Those little screws for carbide inserts...

Those Torx drivers are very expensive. You can get a Wiha one on eBay for just over a fiver including postage. Item number 264276043633. Personally I prefer the screwdriver style like those used by Sandvik.

Must be made of gold

Tony

I use a 1/4 inch square socket driver with T bits to suit, find it easier with old fingers. Screws are Class 12.9, wouldn’t want to risk anything less as some inserts can create quite a load when cutting.

Thanks Baz, that's reassuring. I actually ended up ordering from ARC as I needed some other bits and bobs and so saved on postage. Shall store away for future reference though.

I've also ordered some 'cheapo' 12.9 screws from eBay (40p each). Out of interest I had a look for recommended tightening torques and came up with 0.9 Nm (Sandvik) and 1.0 Nm (MSC) for T8. I'd always assumed that the little 'flag' wrenches that are often bundled with tool holders were designed to prevent over-zealous tightening. On the basis of a highly unscientific experiment involving kitchen scales and perceived pressure* on the thumb I reckon that's achievable with firm pressure on one of those wrenches.

Perhaps the super-expensive Sumitomo/Sandvik offerings become cost effective under industrial conditions where they're replacing tips like billy-o?

Robin.

*I am of course aware of the Weber-Fechner law, but did not attempt to correct for its effect

Edited By Robin Graham on 25/10/2019 13:45:37

I'm a happy Tracy Tools customer too!

I don't know how their prices compare but you could also try JB Cutting Tools for replacement screws.

I don't change tips on the machine, or even in the workshop with its solid floor impervious to all but tiny tool-holder screws, but indoors on a suitable surface on a table. (Keep the tool-holder in the QC block if necessary.)

My ebay purchase arrived today: **LINK**

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/50pcs-M2-5-x-6mm-Insert-Torx-Screw-for-Carbide-Inserts-Lathe-Tool/283414156464

First impressions are very favourable

MichaelG.

I have 1.8, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5 and 4mm screws in stock, all bought on ebay, very cheaply. I have never had one break, but they slip from my fingers all too easily when changing inserts.

I change mine over a small tray just in case i drop them. At 61 my fingers do not work as good as they should and my grip has gone. A lot of club members are a lot older than me and they will have the same problems with small items.

Bri

I too change the insert over a small tray .The screws still try to escape by bouncing out of the tray to be consumed by the black hole AKA workshop floor. Solution, clip a small magnet to the torx driver before you start

BCPROF, simple to magnetise the torque driver, put 4 or 5 coils of insulated wire tightly around the tool and flash the ends of the wire across a 12volt battery a few times.

Emgee

Edited By Emgee on 30/11/2019 10:08:54

Or get one of these. I've found them quite good for magnetising screwdrivers and the like .... though less good for demagnetising.

When your hands are as arthritic as mine, you will have trouble even holding the screwdriver.

old mart. I sympathise about the hands. I find the " flag" style of driver the easiest to use. The small button type magnets have a very strong magnetic field which , when they are attached to the driver, hold the screw firmly in place . I have find that the driver retains little residual magnetism when the magnet is removed hence any fine iron dust etc has no excuse for filling up the torx head. Having said that I still clean the driver and screw with a brass brush befr oe starting the job.

I have three magnets by the machines at the museum, one on a three foot handle, and two little telescopic ones. They are invaluable, as I have difficulty reaching as low as the floor.

Hi Guys,

A cheap source of 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5 mm coarse torx screws are old hard drives !

Hi Guys,

A quick tip ! To magnetise a screwdriver, just drag it over a magnet a few times.

Does not work for stainless items.

Be careful with getting the right screws, their heads have a taper, probably 60 degrees.

Torx screws for inserts will have a higher tensile strength than those in use for hard drive assembly.

I get 2.5mm torx from china and never had one fail and the cost is much lower and takes about 2 weeks to my door