ProTek TruTorque SL Vs MIP Thorp – New Racer Hex Driver Guide to The Best Value Setup – Dirt Cheap Method – Links to The Best Deal on The Best Hex Driver Set.
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| Top Pick | Features | Deals |
|---|---|---|
| #1 EcoPower (With Full Setup) Read More… | This is the setup I would do if I was starting over with no tools… Full Setup Below!!! #1 Get the EcoPower 5 Piece 1/4″ Hex & Nut Driver Set – Aluminum handle vs ProTek TruTorque plastic – Can store tools in the butt of the handle making it more compact than the ProTek TruTorque – Check Price on – Amazon – eBay – The reason this is #1 is for this setup – (AKA) The ability to upgrade for it uses 1/4″ drive handles – just think how many tools you can utilize with a 1/4″ drive! #2 Upgrade the hex tips (when able!) pick one of the two recommendations below. a. ProTek TruTorque 1/4 Power Drill Tip Set (better value) – Check Price on – Amazon – eBay b. MIP Speed Tip 1/4 Power Tool Tip Set (better quality) – Check Price on – Amazon – eBay #3 Upgrade to an Electric screwdriver (when able!) recommendations below. a. Dremel 4V Cordless Screwdriver – Check Price on – Amazon – eBay b. IMO must have for Electric screwdriver – Adjustable clutch or adjustable power – Rechargeable battery – Forward – Reverse – Manual mode – Push-button to start the driver Note: Dremel 4V Cordless Screwdriver fills all the above! – Yes, you can use a drill but I find they can be too bulky and powerful for RC stuff | On Amazon / eBay |
| #2 ProTek TruTorque SL Read More… | This is my #1 recommendation for high-quality/value – While not as good as the MIP Thorp in quality – I feel you get more for what you pay for. – Drilled holes… for weight saving and added grip – Rotating end cap… fast use of tool – Has an extra driver (3.0mm) Vs MIP Thorp | On eBay / Amazon |
| #3 MIP Thorp Read More… | This is the best quality one on the list but it’s also the most pricy – Uses the best steel on the market (less likely to strip out screws) – Handle size changes as you get bigger as well as color (easier to identify what size you’re using) | On eBay / Amazon |
Table of Contents
TruTorque SL Vs MIP Thorp
ProTek TruTorque SL
![Image 1 - ProTek RC "TruTorque SL" Metric Hex Driver Set (4) [PTK-8416]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/~tIAAOSwfWpe~q2f/s-l1600.jpg)
- ProTek TruTorque SL
- Has drilled holes
- Lightweight
- More grip
- Helps if you have wet or oily hands
- Rotating end cap
- makes it easier to palm and spin out screws faster.
- Has an extra driver (3.0mm)
MIP Thorp
- MIP Thorp
- Is the best quality and precision on the market
- Less likely to strip-out screws
- Best tool steel – will outlast the competitors
- Handle changes with hex size
- Less likely to over-torque
- Easier to guess what size you’re grabbing
- Color indicators for size.
(The Bottom Line) You can’t go wrong with either one. ProTek has more value per performance and MIP has the quality control. They both are a bit pricy at just under $45. making it hard for me to suggest them for new racers.
Recommended Setup
New Racer Hex Driver Guide
If I had to start all over again… (Most people would say MIP and be done with it) but this is not feasible for most and not the route I would go. Starting out you need as many tools as possible and buying the best tools will mostly cost more than your car. So here is the route I would go.
Step 1. Get the ProTek TruTorque 5 Piece 1/4″ Hex & Nut Driver Set or EcoPower 5 Piece 1/4″ Hex & Nut Driver Set
![Image 1 - EcoPower 5 Piece 1/4" Hex & Nut Driver Set [ECP-3030]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5KAAAOSwGgVhty1P/s-l1600.jpg)
- IMO the EcoPower is a bit better with its aluminum handle and you can store the drivers in the handle – to save room
- Both have 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm hex drivers
- Both have 5.5mm, 7mm nut drivers
- universal 1/4 drive handle
- Ability to upgrade to any 1/4 bit
Step 2. Upgrading the hex tips
(When able) Upgrade to ProTek TruTorque 1/4 Power Drill Tip Set or MIP Speed Tip 1/4 Power Tool Tip Set
- ProTek is the better value
- (4) 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, 3.0mm hex driver tips
- MIP Speed Tip is the better quality!!!
- (3) 1.5mm, 2.0mm, 2.5mm, hex driver tips
Step 3. Upgrade to an Electric Screwdriver
(When able) Upgrade to a 1/4 cordless power screwdriver.
I would get the Dremel home solutions screwdriver – it fits all the marks below, is an ok brand at a good price, and is one of the smallest at 4v. But really this is a personal choice – get your favorite brand or the best deal you can find.
- You can use a drill but they tend to be
- Too powerful – strip and break stuff
- Too big – harder to store
- Too fast – hard to control
- With a cordless screwdriver, it’s nice to have
- Adjustable clutch or adjustable power
- Rechargeable battery
- Forward – Reverse – Manual mode
- Push-button and push down on the driver to start (nice to have both modes)
Dirt Cheap Method
![Image 1 - EcoPower "Essential" Tool Kit w/Pouch [ECP-3040]](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/PNAAAOSwMKVhty32/s-l1600.jpg)
- Get the Traxxas Tool Kit or EcoPower Tool Kit
- Both kits are basically the same
- IMO the EcoPower looks a bit better being black vs the Traxxas red
- Both have 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm hex drivers
- Both have 4mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 7mm, 8mm nut drivers
- 00, 0, 1 Phillips head screwdrivers
- 2, 3, 4 flat-head screwdrivers
- 4mm & 8mm box wrench
- Ratcheting handle
- You’re kinda stuck and can’t upgrade but is a good value for what you get
- Just under $25
What is the best RC hex driver set?
The MIP Thorp is the best RC hex driver set you can buy. It is a bit pricy for newcomers to the hobby – so I made this budget-friendly list here!
What can I use if I don’t have a hex wrench?
A flathead screwdriver that fits in the slot will often do the trick (BUT)!!! It is not recommended to use alternative tools for a hex wrench as it may not provide a secure enough grip and could potentially cause damage to the bolt or nut. Read More…
Is allen wrench same as hex?
Yes, they are just different names for the same tool. Just make sure you use a good set (like the ones on this list) or you could strip out the head.
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