my field.
 
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jimbothecricket

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Has anyone used the Mayhew or CTA bit sockets? They are both made in the USA. The Mayhew bits are definitely USA though the chrome holder might be taiwan
 
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2ndGearRubber

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jimbothecricket said:
Has anyone used the Mayhew or CTA bit sockets? They are both made in the USA. The Mayhew bits are definitely USA though the chrome holder might be taiwan
Click to expand...


I have these from Mayhew. Smaller sizes you take a slight loss with the wide base. Still nice to have. I really like them for the larger sizes since once I break something free with a bigger tool I can stick that on a 1/4 ratchet or electric ratchet for removal.
 
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afazz

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I don’t have their triple squares, but I own a lot of Metalnerd and they make great stuff!

Regarding triple squares, I have them all and prefer Snap-on, Hazet, VIM, then Genius - in that order. Cornwell, Blue Point, and non-RBRT Mac are rebranded so they’re also good but expensive unless you plan on using the warranty, but you clearly said you don’t have truck access so skip those.

SK, OEM, and Lisle are hot garbage. Everything else works fine, all the mid-tier stuff is similar in quality and strength. Making sure they are fully engaged is critical. I hammer them in when rust or crud is involved, sometimes even using a pick or wire brush to clear the gunk out first.
 
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Ohio Andy

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jimbothecricket said:
I need to do some work on my sister's car (VW new beetle) and will need an M10 triple square (access isn't a problem for the bolts I will be getting at so stubby isn't a requirement). At a minimum, I will order a single M10 bit socket from tekton for $5. However, since I need the one, I might as well buy a set. I don't have access to tool trucks and don't want to spend over $100 (cheaper is always nice lol). I'm looking at Tekton, Capri, and VIM sets but am open to any and all suggestions. I've heard bad things about HF triple square sockets but maybe your experience has been different.

Look forward to hearing your recommendations!
Click to expand...

You do not say if this needs to be impact rated. First consider Tekton (and then I will see how much time I have left).

Obviously you want their $250 3/8 inch drive 110 piece set :cool:

On a 3/8 inch drive they have an 7 bit M4-M12 set in a hard case (Long bits) or on a rail either is $35. It is Tekton and this is over $25 so free fast shipping.

www.tekton.com

3/8 Inch Long Triple Square Bit Socket Set (8-Piece) | TEKTON

Includes: long triple square M4-M12 hand drive bit sockets. The S2 steel bit is press fitted into the socket. Comes with case storage. SHB91318.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com
www.tekton.com

3/8 Inch Triple Square Bit Socket Set, 8-Piece (Rail) | TEKTON

Includes: triple square M4-M12 hand drive bit sockets. The S2 steel bit is press fitted into the socket. Comes with rail storage. SHB91108.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com

They have another set for $52 that is 10 bits M4 - M18 on a rail. I won't bother with a link.

For impact sockets, again looking only at sets with triple square and not single sockets, they have:

8 bit M4-M12 3/8 inch Impact bits for $35
www.tekton.com

8-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive Triple Square Impact Bit Socket Set | TEKTON

Set includes M4–M12 3/8 inch drive triple square (XZN) impact bit sockets with rail organization. SIB91104.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com

M6-M12 and MT14-MT16 for $55
www.tekton.com

1/2 in Drive Triple Square Impact Bit Socket Set (9-Piece) | TEKTON | SIB92103

Includes: Triple Square M6-M12, TR Triple Square MT14-MT18 hand drive bit sockets. The S2 steel bit is press fitted into the socket. Comes with rail storage. SIB92103.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com

They have a larger Impact set with Hex, Torx, and Triple SQ for $125. not what I think you want.
www.tekton.com

40-Piece 3/8 Inch Drive Impact Bit Socket Set | TEKTON

Set includes 5/32–9/16 inch (SAE), 4–14 mm (metric), T20-T60 Torx, and M4–M12 triple square (XZN) impact bit sockets in carrying case. SIB91301.
www.tekton.com www.tekton.com

I like that CTA is USA made, just received a set of their thread chasers. The CTA is 10 sockets for $33.
 
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xjfish

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+1 for VIM.

I own several random brands: good value with VIM. I've had an old Mac Tools set for years that I go to for warranty reasons. I seem to break them fairly often on crusty suspension stuff.
 
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Steve_P

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Sep 15, 2010
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I have bit sockets by SK, Williams, Vim, Tekton, Capri... except for the SK and Williams, the rest are Taiwan mfg. All are S2 bits except maybe the Williams. They all seem about the same to me. There's no bit that's invincible, but I'm sure there are some slightly better than others; I've had more torx fail than hex. If you just want to buy one size, then Tekton makes sense. If you want a set, then I'd look at Capri or Vim where they combine all three drive sizes in a single set. Vim has been highly regarded here for their bits for many years and IIRC Matco rebrands their stuff.
 
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tamaraw

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tamaraw said:
For triple square on a VW, I would think of Hazet. They have a long history with the brand and their bit sockets are excellent.
Click to expand...

jimbothecricket said:
Tamaraw's suggestion of Hazet was a great recommendation as he points out that Hazet is known for bit sockets and implies personal experience.
Click to expand...
To clarify, I was referring to the Hazet-Volkswagen connection. Historically, they provided all of the factory tools for Volkswagen.
 
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dogdog

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12,711
I have the OEM set from autozone but they either discontinued or not selling it looked like the ones from post #2. What ever it is, get the ones that have a bit longer bits.
I think their door module uses triple square , their engine head bolt up to 2003 or 4 uses triple square, or spline drive, after that they changed to poly drive or something silly. Their axle also uses that but nothing so far the basic 4 bits in that sets haven’t cover.

The long reach tekton set should serve you fine from post 22
 
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AEAdam

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1) I would not mess around with off brand triple squares. VAG uses them for high torque, high strength applications. Screw one of these bolts up with a Taiwan tool and you’ll wish you bought gold plated Snap Ons that flew on a moon mission and were signed by Air Jordan. Don’t screw with triple squares!

2) Stubbies aren’t just for access. They are stiffer. Also, the further the ratchet is from the bolt head, the harder it is to apply torque to the bolt. If you have the scratch, I recommend a regular and a stubby.

3) Know that Asian makers have another bolt head that looks like a triple square, but is not. I think it’s a bi-hex. I think triple squares on VAG cars are XZN. Make sure you are getting the right thing.

4) Last, latest VWs I’ve worked on had torx where there used to be triple squares. Maybe just get the 8 and 10 and not the whole set. Who knows how many of these you will encounter in the future.

PS I had a new beetle. It had the Audi 20v engine and ran like a top. It was the turbo S model. Had a short shift kit, it was lowered, had a sport suspension, all from the factory. Pretty fun to drive. I think I did almost nothing to it. It never broke. Just coil packs.
 
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jimbothecricket

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terrific said:
Does he make those bits? It would be really cool to see how that's done on a small scale.
Click to expand...
They are made in Taiwan so the answer is probably "no." I ended up ordering the set but was getting impatient and picked up the Lisle set from oreilly's which did the trick removing the cv axle. Used M12 instead of M10 so I'm glad I bought a set instead of relying on my faulty manual. This car has the 1.8L engine with a turbo and manual transmission. I bet one of the other submodels uses M10. Life got in the way of reassembling everything so I haven't put the axle back in after fixing the inner cv joint boot. I did have time to replace the control arm, ball joint, and tie rod on the other side (I bought a Lemförder front end kit). The ball joint and tie rod boots were shot. The control arm bushings fell apart as I removed the control arms. I suppose that is to be expected from 22 year old german plastics :D
 
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J

jimbothecricket

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AEAdam said:
1) I would not mess around with off brand triple squares. VAG uses them for high torque, high strength applications. Screw one of these bolts up with a Taiwan tool and you’ll wish you bought gold plated Snap Ons that flew on a moon mission and were signed by Air Jordan. Don’t screw with triple squares!

2) Stubbies aren’t just for access. They are stiffer. Also, the further the ratchet is from the bolt head, the harder it is to apply torque to the bolt. If you have the scratch, I recommend a regular and a stubby.

3) Know that Asian makers have another bolt head that looks like a triple square, but is not. I think it’s a bi-hex. I think triple squares on VAG cars are XZN. Make sure you are getting the right thing.

4) Last, latest VWs I’ve worked on had torx where there used to be triple squares. Maybe just get the 8 and 10 and not the whole set. Who knows how many of these you will encounter in the future.

PS I had a new beetle. It had the Audi 20v engine and ran like a top. It was the turbo S model. Had a short shift kit, it was lowered, had a sport suspension, all from the factory. Pretty fun to drive. I think I did almost nothing to it. It never broke. Just coil packs.
Click to expand...
The light weight of the vehicle combined with the turbo make it a lot of fun to drive. It used to be my car before it went to my sister. Way more fun than my current car (a boring Nissan Sentra) lol
 
D

durrrtydan

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Nov 20, 2022
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afazz said:
I don’t have their triple squares, but I own a lot of Metalnerd and they make great stuff!

Regarding triple squares, I have them all and prefer Snap-on, Hazet, VIM, then Genius - in that order. Cornwell, Blue Point, and non-RBRT Mac are rebranded so they’re also good but expensive unless you plan on using the warranty, but you clearly said you don’t have truck access so skip those.

SK, OEM, and Lisle are hot garbage. Everything else works fine, all the mid-tier stuff is similar in quality and strength. Making sure they are fully engaged is critical. I hammer them in when rust or crud is involved, sometimes even using a pick or wire brush to clear the gunk out first.
Click to expand...
Hace you tried RBRT triple square? Would you rank them above or below SO, Hazet?
 
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Vvmvbb

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I bought the SK 4 pc set ~20 years ago when I got my 944S. They’ve been perfectly good.
 
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four.cycle

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Another zombie thread brought back to life?

When I was driving the Opel, you had your choice of brands for "triple square" bits: Lisle and K-D. They both got the job done. They were "bits" that you inserted into your own 8mm or 10mm socket. Don't know of anybody else who made them back then, other then the OEMs.
(I had a 6 and a 12 but never had a need to use either of them.)
(FTR: the 8mm removed the exhaust manifold bolts just fine - not sure how much "better" you need than that. )

newest entry in the market is TITAN 16138 (9-piece set) - $22 at Amazon.com / $24.99 at O'Reilly's Auto Parts
(most likely manufactured in China (PRC))
 
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