Decent impact e-torx sockets?

[Jack Ryan]

I've just bought 14 piece impact hex sockets by Deltec from a local engineering supplier.
They look OK, reasonable price £27 +vat.
Their torx are here: https://deltecindustries.co.uk/product/female-torx-1-2-square-drive/

I was going to ask on here if anyone had experience of Deltec?

I haven't but your post highlights an issue I often have when buying impact drivers etc.

You called them "impact sockets" but Deltec doesn't. If you go down the page a bit is states "Made from Impact grade steel for extra durability" but carefully avoids calling it an "impact tool".

Impact tools are generally black and are not made from chrome-vanadium like many standard tools. Standard tools may shatter in impact service. Impact tools bend when overloaded.

There are standards of course but on most cheaper tools there is no mention of that or even the composition. Some break, some bend prematurely and some get stuck in the impact driver (too soft).

In the end I made the decision only to buy parts that I know from experience are good or that quote the standards they comply with and can be trusted not to lie.

It shouldn't be that hard. Perhaps I'm just unlucky.

Jack

 

[premmington]

Impact sockets are hard on the outside and soft in the middle.

In constant use - they work harden and spilt. They just do...

-------------

I got several sets of these etorx female ones - all are cheap Lazer or Sealey and they have fared well in constant workshop use.

I have never bought a premium Snap on or the like impact socket ever - it is just waste of money.

Most of my impact sockets look like they have been hit on with a 2lb hammer - because most of them have!

 

[hooblah]

Also I have read there are two different types of E-Torx which looks like why the cheap one doesn't fit.

This is news to me. Any more info?

 

[TEO]

I haven't but your post highlights an issue I often have when buying impact drivers etc.

You called them "impact sockets" but Deltec doesn't. If you go down the page a bit is states "Made from Impact grade steel for extra durability" but carefully avoids calling it an "impact tool".

Impact tools are generally black and are not made from chrome-vanadium like many standard tools. Standard tools may shatter in impact service. Impact tools bend when overloaded.

There are standards of course but on most cheaper tools there is no mention of that or even the composition. Some break, some bend prematurely and some get stuck in the impact driver (too soft).

In the end I made the decision only to buy parts that I know from experience are good or that quote the standards they comply with and can be trusted not to lie.

It shouldn't be that hard. Perhaps I'm just unlucky.

Jack

I think the hex sockets I have are impact sockets, that's what they say on the site. However, as you spotted & I had not, the etorx sockets don't appear to be...

 

[knighty]

why don't you use standard e-torx sockets and an extension bar?

I don't do much automotive stuff so maybe I just haven't come across them, but I haven't seen any e-torx nuts on long enough nuts/bars/whatever that they I need deep sockets?

 

[armalites]

I have a set of these and they seem pretty good, not sure why you need deep ones?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Welzh-Werkzeug-Impact-Socket-E4-E24/dp/B07CCLXPJM

Personally I would never be using and impact gun on this kind of thing there is no need.

 

[stuvy]

I haven't checked but Koken most likely would do them. They aren't cheap but a lot cheaper than Snap-on usually.

I have an M20 koken at work

Using the new 1” Milwaukee impact it removed x20 bolts that broke a breaker bar trying to remove the same

At home I have a mixture of laser, snap on teng facom and Kennedy

Kennedy are really good for the money

On a side note my 8mm 1/4” is wearing and needs replacing it’s a Halfords pro one so no issues there

 

[knighty]

for value for money I rate us-pro massively

I'm surprised how good the stuff is when it's so cheap

I've got loads of the stuff, I'm not on the tools daily, it's 90% factory maintenance stuff... but that also means I normally need stuff fixed quick so I'm happy to miss-use tools and batter the crap out of them to get stuff fixed quick

always shocked how it all survives tbh

 

[Bornfree]

I guess I must be old school but I've never used an impact gun on an engine.

 

[armalites]

I guess I must be old school but I've never used an impact gun on an engine.

I watch a few Youtubers who make car content but some can't even undo a hose clamp without using some sort of battery tool.

 

[stuvy]

for value for money I rate us-pro massively

I'm surprised how good the stuff is when it's so cheap

I've got loads of the stuff, I'm not on the tools daily, it's 90% factory maintenance stuff... but that also means I normally need stuff fixed quick so I'm happy to miss-use tools and batter the crap out of them to get stuff fixed quick

always shocked how it all survives tbh

I used to always buy us pro as a tester to see if I was going to use the tool enough to warrant a purchase of snapon

I guess I must be old school but I've never used an impact gun on an engine.

Crank pulley?

 

[hooblah]

why don't you use standard e-torx sockets and an extension bar?

I don't do much automotive stuff so maybe I just haven't come across them, but I haven't seen any e-torx nuts on long enough nuts/bars/whatever that they I need deep sockets?

Because access is limited at times and having a longer socket helps. Using an extension bar is just another thing to fumble about with.

Personally I would never be using and impact gun on this kind of thing there is no need.

What would you use an impact on if not for undoing bolts?

for value for money I rate us-pro massively

I'm surprised how good the stuff is when it's so cheap

I've got loads of the stuff, I'm not on the tools daily, it's 90% factory maintenance stuff... but that also means I normally need stuff fixed quick so I'm happy to miss-use tools and batter the crap out of them to get stuff fixed quick

always shocked how it all survives tbh

These sockets are US pro. I've got a couple of sets of their torx and hex sockets and they seem ok. One of the hex sockets in the box wasn't correctly machined and I had to ask for replacement. This is the second time I'm having quality issues with their stuff. This time it's full on aids. The sockets aren't designed correctly, and they all wobble around like a pisshead on payday. My impact gun is literally shaking around because the sockets aren't straight. The seller has sent me a full refund and I've binned the lot.

I guess I must be old school but I've never used an impact gun on an engine.

When I started out I used to do everything by hand because I couldn't afford power tools. Now I have the means to afford any tool I please, so why not save time and effort?

 

[MetalMonkey]

Crank pulley?

Especially a Honda one. Thems on tight!

 

[Trevorleach]

I watch a few Youtubers who make car content but some can't even undo a hose clamp without using some sort of battery tool.

You can save a shed load of time using a small quarter inch cordless ratchet to remove and refit Jubilee clips especially ones that difficult to get at buried in the chassis.
Literally make a five minute job into a five second job

 

[stuvy]

Especially a Honda one. Thems on tight!

450nm on more than a few cars Iv worked on over the years

 

[JohnH]

Also I have read there are two different types of E-Torx which looks like why the cheap one doesn't fit.

Yes you get plain Torx and Torx Plus in both internal and external fittings, and there are also some odd fittings with 27, 37 and 47 and probably some others. A lot of cheaper sets dont contain these sizes.

 

[Jack_K]

This is news to me. Any more info?

Yes you get plain Torx and Torx Plus in both internal and external fittings, and there are also some odd fittings with 27, 37 and 47 and probably some others. A lot of cheaper sets dont contain these sizes.

I am trying to find it now. Maybe it was just socket types and not fasteners but it was basically the chamfer in the end of the socket. Notice how those cheap ones have a "shallower" chamfer compared to the bluepoint ones. There were pictures on Garage Journal somewhere.

 

[Bornfree]

Crank pulley?

No. If its a tight one I use a 3/4" breaker bar. It will need torqueing when it goes back so I will need to use a pulley holder.

 

[hooblah]

General consensus on Britool Hallmark?

Britool 1/2 Drive 16pce Female Impact Socket Set Standard Deep Torx Star E10-E24 | eBay

BRITOOL HALLMARK 1/2 Drive. BRITOOL HALLMARK 25pce 8-36mm DEEP 6 Point Hex Socket Impact 1/2 Dr In Foam Tray. BRITOOL HALLMARK 25pce 8-36mm 6 Pont Hex Socket Impact 1/2 Drive In Foam Tray. Contains sizes: E10, E12, E14, E16, E18, E20, E22, E24.

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Bobupndown]

I've often woken up to an ebay purchase receipt or a PM on here from the for-sale section, thinking "...too much wine?" but that really takes the biscuit

My wife would be ecstatic!

Don't call me Shirley!