Triple square set recommendations

[hobie18]

However, since I need the one, I might as well buy a set

Spoken like a true GJer

 

[four.cycle]

^ might be all you need is that one size for that vehicle.

Unless you're working on Opels, Audis, BMWs, or Mercedes a lot, these are just dust collectors.

 

[mikey03]

Does snap on make a us made bit set of these? I only seen the bluepoints which are vim rebrands on there site tbh

 

[ecotec]

Does snap on make a us made bit set of these? I only seen the bluepoints which are vim rebrands on there site tbh

I have 8, 10, and 12 in Snap-on.

 

[Dave455]

Does snap on make a us made bit set of these? I only seen the bluepoints which are vim rebrands on there site tbh

Yes, Snap On offer these.


Sets too, if you want.


But the prices of both are hideous this side of the pond. Might be a frac better in the U.S.

Hazet are lovely quality, and for me less than a third of the price.


The only ones I own are KoKen. Again, lovely quality. Priced nowhere near the Snap On.


Here’s a KoKen set. I haven’t used these a lot, my partner used to own an Audi so needed occasionally, but worked just fine.

 

[Fedwrench]

Both Vim & Capri have some really nice offerings that won't break the bank. I'd lean towards Capri when they have a sale because, their customer service is outstanding, and warranty service is a breeze compared to Vim.

 

[The Bean]

I own two VWs. I went looking for the right sockets and bought this.




China made. Lifetime warranty from Autozone. Replaced free of charge.

 

[AEAdam]

I own two VWs. I went looking for the right sockets and bought this.




China made. Lifetime warranty from Autozone. Replaced free of charge.

Yikes! "Right sockets?" Good luck with that. Notice how the #12 necks down into the chrome so that manufacturer can save money on custom chrome holders? That neck down is a stress concentration, typically where those bits shear IME. I had craftsman allen sockets like that and that's where they broke. Hard pass.

I've never seen 4,5,&6 on a VW, but what do I know. I have mostly used 8, 10, &12. I've seen larger ones on seat belt bolts.

This is not a fastener type to mess around with, but maybe you will get lucky or maybe things have changed. Seriously, before I started a repair that involved using Chinese triple squares I'd ask myself:

1) If I shear this triple square's bit off, how will that impact this repair? Can I get another one in a reasoable amount of time? Will they be in stock? What will I do to continue the task? Is it likely the replacement will fail in the exact same way mine did? What are the chances a Chinese made product has gotten better over time such that the new one will funciton where the old one did not? In the past, not bloddy likely. Now? Wh knows.

2) If this tool destroys the recess in the bolt head (because its worn, undersized, misshapen, etc etc), how will I get this fastener out? Can I drill it? Grab the head with something? Weld something on? Grind the head off?

In fairness to Duralast, these are good questions to ask with ANY sort of cap head screw. With external wrench flats, I think we have more options if we round over the head. In my case, having been here before, I've had pretty bad experiences when something goes wrong with a cap head screw. That's why I have multiple sets of Snap on bit sockets in my tool box. And I replace bits or warranty the whole socket when and as they wear. Typically, the answers to the questions above are not good for me. I've had bad experiences.

If I had it to do all over again, maybe I'd have gone Hazet. I spent ALOT of time working on German cars and never seriously considered German tools. I think last I looked, they weren't cheaper than what I could get Snap on for. Now, I think Snap on are much more money and Hazet are more available.

 

[Beerhippie]

I bought a Capri 3/8" drive for changing the CVs on my Vanagon (the only triple-squares on that rig). Worked great and shows no wear after however many bolts that was, using an impact for the removal.

Capri have a nice finish, too--if that matters to you.

 

[The Bean]

Yikes! "Right sockets?" Good luck with that. Notice how the #12 necks down into the chrome so that manufacturer can save money on custom chrome holders? That neck down is a stress concentration, typically where those bits shear IME. I had craftsman allen sockets like that and that's where they broke. Hard pass.

I've never seen 4,5,&6 on a VW, but what do I know. I have mostly used 8, 10, &12. I've seen larger ones on seat belt bolts.

This is not a fastener type to mess around with, but maybe you will get lucky or maybe things have changed. Seriously, before I started a repair that involved using Chinese triple squares I'd ask myself:

1) If I shear this triple square's bit off, how will that impact this repair? Can I get another one in a reasoable amount of time? Will they be in stock? What will I do to continue the task? Is it likely the replacement will fail in the exact same way mine did? What are the chances a Chinese made product has gotten better over time such that the new one will funciton where the old one did not? In the past, not bloddy likely. Now? Wh knows.

2) If this tool destroys the recess in the bolt head (because its worn, undersized, misshapen, etc etc), how will I get this fastener out? Can I drill it? Grab the head with something? Weld something on? Grind the head off?

In fairness to Duralast, these are good questions to ask with ANY sort of cap head screw. With external wrench flats, I think we have more options if we round over the head. In my case, having been here before, I've had pretty bad experiences when something goes wrong with a cap head screw. That's why I have multiple sets of Snap on bit sockets in my tool box. And I replace bits or warranty the whole socket when and as they wear. Typically, the answers to the questions above are not good for me. I've had bad experiences.

If I had it to do all over again, maybe I'd have gone Hazet. I spent ALOT of time working on German cars and never seriously considered German tools. I think last I looked, they weren't cheaper than what I could get Snap on for. Now, I think Snap on are much more money and Hazet are more available.

Thanks for the comment. As it turns out, I really only needed one size, but one socket was unavailable in my local retail stores and this set was so cheap, I didn't bother shopping internet for just one. And, I have only used it the one time so far. I'll go easy with it. Not anything that needs torque.

 

[Callelle]

Yikes! "Right sockets?"

Dude always writes a novel to say that anything other than Snap On will basically cause your vehicle to explode.

 

[AEAdam]

Thanks for the comment. As it turns out, I really only needed one size, but one socket was unavailable in my local retail stores and this set was so cheap, I didn't bother shopping internet for just one. And, I have only used it the one time so far. I'll go easy with it. Not anything that needs torque.

Good! They typically have pretty high torques. Recommend if you are serious about VWs, surfing ebay for used SO triple squares. The new ones have pressed in bits. You can R&R them yourself if you are handy. The bits are pretty cheap from SO if i recall. Or maybe look at grabbing some Hazets. Keep what you have as back-ups or for impact use.

 

[Steel_Rain]

The only ones I own are KoKen. Again, lovely quality. Priced nowhere near the Snap On.

@Dave455 , old thread, maybe older question...

Does Koken sell a complete set of these in XL length?

 

[Dave455]

@Dave455 , old thread, maybe older question...

Does Koken sell a complete set of these in XL length?

Not as such, but that need not be a game stopper.

When you buy a “set” from KoKen all you are really getting is a selection of sockets on a rail. Some popular sets come in a cardboard box, but most are supplied in a vinyl wallet.

So if you want a “complete” set, just order all the sizes (only 7) of the length you want (choice of 4) plus a rail, and you have your “set”.

Some folks complain that Koken “sets” don’t come at much of a discount compared to buying the items individually. That’s true, but there’s not much penalty for making up your own set.

And if a manufacturer can offer a “set” considerably cheaper than the individual tools, you know the price of the individuals is loaded!

I rather like the KoKen bit sockets, and they are pretty much my first choice now, but you have to factor in the price where you are located.

 

[roofdweller49]

Do the KoKen and snap on bits fit substantially better than the Capri or is there wobble in all of them? Was not confidence inspiring taking my wheel bearings off, and torquing the new ones my VW with the Capri. Seems to have a few degrees of wobble - but not sure if that's just how they fit

 

[Beerhippie]

Do the KoKen and snap on bits fit substantially better than the Capri or is there wobble in all of them? Was not confidence inspiring taking my wheel bearings off, and torquing the new ones my VW with the Capri. Seems to have a few degrees of wobble - but not sure if that's just how they fit

Capri I bought--just the one--fit my Vanagon CV bolts like it was made for it. It was tight enough to make feeding the outer CV bolts into the housing easy. Maybe I got lucky?

 

[Kurt4440]

Do the KoKen and snap on bits fit substantially better than the Capri or is there wobble in all of them? Was not confidence inspiring taking my wheel bearings off, and torquing the new ones my VW with the Capri. Seems to have a few degrees of wobble - but not sure if that's just how they fit

I just replaced a wheel bearing on a Passat this past weekend. I used the triple square sockets I mentioned in post #18, I wire brushed the heads of the fasteners and had to tap the sockets into the fasteners. They have been consistently tight in the fasteners with no wobble since I purchased them 5 years ago.

I also purchased the stubby set from the same manufacturer.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[Steel_Rain]

Not as such, but that need not be a game stopper.

When you buy a “set” from KoKen all you are really getting is a selection of sockets on a rail. Some popular sets come in a cardboard box, but most are supplied in a vinyl wallet.

So if you want a “complete” set, just order all the sizes (only 7) of the length you want (choice of 4) plus a rail, and you have your “set”.

Some folks complain that Koken “sets” don’t come at much of a discount compared to buying the items individually. That’s true, but there’s not much penalty for making up your own set.

And if a manufacturer can offer a “set” considerably cheaper than the individual tools, you know the price of the individuals is loaded!

I rather like the KoKen bit sockets, and they are pretty much my first choice now, but you have to factor in the price where you are located.

As usual, @Dave455 for the win!

Sounds like I need to make an order.