these are the premier tools for getting stripped socket head bolts out.  i
own a set of both standard and metric and they have saved my bacon a few
times.  vw is notorious in my opinion of having the tools on the line set
to to high a torque or using some lower grade socket head bolts.  i have
taken apart several new applications where there is no corrosion on the
fastner and i have put a high quality tool in the bolt only to have the
head round out like cheese.

the last time i used these was on my 2000 golf to get the crank pulley
off.  the normal deal, no corrosion good high quality sharp edged tool
and the head strips out.  i pounded one of these in, put a ratchet on it
and began to twist.  it creeked really bad and then went POP!  i thought
for sure i had broken the tool but alas it was just vw's over torqued
fastner popping loose :).

http://www.jlindustrial.com/catalog/product.jsp?id=SOC-01000J&origin=SEARCH:KEYWORD&backtosearchpage=Y

jonathan

On Thu, 27 Apr 2006, John Bange wrote:

>>
>>
>> So, which is considered "better"? I went by my VW dealer, and when
>> the ordered some, they came in as allen head, not triple squares.
>>
>> They had some triple squares available, but they were slightly
>> shorter (5mm maybe) and the threads didn't extend as far.
>>
>
> I'm probably imagining it, but I think I recall the triple squares people
> use actually being Porsche parts and the "official" VW part is still the
> same E-Z Strip Hex Socket it's always been? Personally, I feel better with
> the triple-squares. All mine were formerly hexies and I had some
> nerve-wracking moments pulling a couple of 'em out. Two of them were
> "pre-buggered" for me by the PO or his butcher mechanic, so I had to resort
> to a filed down 7mm hex driver pounded in with a hammer. Working as a
> locksmith I frequently run into rounded- or rusted-out hex socket set screws
> and, if they're large enough, they get replaced with a Torx.Maybe I've just
> been lucky, but I've never seen a Torx or similar multi-lobe fastener strip
> out. Just the thought of trying to remove a completely rounded hex-type CV
> bolt inside that outer hub cavity....(shudder)
>
>
> --
> John Bange
> '90 Vanagon - "Geldsauger"
>
>
>