Looking For Torx Blade

[Lenp]

I'm usually pretty good at finding pure unobtanium but I'm stumped here.

What I've been looking for is a torx *(star) driver blade, size T7.

Now that should be simple, but here's the catch....

The shank of the bit MUST be no larger than the T7 end and it must be at least 1.5" long since the blade has to pass through a hole that the is the same size as the T7 end.

If the bit was made the same as a standard 'L' type hex key it would work since it is the same size end to end. All star/torx keys I've found are larger round shanks that are milled to shape just at the end. I have looked at Whia, Xcelite and many others with no luck. I have one from the OEM and when asked who produced it I got a Duhh answer.

I bought a Whia T7 "L" shaped key, cut off the short end and carefully turned the shaft down until it fit but it's a pain and shouldn't need to be that way!

Any leads would be appreciated!

Len

[dacflyer]

what about getting a screwdriver torx and mill the shaft down ?
i have one here that is a "Pro's kit" brand ( pro soft T7 )
the shaft looks like it could be milled down....
that is a very small bit,, i use mine for taking apart old HD's
good luck

[Lenp]

DACFLYER,

I bought a Whia T7 "L" shaped key, cut off the short end and carefully turned the shaft down until it fit but it's a pain and shouldn't need to be that way!

Thanks for the response. Somebody makes them for the OEM. The problem is that for years they used a hex setscrew then somebody with no field experience switched them to the torx. The OEM blade has a flat tang on the smooth end so I am sure it is for use in a automatic screwdriver, but whose??

[MrAl]

Hi Len,


How often do you have to make one of these? It sounds like you should be able to make one and keep it forever.
I ask because i had to make a very small torx once myself, but what i did was started from a larger bit and ground the teeth down very slowly and carefully using a Dremel and grinding cut off wheel.

Any chance of cutting the end off of one and brazing it onto a thinner shaft?

[ltx71cm]

Is this close enough? The shaft is only slightly larger than the driver head http://www.amazon.com/Wiha-Screwdriver- ... B000T9ZNTK

[gerty]

I had the same problem a while ago, I took one of these
http://www1.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNPDFF?PM ... T4TP=*LTIP
Chucked it in my cordless drill, and ground the diameter down on my bench grinder.
The drill spun it at a consistant speed and I was able to keep it symetrical.

[dacflyer]

Gerty >> i have done the same many times also

[Dean Huster]

I've ground down the diameter of driver shanks before, but you do have to be careful using them. A thin shank can't take the torque you're used to using with a non-turned shank. May not be a problem with a T7 Torx since a 4-40 is the largest screw I've ever seen them used on, but it sure can be a problem with a #2 Phillips! And a tiny, hardened shank may break with a lot of torque.