Need help with new bit inserts

[ChrisLS8]

I am looking for some recommendations for new PH2 bits, I can run hundreds of #8 and 10 self tappers in 12-16 guage sheet metal and studs daily.

So far I have had terrible luck with the following
Milwaukee ShockWave
DeWalt Maxfit and maximpact
Makita Gold
Irwin
Kobalt
The only ones to survive so far in better course has been Vega bits. I have ordered about 160 Zephyr ACR bits for a good case deal. I have high hopes for these as they are USA made and iirc they were rebranded by Snap On.

In the event these don't work out where should I go next? Apex?

 

[pstemari]

Montana: https://www.montanabrandtools.com/



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[DHCrocks]

I've been liking the Bosch Impact Tough bits, they have a little bit of texture so they seem to grab the screw heads better then my previous Dewalt and Milwaukee ones.

PB swiss makes some awesome bits, but they are pricey, too much to be used in a powered driver. I only use these bits in my ratcheting screwdrivers due to the cost.

 

[Wamsutta]

Both Zephyr and Apex make a reduced diameter PH2. They sink down in further and grip better on those shallow slotted washer head Phillips.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If nothing works, it's possible that the issue is your technique. Find the root cause.

 

[RoundedNut]

Philips is a bad design and I'm happy if I get 100+ screws per bit. Robertson/square last longer, 500+. Driving technique matters a lot, especially with Philips.

In the end, they are a commodity so a bit that lasts 3x longer is not good if it costs 5x as much. And really, they are a small portion of the overall cost compared to the screws and other materials.

 

[reptilezs]

how are you wearing them? if they shatter then turn your impact down or get one with a self tap mode. if they are just wearing out then the zephyr should be pretty good

 

[woody 73]

I seem to be going through a lot of older dewalt bits here of late not sure of coo ?

Any good links to buy the Zephyr bits?

 

[ChrisLS8]

They just wear out, the Vega ones aren't bad you can definitely tell the quality difference from the box store brands. Most of the time we use 5/16 hex heads and I'm trying to convince them to go to square drive screws instead of Phillips

 

[mhejl]

Any good links to buy the Zephyr bits?

A bargain - 10 for $2.50:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079Q4HHCP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[catron44]

you might want to try Hilti bits, if your home depot has hilti. I bought hilti bits a long time ago in bulk. I know I still have 1 or 2 tucked away somewhere unused, but they were by far better than anything else available at the big boxes.

I also have apex and would definitely recommend them as already mentioned above.

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[Wamsutta]

This is what a reduced diameter Phillips looks like :

 

[ChrisLS8]

So I finally put those Zephyr bits to the test and he difference is astounding. My technique has always been correct as far as I've ever been told.

I spent the whole day putting up stud blocks in 16ga steel and went the WHOLE DAY on one bit, my only gripe is they possibly grip too well as the bit was always pulling out of the magnetic bit holder and i was having to tip the gun to get em out. Gonna order a lifetimes worth now

 

[Wamsutta]

What kind of magnetic holder are you using? My Apex holder grips the bit so well that I need pliers to pull the bit out.

 

[ChrisLS8]

I'm using a Vega and Grabber, I think I need to get an Apex

 

[Fcvapor05]

Wait, you're using hex head screws and driving them with a Phillips bit?

Why on earth would you do that?

 

[LXCam]

That's good to know OP. I recently did a project that I drove hundreds of wood screws. All my Milwaukee ended up breaking and the box of 60 dewalts barely made it thru the end of the job. I was so disappointed in both.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Wait, you're using hex head screws and driving them with a Phillips bit?

Why on earth would you do that?

No I'm using Phillips bits with Phillips self tappers. We have hex heads as well but they can't be used in certain instances like for places getting drywall

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm using a Vega and Grabber, I think I need to get an Apex

Mine is the M-490-2. It has a cir-clip to retain the bit plus it's magnetic.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Mine is the M-490-2. It has a cir-clip to retain the bit plus it's magnetic.

Appreciate the tip, I'm going to order one tonight