Difference between 1/4 screwdriver "power bits" and regular?

[dungeoncrawler]

Hi all!
I am looking for some input in regard to 1/4 bits, a couple of extensions specifically. On their site, PB Swiss and most other manufacturers offer two "flavors" of screwdriver bits, which look like regular shaft with retaining grooves, and the kind for power tools with a groove for a retaining ball/ring.

Regular;

"Power";

It seems like both types of retaining mechanism are fairly interchangeable in screwdrivers, extensions and elsewhere. Could someone clue me in if one is preferable over the other and under what circumstances?

 

[pistolpete1313]

Pretty sure it has to do with being impact rated

Sent from my Pixel using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[cvairwerks]

The power ones have a bit more robust locking mechanisim.

 

[dungeoncrawler]

If the plan is to use them primarily in hand tools (screwdriver handles, t-handles, ratchets etc) with occasional power use, and the non-power is a few dollars cheaper, is there any reason to spring for a power one?

 

[hangfirew8]

The hand tool version does not lock in place. It relies on a magnet to hold it.

I've found that whenever I apply a lot of force to remove a screw, the bit stays on the screw. If I used a non-locking bit holder, it might stay too. This is a pain under a vehicle on a ladder, or when using your other hand to hold the workpiece.

For that reason I stopped buying bit holders and bits altogether (except for Chapmans for gunsmithing). I buy locking bits only. I get work done faster and safer if I can move from screw to screw without putting my tool back together between each one.

-HF

 

[jdlong]

Power bit shank is for the quick release chuck on an impact driver.

 

[ChrisLS8]

The regular will fall out of a quick release tool like an impact driver due to no lock on the shank

 

[mr.lemons]

They are adaptors. Used to adapt frictional retention chucks to magnetic retention so hex bits can be easily removed and swapped with your finger tips.

They will both fit in a conventional drill chuck.

The top one is for use with hand tools like ratchets.

The bottom one fits into quick release chucks on power screwdrivers.

As above I would not really recommend either as magnetic retention is not strong enough to hold bits IMHO.

 

[ChrisLS8]

They are adaptors. Used to adapt frictional retention chucks to magnetic retention so hex bits can be easily removed and swapped with your finger tips.

They will both fit in a conventional drill chuck.

The top one is for use with hand tools like ratchets.

The bottom one fits into quick release chucks on power screwdrivers.

As above I would not really recommend either as magnetic retention is not strong enough to hold bits IMHO.

We use magnetic in construction almost exclusively. When you go through bits that quick the 1" bits are far more economical.

 

[mr.lemons]

^^ Phillips bits? Do you not have issues with the bits getting stuck in screw heads rather than the bit holder? Was really frustrating at work (computer engineer) until we got locking bits.

 

[dungeoncrawler]

I imagine it would strongly depend on the kind of bits (Phillips, torx, etc) and how strong the magnet in the holder is?

 

[pstemari]

Re: Difference between 1/4 screwdriver "power bits" and regular?

(already said)