Please recommend me a torx set
Discussion
I need a torx/star tip set for automotive repair work.
I tried to use a set of l shaped torx keys I got from leyland but these didn’t work and instead stripped the torx head I was trying to remove. Mechanic used his own ratchet extension which did work so it appears the leyland ones were not designed for cars.
Anyway the set at Halfords is £20. Can you point out a 3/8 torx/star tip extension I can get which will work on cars? I’m searching but keep worrying they won’t work like the leyland ones.
Thanks.
I tried to use a set of l shaped torx keys I got from leyland but these didn’t work and instead stripped the torx head I was trying to remove. Mechanic used his own ratchet extension which did work so it appears the leyland ones were not designed for cars.
Anyway the set at Halfords is £20. Can you point out a 3/8 torx/star tip extension I can get which will work on cars? I’m searching but keep worrying they won’t work like the leyland ones.
Thanks.
I've always used one of these Sets, which I recently replaced like for like having knackered it over the past 10 years or so of use.
This particular one's a bit pricey, you should get one of these for £7 to £8
The Bits fit a regular 10mm socket which you can use with a 3/8 Ratchet or you can use them with the Adapter that comes in the set and convert down to 3/8 with a 1/2 to 3/8 Adapter
Note when undoing Torx's
If you think it might be reluctant to move, give it a good thump with a lump hammer so the Torx Bit 'seat's properly and to have a chance of disturbing any rust on the threads. I keep one of my Extension Bars for thumping (coz the thumping will knacker the square in it)
If you're able to get at the rear of the Torx Bolt, to clean it, do so. I've found to my cost that its always worth getting beneath my car with a Rotary Wire Brush before I undo the T40's that hold the seats in, coz the crud that accrues on the exposed bolts will make for very difficult undoing; it was actually the only occasion I ever knackered a Torx Bit by pulling too hard on it.
Remember Undo it a bit, tighten a bit and repeat, if its really reluctant. Don't keep trying to undo it. I use Diesel or Plus-Gas (usually Diesel) as a penetrating fluid if need be.
I almost always use a T-Bar for Torx's, they're not well suited to a Ratchet
This particular one's a bit pricey, you should get one of these for £7 to £8
The Bits fit a regular 10mm socket which you can use with a 3/8 Ratchet or you can use them with the Adapter that comes in the set and convert down to 3/8 with a 1/2 to 3/8 Adapter
Note when undoing Torx's
If you think it might be reluctant to move, give it a good thump with a lump hammer so the Torx Bit 'seat's properly and to have a chance of disturbing any rust on the threads. I keep one of my Extension Bars for thumping (coz the thumping will knacker the square in it)
If you're able to get at the rear of the Torx Bolt, to clean it, do so. I've found to my cost that its always worth getting beneath my car with a Rotary Wire Brush before I undo the T40's that hold the seats in, coz the crud that accrues on the exposed bolts will make for very difficult undoing; it was actually the only occasion I ever knackered a Torx Bit by pulling too hard on it.
Remember Undo it a bit, tighten a bit and repeat, if its really reluctant. Don't keep trying to undo it. I use Diesel or Plus-Gas (usually Diesel) as a penetrating fluid if need be.
I almost always use a T-Bar for Torx's, they're not well suited to a Ratchet
It depends what size and what your trying to remove - for simple small bolts (e.g. something in the interior), even a cheap bit of the right size (this is often half the problem) is fine.
For anything suspension-y, I would go with one of the impact bits, ideally one where the the assembly is a single piece.
Bear in mind that even then, they still aren't that strong - if you try to loosen a track rod end that's got a torx counter-hold inner for example, if you use any kind of impact tool it's likely the bit will snap before the bolt goes. I've lost several T30's that way and never remember.
EDIT - Depending on the application, there is also Ribe drive - very similar to Torx but not quite the same!
For anything suspension-y, I would go with one of the impact bits, ideally one where the the assembly is a single piece.
Bear in mind that even then, they still aren't that strong - if you try to loosen a track rod end that's got a torx counter-hold inner for example, if you use any kind of impact tool it's likely the bit will snap before the bolt goes. I've lost several T30's that way and never remember.
EDIT - Depending on the application, there is also Ribe drive - very similar to Torx but not quite the same!
Jakg said:
It depends what size and what your trying to remove - for simple small bolts (e.g. something in the interior), even a cheap bit of the right size (this is often half the problem) is fine.
For anything suspension-y, I would go with one of the impact bits, ideally one where the the assembly is a single piece.
Bear in mind that even then, they still aren't that strong - if you try to loosen a track rod end that's got a torx counter-hold inner for example, if you use any kind of impact tool it's likely the bit will snap before the bolt goes. I've lost several T30's that way and never remember.
EDIT - Depending on the application, there is also Ribe drive - very similar to Torx but not quite the same!
Add to the spline and Polly driveFor anything suspension-y, I would go with one of the impact bits, ideally one where the the assembly is a single piece.
Bear in mind that even then, they still aren't that strong - if you try to loosen a track rod end that's got a torx counter-hold inner for example, if you use any kind of impact tool it's likely the bit will snap before the bolt goes. I've lost several T30's that way and never remember.
EDIT - Depending on the application, there is also Ribe drive - very similar to Torx but not quite the same!
Allthrough they are usually only used on engines parts and a few other specialised locations
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