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[Mr. Wizard]

Hey guys... seems a sign of the times but Allen and Torx wrenches you buy now aren't worth their salt. In six months I've gone through a half a dozen Torx sets especially the T27. I've tried all kinds but most are the same same. Use them a few times and they strip the next head.

I don't have access to a SnapOn truck vendor but maybe on the internet. Before I go this route I wanted to get other opinions. Who's tool won't break in my hand or wear out/twist with "normal" use?

thx

[Wrongway]

As a pro mechanic I can only feed my family and habit with the best, Snap-On, Matco, Mac, are the only choice for tools like these. You can survive on Craftsman, Proto, Colbalt, Harbor Fright for so long as a hobbyist, but not for long as a pro. Here is an example of "You Get What You Pay For"

[hd-dude]

I'ver tried most all of them. In daily use you cannot beat Snap-on Tools. They still can and do break from time to time but hold up the best. I also have a set of these: http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=634 and they are very good quality. These are also availible at some auto parts stores.

[AZ SESG]

 Wrongway said it, "Snap-On, Mac, Matco."  In that order, in my humble opinion.

 Some of mine are approaching thirty years of age.  The few that have broken were replaced without questions. 

 The word, "Dependable," comes to mind.

[Gettinold]

This is a no brainer if you dont mind paying Snappy prices. 

[RetSUBLDO]

IMHO, invest in Snap-On.  I still have my father's Snap-On Bluepoint tools that he had purchased as an aviation machinist in the USN during WWII.  Still going strong!

Eric

[mjb765]

SNAP-ON....'nuff said!!!!

[jayray00SERG]

I have snap on torx head screwdrivers that are 30 years old and still work great. If you break one they give you a new one on the spot.

[SBB]

Hey guys... seems a sign of the times but Allen and Torx wrenches you buy now aren't worth their salt. In six months I've gone through a half a dozen Torx sets especially the T27. I've tried all kinds but most are the same same. Use them a few times and they strip the next head.

I don't have access to a SnapOn truck vendor but maybe on the internet. Before I go this route I wanted to get other opinions. Who's tool won't break in my hand or wear out/twist with "normal" use?

thx

Interesting Mr. Wizard!
I have broke 3 T-27's in the past 2 years.
And one of them was Snap On.
I bought the Snap On after the Craftsman and Kobalt broke.
Yes, the Snap On was replaced but buying Snap On is like buying a CVO at a Rossmeyer dealership.

SBB

[grc]

I've managed to twist and/or break several of the previously listed brands of Torx bits, usually while trying to remove fasteners that some doofus overtightened previously.  IMHO, one serious flaw of the Torx design is that (especially in the smaller sizes) there just isn't enough material in each "tooth" to avoid breakage or twisting when you exceed the torque rating of that size fastener.  Somehow we've gone from the Phillips bit that tends to destroy the head of fasteners, to the Torx bit that destroys itself.  Both were inventions meant to make life easier for folks screwing lots of parts together using power tools and automation, not so much for folks just using hand tools to take the stuff apart.

Snap-On does indeed make some of the best hand tools around.  Of course, you pay through the nose for that quality and the service provided by that guy in the truck that comes by every week.  If you use your tools to make a living, it's a good choice.  If you're a weekend warrior and occasional wrench turner, it's not worth the price.  And if you aren't a pro, that guy in the truck isn't going to stop by the house to see what you need and replace broken tools.  Stick with the much more readily available Craftsman, which has the same guarantee and much better prices. 


JMHO  -  Jerry

[Mr. Wizard]

And may God rest his expensive soul too.

I've been a mechanic for several decades but Torx and Allen sets aren't a part of my work. Craftsman used to be the best in my book but that was 30 years ago. I still have and use my father's Craftsman sets. Unfortunately, and as all of you know, the Craftsman quality is long gone.

Hey guys..  I appreciate the feedback, thank you. I do see the order of choice and will grab a set. It's not the money, it's ask who twists them before jumping in.

-Wiz

[Mr. Wizard]

Jerry, you are correct about same warranty and stuff...

They have seen me so many times the tool manager gives me hell at Sears. I've told him off too so no worries there. He can't give me my money back so he has no choice but to replace them. I did get him back real good though. I scavenged old Craftsman screwdrivers and sockets from all of my tech's trucks and put them in a box. Went to see him with just a little less than 60 pieces. He and I are now not speaking.   

-wiz

[mjb765]

I've managed to twist and/or break several of the previously listed brands of Torx bits, usually while trying to remove fasteners that some doofus overtightened previously.  IMHO, one serious flaw of the Torx design is that (especially in the smaller sizes) there just isn't enough material in each "tooth" to avoid breakage or twisting when you exceed the torque rating of that size fastener.  Somehow we've gone from the Phillips bit that tends to destroy the head of fasteners, to the Torx bit that destroys itself.  Both were inventions meant to make life easier for folks screwing lots of parts together using power tools and automation, not so much for folks just using hand tools to take the stuff apart.

Snap-On does indeed make some of the best hand tools around.  Of course, you pay through the nose for that quality and the service provided by that guy in the truck that comes by every week.  If you use your tools to make a living, it's a good choice.  If you're a weekend warrior and occasional wrench turner, it's not worth the price.  And if you aren't a pro, that guy in the truck isn't going to stop by the house to see what you need and replace broken tools.  Stick with the much more readily available Craftsman, which has the same guarantee and much better prices.  


JMHO  -  Jerry

I have to disagree. I have seen enough demos on the wrenches and sockets to know that Snap-on is far superior to craftsman. Yes the prices are higher--but you know what they say....you get what you pay for. If you use them twice a year, then no--but if you work on your bike or car for repairs or as a hobby it is worth it.

If you are a home user and need Snap on service you can get the number of the closest dealer to you and call him to find out where and when to meet. If you want to buy something he will even stop by your house at a preset day and time so you can pay it off. Or you can call him when you need something and ask him to come by instead of weekly service. If I break anything Snap-on I make one phone call to find out what area he his in on whatever day I want.

[Mikey]

Quality is not expensive......It is priceless!!!!!

[CBW]

Snap-On is ONLY way to go!!!!!!!!!!