Budget tool brands...

[Bill Edwards]

Cheap sockets I've generally done well with, cheap impact sockets I've always done well with. Cheap spanners mostly do the job, though I have had one or two break without being abused.

Not all cheap tools aren't up to real work, but the fact that some are doesn't mean that all are. Cheap torx are something that I think can lead to some regrets.
I used to hate torx because really tight ones were a struggle, always slipping or breaking my bits. Bought decent torx bits and they're not a problem.

 

[123hotchef]

Cheap sockets I've generally done well with, cheap impact sockets I've always done well with. Cheap spanners mostly do the job, though I have had one or two break without being abused.

Not all cheap tools aren't up to real work, but the fact that some are doesn't mean that all are. Cheap torx are something that I think can lead to some regrets.
I used to hate torx because really tight ones were a struggle, always slipping or breaking my bits. Bought decent torx bits and they're not a problem.

cheap ball end allen keys are really bad!

 

[Bill Edwards]

cheap ball end allen keys are really bad!

Yes, what better way to mess up a day than snapping a ball of hard material down in a hex socket in what's certain to be a hard to reach area.

 

[gavcarter]

I find the tiny hex bit of the ball that actually contacts the hex just turns into a ball! So they never grip anything lol

 

[123hotchef]

I find the tiny hex bit of the ball that actually contacts the hex just turns into a ball! So they never grip anything lol

yes me too more so than them snapping bad idea!

 

[powderblast]

I have a few bergen tools I like the price and the look but they are in the cheap side whether it be in the finish or the material my spray gun is great however the finish is poor like the threads are rough bit works perfect and I have some torx what look look as good as high grand stuff all stamped but first time using the t25 and it just rounded of the issue I can see is they have a hole in the bottom so it makes th

 

[Bill Edwards]

I have a few bergen tools I like the price and the look but they are in the cheap side whether it be in the finish or the material my spray gun is great however the finish is poor like the threads are rough bit works perfect and I have some torx what look look as good as high grand stuff all stamped but first time using the t25 and it just rounded of the issue I can see is they have a hole in the bottom so it makes th

If there's a hole in the bottom of your torx bits (hollow) they're security torx which fit 'tamper proof' torx screws which have a raised pin to stop ordinary torx bits fitting. They're weaker for it and should only be used when necessary.

 

[V6BOY]

Haha boss cat love it!

 

[500e]

@8ob
I also liked cat transport system

 

[powderblast]

If there's a hole in the bottom of your torx bits (hollow) they're security torx which fit 'tamper proof' torx screws which have a raised pin to stop ordinary torx bits fitting. They're weaker for it and should only be used when necessary.

View attachment 141373

well that makes sense, i just ground it flat and use it as normal for the price you cannot go wrong they are stamped s2 doesn't that mean its a harder steel?

 

[jordan1]

Bought a set of these recently for a one off job where I needed long reach, seem fine. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Extra-Lo...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

 

[Ruffian]

Go for the sealey bit set,
Got them for less than £20 before,
Has torq hex and multi spline all in a nice box.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/153011950127

 

[Richard.]

The problem is the standard of quality changes so much.
One day you can buy a set of cheap torx sockets from a brand and have a good experience
You can recommend them to someone and the next set can be made of chocolate.
I’m tired of cheap tools. I’ve bought plenty destroyed plenty and injured myself plenty of times because they’ve let go.
I just won’t risk it no more. I’ve even bought on peoples recommendation and exactly as mentioned above the quality level is completely different despite been supposedly the same tool.
I remember I snapped a cheap tap in a yoke on a raw mill once and I was only cleaning the existing threads to bolt a drive system to. Cost me more in time to get it out by a long way than it would of to buy a proper set. Some people get lucky and do just fine with cheap tools but I ain’t one of them. I’ve always had bad experiences.

 

[Ashley Burton]

The problem is the standard of quality changes so much.
One day you can buy a set of cheap torx sockets from a brand and have a good experience
You can recommend them to someone and the next set can be made of chocolate.
I’m tired of cheap tools. I’ve bought plenty destroyed plenty and injured myself plenty of times because they’ve let go.
I just won’t risk it no more. I’ve even bought on peoples recommendation and exactly as mentioned above the quality level is completely different despite been supposedly the same tool.
I remember I snapped a cheap tap in a yoke on a raw mill once and I was only cleaning the existing threads to bolt a drive system to. Cost me more in time to get it out by a long way than it would of to buy a proper set. Some people get lucky and do just fine with cheap tools but I ain’t one of them. I’ve always had bad experiences.

There does seem a big difference on quality depending on which day of the week it feels!

Cheap taps are definitely something I wouldn't consider unless they're Dormer from Cromwell

 

[Kayos]

I was using my Halfords 3/8 hex set yesterday, realised they are almost 20 years old and have never bust one or damaged one

Only one torx bit has been swapped and to be fair I did abuse it, swapped it in the shop without issue

 

[angellonewolf]

Only one torx bit has been swapped and to be fair I did abuse it, swapped it in the shop without issue

what did they ask for recipt ,how where you using it ,your full meaasurements inc inside trouser leg and for you to be accompanied by your 88 year grandmother?

 

[Farside]

Anyone any experience with the likes of Bergen, US Pro or Franklin tools?
Looking for torx sets, these seem to fit the bill nicely for a small common sizes set and are all in foam which is a plus.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/142370938352

This is the sort of thing im looking at.

They will only get used a handful of times a week, mainly on car interiors, but the bigger sizes are often used on seats and seatbelt mounting which can be pretty tight, which I do maybe once a week...

I can tell you from direct experience the Draper Expert Torx sets are superbly strong. I had the need for a T30 to drive concrete screws, opened my Sealey kit, fitted the T30 driver and it promptly ** the bed. A bit disgruntled, I tried the Draper kit, and the T30 drivers (long and short) in that between them went on to drive in hundreds of screws in the next few years. I only bought replacement bits recently because the originals were starting to get a bit squinty looking - they hadn't snapped and were still driving ok.

The whole kit is about £25 or so.
You can buy the individual bits seperately if you wish.

 

[brightspark]

I can tell you from direct experience the Draper Expert Torx sets are superbly strong. I had the need for a T30 to drive concrete screws, opened my Sealey kit, fitted the T30 driver and it promptly shat the bed. A bit disgruntled, I tried the Draper kit, and the T30 drivers (long and short) in that between them went on to drive in hundreds of screws in the next few years. I only bought replacement bits recently because the originals were starting to get a bit squinty looking - they hadn't snapped and were still driving ok.

The whole kit is about £25 or so.
You can buy the individual bits seperately if you wish.

 

[brightspark]

I have a set and are faultless

 

[Migmac]

We bought my son some Bergen ratchets and other bits and pieces. Ratchets are very comfy in the hand and smooth to operate. Will buy more Bergen tools as and when required