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      10-17-2018, 03:45 PM   #1
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What's the typical drive size for sockets used on these cars?

Is it 3/8 . 1/4. 1/2?

Thinking of picking up a torque wrench and some torx sockets at Sears.

Better yet, how about a wishlist..
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      10-17-2018, 05:00 PM   #2
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You'll use all three, depending on the size of the fastener you're working on and the amount of room you have to get at it. Where torx are concerned they're not sockets, they're bits. Most places where they're used you'd use a 1/4" ratchet, but a few would use 3/8", mainly T30 and larger.
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      10-17-2018, 05:42 PM   #3
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Better get a set with all three, you'll use em
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      10-17-2018, 06:06 PM   #4
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I think it's more about the torque ranges. I have a 3/8" and 1/2" drive torque wrenches. My 3/8" isn't spec'd high enough for wheel bolts.
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      10-17-2018, 06:34 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jh_f30 View Post
I think it's more about the torque ranges. I have a 3/8" and 1/2" drive torque wrenches. My 3/8" isn't spec'd high enough for wheel bolts.
This

I have all 3 due to torque ranges available on each. 1/2 for hi torque such as lugs, 3/8 for med torque and mid size fasteners, 1/4 for low torque and small fasteners.

3/8 would be my choice to purchase 1st for general all around use. You can always use adapter for smaller/larger drive sockets if necessary
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      10-18-2018, 05:01 AM   #6
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I have 1/2" drive torque wrenches.


If you see any of the following, pick them up if you need them


- Torx bits
- E-torx bits
- Ratchet extensions
- Ratchet with the swivel head
- Hex bits
- Ratcheting wrenches
- Breaker bar
- Set of metric sockets
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      10-18-2018, 06:18 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
You'll use all three, depending on the size of the fastener you're working on and the amount of room you have to get at it. Where torx are concerned they're not sockets, they're bits. Most places where they're used you'd use a 1/4" ratchet, but a few would use 3/8", mainly T30 and larger.
Thanks. On an aside I was actually speaking about torx sockets as I have some bits.

https://m.sears.com/craftsman-7-pc-e...RoCFfYQAvD_BwE
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      10-18-2018, 07:33 AM   #8
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I have yet to come across any torx head bolts or nuts on my car.
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      10-18-2018, 09:46 AM   #9
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There are a few e-torx bolts on the front and rear subframes, but I haven't seen any others. I wouldn't recommend buying a set of e-torx sockets though, because even those subframe bolts are bigger than the socket set you're looking at.

Last edited by Sweeney921; 10-18-2018 at 09:54 AM..
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      10-20-2018, 05:46 PM   #10
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interior pieces are held by torx
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      10-20-2018, 06:03 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Solidjake View Post
interior pieces are held by torx
Torx screws, most of which I think are T20, but I think they're referring to E-torx sockets for torx bolts.
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      10-20-2018, 06:07 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jh_f30 View Post
Torx screws, most of which I think are T20, but I think they're referring to E-torx sockets for torx bolts.
Ah gotcha. They should definitely buy them as well. Valve cover gasket uses them, etc.
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      10-20-2018, 11:17 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I have yet to come across any torx head bolts or nuts on my car.
Interior trim pieces use some. I replaced the inner door handle and used them. Also the trunk lid liner uses them. (Mine is F30 328i rwd)
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      10-21-2018, 12:59 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jsouth View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
I have yet to come across any torx head bolts or nuts on my car.
Interior trim pieces use some. I replaced the inner door handle and used them. Also the trunk lid liner uses them. (Mine is F30 328i rwd)
Those are torx screws, see my previous post.
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      10-21-2018, 09:00 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jh_f30 View Post
Those are torx screws, see my previous post.
Screws or bolts could be male or female. These are male torx bits, used with a female torx head fastener, typically in lieu of a Phillips or Allen head:



This is a torx socket, used with a torx head bolt or nut, typically in lieu of a hex head:

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      11-06-2018, 09:44 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfitz View Post
Screws or bolts could be male or female.
My bad -- I did not read carefully. Likewise - I have not seen any Torx head bolts.
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      11-08-2018, 02:19 PM   #17
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You get all three sizes 1/4,3/8,1/2. Then get read to start buying all sorts of weird sockets for BMW.
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      11-08-2018, 03:37 PM   #18
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Buy this for torx sockets. Super handy set to have IMO

http://www.searshometownstores.com/p...MaAtn9EALw_wcB

Then buy this for your handheld low torque applications

https://www.kctoolco.com/wiha-45592-...4aAnoqEALw_wcB

I use mostly 3/8 and 1/4 for most of my work. For suspension I always try to use 1/2" but I haven't messed with the f30 suspension yet...
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      11-08-2018, 04:33 PM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jh_f30 View Post
I think it's more about the torque ranges. I have a 3/8" and 1/2" drive torque wrenches. My 3/8" isn't spec'd high enough for wheel bolts.
Same here.
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