Source for torx keys, tools etc

[bikermeow]

Hiya, I am supplementing the tool kit of the Roadster with additional tools specific to the bike.

Is there a source in US for quality torx keys etc that do not corrode or do I have to buy a whole set and pillage from there? Would appreciate brands suggestions and experience etc.

Cheers

[AndyRR]

I use these guys:
http://www.mcmaster.com

See page 2810 for some corrosion resistant torx keys.

Best hardware store ever.

[WildBlue]

I was going to say Kobalt at Lowes, but I cannot recall if they are corrosion resistant or not...

[Airman]

I was going to say Kobalt at Lowes, but I cannot recall if they are corrosion resistant or not...

Generally Torx and Allen keys are made of some pretty hard steel allow and inserted into a 3/8" (or whatever) chrome holder. I believe I have seen chrome plated Allen key sets, but it's uncommon. If you are talking about stainless, I don't think anyone makes them. If I had a corrosion issue I would give the tools a cleaning and spray on LPS-3 every once in a while. For value I'm a fan of SK tools. Their warranty is as good as anyone's and I think the tools are high quality.
The UK and Germans also have some quality tool manufactures, Draper, for example, which is where I sourced my torque wrench. A good source of all good things for motorcycles is Tucker Rocky. All motorcycle dealers can order from their catalog.

[bikermeow]

Well, I am all the way in Singapore and I can get hold of some German keys. I reckon buying a whole set at US$20 makes more sense than getting a few BMW ones for the same price, but heck .. those 3 letters .....

[MattPie]

I was going to say Kobalt at Lowes, but I cannot recall if they are corrosion resistant or not...

Generally Torx and Allen keys are made of some pretty hard steel allow and inserted into a 3/8" (or whatever) chrome holder.

I have a set of Kobalts. They had never corroded until I brought them to VA a few weeks ago in the high heat and humidity. Then I got a little surface orange (I wouldn't call it rust since it wiped off) on the edges and points of the bit. I didn't get them directly wet, just hanging out in my top-case.

[duckdave]

I've had good luck with Craftsman/Sears. My other tools are Snap-On. Can't say I notice a performance difference. SO tools "feel" better in the hand, but the guarantees are equal---break it, they replace it.

[CycleRob]

Craftsman for most of them, Pittsburgh (Harbor Freight) to cover the fringe/huge/SAE sizes or rarely used, Snap-On for the one you'll use most often or where their lean size and primo quality is needed. Their combination wrenches and sockets compared to any other brands visually exhibit why they are so very expensive. Duckdave is right, they do look and feel right, in addition to not looking like a mass production stamping. I have an 18" long $18 Snap-On Phillips screwdriver that has lasted over 10 years of commercial duty that always gets called on to remove the difficult/impossible screws. It has an 8mm steel hex near the handle for boxwrench leverage. The rounded square coke bottle shaped handle just feels right and really transmits the power, even with oily hands. It always wins and is still the King, so it's high cost was well earned. I also have some Husky (HomeDepot) brand high polish 8/10/12mm combination wrenches that are my personal high quality favorites. They were used at all the Tech Sessions for the valve adjustment locknuts.
If you're just an occasional mechanic, you can't beat Sears Craftsman tools. They're durable, reasonably priced, locally available and warrantied forever. If you don't mind spending a mid/high 4 figure fortune for a complete set, I'd get all Snap-On, including the ball bearing slide tool chests.

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