Do we need to own different brands of Torx bits?

The Critic

The Critic

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I was working on a Mercedes-Benz vehicle and found that my Snap-On Heavy-Duty (Gold) Torx Bits fit somewhat poorly on their fasteners.

I heard thru the rumor mill that Snap-On's gold Torx bits do not work very well with MB fasteners; something to do with the head profile of MB's torx fasteners?

So I went to my toolbox and grabbed four different brands of T30's for examination:
- 1/4" Snap-On "regular" T30
- 1/4" OTC T30
- 3/8" MAC RBRT "star" T30
- 3/8" Snap-On "heavy duty" gold T30

1719770625053.jpg


1/4" Snap-On vs. OTC. Notice how the Snap-On bit is "covex" in the circled area?

1719770672003.jpg


1/4" Snap-On T30 vs. 3/8" Mac RBRT "star" T30. Notice how the end of the RBRT bit isn't flat? I can see how this could become an issue with shallow Torx fasteners:

1719770738005.jpg


In summary, some bits have concave teeth while others are more convex. Some bits have a tapered end while others are flat. Depending on the fastener profile, I can see how these differences could become an issue....especially if you use these bits on an impact.

For those reasons, I am inclined to believe that having multiple brands of Torx bits may be a good idea. Thoughts?
 
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I generally use Snapon torx bits and havent seen need to buy anything else, though I much prefer the plain bits to the gold bits. The only non-snapon ones I have are my super shorts are blue point because snapon does not have them in snapon and my extra extra longs are cornwell again because Snapon does not make them.
 
I've got torx bits from GearWrench (hey, I was young and didn't know better!), Stahlwille, Hazet, Williams, Nepros (Kyoto Tool Company) and Vim.

I've not noticed a big difference in fit, though I prefer the Nepros and Hazet to about everything else. In particular, the 1/4" drive bits just plain fit better in most areas on the Euro cars.

The e-torx fasteners are used quite a bit on Mercedes, for example, and those Nepros and Hazet are excellent. For regular torx, they all seen to fit pretty well.

I also have a set of Torx+ bits, which are subtly different in profile, as well as torx security (with the hole in the middle). I do not mean to impugn your observations, but were they, perhaps, torx+ fasteners? I don't have many on my cars, but my newest MB is nearing 20 years old, so, my experience isn't with anything recent.
 
Astro14 said:
I do not mean to impugn your observations, but were they, perhaps, torx+ fasteners?
Click to expand...
Good question, but no.

I just went out and rechecked - Torx plus did not fit into that fastener.

The situation involved was a T40 fastener on an end link.

I just went out and tried 3 brands:

1) Mac RBRT T40 - this one fit the best. Minimal slop, good bite.

2) OTC T40 - decent, but felt a little on the loose side. Usable.

3) Snap-on Gold T40 - terrible. Wouldn’t even fully bottom out, even when hammering it in. It is only grabbing a little bit of the fastener. Just seems like the profile of this bit is incompatible with this particular fastener.
 
The Critic said:
Good question, but no.

I just went out and rechecked - Torx plus did not fit into that fastener.

The situation involved was a T40 fastener on an end link.

I just went out and tried 3 brands:

1) Mac RBRT T40 - this one fit the best. Minimal slop, good bite.

2) OTC T40 - decent, but felt a little on the loose side. Usable.

3) Snap-on Gold T40 - terrible. Wouldn’t even fully bottom out, even when hammering it in. It is only grabbing a little bit of the fastener.

Just seems like the profile of this bit is incompatible with this particular fastener.
Click to expand...
You’re not the type to make an oversight like that, but I thought it important discussion for those who aren’t aware of the difference.

I wonder if the source of the fasteners matters, too. In other words, the fasteners that you get on a Mercedes that are pressed with accuracy and have a flat bottom will allow the flat bottom to engage better.

Whereas cheaper fasteners, and I’m thinking of all the aftermarket torque fasteners I’ve bought on Amazon that came from China, have a bit more of a rounded bottom, and therefore the bits that are more rounded would fit better.

Finally, I do see what you’re saying about the profile of each one of the “teeth“ on those bits. They’re not consistent. So depending on slight variance in the fastener itself, I can see how some bits might fit better than other bits.
 
The Critic said:
Good question, but no.

I just went out and rechecked - Torx plus did not fit into that fastener.

The situation involved was a T40 fastener on an end link.

I just went out and tried 3 brands:

1) Mac RBRT T40 - this one fit the best. Minimal slop, good bite.

2) OTC T40 - decent, but felt a little on the loose side. Usable.

3) Snap-on Gold T40 - terrible. Wouldn’t even fully bottom out, even when hammering it in. It is only grabbing a little bit of the fastener. Just seems like the profile of this bit is incompatible with this particular fastener.
Click to expand...
Try the ones from Hazet or Stahlwille. Mine are mostly Hazet but some Stahlwille, both are excellent.

https://www.amazon.com/Stahlwille-96021001-8-Piece-Screwdriver-Germany/dp/B000Y8Y6YE

https://www.amazon.com/Hazet-992-T2...10f-a994-07febf90d38d&pd_rd_i=B001CA12AY&th=1
 
I was always told the gold bits are meant to fit tighter and are supposed to be hammered in if the fastener is unmolested.

I don't know if true but agree they fit poorly otherwise
 
The differences in fit could at least partially be due to how worn the bit is. I have replaced many Torx bits because they just didn't fit that snugly after a few years. The ideal bit would be the one that not only offers the perfect fit but also the longest service life. I have Wera Torx bits that fit well and that hold up.
 
Interesting topic for sure! I don't have the answer as all my torx issues are with splines that twist so I guess that tells you my sets are crap. I have a few different brands and all seem to fit well - but they bend/twist to easy. Granted my torx socket/bit sets are Gearwrench, Pittsburgh, Craftsman and Nieko. My screwdriver torx sets are Snap on and Craftsman. The one Snap On item I don't have are torx sockets/bits.

Maybe you can warranty the Snap On out and see if it is just worn from use.
 
Also funny that Neiko has come up at least twice. My primary use are Neiko, not because I think they're great but because they were inexpensive and readily available. I honestly assumed they were just basically HF/Pittsburgh level, but I don't KNOW that.

Anyway, the Neikos have been good but I don't see THAT many Torx head fasteners and don't see much rust.
 
This is a 1/4 drive T-30 from my Capri set. I don't think I've used this one yet. I'm sure it's not snap-on quality, but the ones I've used have been pretty good diy quality. I don't work on Mercedes though!

IMG_20240630_194858157.webp
IMG_20240630_195032573.webp
IMG_20240630_195131993.webp
 
spasm3 said:
This is a 1/4 drive T-30 from my Capri set. I don't think I've used this one yet. I'm sure it's not snap-on quality, but the ones I've used have been pretty good diy quality. I don't work on Mercedes though!
Click to expand...
The profile of those teeth look pretty similar to the OTC bit.
 
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