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Old May 9, 2017 | 12:17 PM
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Default Need Better Tools
I need better allen and torx sockets. I've had the same set of cheap sockets for a good 10 years now. When it comes to smaller size bolts I seem to be pretty good at stripping the heads on the bolts (yes I'm using the right size). I'm always cautious to try to avoid doing so and turn slowly. Yesterday I noticed my torx 40 was actually twisted and a couple of the others were off a bit too. Any recommendations?
Thank you in advance.
 
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Old May 9, 2017 | 12:31 PM
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I have a set of Stanleys that were only about $30 and they are holding up pretty well at this point.
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 09:07 AM
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You can sharpen your Allen wrenches on a grinder. Pretty common thing to have to do.

carl
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 09:15 AM
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I'm gonna get flamed for this but the harbor freight torx bits have help up better than most of my so called better brands like craftsman and kobalts, have no complaint with the allen bits either .
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 09:15 AM
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You should be able to find some decent tools at Ace Hardware, NAPA Auto Parts, or Home Depot. Tools do wear out.
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 09:26 AM
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I have a set of Kobalt allens that are great. Need to get a new set of torx bits though. The ones I have are quarter inch drive, but otherwise decent, even though they're from Harbor Freight.
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 11:04 AM
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I've had really good luck with this set.
https://www.craftsman.com/products/c...ket-wrench-set
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 11:08 AM
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Making sure the bolt heads are clean and your sockets are firmly seated will go a long way to preserving them as well.

ETA: T15 and T20 are small and common, therefore more likely to break. Get one good set, and keep a few cheapies of those two sizes on hand. I haven't broken or twisted a T40 in years, but my main set is SnapOn.
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 11:19 AM
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I just figure on replacing torx bits fairly often. Tried all kinds, from the most expensive to the El Cheapos, nothing really stood out.
 
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Old May 10, 2017 | 12:33 PM
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NOS USA tools from Ebay is a good deal.
 
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