Recommend manufacturer of TORX sockets please

[Browser]

As title, I want to get a decent set of TORX sockets as cars seem to be fitted mote and more with them. I'd prefer a set on a rail or on their own i.e. without ratchets as I already have 1/4, 3/8 & 1/2". I don't work professionally on vehicles, so if there's a 'good quality home mechanic' manufacturer that'll do.

 

[Fergus]

Halfords do a decent little 3/8" set on a rail for £15-ish.

 

[pedrobedro]

I bought a cheap Laser 3/8" set from the local car spares shop not expecting too much from it but it undid the caliper bolts on a Corsa which were well and truly rusted and threadlocked from new which surprised me. These were the E Torx, is that the ones you are looking for.

 

[rich r]

I have a cheapish set from Machine Mart that have served me well for years. I think because of the nature of Torx and the way the stresses are distributed bits and sockets tend to last quite well compared to cheap bi-hex sockets for example.

 

[Firebladepully]

Draper do a 40 piece set (similar to Machine mart) which are Tx star(torx), xzn spline and hexagen (allen) with both 3/8 and 1/2 adaptors. All the bits are replaceable individually too, which is good if any break. There is a set on ebay(item 380924335601) now @ £17.49 which is excellent value for what you get.
I have used the draper set for alot of years and have recently bought a new set as i have listed.

 

[Rig Pig]

Facum are good.

 

[fatfranky]

Ive got a sealey AK219 set, Torx, spline and hex bits, both long and short with a 3/8" and 1/2" adaptor. £15.97 inc post

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Sealey-AK...948?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item20d2cb7a4c

its actually my second set as i lost or broke a few (using impact wrench) and it was virtually the same cost for a new set as replacements

 

[Rocketman]

Funnily enough I to have a set of Sealey AK6210 http://www.sealey.co.uk/PLPageBuild...rogroup=1481&analysiscode=&requiredresults=16 ones and they aren't that bad. I have had 2 foot break bar bending on the big t50 and they were fine.

Rather surprised me as they were a quick fill in originally and planned getting better later but there is no real point as they seem fine.

 

[AndyStobbs]

One of my few snap on purchases is my torx, E and T types, set. Because its ALWAYS painful when the cheap ones eventually shatter at max load.

 

[waldershelf]

Another +1 for Halfords, for the money you can't go wrong, especially with the lifetime guarantee.

 

[premmington]

I am a mechanic! Torx E sockets, halfords or laser best bet for home use! One of the lads who works for me has a Teng impact set which have lasted well.

Torx male bits in 3/8 sockets all break and wear even if they are Snap on. I just keep buying sets and sets of cheap ones on rails and look at them as consumables.

 

[Bill Edwards]

One of my few snap on purchases is my torx, E and T types, set. Because its ALWAYS painful when the cheap ones eventually shatter at max load.

I too view that they should ideally be Snap-on. Yes they aren't unbreakable of course, but according to the rep as long as there aren't signs of using an impact wrench or hammer on them it's a straight swap.

I've broken enough cheap ones. Perhaps I'm just rough?

 

[Sidewinder]

I've just bought a set of Torx sockets on a rail, 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" sizes, Signet S23630 E4-E24, for about £23+ On a special offer, from a local tool van, lifetime guarantee IIRC, they look fine, but yet to REALLY try them in anger.

 

[AndyStobbs]

The really cheap ones don't even fit well. Kind of undermines the whole 'point' of Torx when the drive angle is all to cock.

 

[HMB]

+1 for snap on

 

[Browser]

I've gone with the Halfords Pro 3/8" drive set so we'll see how we go. Found out whilst looking around that there is a drive system called Ribe which, whilst similar-looking to TORX are different enough to need their own tools (typically) and looking at my Fiat it's fitted with a number of Ribe-head screws. Why do people have to keep coming up with new flippin' screw heads, haven't we got enough already!!!!!!!

 

[AndyStobbs]

Ribe has been around some years now. Quite a good system, like heavy duty torx.

 

[Robotstar5]

Why do people have to keep coming up with new flippin' screw heads, haven't we got enough already!!!!!!!

It's due to the quest for speed and automation of assembly, I see the many thousands of different fasteners used in modern car assembly, they need to be quick and easy to fit then torque up with little chance of cam out.

 

[Farside]

Years ago I bought a box of Draper Expert Torx and hex-ended stubby and long bits, not expecting too much of them. They've stood up to all sorts of use and abuse and only now is one of them showing signs of wear and that's only because that's the size that fits the concrete screws and gets used with an impact driver time and time and time again.
I'd buy more of these.
On the other hand, for some reason I also bought a box of Sealey Torx bits and they're like rotten cheese. That really put me off Sealey, but I discovered recently that any Sealey tool with the AK code in the part number is a higher quality - akin to pro grade. I can only assume these particular Sealey are Anti-Pro or Bodger Grade.