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

[Brian Kemp]

I vote for triple square as the worst based on my experience with my 
wife's VW Jetta rear brake caliper brackets, which you have to remove to 
change the disks.  This is a southern CA car with no corrosion.  I 
bought the correct size Lisle bit from my local auto parts store, but it 
would not seat.  I tried a pick to clean the grooves and even a hammer 
to seat the bit with no luck.  Access is near impossible and these bolts 
are tight.

Ordered a different triple square socket set and that bit fit.  Tip to 
tip, the two bits look identical.  Still difficult to remove the bolts.  
Was able to get enough torque on a 1/2" breaker bar that went to about 
100 degrees while bouncing my 200 pounds.  Could not get a comfortable 
way to use an impact driver without lots of bend on a universal joint.

Brian


On 5/30/2021 4:17 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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