1/4 screwdriver bit storage preferences

[MiteyF]

errrr.. that Vessel kit comes with a driver adapter thingie....

am I missing something?

You mean those things that the bits fall out of, so you lose them? And add more movement to the piece as a whole? I hate those things, and only use them when I absolutely need them for some reason

 

[four.cycle]

well... that is the one that comes in the kit, and it seems to work just dandy. have you actually tried one of the Vessel units?

I have yet to "lose" any bits because of the drive adapter widget. (not really sure what you're supposed to call it.)

 

[four.cycle]

Either way, I thought they were impact bits, and they're not

huh?

They are still impact rated.

^ this.

 

[KnurledNut]

You mean those things that the bits fall out of, so you lose them? And add more movement to the piece as a whole? I hate those things, and only use them when I absolutely need them for some reason

I feel ya. I don't like using non-locking holders with an impact driver because the bits gets stuck in the screws and pull out.
The one in that Vessel kit is not very good. Its not magnetic and relies on only a retaining clip. The location of that clip allows too much play and the bits move in and out after insertion.
Also, the OP is asking about kits to retain bits securely and this Vessel bit case barely holds the end of the bits.
Vessel has some outstanding products, but not everything with their name on it is great.

 

[four.cycle]

I've sent an inquiry directly to Vessel. Hopefully they will respond to @MiteyF's concerns. I'm rather puzzled by them myself.
Maybe I should not have been using these with a Makita cordless impact driver?

 

[Ohio Andy]

I hate Amazon as much as the next guy, but at the same time, I do like saving money. Never heard of Nelson Bowers

Either way, I thought they were impact bits, and they're not... so I'm not buying them anyways.

So their "impact ball" bits are not impact rated?

What is IMPACT BALL?
IMPACT BALL bits are designed to absorb impact not only in the standard torsion zone (shown as yellow), but also at the joint of the sphere and shaft. (shown as red) .

In other words, this dual absorbing function can minimize impact on the tips. The red part suppresses excessive impact and vibration during tightening. The yellow part also absorbs excessive impact during screw seating.

 

[MiteyF]

huh?

^ this.

I'm going by what KnurledNut said, that they're not the same "quick release" impact bits that you generally see.

 

[RTM]

Just got off the phone with Nelson Bowers. $32.88 on the Vessel kit with FREE SHIPPING LIMITED TIME OFFER.

I only ask because... personally I'd rather my money go to an independent young entrepreneur in Texas than Jeff Bezos... just sayin'..

Just dropped some money his way, 4 of the blue 12 section bit holders, and another set of ball metric bits for home. Dropped your name.

 

[glenng]

I'm going by what KnurledNut said, that they're not the same "quick release" impact bits that you generally see.

I think you're trying to say it's not a power bit meant to drop right in your impact driver?

It's still an impact bit, and it seems like you're trying to distinguish between insert bits vs power bits.

Edit: insert bit vs power bit

 

[MiteyF]

I think you're trying to say it's not a power bit meant to drop right in your impact driver?

It's still an impact bit, and it seems like you're trying to distinguish between insert bits vs power bits.

I've never heard "insert bit" or "power bit" before, but after looking them up, I assume we're talking the same thing.

I think everyone else in the world (or myself, and everyone I've ever known) says "impact bits" for the quick release, snap-into-your-impact-driver bits, and "driver bits" for the shorties you drop-into-an-interchangeable-bit-screwdriver.

 

[Beerhippie]

I've never heard "insert bit" or "power bit" before, but after looking them up, I assume we're talking the same thing.

I think everyone else in the world (or myself, and everyone I've ever known) says "impact bits" for the quick release, snap-into-your-impact-driver bits, and "driver bits" for the shorties you drop-into-an-interchangeable-bit-screwdriver.

I use "impact bits" for bits that are impact rated--regardless the tool they fit.

"Driver bits" are the ones not impact rated.

 

[four.cycle]

Dropped your name.

don't put the blame on me! I was just tryin' to help!

I'm confused.

 

[svtride]

Westling stuff...https://www.westlingusa.com/collections/new-products/products/driver-deck

 

[matthew]

The Wiha GoBox set is pretty hard to beat for portability. Compact. Good bit selection. Holds the bits well without them being stuck.

Link

I have a set that has the Terminator impact bits in it. I probably prefer my Wera or Zephyr bits, but that’s easy to swap.

I also have a Wera BitCheck. Good, not quite the same palm-size, and durable but plastic.

 

[four.cycle]

finally got a reply back from Vessel in response to the question about whether or not Vessel's "impact rated" bits are really "impact" bits:

RE: To Website Inquiry
Date:​	2025-09-02 3:19 pm
From:​	<[email protected]>
To:​	<four.cycle>

Hi

Thank you for reaching out to us.
Our impact ball bits are impact rated and you can use with a power tool.
We believe the person mis-understanding the detail.
Please let us know if you have any other questions.
Thank you.

With Best Regards,
VESSEL TOOLS U.S.A., INC.
2384 E. Artesia Blvd.,
Long Beach, CA, 90805
Tel : +1-424-427-5441

 

[RTM]

Just dropped some money his way, 4 of the blue 12 section bit holders, and another set of ball metric bits for home. Dropped your name.

Package arrived today. Looks like a good start for bit retention.

 

[four.cycle]

^ is that the "Mechanics Time Saver" stuff? mine doesn't have the metal buttons on the bottom.

 

[RTM]

^ is that the "Mechanics Time Saver" stuff? mine doesn't have the metal buttons on the bottom.

I believe that is what I ordered. The buttons may be magnets.

 

[Jgaz]

Thanks for Nelson Bowers info. He’s the kind of business I like to support.

This is the kit the resides permanently in the tool bag that carries my Bosch 4 in 1 installation tool.

The Bosch bit box is a good compromise of retention and easy release of the bits.
I also like the small plastic box for drill bits, spares, and misc.
Bonus points that the empty small boxes are available separately without buying a bunch of 1” bits that I don’t need.

 

[four.cycle]

Thanks for Nelson Bowers info. He’s the kind of business I like to support.

me too.
great guy to deal with. super-fast shipping (almost always two days to me from Texas.)
BK

 

[KnurledNut]

The one in that Vessel kit is not very good. Its not magnetic and relies on only a retaining clip. The location of that clip allows too much play and the bits move in and out after insertion.

Tony the Technician did a video yesterday showing what I was talking about, starting at 2:20 to 4:22:

On a side note, I have to disagree with him on using power shank bits in C-ring retention bit holders. Not a good idea...I have had some get badly stuck.

 

[Meursault74]

I took a pipette tip box (which when empty is discarded). Attached the tip rack section to the box lid and now I have a tray to organize the bits in the drawer. Not really for travel though.

 

[four.cycle]

The one in that Vessel kit is not very good. Its not magnetic and relies on only a retaining clip. The location of that clip allows too much play and the bits move in and out after insertion.

^ This comment and Tony's video you posted were the reason that I picked up two new bit driver attachments a couple days ago when I had to go over to HomeDepot for some other items.

The Makita unit uses both magnet AND c-clip. The Milwaukee unit apparently only uses the magnet.
I own the Vessel kit, but don't use their drive adapter - my go-to has been a crappy oversized DeWalt (I think it's too fat.)
I think these might address the issue of "getting down into the hole" with those damn things. Haven't tried either yet:


(The "Inkzall" markers were on sale - box of 12 for $12 bucks) Bit drivers were just under $6 bucks a pop.

 

[RTM]

I took a pipette tip box (which when empty is discarded). Attached the tip rack section to the box lid and now I have a tray to organize the bits in the drawer. Not really for travel though.

For those who want to steal this idea, note the size, 1000ul. Different sizes have different hole sizes around here. Smaller ones have shallower boxes too.

 

[Meursault74]

For those who want to steal this idea, note the size, 1000ul. Different sizes have different hole sizes around here. Smaller ones have shallower boxes too.

Brands are also different in how they come in. The brand I used for this organizer was not the normal one we usually get. I remember scrounging around during covid to order whatever we could as pipette tips were in short supply. Our normal brand wouldn't work so well for screw driver bits. The idea came to me when I saw this particular brand and how the tips were supplied

If someone knows a lab rat, ask them to take a look at what they're using and see if it would work. Half the fun was making something useful out of trash. I sent my brothers pictures of what I made and asked and if they wanted one as I had more parts. Neither replied.

 

[nadogail]

Years ago i bought one of those Harbor Freight Storehouse assortments of quarter inch bits, a replenish the original bits with name brand bits as needed.

In my Makita cordless drill box, you will find the little p0lastc containers the Bosh and Dewalt replacement bits come in. I ave learned, over time, that I can't afford th buy 1/4" bits in "Oneizes and Twozies" but the 10 pack, you will want another one soon; or maybe some poor soul just stripped or lost their only bit that size.

 

[lu787a]

I was looking at these, primarily for bits 100-150mm. They are available for about $14.99 for a empty box.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-Customizable-Large-Case-for-Impact-Driver-Accessories-48-32-9922/322738642#overlay

 

[bitbelt]

Hello
I created a bit storage device made of rubber. I will send free samples for anyone interested. Message me with your address. I ask only that people provide feedback/reviews on garage journal or in this thread.

It is made of nitrile/Buna-N rubber. Comes in two sizes: 20 bit and 6 bit.

The holes in the rubber lock onto the annular groove on the bit. Bit never fall out, and never become seized. t

 

[Ohio Andy]

I would l

Hello
I created a bit storage device made of rubber. I will send free samples for anyone interested. Message me with your address. I ask only that people provide feedback/reviews on garage journal or in this thread.

It is made of nitrile/Buna-N rubber. Comes in two sizes: 20 bit and 6 bit.

The holes in the rubber lock onto the annular groove on the bit. Bit never fall out, and never become seized. t

I would love to try one...

Useful for power drive bits.

I had planned on just ordering one but do not see them available for purchase; for example,

Bit Belt Organizer | Keep your Bits Together

bitbeltorganizer.com

Amazon.com: Bit Belt - 1/4 Inch Hex Shank Bit Organizer Holder Storage for Screwdriver Impact Driver Drill Bits Adapters -Solid Rubber-Holds 6 Bits (6-bit) : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Bit Belt - 1/4 Inch Hex Shank Bit Organizer Holder Storage for Screwdriver Impact Driver Drill Bits Adapters -Solid Rubber-Holds 6 Bits (6-bit): Bit Holders - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

a.co

 

[four.cycle]

HOw did you manage to get a trademark on "Bit-Belt" when there are 90 gazillion "bit belts" on Google?
(shoot me your TM number if you can please.)
I'm not seeing a price on the Amazon page.

I sent you a list of names. Check your P/Ms.

I've been using a "Mechanics Time Savers" magnetic strip for this purpose. Works great except for those times I'm in a big hurry and throw the holder full of bits into the bag. Literally: "throw".
So I have to ask: If I load that thing full of bits - shorties and long ones - and throw it six feet into my "Milwaukee" tool bag, are the bits going to stay in it?



BK

 

[bitbelt]

HOw did you manage to get a trademark on "Bit-Belt" when there are 90 gazillion "bit belts" on Google?
(shoot me your TM number if you can please.)
I'm not seeing a price on the Amazon page.

I sent you a list of names. Check your P/Ms.

I've been using a "Mechanics Time Savers" magnetic strip for this purpose. Works great except for those times I'm in a big hurry and throw the holder full of bits into the bag. Literally: "throw".
So I have to ask: If I load that thing full of bits - shorties and long ones - and throw it six feet into my "Milwaukee" tool bag, are the bits going to stay in it?



BK

hi four.cycle
Yes the bits will definitely stay in the bitbelt. Shaking vigorously, even with heavy bits, does not cause them to fall out.
The amazon listing is down temporarily because of issues with brand registration and the bar code. I neglected to keep my gs1 account active, so i cannot prove to amazon i own the barcode. Thats all getting fixed but its going to take a couple weeks.

bitbelt is trademarkable, for bit storage. I allowed the trademark application to die, because I was going to change the name, but changed my mind about that. https://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=...TION&caseType=DEFAULT&searchType=statusSearch

 

[bitbelt]

I would l


I would love to try one...

Useful for power drive bits.

I had planned on just ordering one but do not see them available for purchase; for example,

Bit Belt Organizer | Keep your Bits Together

bitbeltorganizer.com

Amazon.com: Bit Belt - 1/4 Inch Hex Shank Bit Organizer Holder Storage for Screwdriver Impact Driver Drill Bits Adapters -Solid Rubber-Holds 6 Bits (6-bit) : Tools & Home Improvement

Buy Bit Belt - 1/4 Inch Hex Shank Bit Organizer Holder Storage for Screwdriver Impact Driver Drill Bits Adapters -Solid Rubber-Holds 6 Bits (6-bit): Bit Holders - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

a.co

hi

yeah I dont have any way for people to order right now. Working on it. its a long story .

However, you can send payment by Paypal to [email protected]. large 20-bit size is $10, and small 6-bit size is $5. + $5 for shipping.

Please send me your address and i will send free samples. one large and one small.

 

[Ohio Andy]

hi

yeah I dont have any way for people to order right now. Working on it. its a long story .

However, you can send payment by Paypal to [email protected]. large 20-bit size is $10, and small 6-bit size is $5. + $5 for shipping.

Please send me your address and i will send free samples. one large and one small.

Dropped you a pm