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Best 1/4 Bits for the $$$ - Wiha?

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bulletpruf

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Fellas -

Looking for good quality 1/4" bits for my ratcheting screwdriver. I have some Craftsman bits now, but not a very large assortment. I'm looking for a good assortment for around $50, but can go a little more for the right set. Focused on quality, not quantity.

Here are a few that I'm looking at -

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002S0O7W2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000T9ZRVE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I know Wera makes nice bits, too, but they seem to be a bit (no pun intended) more expensive than Wiha.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

Scott
 
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nicksnothereman

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bulletpruf said:
Fellas -

Looking for good quality 1/4" bits for my ratcheting screwdriver. I have some Craftsman bits now, but not a very large assortment. I'm looking for a good assortment for around $50, but can go a little more for the right set. Focused on quality, not quantity.

Here are a few that I'm looking at -

I know Wera makes nice bits, too, but they seem to be a bit (no pun intended) more expensive than Wiha.

Curious to hear your thoughts.

Thanks!

Scott
Click to expand...

Wera (or snap on?) for quality unless you get the titanium wiha (think they sell them), if you spend this kind of money get something coated. I consider bits consumable, your craftsman bits are probably fine (I think the chinese ones are rebranded from ryobi or milwaukee sets). You could try impact or titanium coated bits if you want longer lasting bits.

I see the makita ones in store that look pretty fancy (not that pricey though) but for bits (when I do use them) it's usually bosch, dewalt, kobalt, or even the hdx brands because I get them cheap enough that performance doesn't really matter to me. The only bit I actually recommend is the p2r2 bosch titanium bits if you can find them; I'm not a bosch fan but those are awesome bits for p2.
 
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jjjrmx5

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If you're riding around in Up-Armoured Humvees, I can guarantee most of them saw Wiha bits used on them at some point in time during mfg. :)


Wiha bits for me all day long. If used lightly, they last years.
On the other side they are cost-effective enough to be meet mfg. floor standards and when worn be a toss and replace item.

As for S-O, some dealers replace them as wear items, others do not.
Those are Zephyr made bits. Very capable, but not cost effecive for mfg use.
 
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SASORacing

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I think the gold ones at popular stores are good enough, buy several of each size and when the gold wears off toss it. If you spend more money you will get something that lasts maybe %15 longer. It's not ever going to be a drastic difference except in endurance. TheM bits are simple stupid and these days the best design is adopted by popular manufacturers such as Makita, dewalt, etc...
 
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bulletpruf

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Ok, I got the Wiha 31 piece set from Amazon for $37, with free shipping. Cheapest price on eBay was about $50 or so.

Thanks for all the input.

Scott
 
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Monte

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024a8zrs3g71q.jpg
 
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Danglerb

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Monte I could look at your tool pics all day long.

I've bought a bunch of "Nice" bits, but what I use are the ones in the HF 100 security bit sets that go on sale for $8. Never broke one, any issues I toss the bit, no hesitation using a hammer to seat the bit in a hinky fastener.

Any fastener that is "real" stuck, I use the impact driver on.
 
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d.mcfarland

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Danglerb said:
Monte I could look at your tool pics all day long.

I've bought a bunch of "Nice" bits, but what I use are the ones in the HF 100 security bit sets that go on sale for $8. Never broke one, any issues I toss the bit, no hesitation using a hammer to seat the bit in a hinky fastener.

Any fastener that is "real" stuck, I use the impact driver on.
Click to expand...

Ditto. For best results grab 2 sets and you will likely have everything you need and two of each at a minimum.

If you find yourself needing certain ones more and more often, get Snap On ones that are warrantied for use.
 
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davethorik

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I understand the throwaway bit use, I bought one of the China made sets that has everything in it and it is handy around the house.

However...I do use Torx T8, T10, T15, and T20 a lot at work, all indexable cutters have inserts held with screws that are Torx.

I can tell the difference between the cheap Torx and more expensive. The cheaper ones always strip out or get bent flutes. Or they strip the screw...maybe poor fit?

I bought a couple of the Williams ratcheting screwdrivers and the bits they come with are Snap-On (rebranded Zephyr) and they really are better than the Craftsman, Harbor Freight, etc. I have also used Wiha and Wera with good results, as well as a few random Apex I have found.
 
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SantaAna12

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"Monte I could look at your tool pics all day long."

+1.

Best price around on Apex anyone?
 
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mikebaker1129

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I recently went through this same dilemma. I wanted quality over price and I emailed Zephyr about a bit set and was replied to from someone at Omega technologies.
I ordered the ZBB4 set from omega and made by Zephyr.
31 piece set in a nice red metal box .
This screams quality and they are the same bits included in the Williams/ Snapon ratcheting screwdrivers.
These were a steal at $28 something +shipping.they do require a $50 order.
These were 2 weeks out,but were worth the wait.
 
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gs8212

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Just finished my deck this summer and used the t15, t20, and star bits that come included inside the boxes of screws. I guess i assumed the sets of Milwaukee or Dewalt bits were just a larger collection of the **** I got with the screws and found myself asking why I'd want to buy a whole set of them. So am i correct that these bits that came with the screws are **** compared to what u are discussing?
 
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rrich1

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gs8212 said:
Just finished my deck this summer and used the t15, t20, and star bits that come included inside the boxes of screws. I guess i assumed the sets of Milwaukee or Dewalt bits were just a larger collection of the **** I got with the screws and found myself asking why I'd want to buy a whole set of them. So am i correct that these bits that came with the screws are **** compared to what u are discussing?
Click to expand...
Very much so. I use a Bosch set and know they are better than what came in the box. I too built a deck in the spring so I know from experience. [emoji19]

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hautpot

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When I was deciding on bits, one criteria that I had was that they had to have a coating or surface treatment. I do not like corroded bits.
 
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gs8212

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Based on what you guys are saying i just bought a clearance pack of Dewalt drivers and bits at Lowe's. $24 for a 100 combination set. Not sure if it was a GREAT deal, but seemed like a value for DIY.

c7b766dd209a7538f449bb9f96fd25cb.jpg

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cheechi

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To me the issue with bits is, they are tooling. They are going to wear and need replacement. Buying the best quality tooling that will last as long as a middle price/quality tooling is not cost effective. So the best for the money is usually going to be both the best and worst acceptable quality of the item you are talking about. 'Cost per x' determines best for the money. If a bit lasts twice as long and costs thrice the price it's not the best for the money than the next you compare is it?

For common sizes like P2, T15, 1/4" slot, buy a lot of the cheapest 'good' you can. For me this is the Dewalts you can get at every store. Buy them when they are on sale/clearance after holidays. I have 3-4 sets of shockwave bits, I gave away two full sets of the dewalts to my brothers (I made mix and match sets and left out the junk) and I know for all those sets I paid under $30 total and got hundreds of bits, some sizes I won't use and others in the quantity I need for common bits.

If having a 'complete set' is your thing, any of the ones linked here are likely going to last your lifetime. I have a mix of Zephyr, Apex, Wiha 'good bits' that I don't use every day but are my go to for stuck or stubborn screws and bolts. The Torx especially really like a good hand driver or a good quality bit in a drill. Of all the fasteners I work with Torx are the least forgiving for cheap bits.
 
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d.mcfarland

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cheechi said:
To me the issue with bits is, they are tooling. They are going to wear and need replacement.
Click to expand...

Agreed. Although it seems like everyone wants to hang onto bits/screwdrivers way past when they are worn out. Everybody's dad has that beat to hell Craftsman P2 screwdriver somewhere.
 
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