Vim Tools

[muskaman67]

Does anyone have any experience with Vim Tools? Im looking to pick up a set of triple squares and this company makes a set that seems to be fairly cheap. I know theyre made overseas, but what isn't? Its not a tool i will be using everyday since i work for toyota, but more for a once in a while use to work on friends vw's. Any other brands you can recommend me to look at for triple squares that are decent, other then snap on.. Also, should i pick up long or short ones? Thanks guys.

 

[Mickey O]

I have there some of there old stuff, quite good, the torx sockets used Apex bits (can't get much better than that). I think most, if not all of their new stuff is imports. Do a search I remember someone here buying a set of something from them and telling us how they were.

 

[matthew]

I had started a similar thread a while ago. I've been looking for a set of XZN's as well, and just haven't gotten around to ordering a Toptul set as yet (no rush for me, it's to do some work on my winter car...). For me, I just need them for some door panel work, I'll see how good they are - they're not too expensive, and I'd like to see what Toptul is like.

There's a Blue Point set, at about $50, that would probably also be a really good deal. Which was fairly close to the shipped price of the Vim sockets.

Otherwise, the ones my local NAPA carries are branded UltraPro (the NAPA tool brand here in Canada), but they're actually marked on the bit as K-D Tools. They ran about $8/ea. and are US made. They're not bit sockets, however, they're 1/2" hex and you put them in a socket to drive them.

There's some other ones available cheaply, but everyone on the VW sites seems to hate the Powerbuilt ones.

 

[Fedwrench]

Vim bit drivers are currently imported from Taiwan. They are quitel strong, durable, and will serve you well despite the rhetoric from the US only tool crowd. VIM is also the supplier for Cornwell's hex/torx/triple square etc drivers. Shop around for the best price.

 

[mdoolittle]

I have been quite impressed with the quality of VIM tools. Several MAC item are rebadged VIM's. ( don't hold that against VIM)

 

[mtkst19]

my understanding is vim tools is xzn. the vim/xzn stuff i have look like this--

i have the normal shallow triple squares that are mac badged xzn. my tamper proof triple squares are cornwell badged vim. the case (aside color) and tool quality are the same which to me confirms that the companies are the same. i also have the 1/4 drive vim labeled torx set from cornwell that is pretty damn shallow for tight areas. every set i think i paid no more than 35 for.

i own multiple sets of triple squares from various makes/brands ranging from vim to snap on. To be honest there is many cars that use them that you need varying lengths. if you were to just have one set for in a pinch, get a mid length deal. You will end up using it for axles and should be able to get on majority of the head studs w/o issues. In some instance, the long ones work for certain axles and head studs. I prefer the short ones for drain plugs and some axles.

the biggest pro to having varying lengths is more or less to allow me enough room to get air/electric impacts on the sockets. it is a matter of finding that sweet spot where you can get on the head of the bolt cleanly, and not have an extension or the ratchet in the way. as it takes to damn long to do it by hand.