[Shop-talk] What's the deal with impact torx sockets?

[Karl Vacek]

I had Torx caliper bolts once, as I recall it was on my 94 Mustang.  Maybe
T-55?  First time I had to do brakes I needed a bit for the bolts, so I
found a Snap-On guy (everyone knows that they're the only thing worth buying
and so 5 times the price of regular tools) and paid an atrocious price for a
bit.  Snapped right off, before loosening the first bolt.  Desperate, on a
Sunday, I went to NAPA and bought whatever kind they had on the wall
display, well under $5.00.  Worked just fine, and did several additional
brake jobs on that car over the next few years.  Used it on gas lift struts
on Suburbans too.  Still fine.

 

Snap-On did give me a new bit, but that involved finding the same guy to
order the bit and then get it.  Took weeks and miles of driving.  It's still
unused, in the drawer next to the one that works.

 

FWIW, I have great luck with Torx, and only buy Torx construction screws if
I have a choice.  Way less likely to round out than Allen head, and
certainly miles ahead of square drive.  Now Phillips drywall screws and
bits.   Grrrr

 

Karl

 

 

From: Shop-talk [mailto:shop-talk-bounces at autox.team.net] On Behalf Of
eric at megageek.com
Sent: Sunday, May 30, 2021 7:40 PM
To: Jim Franklin
Cc: Shop-talk at autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [Shop-talk] What's the deal with impact torx sockets?

 

That is what I'm looking for, 1/2" drive.  But I'll take anything that
works. 



From:        Jim Franklin <jamesf at groupwbench.org> 
To:        eric at megageek.com 
Cc:        Shop-talk at autox.team.net 
Date:        05/30/2021 10:03 AM 
Subject:        Re: [Shop-talk] What's the deal with impact torx sockets? 

  _____  




One (useful) thing that occurs to me though, have you tried 1/2" drive
instead of 3/8"? 

jim 

On May 30, 2021, at 9:46 AM, Jim Franklin <jamesf at groupwbench.org> wrote: 

While I've never seen an impact Torx set, I still have the dent in my
forehead from the floor jack handle I was using as leverage on a Torx
bolt...  I don't remember what broke, or much else from that day :-) 

jim 

On May 30, 2021, at 7:17 AM, eric at megageek.com wrote: 

OK, first, WHY DO THEY USE TORX IN HIGH TORQUE APPLICATIONS? 

These are the WORST fasteners I have ever used. (less flat blade
screwdrivers.) 

Then, if they are going to use them, why can't they make a Torx impact
socket set that doesn't twist and brake the first time you use it? 

OK, with that off my chest... 

What is the THE BRAND/SET of torx impact sockets that I can rely on?  At
this point, price isn't really an issue.  I just want a set that I can use
in an impact gun and remove a bolt without breaking every time.  I would
want a complete set of sizes, but it seems that I always break the T40 first
(it seems to be the most common size.) 

FWIW, my first real injury while turning wrenches was with a Torx over 25
years ago.  I was trying to remove a brake component off of a Lumina and the
bit broke, and the wrench chipped my tooth. 

TO THIS DAY, whenever I have to reach for a torx socket, I still taste that
broken tooth!  And, I have not found a set of torx that are worth a darn. 

So, please help me.  What set do I need? 

Thanks. 

Moose._______________________________________________

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