Impact Bits

[scartertools]

What is the advantage of using impact bits vs. standard bits. I realize one is more for heavy duty applications...but what are the mainly used for?

Any help would be great as I'd like a good quality bit set for installing a deck

Thanks!

 

[BlindViper]

When I was working I would always pre-drill my decking screws. I could use one standard tip for a few decks. My co worker would use a tip every 100 screws along with 2-3 extra charges on the battery. That being said I have the Milwaukee phillps impact bits now and I have not broken one yet. I have a #2 square drive tip that I use for all my composite decking screws. It has driven a few thousand screws and its about due for a replacement.

 

[canuckian]

X2 on the milwaukee impact bits. Use the hell out of mine on everything from decking to putting up wall board and they're still as good as the day I bought them. Of course, I don't use mine professionally but I have spoken to a couple contractors about them and they seem to love them, especially for the price!

as to what they're used for, theyre designed to be used with a power impact driver. they seem to take the abuse better than a standard bit.

 

[jjjrmx5]

What is the advantage of using impact bits vs. standard bits. I realize one is more for heavy duty applications...but what are the mainly used for?

Since impact drivers (the small cordless types set up for 1/4" drive bits) use a hammer/anvil drive system, more stress and strain is put on bits and fasteners vs. using a standard drill/driver.

What that means is using impact centric bits are often designed and manufactured to take the excessive beating the impact creates.

When doing light duty work with my cordless impact, standard Wiha non-impact bits work fine.Get into the heavy duty stuff and the Earthquake bits do seem to hold up longer .

I bough the Milwaukee Earthquake Impact set at my local Home Depot per a few poster here and have been happy for the price.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002KKBBT2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Per the mfgr;

From the Manufacturer
Milwaukee Shockwave impact duty accessories are manufactured with custom engineered steel and heat treated for high shock resistance. This set’s compression-forged tips provide an ideal fit with reduced breakage. The shock zone geometry is designed to flex with spring-like action and reduces stress at the tip. The tip types include Phillips, Torx, square, and nut drivers, with multiple tip sizes, and 1- and 2-inch sizes. It comes with a storage case.

Product Description
Milwaukee's Shockwave Impact Duty driver bits feature an innovative geometric shock absorption zone that extends life up to 10X longer than standard driver bits. A forged tip secures grip to eliminate stripping or slipping. The tip types include Phillips, Torx, square, and nut drivers, with multiple tip sizes, and 1- and 2-inch sizes. It comes with a storage case.

If doing only a few screws, I don;t pre-drill. If doing a whole deck or frame out, I do pre-drill as while it may be a little more time consuming, it does save tool wear. If your work is the "rush" type or "getter done" type, then YMMV.

 

[scartertools]

Thanks guys! I'll try the Shockwave, and see how they handle

 

[Monte]

 

[AutomatiquE]

Monte, does this Impaktor exists in 5/16 ?

 

[Monte]

no, only in 1/4" drive

 

[bmcdowell40]

I bought 1 philips impact bit when I bought my cordless impact and it has hardly a scratch on it after hundreds of screws. I used a regular bit the other day for about 8 screws and its nearly destroyed. I only used it because I needed a longer bit.

IMO, the impact rated bits are well worth buying. They'll save you alot of frustration.

 

[AutomatiquE]

no, only in 1/4" drive

Thanks.

 

[metal1313]

i have broken 1 milwaukee impact bit. i was running a 4in deck screw into a 2x and 6x6 post and the contact wing on the bit snapped off. changed bits and not an issue. i think it was just a bad bit since it was pretty new and i wasnt pushing it hard, only had 1/2in of the screw into wood

 

[billymade]

If you want impact industrial grade bits; go with these brands.... used in aerospace and the manufacturing sector... the heat treatment and multiple strength grades they sell; are in a different league to normal bits you find in the consumer level brands.

Apex:
http://www.cooperpowertools.com/brands/fastening/index.cfm

Zephyr tools: (oem for snapon)
http://zephyrtools.com/

 

[ncfh]

I wasn't too happy with shockwave bits.

The tips snapped off in the fastener heads. One after another, after another.

Curious, I chucked one in a hand driver and attempted to tighten a small 10-24 stainless screw in 1100 series aluminum. The tip cracked off with very little force applied.

 

[Coach James]

That's the biggest impact bit I have ever seen. Is the driver for it on wheels?

Coach

 

[Monte]

That's the biggest impact bit I have ever seen. Is the driver for it on wheels?

Coach

you can attach it here: