Screwdriver Bit Set recommendation

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networkn

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#302966 7-Jan-2023 09:32

I am looking to source some better screwdriver bits. My current ones are fairly cheap and whilst they do the job, they aren't long enough.

I am off the to US this month and can buy from there, or I can source locally.

I want something very good quality, but the big issue I have with my ones are length and circumference.

I want to get a good selection of Philips, Flat Head and other common household tips.

These will primarily be used in a ratchet style screw driver. I want them to be able to magnetise and have a good quality 'grip' so I don't strip screws.

Any recommendations?

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#3018116 7-Jan-2023 09:57

The "Project Farm" YT channel does some testing of tools etc. Maybe something useful here:

https://youtu.be/Tan-mrKLuGY

https://youtu.be/6-xOHQTT5tw

k1w1k1d

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#3018133 7-Jan-2023 11:04

I use Makita 150mm long XPS bits for square and pozidriv screws as these are the ones I mostly use.

I have a Ryobi bit set for general use to cover most other types and sizes.

I usually use the short Ryobi bits in a screwdriver as the long Makita bits are a bit cumbersome. Just use the Makita bits in power tools.

As advised in the videos, technique is very important to prolong bit life and to avoid screw head damage.

With power tools I would suggest Dewalt, Makita, and Milwaukee. Milwaukee don't seem to do pozidriv?

I think that the screwdriver handle grip seems to have a greater influence on screwing in by hand than the quality of the actual bit?

networkn

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#3018137 7-Jan-2023 11:15

tim0001:

The "Project Farm" YT channel does some testing of tools etc. Maybe something useful here:

https://youtu.be/Tan-mrKLuGY

https://youtu.be/6-xOHQTT5tw

That is an incredibly detailed and thorough review. I am wildly impressed!

Thanks, very useful.

MadEngineer

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#3018142 7-Jan-2023 11:30

So as to not strip screws you'll be most likely referring to how you need to ensure you're not getting philips or pozidrive screws mixed up. You can then wiggle and gently rotate the head inside the screw to ensure it's snug and isn't going to slip out with the rotation.

You've then mentioned both length, circumference and tips. Sounds like you're referring to fitting a driver down into a chassis or case. For length you can't get past a plain screwdriver set with an additional extra-long PH2. You can get tip bits that are long but you're always going to have the problem of the larger adapter

Felo make some great products:

You're not on Atlantis anymore, Duncan Idaho.

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#3018163 7-Jan-2023 12:59

I have some regular screwdrivers, I was thinking of a set something along these lines?

https://www.amazon.com/Rocaris-10pcs-Magnetic-Screwdriver-Slotted/dp/B07FJXLS58/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?crid=2CWV0U3528UUG&keywords=drill+bit+set+dewalt&qid=1673044835&s=hi&sprefix=drill+bit+set+dewa%2Ctools%2C431&sr=1-7-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExU041OFIxMkZVMDVKJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTY4OTY4MThBQVA1Qk5VMFpGOCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjk0MjU5MlBYQVMzV1RSUkdWUyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX210ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

insane

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#3018172 7-Jan-2023 13:25

I've been using a Makita impact driver rated set for the last five years. They have been brilliant - I'd rebuy they again in a heartbeat - have only broken one and they have copped some heavy abuse.

Similar to this set, but think I got mine from Handy warehouse / Tradie Republic.

https://www.placemakers.co.nz/online/tools/power-tool-accessories/screwdriver-bits/sets/impactx-50-piece-bit-set-b-69509/p/5080228

Jase2985

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#3018173 7-Jan-2023 13:27

why bother getting something like that from the US?

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/irwin-22-piece-pro-performance-impact-set_p0116739

Double the bits, more variety for not much more once you add a currency conversion in there.

as per the above poster ive been using some makita ones, and they have been good, only had one break in the few years ive had them, but that was purely my fault. to many ugga dugga's on a screw into metal.

https://www.bunnings.co.nz/makita-30-piece-screw-bit-set_p0149048

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networkn

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#3018177 7-Jan-2023 13:43

Yeah, not worried about getting from the US, just some brands and types aren't available here. That Makita set looks fine except for only one flat head. The Irwin gets horrible reviews FYI

cshwone

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#3018178 7-Jan-2023 13:43

I am still using a 15 year old DeWalt set of screw bits I bought from a Home Depot in Texas. For either DeWalt or Makita, I would recommend spending some time at a local Home Depot to you on your visit to the US.

You never know what other essential items you might find, for example bare battery power tool skins :)

Jase2985

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#3018181 7-Jan-2023 13:54

i built 80 meters of fence, and drove in approximately 2000 screws (phillips and square) with irwin bits with no issues take reviews with a grain of salt.

networkn

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#3018267 7-Jan-2023 16:59

Jase2985:

i built 80 meters of fence, and drove in approximately 2000 screws (phillips and square) with irwin bits with no issues take reviews with a grain of salt.

Yeah, I went off one of the user reviews on them from the Bunnings website from an actual user who posted photos. Possible he 'did' it wrong, but I think for a few extra dollars I'd go with one of the known good name brand ones. I just need to find a set that has what I want, in one of the brands that review consistently.

richms

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#3018268 7-Jan-2023 17:01

Good luck finding anything pozidrive here now. It's gone extinct here which is great when you have a whole lot of stuff to disassemble.

Don't bother with the changeable ends with the magnetic holder they lose all the impact force in the slop between holder and bit, and none does 150mm long pozidrive impact bits here. I had to get some from Amazon since they still love that bastard screw head in the UK because they never seemed to get square drive.

Richard rich.ms

neb

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#3018272 7-Jan-2023 17:12

You didn't mention a budget, in which case: Get Wiha.

If you want to balance cost vs. quality, look on Amazon and order by number of stars of reviews, big-name brands dominate so you shouldn't have things poisoned by manipulated reviews from no-name Chinese crapvendors as is usual on Amazon. Then if they're available here get them, otherwise get them when you go to the US, probably at half the price for an quality stuff.

In any case definitely go for a known brand, not the generic grey-steel ones that you get free with a box of screws.

networkn

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#3018295 7-Jan-2023 17:46

neb: You didn't mention a budget, in which case: Get Wiha. If you want to balance cost vs. quality, look on Amazon and order by number of stars of reviews, big-name brands dominate so you shouldn't have things poisoned by manipulated reviews from no-name Chinese crapvendors as is usual on Amazon. Then if they're available here get them, otherwise get them when you go to the US, probably at half the price for an quality stuff. In any case definitely go for a known brand, not the generic grey-steel ones that you get free with a box of screws.

Wiha didn't rate as highly as some of the others. I'd looked at Klein and Wiha as brands which are harder and much more expensive to get here than in the US.

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#3018301 7-Jan-2023 18:10

k1w1k1d:

I think that the screwdriver handle grip seems to have a greater influence on screwing in by hand than the quality of the actual bit?

If you get the marshmallow ones for cordless drills they get chewed up quickly. If you get decent bits made for impact drivers they last forever.

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