[72andsunny]

I stripped my first torx screws yesterday. Fortunately, it was at a junkyard (of sorts), but it damaged the bit on the Lisle set I bought at Sears. I see on other forums that Snap-On is the best...buy I can't make that work in the budget right now. Does anyone have recommendations on a sub $100 set that won't break immediately (and won't break my Jeep).

I see this Apex set is very well reviewed on Amazon, but the reviewers probably aren't working on 15 year old Jeeps.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80725-Piece-Tamper-Socket/dp/B000NI931Q

 

[26679cj5]

Snap-on is cheaper if you buy off of ebay. I just use a cheap set from Lowe's and go in and do the free replacement if they break too easily.

 

[bigwahini]

Check into other "guaranteed for life" brands too. Matco..Corneell..etc.

 

[bigwahini]

Cornwell

 

[bozsh132]

Yeah any craftsmen tool from sears also has lifetime replacement IIRC

 

[kpalm7]

I use Harbor Freight IMPACT Torx bits exclusively. I've yet to screw up a head like I used to with my Craftsman bits, though I think the impact driver definitely helps with that. Yes, I've twisted the splines on some of the bits, but they still work and it looks more likely to snap the splines off then damage the fastener.

 

[loganm]

I pretty much only use craftsmen. I screw up a torx bit also. It was tool late to run to town to get another so I just hacked the bad part off.l and still had plenty of bit left. It's something you can usually get away with once depending on how bad it is. If you have enough bit and money is tight just take a cut off wheel to it. It's like brand new.

 

[Ferrachi]

I've had great luck with with otc torx bits.

http://www.amazon.com/OTC-Standard-TORX-Socket-Set/dp/B0002NYC18

 

[irnmadn88]

The only place I have snapped a TORX bit is those that stick through the tub to the underside where the exposed threads have rusted. Seat belt and seat brackets mostly.

The ones on the hinges or mirrors have usually stripped the TORX bolt. Those TORX have blue thread lock on them and so I stick a TORX in and heat it with a torch.

But yes, I use those guaranteed ones from wherever. Break one, take it back. Ace Hardware, Goodwrench, etc. Any place that sells them in singles. I have learned to pick places that make the exchange easy. (I do have a set of Lisle TORX too.)

I also have one of the folding "Swiss Army" TORX tools that I keep in the console for removing small items like the visors or mirror/hinge screws that I have already taken out previously.

 

[LukeADukes]

I use Harbor Freight IMPACT Torx bits exclusively. I've yet to screw up a head like I used to with my Craftsman bits, though I think the impact driver definitely helps with that. Yes, I've twisted the splines on some of the bits, but they still work and it looks more likely to snap the splines off then damage the fastener.

I'm good you had better luck than me! Twisted the threads on mine and scratched up my windshield channel when the bit hopped out

 

[mrblaine]

I stripped my first torx screws yesterday. Fortunately, it was at a junkyard (of sorts), but it damaged the bit on the Lisle set I bought at Sears. I see on other forums that Snap-On is the best...buy I can't make that work in the budget right now. Does anyone have recommendations on a sub $100 set that won't break immediately (and won't break my Jeep).

I see this Apex set is very well reviewed on Amazon, but the reviewers probably aren't working on 15 year old Jeeps.

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-80725-Piece-Tamper-Socket/dp/B000NI931Q

Little known best kept secret for Torx bits right here.

My wife bought me a set of them about 10 years ago on the clearance end cap at Walmart. I used them one time and sent her back for two more sets.

Of the 3 sets I have used almost exclusively with impact tools, I still have 99% of them. I've broken and ruined more Lisle, Craftsman, and more expensive versions combined than I have in what is in one set including some fancy Proto stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-42...pebp=1434115191610&perid=E2C9FF3D156D4EDAA067

 

[jjotmo]

Yeah any craftsmen tool from sears also has lifetime replacement IIRC

Becareful with this. If you get the cheaper ones you have to have the reciept to get a replacement, unlike the standard craftsman that we all are used to buying. I think the cheaper one's are "eco". I stay away from them as I noticed this warning on the package. I have found that I buy more and more kobalt tools from Lowes now as they are actually made in the USA and have a great warranty.

 

[jamesdart]

ive had good luck with the harbor freight torx sockets.
did lowes change manufacturers again? used to be the same company that was making craftsman's hand tools. I stopped buying at lowes because most of it seems to be made in Taiwan anymore. the part that really pisses me off, if I break one of the older American made tools and go to return it, I will get Taiwan made. ill just go to harbor freight for that, much cheaper, easier warranty.

 

[BayouRunner]

Little known best kept secret for Torx bits right here.

My wife bought me a set of them about 10 years ago on the clearance end cap at Walmart. I used them one time and sent her back for two more sets.

Of the 3 sets I have used almost exclusively with impact tools, I still have 99% of them. I've broken and ruined more Lisle, Craftsman, and more expensive versions combined than I have in what is in one set including some fancy Proto stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Stanley-89-42...pebp=1434115191610&perid=E2C9FF3D156D4EDAA067

Have to agree with this. I bought a set many years ago and they have held up well. I don't have the rust problems that ya'll have but there has been quite a few times that I expected them to break and they didn't. Don't own any other Stanley sockets but these have earned their keep

 

[Nee]

I would buy a cheap set and use an impact driver to shock them loose. Then put a breaker bar with slow pressure so you can feel if it is working loose or not

 

[lindel]

I use Harbor Freight IMPACT Torx bits exclusively. I've yet to screw up a head like I used to with my Craftsman bits, though I think the impact driver definitely helps with that. Yes, I've twisted the splines on some of the bits, but they still work and it looks more likely to snap the splines off then damage the fastener.

Funny you should mention this...I broke the #40 bit on my set of HF impact Torx bits just the other day...snapped it off without applying enough force to even distort the bolt splines.

 

[88hatchy]

From my personal experience:

Matco - Absolute crap, the splines don't make full contact and strip Torx bolts.
GearWrench - Good, been using the same set for several years without a single issue. Price is right.
SnapOn - Good, but stupid expensive.
MAC - Good.
Craftsman - OK
S.K. - OK

 

[RenoF250]

I have beaten my HF Torx and they have held up well.
http://www.harborfreight.com/8-pc-12-in-drive-impact-star-bit-socket-set-61336.html

I have the 2 piece type also and do not like them because the bit always fall out,

 

[irnmadn88]

I have the 2 piece type also and do not like them because the bit always fall out,

I have had this happen too.

However, the bit does fit into the end of a drill...