1/4" Hex Drill Driver "kits"

[Rex_A_Lott]

I recently bought a 1/4" impact driver, and so I thought I'd try to organize the various bits into one place, preferably something I could carry around with the tool.
I started gathering up what I had, and found that through the years I have a lot of duplication, but nothing I have has everything very organized.
Some screwdriver, some nutdriver, some drill bits, some square drive adapters...what I have seems to be a jumbled up mess.
Just curious if you have a favorite "kit", whether its something store-bought or if its just a good way of organizing this stuff you came up with yourself.
Pics are good for us all.

 

[MFolks]

The DeWalt company seems to have a nice selection of bits & drivers in those yellow clamshell cases, and Milwaukee in the red cases are similar. Depending on if your needs,some are impact related, to resist breaking.

 

[four.cycle]

me too. I went looking for something that would hold all the various 1/4" hex bits I've acquired and the options seem to be limited unless I want to buy a whole mess of bits that I already own.

so... where to go if a guy just wants something to hold the bits and keep them organized?

 

[ishiboo]

I have so many 1/4 bits all over the place, it isn't even funny. My go-to is now a Milwaukee set, $19.9x in store. It has a decent selection.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauke...-and-Driver-Set-45-Piece-48-32-4009/206145273

In my roller and my hand toolbox, I have some of these guys to organize:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00SWRDU5A/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[homebuilt burner]

I have the same problem. One thing that solved one problem is a multiple bit holder from Wahi or is it Wiha it only holds about 5 or 6 bits but it locks them in so they can't fall out. I carry it in my tool belt it keeps the common stuff together. As far as bit sets if I see one on sale I usually pick it up so I have a lot of different "sets" but none complete.

 

[66HertzClone]

I keep looking at the mess that I've accumulated and trying to figure out what to do with them. I like this unit, it will hold a lot of bits and allow me to arrange them in many different configurations.

 

[ratdoggy]

I keep looking at the mess that I've accumulated and trying to figure out what to do with them. I like this unit, it will hold a lot of bits and allow me to arrange them in many different configurations.

That appeals to my minor case of OCD...
How much and where?

 

[ratdoggy]

Damn i didn't see the linkie!!!
How do you do that with the description?

 

[four.cycle]

^ that one measures 7-1/2″ x 11″

I was hoping I might be able to find something along this line:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-100-Pc-...869423?hash=item3d111933ef:g:0n8AAOSwxN5WY~IK

something a bit more compact that will hold a mess of bits.
I need a hundred Chinese driver bits like I need another hole in my head, and the holder alone certainly isn't worth $30.

the little vinyl things that hold 5 or 6 bits are fine, but I'd have to use a dozen of them.

 

[jgreen-fsi]

For the shop I have been using the Lee Valley organizer, but it's not very portable. When I need to take an assortment, I have been using the C-man $12.99 kit with the red box thats always on sale. It has two see thru compartments which allow various additions.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-100-piece-accessory-kit/p-00931639000P?adcell=DealHeist_New

 

[nine4gmc]

Damn i didn't see the linkie!!!
How do you do that with the description?

How did he make the word a link? With the hyperlink button on the reply page, right below the smilie that's shaped like the earth with a link of chain below it.

 

[MFolks]

Home Depot sells the yellow clamshell boxes with nothing inside. I forget the price.

 

[wolf_from_wv]

I would like to find a way to carry the longer bits, too...

 

[jd_1138]

I usually just buy whatever set is on sale -- Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWalt, etc.. They come with their own cases that snap shut and then I throw them in my contractor bag. It's important to put the bits back in their spots so that you can find them easily next time you need them. Or if I'm in a hurry I just put them in the cases loose and organize later.

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

The DeWalt company seems to have a nice selection of bits & drivers in those yellow clamshell cases, and Milwaukee in the red cases are similar. Depending on if your needs,some are impact related, to resist breaking.

Funny you should mention these....I actually held both of these in my hands this morning, and are a perfect example of what I mean...lots of the same stuff in both, but some nice differences. To get all the bits, you'd have to buy both, but lots of overlap.
Thanks for the comment

 

[fivespdcat]

I have the same issues, bits everywhere. They're in my toolbox, bags, plastic cases, etc. I just could never figure out why the tool case designers didn't design a place to put a bit carrier from the same brand inside the case. Such a simple thing, but alas only a dream.

 

[abvw]

Funny you should mention these....I actually held both of these in my hands this morning, and are a perfect example of what I mean...lots of the same stuff in both, but some nice differences. To get all the bits, you'd have to buy both, but lots of overlap.
Thanks for the comment

Treat them as consumables, they will eventually wear out or break off on an impact driver. Does not hurt to have back ups.

 

[jd_1138]

Milwaukee sells these little packs of driver bits -- Phillips, Torx, etc.. Easy to find the size you need since they're labeled. I think some plastic bins with cubby holes for each size would be a nice solution.

 

[orca8589]

Years ago I bought an empty Brownell's (Gunsmithing Supplier) Magna-Tip Box and Tray for all my loose bits. The box only is around $15.-$20., buying the Brownell's bit kits can run over $100. Their handles have the closest tolerances I've seen in a 1/4" hex driver handle - almost no bit wobble in the sleeve.

A friend of mine has a Chapman set, with the handle, shaft, ratchet and bits in the yellow box. Expensive at the time, but he hasn't had to replace anything yet due to breakage.

Right now I just use one of the yellow DeWalt boxes with the few bits I need.

~Chris

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

I have the same issues, bits everywhere. They're in my toolbox, bags, plastic cases, etc. I just could never figure out why the tool case designers didn't design a place to put a bit carrier from the same brand inside the case. Such a simple thing, but alas only a dream.

Ha Ha. I bought a Makita drill/driver set recently, and after I got it home I looked at the case and it has built-in storage under the lid...nice recessed compartments, and so I thought," Hey , they have sets to fit these, I should have bought one." So, I be-bopped back to the tool store to get it...only to find it doesnt exist.
Been dinking around all day to find a better solution to the mess i have.
Thanks for all the ideas

 

[FigureItOut]

Re: 1/4" Hex Drill Driver "kits"

These Wiha bit selector boxes are nice:
You can buy them empty: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000T9UL1A/?tag=atomicindus08-20
But they're just a few bucks more to get them with bits and a bit holder.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337Z using Tapatalk

 

[wolf_from_wv]

Ryobi DocKit

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-DO...t-with-Storage-Tray-56-Piece-AR2083/206121414

 

[LMS]

I keep looking at the mess that I've accumulated and trying to figure out what to do with them. I like this unit, it will hold a lot of bits and allow me to arrange them in many different configurations.

Looks like just what I need. Wonder how hard it is to insert and pull out the bits - sometimes I need a pair of pliers to do it in some of the bit holders I have....

 

[four.cycle]

I have the same issues, bits everywhere. They're in my toolbox, bags, plastic cases, etc. I just could never figure out why the tool case designers didn't design a place to put a bit carrier from the same brand inside the case. Such a simple thing, but alas only a dream.

^ this.

The black plastic 'tray' holder is pretty large, and I certainly don't have 450 bits. The wooden one wolf_from_wv posted does the job, but at the expense of space and weight.
I'll follow Mfolks suggestion and check out HomeDepot.
I am hoping I can find something lightweight, compact, that will fit into either a small metal box or a drawer.
Perhaps it's wishful thinking on my part.

 

[BK13]

I have a bunch of the different clamshell kits (Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee), plus a bunch of loose singles. I'm thinking about maybe seeing if one of the Plano 3600 or 3700 tackle boxes/organizers might be made to work....

 

[four.cycle]

possible solution just found today:



* Note from Bowers Tool: "Best used upright in a tool chest drawer, smaller bits do well mounting sideways too. However, 6in. bits are not intended for these." *

Mechanics Time Saver 8 Slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer GREEN
new NOS
$7.19 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...641697?hash=item25aa0b1021:g:WQoAAOSwgQ9VqTuR

==

Mechanics Time Saver 12 Slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer YELLOW
new NOS
$8.09 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...234428?hash=item20ff3e6bfc:g:FjgAAOSwjVVVqT8o

==

Mechanics Time Saver 1/4in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer YELLOW (ORANGE)
1 each 37-slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holders
new NOS
$16.19 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...043508?hash=item1ea187b1b4:g:IVMAAOSwjVVVqT-E

==

Mechanics Time Saver 1/4in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer RED
1 each 37-slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holders
new NOS
$17.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...512845?hash=item25b68d714d:g:jNAAAOSwFNZWvlFG

==

Mechanics Time Saver 1/4in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer BLUE
1 each 37-slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holders
new NOS
$17.99 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...557489?hash=item1eab83c131:g:AW8AAOSwKtVWvlCN

==

Mechanics Time Saver 1/4in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer Set - one RED, one BLUE
2 each 37-slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holders
new NOS
$31.10 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...557886?hash=item1eab83c2be:g:i5cAAOSwx-9WvlIN

==

Mechanics Time Saver 3pc 1/4in Magnetic Hex Bit Holder Organizer Set - one RED, one BLUE, one YELLOW
3 each 37-slot 1/4 in Magnetic Hex Bit Holders
new NOS
$42.21 incl. shipping "buy now"
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mechanics-T...563238?hash=item1eab83d7a6:g:0esAAOSwuAVWvlLp

==

also available for 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" drive sockets - search BowersTool for "Mechanics Time Saver"

made in USA

==

I ordered one earlier today to see what they're like - will follow up when it arrives.

 

[bonneyman]

four.cycle, that looks like an idea I've been stewing over. One could take those and add a belt clip, and have all the bits they need right on their hip.

 

[rshadd]

I've been looking at the PBSwiss BitBlocks for my 1/4" hex bit storage needs.

http://toollady.com/?s=bit+block&x=0&y=0


Qty Product Price
(5) 970 BitBlock $17.90
(1) 990 BitBox $10.86
6 items Subtotal: $28.76

 

[Alchymist]

I use a double sided plastic box similar to this, but compartmented differently. Long compartments for the 6" bits, small ones for the short bits, etc. Mine is hinged on alternate sides, not the same side like this one, and has pretty secure latches. Easy to get probably 100 bits in it.

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgur...0ahUKEwjB-vzS65DLAhXEMSYKHdz2CuI4ZBAzCAMoADAA

 

[Ramblin Man]

I am using this now in my cart, I got it at Lowe's this past Sunday. It is a Torin brand, $10-$12, I forgot what it exactly cost.

I am going to use it this way till/if I can think of something different.

 

[PugetDude]

I always thought something like this would be a good idea...
,22 caliber would probably hold 1/4" hex bits.

 

[four.cycle]

re: Ramblin_Man's photos: looks very similar to the MTS units I posted just above.

what I am wondering is: does the "magnetic strip" on the bottom of the unit have enough pull to keep the bits in place if the holder unit is tipped over on its side or upside-down?
or is the "magnetic strip" on the bottom only strong enough to hold the unit to the bottom of a steel drawer in a tool box?
I guess I'll have to wait for it to arrive to see. Ebay says it was shipped today.

as an aside:
pauls_workshop mentioned in the "Ebay hot deals" thread that the MTS unit I posted just above is available through Sears as well, although I did not see them when I was looking for something like this at the Tacoma Mall store - I'm guessing it's a deal you have to order through the Sears website.

 

[Ramblin Man]

re: Ramblin_Man's photos: looks very similar to the MTS units I posted just above.

what I am wondering is: does the "magnetic strip" on the bottom of the unit have enough pull to keep the bits in place if the holder unit is tipped over on its side or upside-down?
or is the "magnetic strip" on the bottom only strong enough to hold the unit to the bottom of a steel drawer in a tool box?
I guess I'll have to wait for it to arrive to see. Ebay says it was shipped today.

as an aside:
pauls_workshop mentioned in the "Ebay hot deals" thread that the MTS unit I posted just above is available through Sears as well, although I did not see them when I was looking for something like this at the Tacoma Mall store - I'm guessing it's a deal you have to order through the Sears website.

If you hold it upside down, it will hold the bits in my picture. Any shaking, and the larger ones will fall out, upside down.


Anything else I can help you with, I will. Gotta get back to work now, or I'll have to fire myself.

 

[four.cycle]

just received from Bowers Tool:



YouTube video of MTS socket organizers:

comment with photo and video:

"As for socket organizers, I keep a display set with sockets in the office. Upside down so/so but sideways I'd say pretty good considering its not their intended use. Check out that youtube link I just posted. 1/2 deep wells are the 1st to go if completely upside down. Having the magnet attached to a steel sure greatest their holding strength significantly."

 

[Dberglind]

Good portable solutions are tough to come by for complete sets. I have tried a few different things. Right now I have been considering buying 4 or 5 of these:

They are on sale at Ace until the end of the month for 5.99.

Then I would have one for Phillips bits, one for torx, one for square, etc...

They hold 10 bits with a spot for a bit holder in the spine. They are a nice size to grab and throw in your pocket. The only negative would be that they won't hold longer bits and bigger stuff like socket adapters.

 

[Mastermind]

In regards to the Mts holders, I have a couple, thought I could use them on the lid of my cart, till I hit a bump or someone touched the lid and I'm trying to find 28 bits. Even the 1 inches fall out when horizontal. I use them in a drawer now. I have a slew of dewalt kits and the empty boxes filled as grab and go kits. And a husky kit that holds the driver and all at home. And the gearwrench bit driver set, and the sunex one, and a kobalt, and....I have a crapton of screwdriver bits. And find more everyday lol.

 

[Mastermind]

For the 6" stuff, I bought a pack of a dozen permanent markers that came in a clear plastic pack with these two holders in the middle to keep them spaced in the package. Almost threw them away till I saw them sitting on my box and went hmm...

You can see them in this pic.

 

[Coach James]

I have a lot of bits in kits, but my loose ones get stored in a clear plastic Plano container. Cost me maybe $5 at Mao Mart.

Coach

 

[four.cycle]

arrived today:

MTS 37-slot magnetic 1/4" hex bit holder organizer by four.cycle, on Flickr

looks good. well made. will be getting some more of the MTS items.

(* in the photo posted with the Ebay links just above, this model appears yellow. the actual color is orange. *)

 

[Deej-79]

I'm interested in how the hold four cycle. Looks like it would fit well in my makita box.