Vim vs Blue Point vs Williams Hex Bit Socket Sets?

[Leadberry]

I need a set of hex bit sockets. I ended up rounding off a hex wrench trying to loosen the set screw that holds the collar on the main screw of my Yost vise, and that sucker shows no signs of loosening up. So, sockets it is.

I mostly wrench on domestic and Japanese vehicles and motorcycles, as well as random shop machinery. Looking for a decent-sized set that covers metric and SAE. I'm open to US and Taiwan tools, but I try to buy from brands I think I can trust. Looking to spend under $100, closer to $50 if possible.

Anyone have any opinions on these three, or other suggestions? Blue Point is obviously contingent on me snagging a used set within my price range.

 

[92integra]

Re: Vim vs Blue Point vs Williams Hex Socket Sets?

vim is the oem for like all of mac tools hex and torx stuff. i see professionals use them all day long with no issues.

 

[bulletpruf]

Subscribed

 

[vssjim]

Vim has very good hex and torx sockets, probably some of the toughest I have ever used.

 

[MaintenanceGuy]

I use these, there real nice!

http://www.amazon.com/Blackhawk-By-Proto-UH-3816CS-16-Piece/dp/B005YSWYWU

I need a set of hex bit sockets. I ended up rounding off a hex wrench trying to loosen the set screw holding the collar on the main screw of my Yost vise, and that sucker shows no signs of loosening up. So, sockets it is.

I mostly wrench on domestic and Japanese vehicles and motorcycles, as well as random shop machinery. Looking for a decent-sized set that covers metric and SAE. I'm open to US and Taiwan tools, but I try to buy from brands I think I can trust. Looking to spend under $100, closer to $50 if possible.

Anyone have any opinions on these three, or other suggestions? Blue Point is obviously contingent on me snagging a used set within my price range.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have a Cornwell rebadged VIM set and it's been great.

 

[quickstang87]

I've got the VIM hex and torx master sets. They were dirt cheap for the number of tools. When they break (I've broken maybe 5 hex bits in about 5 years) I call VIM directly and they mail me out a new one with no hassle.

 

[back2class]

My guess is the fastener is not going to move even with some Snap-On gems. Best bet may be some liquid wrench and thumping lightly with impact socket. I am not a big fan of SO, but in torx, hex and other bit type drive tools I think that is one place they really shine between the quality and ease of warranty. I can't speak to VIM, but I have had good luck with the USA made Craftsman ones I have as well as the Taiwanese Stanley's I have used. I have found them so hard, that they tend to shatter rather than mush over like many "allen wrenches" do. I think you may do OK with a trip to Walmart to check out the Stanley set. That said, it is Stanley, so they could be Chinese pot metal **** this week.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

My guess is the fastener is not going to move even with some Snap-On gems. Best bet may be some liquid wrench and thumping lightly with impact socket. I am not a big fan of SO, but in torx, hex and other bit type drive tools I think that is one place they really shine between the quality and ease of warranty. I can't speak to VIM, but I have had good luck with the USA made Craftsman ones I have as well as the Taiwanese Stanley's I have used. I have found them so hard, that they tend to shatter rather than mush over like many "allen wrenches" do. I think you may do OK with a trip to Walmart to check out the Stanley set. That said, it is Stanley, so they could be Chinese pot metal **** this week.

Shattering and mushrooming are both signs of poor heat treating. I don't know that one is better than the other. I can say my VIM's tend to twist before they shatter. Never had Snappy bit sockets, but I have had Craftsman and they seem really soft compared to my VIM or Proto bits.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I think you may do OK with a trip to Walmart to check out the Stanley set. That said, it is Stanley, so they could be Chinese pot metal **** this week.

Stanley at Walmart is Chinese. Order the Neiko/Capri set from Amazon for 15 shipped. Taiwan and of much better quality.

 

[Adam.C]

This is the exact circumstance that got me hooked on Snap On. Snap Ons cad plated bit sockets are the best I've ever used. At this point, I won't even consider using anything else. Rounding cap head fasteners is pretty bad as the repair usually involves drilling. You are lucky the tool failed and not the fastener, but it's likely the recess is damaged and may well either strip or damage another tool before you are done.

For situations like this where the tool really requires high dimensional accuracy, high hardness and strength, nothing beats US made, U.S. materials. Technologically, I don't think Taiwan or China produce this quality.

Just a suggestion, stubby bit sockets are stiffer/ stronger than normal. And if you can fit a 1/2 drive, that might be worth your while

 

[devoncoolman]

Vim is best for the money. Snapon is best quality for bit sockets. Get a good bit socket and try whailing on that thing with an impact driver. Thats your best bet. If that doesnt work i usually hammer in the closest torx bit and do the same or use and impact. Usually works.

 

[Brownsfan]

I have a Cornwell rebadged VIM set and it's been great.

Same here. No complaints at all. I did have a.t8 twist once but that's it.

 

[espyking83]

I got some Wiha hex sockets a few weeks back off Amazon and they're good. Not the best, but they do what they need to, and a damn great deal for ~$20.

 

[cheechi]

I don't know, but it's a fair assumption if the BP and Williams are both Taiwan COO they're the same.

What about Bondhus? Mine don't see super heavy abuse but I do love my extra long set.

 

[toolslut6.0]

I had a full set of snap On's and still have some randoms but sold the sets because I was breaking the ball Allens all the time. Bought a set of mac long ball Allens made by via and have had only minor issues in last year or so. I also have the big cornwell master torx and hex bit set and they have treated me well. So in saying that I would go with the vims.

 

[justme-]

No one mentions SK - any input on them? Everything SK is US made (current production)

 

[fivespdcat]

I got some Wiha hex sockets a few weeks back off Amazon and they're good. Not the best, but they do what they need to, and a damn great deal for ~$20.

I did the same with a set of tamper proof torx. They're being delivered today.

Just a heads up for the guys looking at VIM, they're website sometimes has some smoking deals in the clearance section, shipping can kill it if you only need one thing.

http://www.vimtools.com/store/page7.html

Sort of a tangent though, what about hex drivers? I need a decent set of larger ones and looking at the Bondhus, any opinions?

 

[zcbauer89]

Does anybody know the OEM for the OTC set? I have the OTC torx master set, pretty high quality and Taiwan made. I can't think OTC makes them...

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

I have mostly Cornwell branded VIM hex bit sockets. Overall I have been happy with them. I have had issues with my 4mm round ball hex having to warranty it three times now. I use my 3/4 and 19mm hex bits with my 1/2 impact all the time while resealing hydraulic cylinders, it looks like the socket holding the bit is going to give before the bit does. I have some Williams torx bit sockets and they have held up well so I dont see why their hex bits would be any different.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Sunex is great, use them mainly on BMWs and Toyotas. Stubby is best when it will fit, I have MAC for my standard and long reach sets. If they are the VIM imports, sunex is much stronger.


http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006JVU1ZI/?tag=atomicindus08-20


>$50

 

[bulletpruf]

Just ordered a 26 piece VIM set off eBay. Seems like a good bang for the buck.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VIM-HMS26-2...3408&clkid=1973805433680795633&_qi=RTM1963929

 

[BajaBound]

I have blue point hex and Torx and I have VIM triple squares. The vim are some of the most tools I have used. I was taking the rear calipers off the wife's v6 touareg and those caliper bolts could not have been much tighter, I used 24" breaker stepped down to 3/8 and they were perfect at the end of use. I am big fan of VIM.

 

[e30bradley]

All the vim tools I have are great, pretty much all the BP I've bought new is ****.

 

[stonesfan68]

No one mentions SK - any input on them? Everything SK is US made (current production)

I have a set of SK 3/8-drive SAE hex bit sockets. I used the 1/4" bit with an 18" flex handle and it broke the fastener free without issue.

I don't recommend the GearWrench bit sockets. I've broken a couple without too much effort and I'm not a pro that uses them everyday.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk