would you say wera makes these torx sockets?

[ozaudio]

sealey do 2 lines, standard sealey which is just like draper and all the other china imported stuff, then then do sealey premier which seems to be the decent companys who make the tools for them, i did ask sealey are the torx made by somebody half decent, they wouldnt even give me a yes or no answer, what do you think ?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Zyklop-holding-function-05004202001/dp/B01BNJ0D7Q?tag=atomicindustr-21

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sealey-Drive-TRX-Star-Socket-Bit/dp/B0B46KQKYG?tag=atomicindustr-21

 

[Dave455]

No, they’re not Wera.

Although the Sealey are clearly made “in the Wera style” they are equally clearly, not the same., or even close.

Personally, I couldn’t be bothered with ‘em.

 

[Dave455]

Just to help you out, having spent a long time on this road, the first thing to do is look at the details. Really look, assume nothing.



Can you see how the two sockets are different shapes? Look at the curve where the diameters change. Look at the crowning where the socket meets the bit.

Now look at the knurling, both style and size. Now look at the proportions of the socket.

Now look at the bit. Look at the relative lengths, look at the shape, especially where the hex changes to round.

Both completely different.

Now consider this, if Wera were contracted to make tools for a third party, there might be differences in finish, but they would use the same sockets. They would use the same size bits. And they would be very close to Wera price. Might be a frac cheaper - couple of pounds - not a third the price.

So, all things considered, what do you think?

So if somebody is ripping off a Wera bit socket, and can’t even get the basics right, what hope is there for the things that really matter such as steel quality and heat treatment?

None whatsoever!

 

[Dave455]

To be a bit more positive, if you’re on a budget (and many are) you can do fine if you buy wisely.

Consider something like this Beta bit holder to start with.


Then add a few of these Beta bits. They are made in Taiwan, but they’re o.k.


The bits are Beta’s own 10mm size but that means they are quite rugged.

You save money because you are only buying one holder, and interchangeable bits.

You save again because you only need to buy the bits you need. They offer Torx, hex, everything

You save a third time if you twist a bit, because you only need to buy another bit.

Many manufacturers offer similar systems, but Beta are very reasonably priced and are one of the few to offer 10mm hex bits, which are perfect in 1/2” drive.

You can probably buy the holder, and a handful of popular bits, for less money than the Sealey, and neither you, or Wera, get ripped off!

 

[KnurledNut]

Many manufacturers offer similar systems, but Beta are very reasonably priced and are one of the few to offer 10mm hex bits, which are perfect in 1/2” drive.

10mm bits are actually pretty common in import sets. I've seen lots of them.

 

[Wamsutta]

This Blackhawk set is only $35

 

[lardy1]

This Blackhawk set is only $35

can you provide a link, please?

 

[Belanice]

can you provide a link, please?

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[ozaudio]

im in the UK so no go for me for blackhawk or anything in USA

i did see the shape wasnt the same, but given the premier tools are better tools i was clinging to some hope lol

i did consider buying a set of wera torx bits and seeing if i can press them into my cheap us pro sockets.

also some links i have saved right now for cheap torx are these

3/8" Drive Long Torx Bit Socket Set 110mm Long T10-T55 10pc Trident T121000EVA | eBay

Sizes: T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T50 & T55. Long Torx Bit Set 3/8″ Drive. 110mm Length Sockets. In EVA foam tray. Held on a clip rail. Key Features.

www.ebay.co.uk

Welzh Werkzeug 10pc Torx Bit Socket Set EXTRA STUBBY, SHORT, S2 STEEL T10-T55 | eBay

Sizes IncludeT10,T15,T20,T25,T27,T30,T40,T45,T50,T55. To allow access to restricted areas not possible with conventional Torx. Made from high Grade S2 Steel.

www.ebay.co.uk

Bahco S9TORX 9 Piece 1/2″ Drive Torx Bit Socket Set T20-T60

The Bahco S9TORX 1/2in Drive Socket Set contains a selection of sockets made from high-performance alloy steel with a matt finish. The Dynamic Drive pro

www.primetools.co.uk

 

[richfinn]

I have a nice set of Ko-ken Torx and a cheap set of Halfords (sacrificial), the odd time I've snapped or twisted a Halfords bit they just give me another in store (these are the only tool I ever warranty because it's no fuss and I'm in there at least once a month, you don't even need a receipt if you have a Trade Card).

 

[ozaudio]

halfords torx and hex these days are suppose to be shocking poor quality and snap far to easy. according to eveybody on the halfords facebook page inaway. i DO have a set of halfords long security torx i got from ebay that i bought from somebody who was splitting one of those big sets,

having checked ebay, them beta torx bits are actually fairly well priced , even on ebay

 

[richfinn]

halfords torx and hex these days are suppose to be shocking poor quality and snap far to easy. according to eveybody on the halfords facebook page inaway. i DO have a set of halfords long security torx i got from ebay that i bought from somebody who was splitting one of those big sets,

having checked ebay, them beta torx bits are actually fairly well priced , even on ebay

I use Ko-ken now for anything critical, Halfords if I'm hammering them in with a big hammer or zipping loose with an impact gun, I don't think they are any worse than Snap-On to be honest, and I've broken a sh*t load of those in the past to be fair

If you need top quality sockets and bits, these are the guys I use in the UK

Search Results | UKtools

UKtools Professional Hand Tools, Specialist Socketry from Koken Tools, Facom, Britool, Gearwrench, Signet, Trident, Elora, Knipex, Bondhus and more

www.uktools.com

 

[ozaudio]

what is kokens warranty like? i have seen a set of hazet ones on amazon and i have some vouchers i could use towards them

i could also use a halfords voucher and buy some of there impact ones but half the time i would need smaller ones

 

[richfinn]

what is kokens warranty like? i have seen a set of hazet ones on amazon and i have some vouchers i could use towards them

i could also use a halfords voucher and buy some of there impact ones but half the time i would need smaller ones

Never ever broke any Ko-ken, but I don't really bother with warranties as a rule anyway, that's why I keep the Halfords set in my van it's the only thing I really break on a semi regular basis and I go to Halfords for car batteries quite often, it's just easier than ordering another online

You will like Ko-ken sockets though, it's as good as tool truck quality at a very reasonable price in the UK.

Primetools are good for other brands like Facom Wera and Stahlwille, always worth a look for discounts

Professional Tools for Trade & Industry | PrimeTools

Discover PrimeTools – your trusted UK supplier of professional workshop tools and equipment. Serving trade professionals with top brands, bespoke tool kits, and expert support. Fast UK delivery and worldwide shipping available.

www.primetools.co.uk

Tooltopia have a good eBay UK shop too, and sell a fair bit of USA gear at good prices

Tooltopia: The Mechanic's Shop

Find competitive prices on auto repair tools equipment from OTC Tools, Sunex Tools, Robinair and other top brands. Take advantage of daily deals at free shipping at Tooltopia.com.

www.tooltopia.com

 

[Dave455]

The problem you face, is that while some tools can be made reasonably well at low cost, these bit sockets are not one of them.

It’s very tempting to buy the best conventional sockets you can afford, and go cheap on the bit sockets if you don’t use them much, but that never really works, as the cheap bit sockets break or twist too easily.

Almost better to go cheap on the regular sockets, and use the saving to get better bit sockets.

The other way to go, if cost is a major consideration, is to buy a bit holder, and separate bits.

You can get a quality bit holder for £5 to £10


You can then add the best bits you can stretch to. I treat Wera as “entry level” but a set of Wera bits is way less money than a set of Wera bit sockets.


But ultimately, go with what you wish. Bits will always be more cost effective than bit sockets.

A builder friend uses these “Reisser” bits. I use some of their drill bits for woodworking and they’re not bad, and from the limited use I’ve given these they seem just fine.

 

[bb29510]

the best torax bits i ever had, was harbor freight, I broke all the rest

 

[tamaraw]

Most of Wera is Taiwanese import anyway if COO matters to you.

Unfortunately, the nature of Torx is that the bit is sacrificial and will twist or wear over time. Nice ones might take longer but they are not immune. So you might not want to invest quite as much as you would in a standard hex or allen bit socket that could last a lifetime.

Bit holders and bits are definitely less convenient but a good bit cheaper and far easier to replace.

If you have a particular application that you use frequently or are working with the very small electronics sizes, then a dedicated tool makes sense, imho. In that case, I could recommend Hazet bit sockets or Wiha precision drivers.

Otherwise, if you just want coverage for ocassional use, better to stick to cheaper options or use bit holders. Just my 2p

 

[f121]

Do you have somewhere local to warranty Sealey Premier? I’ve got a ton of Sealey premier sockets and extensions, they’re great, decent fit and finish, and they’ve take a lot of abuse (like putting a 3/8” socket on an adaptor onto a high torque impact).

I don’t see any difference in quality between my premier sockets and my teng, beta or bluepoint sockets. They’re stronger than my snap on sockets, but maybe because they’re softer.

 

[Dave455]

Most of Wera is Taiwanese import anyway if COO matters to you.

Unfortunately, the nature of Torx is that the bit is sacrificial and will twist or wear over time. Nice ones might take longer but they are not immune. So you might not want to invest quite as much as you would in a standard hex or allen bit socket that could last a lifetime.

Bit holders and bits are definitely less convenient but a good bit cheaper and far easier to replace.

If you have a particular application that you use frequently or are working with the very small electronics sizes, then a dedicated tool makes sense, imho. In that case, I could recommend Hazet bit sockets or Wiha precision drivers.

Otherwise, if you just want coverage for ocassional use, better to stick to cheaper options or use bit holders. Just my 2p

There is some confusion regarding Wera’s COO, not helped by Wera.

I have a slight advantage, as the COO has to be marked where I am.

All the screwdrivers, and hex keys, and Torx keys (all of which are Wera’s traditional products) are made in the Czech Republic.

Sockets, and extensions, are made in Taiwan. Some may not like this, but Taiwan can produce decent tools if the customer specifies them, and meets the cost.

This little Wera socket has seen a reasonable amount of use, but the quality of the tool, and the lack of wear, can be seen.


Bit sockets have mixed country of origin. The sockets are made in Taiwan, the bit inserts in the Czech Republic.

The quality of the bit sockets is far higher than the cheaper Taiwanese tools, and in a different league to the Chinese. They’re not in the same league as Hazet / Stahlwille etc, but they’re not the same price either!

 

[dclark2171]

Anyone try these https://www.amazon.com/GRIPEDGE-Tools-Star-Driver-Sizes/dp/B0C937R5VN?tag=atomicindus08-20