What tools are people using for their torx screws? (i.e., to put their foils together).
Are you using any tools where you can set the torque level so you don't overtighten them?
Any tools that last better than others?

Cheers

I use one of these good quality and nice in the hand Sid chrome quality

Anything from a real tool shop

Bondhus, Sidchrome, Wiha, MiniMax would be my pick.
For long use the key is a long hardened end (the shaped bit past the round shaft.....) so if it does wear or chip you can grind it shorter and essentially get a new tool again. Lifetime of use.

Don't think a torque wrench is really that necessary...?

I 3D print my own handles (and have the Gyrokey 3D models available on MyMinifactory. For the actual toolbits, I initially used Bahco bits and especially the grippy Torx bits were great (solid fit on screw heads), but they do corrode in use. So lately, I have switched to using Wera stainless steel bits and I love them. The bits are held in place with M6 stainless steel grub screws, so the assembly is a combination of plastic and stainless steel, which means that corrosion is a non-issue.

So, a very warm recommendation for the stainless Wera bits. I have bought them from Amazon and eBay. eBay prices were way lower than Amazon. They do cost a lot more than regular bits, but unless you lose the bit somehow, you're not going to need to replace it (probably ever).

A local shop that is considering offering my tools suggested I make some changes to the Gyrokey to make them fit better with masts that have very wide bases (like SABFoil), so there are some updates coming soon to those models and at least one new tool that fits much better into a small pocket and has two tool bits, so you can use it for M6 and M8 screws without changing tools.Here's my "marketing video" for the original version of the Gyrokey (single tool version - there's also a two-sided version that fits two different tool bits):

Geez that's pretty cool

+1 for Wera stainless steel keys. I'm done with cheap steel keys and screwdrivers that corrode and eventually fail.

That gyrokey thing looks cool, I guess it won't work for the track nuts though, which in my opinion are the biggest pain. The screws on the fuselage take less time to tighten, because you can spin any tool freely.

For a while I used to use an electric screwdriver from Amazon, but tbh the time savings are not that big compared to the need of carrying the thing around im it's box (with the bits), needing to charge it and so on.

So now I use a "multi-torx-tool", where you just flip out the size you need. It looks like this:

I use Wera Kraftform stainless steel screwdrivers for my gear.

The stainless steel never rusts and I have not noticed any wear on screws or drivers.

The thick rubber handle gives great grip and I can get my foil screws tight enough. When loose I can use thumb and fingers to spin the shaft of the screwdriver to get a little bit of a flywheel action.

I normally use deep tuttle boxes and those screws take 25-30 turns and I have no trouble with them. The plate masts only take 4-6 turns.

The screwdriver shape is a lot easier to keep square on the screw compared to the L-shaped tools supplied with most gear.

They can be insanely expensive but a bit of rummaging on the internet will find them at $25-35.

I know Torx is meant to be the gold standard for screws, but I have had much better luck with PH3 screws. Some torx screws have a fairly shallow drive recess so you have to be fairly precise keeping the driver square with the hole.

Gyrokey works with track nuts too and I do show it in the video. It obviously doesn't spin quite like it does on the other screws, but you get a nice amount of torque and a good grip. The original versions may be a little tight on some mast plates. For example, SABFoil and Gong are wide and tall at the base. I added new versions of the models to MyMinifactory just yesterday where the each "wing" of the handle is reduced by 6mm and that version should be compatible with almost any mast.

The Gyrokey Go is in final testing stages and should be ready to release quite soon. You don't get quite as much torque with it, but it's great for switching foils, stabs and moving the mast on the tracks while you are at the beach. I always have one in the pocket of my WIP vest. Here's a photo of that one (the tool bits are not stainless on this one...it's just a cheap demo version I made to give away for testing).

the Wera torx screwdriver in stainless steel. Safe because you cannot generate enough force to strip out screw holes.

I use an electric impact driver. All my kit so far is M6 so I leave all the other bits at home. I'm also not convinced it really saves much time but it's very helpful when your hands are frozen.

Bike torq wrench from Amazon set to 6nm works a charm never loose and never overtightened

My Wera bits rusted but haven't gotten dull, it's just the surface.
I'll have to try that gyro driver.

Yes using the Wera stainless steel torx screwdrivers too, stainless so no rust and you cant over tighten, you dont have a T handle to hit your carbon mast when using as well.would recommend.

The north t40 tool seems to be holding up better that t handles I've used previously from major tool brands, but still starts to corrode with salt water use. I have a few so will just work though those for now they will last a long time.I love wera tools and am tempted by their stainless t40 but wish it came as a t handle. When I looked last time I could not find any company making a stainless t handle t40 tool or that would be my choice.I don't need a t handle for the torq, but you can quickly spin them in a way you cant a screw driver handle.

Nice quiet beach community. 6AM on a Sunday moring, sun is just starting to come up, birds are chirping. All is well in the world..-RATTA TAT TAT TAT TAT TAT(me putting my gear together with a cheap as dirt ryobi impact)

Select to expand quote

TooMuchEpoxy said..
Nice quiet beach community. 6AM on a Sunday moring, sun is just starting to come up, birds are chirping. All is well in the world..-RATTA TAT TAT TAT TAT TAT(me putting my gear together with a cheap as dirt ryobi impact)

Funny.

On bit holders, this video is quite informative:

Haven't read the whole thread from start so apologies if someone has already mentioned this. I use this small and cheap ratchets from Amazon with torx bits:

amzn.asia/d/cJ2BPmL

They corrode easily but WD40 cleans and keeps them in working order. The size is perfect for tightening enough but if you try too hard you can overtighen the screws.

Another vote for the Wera Stainless Torx Screw drivers like DWF posted above and others have mentioned. You never have to worry about them rusting so they should last forever, are very high quality so never burr over/wreck fasteners, are a screw driver so are super quick and the max torque you can achieve with one is about 8Nm, which is exactly what Armstrong recommend (I obviously use Armstrong gear). They aren't that cheap but in Aus Amazon is the cheapest place i've found them (if you have Prime).

+1 for wera stainless steel torx L keys, as mentioned above great quality and won't corrode.

EBay is your friend. Cheap so if you lose them or they wear out there will be now tears and easy to find another one.
I am forgetful so I have about fours sets of Torx bits for the cordless drill and Torx tools. And a couple sets of Axis bolts with spares in the foil bag, Ute drawers, spares box in the gear bin and shed.
I figure if I don't need them on a day someone else might need something to get them on the water.

I've only been using this. In Armstrong so I think everything is 8nm. Have had no issues.

Prestacycle TorqKeys - Pro... www.amazon.com/dp/B00UP1JTEM?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

The short Gong Torx key. It's only 4 euro and resists corrosion well. It's small enough to keep inside my wetsuit:
www.gong-galaxy.com/en/products/gong-foil-allvator-screw-tool-yellow?srsltid=AfmBOopUpVkQsJxs5vcFjWHiGVN-1ldvXosO9ZHyYWaKmQYpA2xWE0jF

Wera tools and Park Tools are the go for me. Not cheap but only need replacing when someone "borrows" them...

Would love to get a stainless wera T45 torx tool but cannot find a stainless version. Anyone have a good link that freights to Australia?

Select to expand quote

hilly said..
Would love to get a stainless wera T45 torx tool but cannot find a stainless version. Anyone have a good link that freights to Australia?

The stainless bits only seem to go up to T40, so that might be true of the tools as well. If the screws are countersunk M8, then you could replace them with screws that have T40 heads. For the torques that we are supposed to use, I would think that T40 should be totally adequate? I noticed in Hadou's Duotone review that they use T45. Or...you could see how the T40 fits on your screws and then decide if it's safe to use (not ideal, of course).

Select to expand quote

JuriM said..

hilly said..
Would love to get a stainless wera T45 torx tool but cannot find a stainless version. Anyone have a good link that freights to Australia?

The stainless bits only seem to go up to T40, so that might be true of the tools as well. If the screws are countersunk M8, then you could replace them with screws that have T40 heads. For the torques that we are supposed to use, I would think that T40 should be totally adequate? I noticed in Hadou's Duotone review that they use T45. Or...you could see how the T40 fits on your screws and then decide if it's safe to use (not ideal, of course).

Button with 45 torx

Wiha Drive-Loc VI, SoftFinish Handle and Wiha Torx Double Ended Interchangeable Blade, T30 by T40. Available on Amazon.

I'm surprised I don't see more people with this. I find the regular screwdriver handle to be much faster than an L-shaped handle, and it keeps me from overtightening. T30 on one side and T40 on the other. I've been using it for four years.

I wish the foillite titanium T30/T40 mini tools were available in Australia. I mean they are technically available, but they're AU$40 for the item and another $160 for the shipping lol. I'm taking the north T40 micro tool with me on the water, but it's very small so getting much leverage is brutal on the thumbs. northactionsports.com/products/sonar-t40-micro-tool

I'm going to look into the Wera stainless bits and tools because rusting tools really wind me up. All of my axis tools are 100% rusted (despite having been cleaned off periodically).

That Gyro key is a really cool idea!We have a wing tool that has a Ti coated insert. The tip is also interchangeable by using an FCS/Future tool.It can be thrown in your boardies or hung around your neck. its small but aloos good purchase for tightening and loosening the screws.www.konradboarding.com/product-page/wing-tool