Absolute Best Torx Bits in the World?

I hate Torx!

I first saw them when I had to replace a head gasket on my 2.0 Mk 3 Cortina (you guys didn't get that model in the US, but they used the SOHC Ford motor same as trhe Pintos).  At least that Trox driver as big enough to stand up pretty good, but none of the smaller ones seem to be bulletproof. 

Torx will theoretically transmit more torque than an Allen bolt, but they also let you fit a bit a size too small and strip it or break the tool.

Do you want a hard bit that shatters, or a soft one that twists off?  I've never found another alternative.  Snap on will give you new tips when you break them...

Torx..ugh.  Unless it's e-torx or whatever, you lose a lot of working space in tight areas vs a hex head socket.

Then when they're stripped, you're left with a round head to deal with.

Ze Germans hate anything that can be fixed with a crescent wrench, channel locks, or vise grips.

I have to admit. The last few torx sockets I broke were me being a complete idiot going full gorilla on a bolt with 1 size too small of a socket. This ranks very high on the list of dumb things I've done. I broke 3 before i realized what I was doing. 

Torx is great as long as you follow two rules.

Make sure the bit is in solidly, or you will damage the bolt head, and

Don't use an impact gun, or you will shatter the socket,

wspohn said:

I hate Torx!

I first saw them when I had to replace a head gasket on my 2.0 Mk 3 Cortina (you guys didn't get that model in the US, but they used the SOHC Ford motor same as trhe Pintos)

For only a couple years.  We also got it for a couple years in the Capri.  I think 1974 was the last year for it in the US, which makes sense because emissions laws made a jump in 1975 so they probably didn't want to bother certifying it.   (IIRC, all US-bound Capris were built in Germany.  If they sent any MkII Capris here with anything but the Cologne V6, I'm unaware of it)

Most Pintos had the Lima engine, not the Pinto engine, which is endlessly amusing.    To make matters more fun, the Lima looks like a 5/4-scale Pinto.  (It's so dimensionally similar to the Volvo B21/23 engine that people can put DOHC Volvo heads on the Ford engine with a little passagework)

Doesn't matter, they all break or twist.  I have Snap-on, OTC, Craftsman, and Lisle and they all break or twist.  I do use them everyday though.

In reply to underpowered :

I go through a T30 every month or so.

The best Torx are the ones with a lifetime warranty.

Knurled. said:

Torx is great as long as you follow two rules.

 

Make sure the bit is in solidly, or you will damage the bolt head, and

Don't use an impact gun, or you will shatter the socket,

 

 

Actually, there are 4 rules for success:

1. The metal being screwed must be brand new.

2. The screw must be brand new.

3. The action must be performed in a factory.

4. The action must be performed by a robot.

Any deviation results in immediate, and violent failure.

Knurled. said:

wspohn said:

I hate Torx!

I first saw them when I had to replace a head gasket on my 2.0 Mk 3 Cortina (you guys didn't get that model in the US, but they used the SOHC Ford motor same as trhe Pintos)

 

For only a couple years.  We also got it for a couple years in the Capri.  I think 1974 was the last year for it in the US, which makes sense because emissions laws made a jump in 1975 so they probably didn't want to bother certifying it.   (IIRC, all US-bound Capris were built in Germany.  If they sent any MkII Capris here with anything but the Cologne V6, I'm unaware of it)

 

Most Pintos had the Lima engine, not the Pinto engine, which is endlessly amusing.    To make matters more fun, the Lima looks like a 5/4-scale Pinto.  (It's so dimensionally similar to the Volvo B21/23 engine that people can put DOHC Volvo heads on the Ford engine with a little passagework)

The Capri was available with the 2.0L SOHC from 1972-1974. No '75's were imported. From 1976-1977 The Mk II received either the 2.3L or 2.8L. I've owned 3-'73s, 1-'74, & 1-'76 Capri  .I swapped in a '88 Turbo TBird 2.3L & T5 into the '76. I sold it before completion to a guy who did the Volvo head swap to another 2.3L and planned on doing the same with the one I sold him.

I'm currently mechanically restoring a 1974 V6 Capri to running condition.  I plan on installing a T5 once the car is running and driving with any bugs worked out first.

lisle are what I use also. Never broken one or a fastner..... I own a few VW/Porsches and never have a issue. 

I bought my OTC set from MATCO a decade ago and they're still holding strong.  I'm pretty sure I've warrantied a couple over the years though, but that's what lifetime warranties are for.

When using Torx bits I always use a fairly long extension so I can get the bit perpendicular (squared up) with the bolt.

I'm not sure any one brand is better.

You must use heat to release any thread locker or you will break bits.

Seat belt bolts and Harley brake rotor bolts seem to break more than their share of bits.

I have best luck with a cheap Autozone kit and the 3/8 impact. A quick, short blip on the gun and it's loose. For some reason if I use a ratchet, I usually end up with a busted bit. Lucky for me, few of my cars use them and we have no rust. 

I like to put some torque on the driver, then whack it with a hammer to try to vibrate some stuff loose. It works with a ratchet on a socket type bit, or with a screwdriver type. It also works on Philips (+) or straight (-) screws sometimes.