Wanted: Ultimate Hex Bit Quick Change Extension

[Bolster]

I want a really good 1/4-inch hex bit quick change extension for my drill/driver. Doesn't have to be long, but I want a "premium" one that is well designed. Not happy with my Irwin. It takes too much time, concentration, and hands to change bits.

Not looking for a QCE that relies on magnetism alone, I want a collar that locks it into place. Neither can it be FAT.

I have heard of QCEs where the collar stays popped out during a bit change, so you just jam in the next bit, the collar pops into place automatically, and you're good to go. Have never found one like that, wish I could.

 

[nordstar]

I too am after one, I have been looking at the Wiha one: Link.

 

[Crawlin]

I have a milwaukee, that came in a case with some other bits, just played with it, never used it yet though. It "seems" nice though.

 

[Bolster]

Yes! Yes, Wiha! That's what I want, ONE HANDED bit changes. Oh man that would make my life easier!

What is the difference between ClicFix and CentroFix, exactly?

 

[nordstar]

Other than price, the only thing I see is that they mention that the Centrofix is intended for use with power bits and drill bits. It might just be built stronger to handle high torque and can reduce tool wobble when using a drill bit.

 

[Bolster]

Maybe the Centrofix has a tightening action to it. I thought I saw a very pricey PB Swiss tool that promised something similar. Here it is:

http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/item...for-precision-bits-c6-1-4-/pn-2662?&forward=1

Sooo... are you gonna get one of those Wihas?

 

[Danglerb]

Hard to tell from discriptions, somebody needs to buy some. The first one sounds like it hold smooth sided things, like drills, not just bits with the detent.

1/4" Extreme Precision
Holding With
Quick Release
For Power Bits
71480 2.4" Long (60mm)High Precision, Low Run Out
Fast Production Quick Release Bit Holder
Fits Standard 1/4" Hex Drive Shank Tools
Ideal For Power Tool Applications
$19.98


1/4" Locking With
Quick Release
For Insert Bits
71490 2.4" Long (60mm)Quick Release 1/4" Bit Holder
For Standard Insert bits - ClicFix Style
$11.60
71491 2.9" Long Quick Release 1/4" Bit Holder
For Standard Insert bits - ClicFix Style
$15.00


1/4"
Auto Lock Insert,
Spring Bit Ejection
For Insert Bits
171470 2.4" Long(60mm) Magnetic Auto-Lock Bit Holder
With Quick Insert & Spring Loaded Bit Ejection
Accepts All 1/4" Drive Insert & Power Bits
$10.98

 

[eschoendorff]

Hard to tell from discriptions, somebody needs to buy some. The first one sounds like it hold smooth sided things, like drills, not just bits with the detent.

1/4" Extreme Precision
Holding With
Quick Release
For Power Bits
71480 2.4" Long (60mm)High Precision, Low Run Out
Fast Production Quick Release Bit Holder
Fits Standard 1/4" Hex Drive Shank Tools
Ideal For Power Tool Applications
$19.98


1/4" Locking With
Quick Release
For Insert Bits
71490 2.4" Long (60mm)Quick Release 1/4" Bit Holder
For Standard Insert bits - ClicFix Style
$11.60
71491 2.9" Long Quick Release 1/4" Bit Holder
For Standard Insert bits - ClicFix Style
$15.00


1/4"
Auto Lock Insert,
Spring Bit Ejection
For Insert Bits
171470 2.4" Long(60mm) Magnetic Auto-Lock Bit Holder
With Quick Insert & Spring Loaded Bit Ejection
Accepts All 1/4" Drive Insert & Power Bits
$10.98

Buy one of each and try them all! Hell, it's not like you're blowing $400 on a stainless steel socket set....

 

[gotmud13613]

For the Wiha

My #71490 bit holder going on a year old or so and it works just like it did new. The locking feature is great, dont have to worry about the bit falling out, especially when your on a laddder or even in the garage.

The only downside to it is you have to make sure when you buy replacement bits that they have the indentation in the middle of the bit to be able to lock.

Plus it is also tiny coompared to other bit holders I have tried, easier to use in tighter spots.

 

[nordstar]

Cool thanks for the info Gotmud I will be searching out a the best price today and should be ordering one this week. I am sure Bolster will do the same.

 

[zuspiel]

I have the Wiha RapidFix which seems to be the predecessor of the CentroFix. Will hold short bits but they are a bit too deep in there for my liking... However, the holder is awesome. When it's locked, there is NO wobble whatsoever. Alignment is great. Changes are super simple and one-handed.

I don't know about the clickfix, maybe looser tolerances or something...

 

[Danglerb]

Maybe the Centrofix has a tightening action to it. I thought I saw a very pricey PB Swiss tool that promised something similar. Here it is:

http://pbtoolsus.thomasnet.com/item...for-precision-bits-c6-1-4-/pn-2662?&forward=1

Sooo... are you gonna get one of those Wihas?

Apex has a holder that looks very much like that one.

 

[Bolster]

I have the Wiha RapidFix which seems to be the predecessor of the CentroFix. Will hold short bits but they are a bit too deep in there for my liking... However, the holder is awesome. When it's locked, there is NO wobble whatsoever. Alignment is great. Changes are super simple and one-handed.

Zuspiel, I think that's what I needed to know. I only use the longer hex bits with grooved shanks like these drill bits shown below (I'm not saying I only use drills, I'm talking about the shank) :

I do not use the short bits with the short indented shanks like this:

...so from what you are saying, I think the CentroFix will be good for the longer bits. Do you agree?

(PS: I wish I knew what these different types of bits are called. Does anybody know what you call the long shank grooved vs the short shank type?)

 

[zuspiel]

Yep, works really nice for the longer bits. I'll check tonight though about groove vs. no groove and post up some pics. I don't know off the top of my head what the ones I use look like...

 

[zuspiel]

Ok, here we go... It holds all of these types securely. To change bits, you pull the collar forward, it unlocks and STAYS there. Insert new bit, pull collar back, locked. Super easy one-handed bit changes. Hope this helps...

 

[Bolster]

Zuspiel, that's my huckleberry... as Doc Holliday would say.

Many thanks for the info.

 

[zuspiel]

You're welcome!

 

[Bolster]

I was checking CTB for stock on the Wiha, and got an interesting email reply. They have the Wiha, but they said:

"most people that try both brands [meaning Wiha] greatly prefer WERA."

This one is for impact drivers.

I guess this is what they are talking about. Have not been able to determine if it allows one handed changes or not...

 

[zuspiel]

Interesting! Anyone ever use a Wera one? I'd also be curious how they compare...

 

[FNFS2000]

you can't beat WERA holders!

 

[zuspiel]

Care to elaborate a bit?

 

[NSXSOON]

Here is a link to an EBay seller that has a reasonable price for the Wiha RapidFix bit holder that Zuspiel did the great review on:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=250289748679

I just bought one to give it a try.

 

[zuspiel]

Thanks!

I don't think you'll be disappointed. That's the first holder I have where whatever you put in it doesn't wiggle/wobble/move...

380SL as in Merc? I still remember when my family took a trip to Stuttgart to pick up our 380SE. First new car I ever rode in. We got that sometime around 82 or 83 and my dad drove it until the late 90s.

 

[64merc]

Thanks for the pics Zuspiel. I'm tempted to buy one of these since having bits pull out really bugs me. I've tried a few different cheapy ones and they are ok, but I wouldn't mind haven't a quality bit holder.

 

[zuspiel]

You're welcome.

I've tried numerous cheapies (dewalt, cman, noname, etc.) While I haven't had issues with bits pulling out, the wobble is what got to me. It's not so much an issue with phillips bits but the slotted ones are hard enough to keep on the screw even without any wobble... Plus, the quick change drill bits actually rotate in place, as they should...

 

[64merc]

You're welcome.

I've tried numerous cheapies (dewalt, cman, noname, etc.) While I haven't had issues with bits pulling out, the wobble is what got to me. It's not so much an issue with phillips bits but the slotted ones are hard enough to keep on the screw even without any wobble... Plus, the quick change drill bits actually rotate in place, as they should...

That's a good point. I had forgotten about the wobble factor. I did find one noname bit holder that was very secure and didn't wobble. The problem was that you had to screw part of it down over the top of the bit, making it a major pain in the **** to swap bits. On top of that the bits were hard to get back out.

 

[Bolster]

Found it!!

Found my "ultimate" bit holder...after much research...the Wera Tools Rapidaptor Universal Bit Holder.

- Small in length and diameter.
- One handed bit changes.
- Push sleeve forward to unlock a bit, then pluck out the bit, one fast smooth motion.
- Just push a new bit in, it locks.
- The holder sleeve does not need to stay forward in order to accept a new bit. If you accidentally push the holder sleeve rearward while the holder is empty, it still accepts and locks in the new bit. I don't know how they engineered that, but it's sweet.
- You can hold the bit holder (by the black/green composite portion) while drilling...it spins freely.
- No sloppy tolerances.

All my other bit holders now headed toward the trash bin.

Note: Wera offers a version of this for impact drivers, it is longer. The one shown is for drill/driver use without impact.

 

[JayL]

I did not want to repeat Bolster's exercise so I went directly for the Wera Rapidaptor.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000X1R26Q/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I did not go with the kit with bits because not all those included will be useful for me.

Any recommendations on good P2 and PZ2 bits to use on this Wera Rapidator which will be fitted on a Bosch PS21 drill driver. Would it work ok with the Bosch PS41 Impact driver too or do I need to get another Rapidator model for it.

Thanks

 

[Monte]

For impact drivers: Wera Impaktor

http://wera.de/wera-tv.html?&no_cache=1&L=1

 

[JayL]

For impact drivers: Wera Impaktor

http://wera.de/wera-tv.html?&no_cache=1&L=1

Are these available in the US market?

 

[t100]

what about Snap On? only $22

Stock # CTEXTSET
Name Set, Quick Change Extensions, 4 pcs.
Price** $21.60
Country Of Origin USA

 

[JML2]

I have the Wera holders (several types) and the Wiha, as well as extensions from Titan.

The absolute best holder I've found for powerbits is the new Wiha 71480 CentroFix. It holds insert bits and powerbits, and there's NO wobble at all. This is the new version, with a grey sleeve. The previous blue version RapidFix holds only powerbits. The red Clicfix holds only insert bits.

The Wiha holders (all three versions) hold the bit so securely in the collet sleeve that there's no additional runout. Although the Wera universal bit holders are great for manual screwdrivers (I must have about 10 of their various bit-holding screwdrivers, ratcheting, extending, micro-sized, etc.), they do not hold powerbits without allowing for some movement/wobble.

More discussion of holders is found here.

 

[z28snksknr]

Re: Found it!!

I just ordered one of these from Amazon ($20.75 + free shipping). It's not a drill bit holder, but it has the same mechanism for holding the bits. It should get to me today or tomorrow. I'll try to post pics and a mini review if I remember:

 

[Monte]

Are these available in the US market?

not yet.....but soon...

 

[filtered]

I've used a Wera Rapidaptor in my Dewalt 14.4v impact with no problems. I have chewed up some bits doing it, but they were cheap no name bits.

 

[Jeff]

x3 for Wera

I started with the Wiha adapter and found that it will 'stick' if using a non-Wiha bit. I ordered the Wera and it is truly one-handed and no sticking issues.

Wera Hexagon 889/4 R Standard Rapidaptor, Universal Bit Holder 1/4"

 

[Monte]

Are these available in the US market?

yes

http://chadstoolbox.com/impaktor.aspx

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/CP90ouEW11o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[BlindViper]

For really long extensions I use the irwin ones I have one 12" and two 6" ones. For the smaller bits I use a 3 inch bit holder. However I use a piece of plastic from a plastic and jam it the between the bit and the holder. It takes a pair of pliers to remove the bit. For each bit I use I have one "loaded" bit holder. I have tried alot of those "locking" small bit holders. I find that they don't hold up to my 1/4" makita impact driver.

 

[that might work]

I want a really good 1/4-inch hex bit quick change extension for my drill/driver. Doesn't have to be long, but I want a "premium" one that is well designed. Not happy with my Irwin. It takes too much time, concentration, and hands to change bits.

Not looking for a QCE that relies on magnetism alone, I want a collar that locks it into place. Neither can it be FAT.

I have heard of QCEs where the collar stays popped out during a bit change, so you just jam in the next bit, the collar pops into place automatically, and you're good to go. Have never found one like that, wish I could.

I want a really good 1/4-inch hex bit quick change extension for my drill/driver. Doesn't have to be long, but I want a "premium" one that is well designed. Not happy with my Irwin. It takes too much time, concentration, and hands to change bits.

Not looking for es on magnetism alone, I want a collar that locks it into place. Neither can it be FAT.

I have heard of QCEs where the collar stays popped out during a bit change, so you just jam in the next bit, the collar pops into place automatically, and you're good to go. Have never found one like that, wish I could.

Hi Bolster
15 years on, just ran across your post.
I have another suggestion. Propoint brand. 6", 12", 18" 'locking' extensions.
Description for the short one is :
6 in. Hex Bit Extension
SKU:8319964
Princess Auto - to the North.
Added benefit is it has a spinning sleeve on the extension. You can guide / brace as you drill or use a driver adapter.
Very secure lock. I recently drilled horizontally in a finished wall to add an extra electrical outlet further along the wall.
Safety first - no wiring or piping in the wall.
Used a spade bit, just kept adding extensions until I popped through at the cutout for the new electrical box. Almost 2 feet over.
And no problem retreating in reverse. No pull aparts and lost tools.
Good quality.
I am familiar with Wera and Wiha.

 

[Grokew]

I want a really good 1/4-inch hex bit quick change extension for my drill/driver. Doesn't have to be long, but I want a "premium" one that is well designed. Not happy with my Irwin. It takes too much time, concentration, and hands to change bits.

Not looking for a QCE that relies on magnetism alone, I want a collar that locks it into place. Neither can it be FAT.

I have heard of QCEs where the collar stays popped out during a bit change, so you just jam in the next bit, the collar pops into place automatically, and you're good to go. Have never found one like that, wish I could.

View attachment 2092572

I like the Bosch/Diablo/Insty-bit/malco quick change extensions, they have almost no wobble, the bits are held by 3 bbs. They are not magnetic at all.