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At some point, every car owner runs into a fastener that no hex socket fits. It could be a Torx bolt holding a brake caliper or seat, or an external Torx bolt on an engine bracket. A Torx socket set is the fix, and a good one covers both kinds: Torx bit sockets that go into star-shaped recesses, and E-Torx sockets that go over star-shaped bolt heads.
The best Torx socket set for you depends on how far into the sizes you need to go and whether you'll use an impact tool. Most car work lives between T15 and T55 and E8 to E18. European cars, trucks and equipment can push to T70 and E24. Security Torx fasteners also need tamper-proof bits with a hollow tip.
We compared seven current Torx and E-Torx sets from Capri Tools, GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using published size lists and specs.
Quick Picks
- Best Overall: Capri Tools CP30031 (60 pieces). Best for: Torx, tamper-proof, Torx Plus and E4 to E24 in three drives.
- Best Three-Drive Set: GearWrench 80728 (36 pieces). Best for: Torx, tamper-proof and E-Torx from a mainstream brand.
- Best 3/8" Drive Set: Tekton SKT15402 (36 pieces). Best for: T10 to T60, TR10 to TR60 and E4 to E20 all on one drive size.
- Best Torx + Hex Combo: GearWrench 80726 (36 pieces). Best for: a single socket and Torx set that adds SAE and metric hex.
- Best E-Torx Only: GearWrench 80582 (10 pieces). Best for: adding E4 to E18 to a kit that already has Torx bits.
- Best E-Torx Impact Set: Sunex 3670SE (9 pieces). Best for: external Torx bolts on an impact wrench.
- Best Heavy-Duty Impact: Tekton SKT25801 (17 pieces). Best for: T30 to T70 and E10 to E24 on 1/2-inch impact tools.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Pieces | Drives | Torx (T) | Tamper-proof | E-Torx (E) | Impact rated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Capri CP30031 | Best overall | 60 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | T6 to T70 | T6H to T70H | E4 to E24 | No |
| GearWrench 80728 | Three-drive | 36 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | T8 to T55 | T7 to T55 | E4 to E20 | No |
| Tekton SKT15402 | 3/8" drive | 36 | 3/8" | T10 to T60 | TR10 to TR60 | E4 to E20 | No |
| GearWrench 80726 | Torx + hex | 36 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | T10 to T55 | None | E5 to E18 | No |
| GearWrench 80582 | E-Torx only | 10 | 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" | None | None | E4 to E18 | No |
| Sunex 3670SE | E-Torx impact | 9 | 3/8" | None | None | E5 to E16 | Yes |
| Tekton SKT25801 | Heavy impact | 17 | 1/2" | T30 to T70 | None | E10 to E24 | Yes |
The Best Torx Socket Sets, Reviewed
1. Capri Tools CP30031 60-Piece Master Star Set: Best Overall
Who it's for: anyone who wants to stop buying single Torx sockets one emergency at a time.
Capri's master set covers more of the Torx family than anything else here, spread across the drive size each bit actually needs. In 1/4-inch drive you get T6 to T30, the matching tamper-proof sizes (T6H to T30H), Torx Plus TP8 to TP30 and E4 to E8. The 3/8-inch drive holds T40 to T55, T40H to T55H, TP40 to TP55 and E10 to E16. The 1/2-inch drive adds T60, T70, T60H, T70H, TP60 and E18 to E24.
The bits are S2 steel and the sockets have Capri's MaxChrome plating, in a custom molded case with a lifetime warranty. Two caveats: it's hand-tool only, not impact rated, and Capri's own spec table lists two different weights for it (7.05 lb and 5.91 lb), so expect a substantial case either way.
Pros
- T6 to T70, tamper-proof and Torx Plus in one case
- E4 to E24 external sockets
- Each size on the drive that suits it
Cons
- Not impact rated
- Large case for a specialty set
Capri Tools Master Star Bit Socket Set, 60-Piece CP30031
by Capri Tools
2. GearWrench 80728 36-Piece Set: Best Three-Drive Set
Who it's for: DIYers who want regular, tamper-proof and external Torx from one well-known brand.
GearWrench lists Torx bit sockets T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T47, T50 and T55; tamper-proof Torx from T7 to T55; and E-Torx sockets E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16, E18 and E20. That covers almost every Torx fastener on a typical car, including the T47 that some brands skip.
The bits are S2 steel and the sockets are heat-treated alloy steel, in a blow-molded case at about 3.6 lb. Two things to know: GearWrench lists this set as hand-tool only, and its product page shows a 1-year warranty rather than the full lifetime coverage on most GearWrench sockets.
Pros
- Regular, tamper-proof and E-Torx in one set
- Includes T47 and E20
- Compact case
Cons
- 1-year warranty listed
- No T60 or larger
GEARWRENCH 36 Piece 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Tamper Proof Torx/E-Torx/Torx Bit Socket Set 80728
by GEARWRENCH
3. Tekton SKT15402 36-Piece 3/8" Set: Best 3/8" Drive Set
Who it's for: mechanics who do most Torx work with a 3/8-inch ratchet or torque wrench.
Tekton puts everything on a single 3/8-inch drive: 12 Torx bit sockets (T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T47, T50, T55 and T60), the matching tamper-resistant versions from TR10 to TR60, and external star sockets from E4 to E20. One drive size means one ratchet and one torque wrench for the whole set, which is convenient on brake and suspension jobs that call for a torque spec.
Tekton presses the S2 steel bits into the sockets and says the connection won't loosen over time. It comes in a storage case. The trade-off of a single drive is that small sizes like T10 are on a bulkier 3/8-inch socket, which can be awkward in tight interior trim.
Pros
- T10 to T60 and TR10 to TR60, including T47
- E4 to E20 external sockets
- One drive size for ratchet and torque wrench use
Cons
- Small sizes on a 3/8-inch drive can be bulky
- Not impact rated
TEKTON 3/8 Inch Drive Torx, Tamper-Resistant Torx Bit and External Star Socket Set, 36-Piece SKT15402
by TEKTON
4. GearWrench 80726 36-Piece Set: Best Torx + Hex Combo
Who it's for: anyone looking for a socket and Torx set that also covers hex (Allen) fasteners.
This set trades tamper-proof bits for hex bits. GearWrench lists Torx T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45, T47, T50 and T55; E-Torx E5, E6, E7, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16 and E18; SAE hex from 5/32" to 3/8"; and metric hex from 2 to 10 mm. That's the most common specialty fastener types on a car in one compact case.
The bits are heat-treated S2 steel with a black oxide finish in polished chrome holders. The set weighs 3.86 lb, ships in a blow-molded case and carries GearWrench's full lifetime warranty. It's for hand tools only.
Pros
- Torx, E-Torx and SAE/metric hex in one set
- Full lifetime warranty
- Compact case
Cons
- No tamper-proof bits
- Hex range stops at 10 mm and 3/8"
GEARWRENCH 36 Piece 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive Standard Hex, E-Torx & Torx Bit SAE/Metric Socket Set 80726
by GEARWRENCH
5. GearWrench 80582 10-Piece E-Torx Set: Best E-Torx Only
Who it's for: owners of a Torx bit set who keep running into external Torx bolts.
If you already have Torx bits, an E-Torx socket set is the gap to fill. The 80582 gives you 10 external Torx sockets: E4, E5, E6, E7, E8, E10, E12, E14, E16 and E18, spread across 1/4-, 3/8- and 1/2-inch drives. They're heat-treated alloy steel with a black oxide finish, stored on a socket rail.
GearWrench lists them for manual drive tools only. Note that its product page lists no warranty for this set, so if lifetime coverage matters, the Tekton or Capri sets are the safer buy.
Pros
- E4 to E18 in a compact rail
- Three drive sizes
- Small and light
Cons
- External Torx only
- No warranty listed by GearWrench
GEARWRENCH 10 Piece 1/4″, 3/8″ & 1/2″ Drive External Torx Socket Set 80582
by GEARWRENCH
6. Sunex 3670SE 9-Piece Impact Set: Best E-Torx Impact Set
Who it's for: anyone removing external Torx bolts with a 3/8-inch impact wrench or impact ratchet.
Sunex's 3670SE is a short, focused e torx socket set: E5, E6, E7, E8, E10, E11, E12, E14 and E16, all standard-length impact sockets in chrome-molybdenum steel with a black finish. That covers the external Torx sizes most often found on car engines and brackets, including E11, which many sets skip.
Sunex backs it with a lifetime warranty. Its matching 3670S set adds nine impact Torx sockets from T20 to T55, so buying both gives you impact-rated coverage of both types.
Pros
- Impact-rated Cr-Mo sockets
- Includes E11
- Companion T20 to T55 impact set (3670S)
Cons
- No E18 or larger
- Storage not described by Sunex
SUNEX 3/8″ Drive External Star 9-Piece Impact Socket Set 3670SE
by SUNEX
7. Tekton SKT25801 17-Piece 1/2" Impact Set: Best Heavy-Duty Impact
Who it's for: truck, European car and equipment owners who meet large Torx fasteners on suspension and drivetrain parts.
The SKT25801 is built for the big sizes: Torx bit sockets from T30 to T70 and shallow external star sockets from E10 to E24, all in 1/2-inch drive and rated for impact. Tekton uses a two-piece design, with separate steels for the bit and the socket body, which lets each part be made from the material that suits it.
This is a specialist set. It doesn't include the small sizes you'd use on trim or interiors, so it pairs with a hand-tool set like the Tekton SKT15402 or Capri CP30031.
Pros
- T30 to T70 and E10 to E24 in 1/2-inch drive
- Impact rated
- Two-piece bit and socket construction
Cons
- Nothing below T30 or E10
- Bulky for light-duty work
TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive Torx and Shallow External Star Impact Socket Set, 17-Piece SKT25801
by TEKTON
Torx Socket Set Buying Guide
Torx vs E-Torx: Know Which You Need
Torx (T) bits are male and fit into a star-shaped recess. E-Torx (E) sockets are female and fit over a star-shaped bolt head. A car can use both, and they don't substitute for each other. If you're buying one set, get one that has both, like the Capri CP30031, GearWrench 80728 or Tekton SKT15402.
Size Range
The common car range is T15 to T55 and E8 to E18. Going beyond that is useful for trucks, European models and equipment:
| Size range | Where you'll typically see it |
|---|---|
| T6 to T15 | Electronics, interior trim, small covers |
| T20 to T30 | Interior panels, lights, small brackets |
| T40 to T55 | Brakes, seats, seat belts, suspension |
| T60 to T70 | Larger suspension and drivetrain hardware |
| E5 to E12 | Engine accessory and bracket bolts |
| E14 to E24 | Larger brackets and drivetrain bolts |
These are typical examples, not a rule. Check your service manual for exact fasteners, and see our socket size chart for standard hex sizes.
Tamper-Proof Bits
Security Torx screws have a pin in the center, so a normal bit won't seat. Tamper-proof bits (TR, TH or "tamper-resistant") have a hole for that pin. They also fit standard Torx screws, which is why sets that include them are more versatile.
Torx Plus
Torx Plus (TP) is a separate profile with squarer lobes. You'll find it on some vehicles and industrial equipment. Of the sets here, only the Capri CP30031 includes TP sizes.
Impact Rating
Most Torx bit socket sets use S2 steel bits in chrome holders and are meant for hand ratchets. If you plan to run them on an impact wrench, buy impact-rated sockets like the Sunex 3670SE or Tekton SKT25801. For more on impact sockets, see our impact socket set guide.
Single Drive vs Multi-Drive
A single-drive set like the Tekton SKT15402 is simpler to use with one ratchet and one torque wrench. Multi-drive sets put small bits on 1/4-inch drive, which fits better in tight interiors, and large bits on 1/2-inch drive, which handles more torque. If you do a lot of interior work, multi-drive is more comfortable. A good 1/4" drive socket set pairs well with it.
Related Specialty Sets
Torx is one of several specialty profiles. If you also meet hex (Allen) fasteners, see our hex socket set guide. Many European cars also use triple square (XZN) bolts, which we cover in our upcoming triple square socket set guide.
How We Chose
We compared current Torx and E-Torx socket sets from Capri Tools, GearWrench, Tekton and Sunex using each manufacturer's published contents and specs: every T, TR, TP and E size, drive sizes, bit and socket material, impact rating, storage and listed warranty. We favored sets that cover both Torx and E-Torx without gaps in the common car range, and we noted where a manufacturer's page shows short or no warranty coverage. We also considered recurring owner feedback, such as bits loosening in their holders. We did not test these sets ourselves.
FAQ
What is the difference between Torx and E-Torx sockets?
A Torx bit socket is a male star-shaped bit that goes into a Torx screw or bolt head (sizes start with T, like T30). An E-Torx socket is a female star-shaped socket that goes over an external Torx bolt head (sizes start with E, like E10). They are not interchangeable, so many cars need both.
What Torx sizes do I need for car work?
For most cars, T15 through T55 in bit sockets and E8 through E18 in external sockets cover interior, brake, seat and engine fasteners. Some European vehicles and trucks also use T60, T70 or E20 to E24, which only master sets include.
What is a tamper-proof Torx bit?
It is a Torx bit with a hole in the tip that fits over a pin in the center of a security Torx fastener. Brands call them tamper-proof, tamper-resistant, TR or TH. A tamper-proof bit also fits regular Torx screws, but a regular bit cannot fit a security fastener.
Can I use a Torx bit socket set on an impact wrench?
Only if it is rated for impact. Most chrome Torx bit socket sets, including the Capri, GearWrench and Tekton SKT15402 sets here, are for hand tools only. For impact tools, use an impact set like the Sunex 3670SE or Tekton SKT25801.
Are Torx Plus and Torx the same?
No. Torx Plus has a squarer lobe profile and its own size series (TP). A standard Torx bit can turn some Torx Plus fasteners in a pinch, but a TP bit gives the proper fit. The Capri CP30031 includes Torx Plus sizes.
Verdict
The Capri Tools CP30031 is the best Torx socket set for most garages, with T6 to T70, tamper-proof and Torx Plus bits plus E4 to E24 sockets, each on the right drive size. If you prefer one drive size, the Tekton SKT15402 covers T10 to T60 and E4 to E20 on 3/8-inch drive, and the Sunex 3670SE is the pick for external Torx on an impact wrench.