1/4" hex drive bit sets - can't find what I want!

[metalmagpie]

I have a decent quality (Taiwan) bit set from 1988 in a blue blow-molded case, hinges and latches long since busted. It's a very nice assortment. Several sizes each of Phillips and straight, hex drive and Torx, integral sockets, drills and a few miscellaneous bits like the magnetic extension and the deburring bit. No "security bits". I think those security bit sets started showing up around 1990.

Today all I can find are large sets which mostly consist of the same old tired set of security bits. I got a set of those back in the '90s and I think I used one once. As far as I'm concerned they are just included to flesh out the size of the set. What bothers me is that they have displaced the nice variety of the older sets.

I don't spend hours poring over cheap tool sites and/or catalogs anymore. I just thought I'd ask if anyone knows of a set like I'm looking for. Price isn't really the object, although I do love a bargain.

Thanks for reading,

metalmagpie

 

[four.cycle]

This is a great price on this Vessel set. - Shipping is extra from Harry Epstein, so fill your cart! Check the "close out" section.

Not sure if that's what you're looking for.
Least expensive set right now is a 30-or-so-piece set from Harbor Freight for $6 bucks. Probably made out of cheese, but probably good for at least two or three screws (provided they're not TORX.)

 

[mishkaya]

I have been satisfied with the sets from tekton:
https://www.tekton.com/screwdrivers/bit-sets

 

[KnurledNut]

By "integral sockets" do you mean nutsetters? What range of sizes? And are you looking for hex shank drills?

 

[mikey03]

Security bits change every year or two to some different style because once everyone has the bits they aren’t really security anymore tbh

at one point in time regular old torx was prob a form of a security screw

I would say buy a set of security bits off amazon and then add to it with more each year as needed when they invent new ones

 

[ChevyEFI]

Find a case that suits you. And has most bits you need. With room to replace some duplicates with some preferred "others."

Bosch impact-tough sets have some cases with 8 rows of 8? each, a metal rod hinge, a small plastic box for loose stuff, and you can fit a 6" extension next to the hinge easily. They're widely available (Lowes) and new rows of bits, or other hex bits fit and arrange reasonably. I shoved some other sockets and extensions in them. I have 3 and if I take 2 with me, I am pretty set.

They are not a "full range every size" solution. They are good coverage for most construction use bits.

Going out and shopping now seems ike a bad idea, but it will give you ideas.

 

[Ohio Andy]

ZMS-30 29pc Hex Insert Bit Set — Zephyr Tool Group

Contents: Phillips - P1, P2, P3. Slotted - 3F-4R, 4F-5R, 6F-8R, 8F-1 OR, 1 OF-12R. Torx® - T10, T15, T20, T25, T30, T40. Hex - 5/64", 3/32", 1 /8", 5/32", 3/16". Square - No. O, No. 1, No. 2, No. 3. Clutch - 1 /8", 5/32". 2 ¼" long magnetic bit holder. Mag

zephyrtoolgroup.com

Reasonable set I think.

I like the Chapman, but very specific in their uses

Speciality Screwdriver Sets Made in the USA by Chapman Manufacturing

Chapman MFG - Made in the USA for over 80 years, Chapman provides a variety of screwdriver sets for industrial assembly, maintenance, home repairs, and more. From our famous mini ratchet to our Master set, you will surely find the right fit for your precision job!

chapmanmfg.com

I like this set, no idea how the bits will hooks up

https://www.harborfreight.com/locking-flex-head-ratchet-and-bit-set-35-piece-58074.html

Falcom has a similar more expensive set.

You can be very specific and build out a PB swiss set.

As another poster stated, Tekton is decent.

If you really want it with but I'm a handle, look at megapro, PB swiss, Williams, SK, even craftsman has some things that might meet your needs.

And if you are in the middle of Ohio, stop by and check make of these in person.

 

[metalmagpie]

I'll post a picture of my old set. Just not right now.
I want every bit to have a long shank with circular indent so it can lock into an impact driver.
What I meant by integral sockets are better called nut drivers.
Yes, the set should/could have a basic set of drills with 1/4" hex drive. Quality counts here.

Thanks for the replies!

metalmagpie

 

[svtride]

I'll post a picture of my old set. Just not right now.
I want every bit to have a long shank with circular indent so it can lock into an impact driver.
What I meant by integral sockets are better called nut drivers.
Yes, the set should/could have a basic set of drills with 1/4" hex drive. Quality counts here.

Thanks for the replies!

metalmagpie

Not long shank but very high quality…I just bought this full set (line by line) during their Black Friday sale….took some of the sting out of their normal pricing..Integral magnetic retainer
https://www.pbswisstools.com/en/tools/quality-hand-tools/precisionbits/product/pb-e6-200-m

 

[KnurledNut]

I feel your pain. Few of these expanded master sets are premium quality and the good stuff usually comes in smaller dedicated sets. I’ll be following this thread to see the suggestions as I have never come across one that covers all the bases. Because of that, I have built my own per my needs and adapted them for functionality. Organization is great, but not at the cost of productivity. The most beautiful highest quality set in the world means nothing to me if its lacking the tools I need.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Here are some sets I like

PB Swiss 1/4" Bit Set, C6, Assorted, 30 pcs in BitBox (PB C6.790 BB)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

I'm own a version of this one that also has longer bits in the top but last I checked drpd does not sell that particular set

PB Swiss 1/4" Bit Set, C6, Assorted, 80 pcs in ToolBox (PB C6.791 TB)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, Wera, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, Ebisu, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

I have this set also, for sure don't use it with impact tools

132-PC RPT Multi-Bit Driver Set

Experience superior torque with our RPT Multi-Bit Driver Set - 132 Pieces at Grip Edge Tools. Boost your efficiency today! Ideal for any toolbox.

www.gripedgetools.com

And the grip edge has features that allow it to pull strip fasteners. So if you look at the profile of the hex drivers, it's not exactly hex.

I think Mac tool sells a version of this

If you're a fan of Sunnex, this has a mixture of 1 in and 2-in bits that is set up to be used, which means that they have duplicates of certain sizes. For example 5ph15ph23ph3 and the 1-in variety and then in the 2-in variety they have two ph13. Same for pozi.

SUNEX TOOLS 9729 Master Bit Set, 208-Piece

Amazon.com

 

[rust in the eye]

"I want every bit to have a long shank with circular indent so it can lock into an impact driver."

If you amend your search to 2" power hex bits you might find something to suit you.
Sounds like you may already have the bits you want but the failed blow molded case is the bigger issue. If so knurled nut seems to have a nice storage solution with the Milwaukee soft case.
@ KnurledNut; I just tried finding that soft case you are using for myself, no dice, everything I see is "packout" hard cases. Yours looks to have a few miles on it so I think NLA but if you could point me to one I'd be grateful.

 

[Ohio Andy]

If you amend your search to 2" power hex bits you might find something to suit you.
Sounds like you may already have the bits you want but the failed blow molded case is the bigger issue. If so knurled nut seems to have a nice storage solution with the Milwaukee soft case.
@ KnurledNut; I just tried finding that soft case you are using for myself, no dice, everything I see is "packout" hard cases. Yours looks to have a few miles on it so I think NLA but if you could point me to one I'd be grateful.

Drpd sells the cases and the bit holders that go in the cases individually. So if you have the bits you could just build out your own set.

I believe that Tekton also sells most holders but not the cases.

Bit rail

PB Swiss BitBlock for 1/4" Bits (PB 971.C6 and E6 CN)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Box

PB Swiss BitBox for 1/4" BitBlock (PB 973.BitBox)

Shop the world's finest tools from elite brands like PB Swiss, nepros, KTC, KNIPEX, Ko-ken, KEIBA and more..

drpd.cc

Tekton bit rail

9-Tool 1/4 Inch Bit Rail Set, 2-Piece | TEKTON | ODB91000

The flexible rails securely grip the bits so they can't fall out, while also making it easy to remove any bit one-handed.

www.tekton.com

For years, I stored all of my bits in a nice plastic case from Craftsman and those bits held up very well. When I misplaced it, which really means I put it away after a reorganization, I purchased magnetic bit holders similar to these that you can buy anywhere. These are very nice for around the shop use.

Mayouko 3PCS 1/4" Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Rack Organizer, 129 Holes, 1/4-Inch Drill Bit Holder, 3 Racks, Magnetic Bit Holder with Magnet Base for Screwdriver Bits

https://a.co/d/67KQZ7e

If you want sets with things like ratchets, this gear wrench is pretty nice, but the packaging is not really suitable for transporting the entire set. The bits sure but the rest no.

GEARWRENCH 45 Pc. 1/4" Drive 6 Pt. Standard Slim Head Mechanics Tool Set, Metric - 81032

https://a.co/d/aMHdA4z

 

[KnurledNut]

@ KnurledNut; I just tried finding that soft case you are using for myself, no dice, everything I see is "packout" hard cases. Yours looks to have a few miles on it so I think NLA but if you could point me to one I'd be grateful.

Those were discontinued a long time ago. Definitely NLA. I'd buy another in a heartbeat if they were.

 

[metalmagpie]

This is my bit set from 1988, what's left of it. The bottom row's slot names are legible.
As you can see, every bit can be secured into an impact driver, and every slot in the box is labeled.
I have replaced many of these bits but a surprising number are original. The Taiwanese brand
was "Allied" and I bought this at Price Savers. - metalmagpie

 

[Jack Ryan]

I want every bit to have a long shank with circular indent so it can lock into an impact driver.

I'm probably just old but unless the bits are labelled "impact driver bits", I'm not using them in an impact driver. Even then, some name brands are **** and occasionally deform very slightly and get stuck in the impact driver.

Some of the PB Swiss bits listed above suggest they are impact bits but don't actually say so - and they are the wrong colour.



Chapman make some good bits but they only fit in Chapman drivers.

Jack

 

[Pinne]

Wera makes a bunch of impact rated sets that are cleanly packaged. They also offer most of their bits in a variety of lengths - I buy them as individual pieces from Chad's Tool Box or KC Tool Co. I'd consider any small bit to be a consumable for the most part, but the Weras are long lasting and their Torx / Hex have a great fit. I like that I can get many of them in ~4 lengths for different uses.

 

[KnurledNut]

Chapman make some good bits but they only fit in Chapman drivers.

The Chapman bits will somewhat work in an impact driver because the wings keep the tip proud and the friction ball gives a decent amount of retention. The 1/4 square drive adaptor sits flush, making for a clean looking short setup.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Chapman make some good bits but they only fit in Chapman drivers.

Jack

I just finished a write up on the Chapman bits. I found drivers that work with chapman bits. I will list them when I post it in the near future.

Was not aware any of them were impact rated, they do list the torque each bit can handle. Doubt it would fit an impact driver.

 

[Jack Ryan]

The Chapman bits will somewhat work in an impact driver because the wings keep the tip proud and the friction ball gives a decent amount of retention. The 1/4 square drive adaptor sits flush, making for a clean looking short setup.

Thanks, but I use the Chapman bits where I need a narrow precise fit - I'd never put them in an impact driver.

Was not aware any of them were impact rated, they do list the torque each bit can handle. Doubt it would fit an impact driver.

I don't think they are impact rated and I don't use them that way.

Jack

 

[Ohio Andy]

Thanks, but I use the Chapman bits where I need a narrow precise fit - I'd never put them in an impact driver.


I don't think they are impact rated and I don't use them that way.

Jack

Glad I am not the only person who likes Chapman bits...

I am fond of the ability to use by hand.

 

[rust in the eye]

These are links to a couple of sets from WalMart;

HART 60-Piece Impact Drill & Drive Bit Set with Modular Case - Walmart.com

Buy HART 60-Piece Impact Drill & Drive Bit Set with Modular Case at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

HART 68-Piece Impact Driver Bit Set with Storage Case, Torsion Zone - Walmart.com

Buy HART 68-Piece Impact Driver Bit Set with Storage Case, Torsion Zone at Walmart.com

www.walmart.com

 

[KnurledNut]

@metalmagpie
Sunex 9729 would be an option. Ditch the 1" inserts bits you dont need and store your drills there in one of those cheap bit organizer strips or even shadow foam.

 

[Ohio Andy]

@metalmagpie
Sunex 9729 would be an option. Ditch the 1" inserts bits you dont need and store your drills there in one of those cheap bit organizer strips or even shadow foam.

I have one of those, a nice selection of bits.

 

[BrandonV]

Security bits change every year or two to some different style because once everyone has the bits they aren’t really security anymore tbh

at one point in time regular old torx was prob a form of a security screw

I would say buy a set of security bits off amazon and then add to it with more each year as needed when they invent new ones

I pretty much replace every "security" screw I find at work with a regular old Torx or square drive replacement.

Pretty silly in 2024. Security bits probably worked pre-Internet.

 

[Tomstir]

"I want every bit to have a long shank with circular indent so it can lock into an impact driver."

If you amend your search to 2" power hex bits you might find something to suit you.
Sounds like you may already have the bits you want but the failed blow molded case is the bigger issue. If so knurled nut seems to have a nice storage solution with the Milwaukee soft case.
@ KnurledNut; I just tried finding that soft case you are using for myself, no dice, everything I see is "packout" hard cases. Yours looks to have a few miles on it so I think NLA but if you could point me to one I'd be grateful.

Those were discontinued a long time ago. Definitely NLA. I'd buy another in a heartbeat if they were.

I'm kinda looking for something similar. Not sure if the OP wanted a soft case. Looks interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/Whtkoph-Holder-Small-Drivers-22-4cmx17-7cmx4-2cm/dp/B0DJP9QFYQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[craftsman creep]

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-9729-208Piece-Master-Bit/dp/B01J7SBT7S/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Bout everything you could want here
Edit I just realized somebody else put this one in the thread

 

[KnurledNut]

I'm kinda looking for something similar. Not sure if the OP wanted a soft case. Looks interesting.

https://www.amazon.com/Whtkoph-Holder-Small-Drivers-22-4cmx17-7cmx4-2cm/dp/B0DJP9QFYQ?tag=atomicindus08-20

I grabbed one of these to try out for my mid-length bits. “Poor mans Wera”. I actually like it. Thanks for the mention.

 

[Tomstir]

Is that your setup? Looks like an ad!! Cool!

 

[KnurledNut]

Is that your setup? Looks like an ad!! Cool!

It is. I’ve been looking for a better storage method for quite some time and your suggestion seemed worth a try. This works. I started removing the screen printed bit labels. Looks better without them. Thanks.

 

[toolenthusiast]

It is. I’ve been looking for a better storage method for quite some time and your suggestion seemed worth a try. This works. I started removing the screen printed bit labels. Looks better without them. Thanks.

Do the labels come off easily and neatly? I’ve sort of resigned myself to the fact that I’m going to need to make my own set.

 

[no704]

.22 lr ammo case works good for 1/4” bits.

 

[KnurledNut]

Do the labels come off easily and neatly? I’ve sort of resigned myself to the fact that I’m going to need to make my own set.

The fabric isnt very heavy duty and I was a little too aggressive on the first section causing some abrasion, but the other three went much better. I dont recommend acetone as it will discolor. I used 91% IPA and some TLC.
I added a second picture to my post of how it looks after removing.

 

[LXCam]

I grabbed one of these to try out for my mid-length bits. “Poor mans Wera”. I actually like it. Thanks for the mention.


View attachment 2255869

After removing bit labels:
View attachment 2257286

Knurled, are those actually security bits like the symbols show?

****, I clicked on the link after I posted. Never mind

 

[KnurledNut]

Knurled, are those actually security bits like the symbols show?

****, I clicked on the link after I posted. Never mind

The case is sold empty.
But if it counts, all my SAE hex (except 1/16) are tamper resistant.