1/4 screwdriver bit storage preferences

[matt stott]

I use 1/4" bit drivers a lot. For work- I travel with tools and a bit set is much easier to carry around and check into airplanes than a full screwdriver set. For home, too- just what I am used to.

That said, I have a LOT of bits floating around, and I am curious what people like to use to store and organize these things?

1. I use the PB bit holders a bunch. They hold 10 bits, and are easy to throw into a bag, when I need specialty bits.

2. 22 lr ammo boxes: the ones I have hold 100 bits in a very small size. I really like these, and cheap. Only holds the 1" lengths.

3. old-school plastic types of holders: hard to throw into a tool bag without losing all the bits- but easy to throw on a workbench and see what is available.- see photo above

4. Toyo boxes: I just found out that one of these boxes will hold 19 of the PB holders, plus more on the lid. I like this for bulk storage, where I can grab what I need


Looking for new ideas, let me know what you use, please.

Matt

 

[CGarage]

I have flown with the Facom 1/4” ratchet set and the mini bit ratchet. I showed both to TSA in advance and they were fine with it.

I would NOT fly with anything that remotely resembled an ammo box as that just invites further inspection and screams “tone deaf” with all of what is going on in the world currently.

I would recommend declaring to TSA (or equivalent) you are traveling with tools. And offer them the opportunity to inspect as needed rather than forcing them to “find” it.

 

[zimman]

I have about the same setup. I don't need anymore than this and I do alot of everything. LOL
Zim

 

[four.cycle]

I bought a few of the "Mechanics Time Savers" magnetic holders a few years ago, before the cheapie made-in-China knock-offs flooded the market. They do hold the bits securely, but not if they are "thrown" into a tool bag. If I have to take them with me they get put into the bottom of a big "Milwaukee" bag with whatever else I'll need for that job. They generally stay in place.

What sold me on those was Nelson Bowers emailing me a photo of one of their 1/2" drive socket trays loaded with deep-wells that he was holding upside-down.

Could be the magnets on yours simply aren't strong enough.

I have one of the Vessel 31-piece bit sets, which come in a nice holder tray.

 

[matt stott]

I bought a few of the "Mechanics Time Savers" magnetic holders a few years ago, before the cheapie made-in-China knock-offs flooded the market. They do hold the bits securely, but not if they are "thrown" into a tool bag. If I have to take them with me they get put into the bottom of a big "Milwaukee" bag with whatever else I'll need for that job. They generally stay in place.

What sold me on those was Nelson Bowers emailing me a photo of one of their 1/2" drive socket trays loaded with deep-wells that he was holding upside-down.

Could be the magnets on yours simply aren't strong enough.

I have one of the Vessel 31-piece bit sets, which come in a nice holder tray.

I am going to check out those Mechanic's Time Savers!. Those look like exactly what I need to the grab-and-go toolboxes. By the "thrown" into a bag I mostly mean a box of tools getting checking into airline luggage. I assume the baggage handlers throw those around for fun, judging by the scars on my past boxes.

 

[KnurledNut]

Unless more than 33 bits are needed, its hard to beat the compact size, bit retention, secure storage and price of the Icon mini bit and ratchet set. Especially for travel.

 

[Real_PhillBert]

The ammo box storage is a great idea!

 

[Ohio Andy]

What Toyo is that? It looks like a 190 or maybe a 360, but I don't think that a PB Swiss bit holder would fit into that, I mean. Just a little too wide.


The Chapman 5580c can hold 13 PB Swiss bit holders. Standard quarter inch bits will not fit into a Chapman bit holder. Obviously if you want the bit holders to stand up properly you will need to fully populate it. The Chapman bit holders drop into place. More accurately, they snap into place. Which makes them ideal in this case but it won't help because the bits are too wide for the Chapman holders. I did not try buying the Chapman bit holders and drilling it out so that it'll hold a quarter inch bit which would be perfect if you could do that.

Plus note the Chapman bit holders will hold eight bits and the PB Swiss bit holders. Both hold 10 bits

#5575c, #5580c Case Only & Racks | Chapman MFG

5575C Cases includes 7 removable insert bit racks (1 orange for Metric Hex bits) and a free spinner. 7300c cases only fit our longer Phillips bits in the first 2 left holes. Available individual racks do not accommodate Phillips & Reed & Prince screwdriver bits. Hand assembled & inspected in CT...

chapmanmfg.com

The tekton bit rails hold only nine bits. They are a little shorter at 3.2 in and they're 0.6 in wide. I have a couple of those but I've never tried to put them in anything.

Tekton uses foam inserts in their cases and then they cut a space the right size to hold the bit holders. I have considered doing something similar.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I bought the security bit set from HF, as I needed one of the things for our candy machine. It had effectively smaller versions of those mechanics time savers things, one upside down, over the other.
I just recently bought the MTS for the toolbox, and am thinking I will transfer those security bits to it, and then use it for the most used bits that won't all fit in the handle. (I have regular screwdrivers in the go box, so I keep torx in the bit driver handle, but would like those JIS bits as well).

 

[HannibalLecter]

Unless more than 33 bits are needed, its hard to beat the compact size, bit retention, secure storage and price of the Icon mini bit and ratchet set. Especially for travel.

I envy that you can buy this Icon for relatively cheap in the US. I have to buy the Facom version for much more

 

[Madjik Man]

I use 1/4" bit drivers a lot. For work- I travel with tools and a bit set is much easier to carry around and check into airplanes than a full screwdriver set. For home, too- just what I am used to.

That said, I have a LOT of bits floating around, and I am curious what people like to use to store and organize these things?

1. I use the PB bit holders a bunch. They hold 10 bits, and are easy to throw into a bag, when I need specialty bits.

2. 22 lr ammo boxes: the ones I have hold 100 bits in a very small size. I really like these, and cheap. Only holds the 1" lengths.

3. old-school plastic types of holders: hard to throw into a tool bag without losing all the bits- but easy to throw on a workbench and see what is available.- see photo above

4. Toyo boxes: I just found out that one of these boxes will hold 19 of the PB holders, plus more on the lid. I like this for bulk storage, where I can grab what I need


Looking for new ideas, let me know what you use, please.

Matt

Don’t quote me on this (I’ll have to check my Amazon saved list) but there is an ammo case similar to the 22 one you have that holds the longer bits. I believe it’s the .556 ammo one?

Edit: this is the one I have saved

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

a.co

 

[four.cycle]

I am going to check out those Mechanic's Time Savers!. Those look like exactly what I need to the grab-and-go toolboxes. By the "thrown" into a bag I mostly mean a box of tools getting checking into airline luggage. I assume the baggage handlers throw those around for fun, judging by the scars on my past boxes.

To be clear, Matt, I was referring to literally throwing the entire rack into the bag from about four feet away.
I have a big oversized Milwaukee bag. I get called to do "odd jobs" for friends, relatives. So I'll go out into the garage, set the opened bag on the floor, and start tossing in the cordless drill, drill bits, maybe a wrench or screwdriver - ONLY the stuff I think I need to do the job.
When I threw the MTS bit holder full of bits, half of them fell out. But in that scenario, I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to stay in the holder. So now I pull them out of the drawer and set them into the bag.

Mechanics Time Savers Bit Holder and Vessel 31-pc Bit Set with Holder

* if you purchase any stuff from Bowers, be sure to take advantage of his "free tool" deal. Great guy to do business with.
(I get two-day shipping from him almost every time.)

* You can find Chinese-made knock-offs of the MTS holders online for HALF as much. Whether or not the magnets are strong enough I have NO clue... I tend to stick with the same vendors.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Don’t quote me on this (I’ll have to check my Amazon saved list) but there is an ammo case similar to the 22 one you have that holds the longer bits. I believe it’s the .556 ammo one?

Edit: this is the one I have saved

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

a.co

You can do it, especially if all you're putting in are the longer bits. I will now post a picture of a zephy 2-in bit in one of the cases sitting next to a bunch of 22-250.



And this is what the bit looks like next to a fired and an unfired shell



So the base is much smaller than on a standard long rifle bit holder. But at least with this one that I have the bottom part is narrower which means that when I drop the bullets in I have to have the lead down because the lead part is very thin but the bit still wobbles around a lot more I think than in a 22 long rifle case.



It would work, but the bits come up to about the same height as the case side which is a little bit annoying. When I drop a 1-in bit into the standard 22 long rifle holder, the bit sticks up at least half an inch maybe more.

If you really want to store longer bits, a really nice solution for that is pop over to drpd and buy one of the PB Swiss bit case that will hold 50 bits. The bad part is that you then need to buy the PB Swiss bit holders that sell for about $5 each and each will hold 10. And that should easily hold the longer 2-in pits. Since the case that drpd sells is the one that handles, what is it? E6 I think is the designation.

 

[matt stott]

What Toyo is that? It looks like a 190 or maybe a 360, but I don't think that a PB Swiss bit holder would fit into that, I mean. Just a little too wide.


The Chapman 5580c can hold 13 PB Swiss bit holders. Standard quarter inch bits will not fit into a Chapman bit holder. Obviously if you want the bit holders to stand up properly you will need to fully populate it. The Chapman bit holders drop into place. More accurately, they snap into place. Which makes them ideal in this case but it won't help because the bits are too wide for the Chapman holders. I did not try buying the Chapman bit holders and drilling it out so that it'll hold a quarter inch bit which would be perfect if you could do that.

Plus note the Chapman bit holders will hold eight bits and the PB Swiss bit holders. Both hold 10 bits

#5575c, #5580c Case Only & Racks | Chapman MFG

5575C Cases includes 7 removable insert bit racks (1 orange for Metric Hex bits) and a free spinner. 7300c cases only fit our longer Phillips bits in the first 2 left holes. Available individual racks do not accommodate Phillips & Reed & Prince screwdriver bits. Hand assembled & inspected in CT...

chapmanmfg.com

The tekton bit rails hold only nine bits. They are a little shorter at 3.2 in and they're 0.6 in wide. I have a couple of those but I've never tried to put them in anything.

Tekton uses foam inserts in their cases and then they cut a space the right size to hold the bit holders. I have considered doing something similar.

The Toyo is a 190- and the PB bit holders fit nicely in the side-to-side direction, but there is a lot of headroom in that box when loaded with shorter bits. It can easily hold 20 of the 10-bit racks, but certainly not for tossing into a tool bag. I like the chapman setup- it looks really secure. I just wish chapman did not use those proprietary bits!

 

[matt stott]

To be clear, Matt, I was referring to literally throwing the entire rack into the bag from about four feet away.
I have a big oversized Milwaukee bag. I get called to do "odd jobs" for friends, relatives. So I'll go out into the garage, set the opened bag on the floor, and start tossing in the cordless drill, drill bits, maybe a wrench or screwdriver - ONLY the stuff I think I need to do the job.
When I threw the MTS bit holder full of bits, half of them fell out. But in that scenario, I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to stay in the holder. So now I pull them out of the drawer and set them into the bag.

Mechanics Time Savers Bit Holder and Vessel 31-pc Bit Set with Holder

* if you purchase any stuff from Bowers, be sure to take advantage of his "free tool" deal. Great guy to do business with.
(I get two-day shipping from him almost every time.)

* You can find Chinese-made knock-offs of the MTS holders online for HALF as much. Whether or not the magnets are strong enough I have NO clue... I tend to stick with the same vendors.

I ordered two of the MTS holders- the China knock-offs I have currently work, but I am all for a better mousetrap, and keeping it local- not to mention color options. I have a couple of the Vessel bit racks, too. I really like their bits, super high quality, the slightly-off-standard shapes hits me in my ocd, though (I don't often use impact drivers at work). I have an old Klein canvas work bag that I all too often throw tools into after a quick job cleanup, not great practice, but glad to hear I am not the only one throwing tools that should not be thrown!

To @KnurledNut : those Icon bit/ratchet mini sets are my go-to gift to new travelling mechanics. I love the utility of these, as well as the Wera tool-check flavor.

 

[Ohio Andy]

The Toyo is a 190- and the PB bit holders fit nicely in the side-to-side direction, but there is a lot of headroom in that box when loaded with shorter bits. It can easily hold 20 of the 10-bit racks, but certainly not for tossing into a tool bag. I like the chapman setup- it looks really secure. I just wish chapman did not use those proprietary bits!

Thanks, I almost ordered one but based on my measurements of a bit colder being 3 5/8 in wide they listed as the inside diameter should be too small that case by maybe four or five mm. Looks like a nice solution. I might actually buy one cuz they look really nice and it'll allow me to put short and tall bits in a single nice case

 

[GeoBruin]

I've had good luck 3d printing holders. It allows you to make as many (and only as many) slots as you need.

And you can get... creative.

 

[matt stott]

I've had good luck 3d printing holders. It allows you to make as many (and only as many) slots as you need.

And you can get... creative.

Oooohh- one more reason to finally bite the bullet and finally get a 3d printer!

 

[engineer2]

I've been buying a few of these at Menards. They had them on clearance a short time ago for $3, but now they are back to ~$5.
They seem to be nice quality and the case is a nice compact size.

 

[KnurledNut]

Don’t quote me on this (I’ll have to check my Amazon saved list) but there is an ammo case similar to the 22 one you have that holds the longer bits. I believe it’s the .556 ammo one?

Edit: this is the one I have saved

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com: MTM 100 Round Rifle Ammo Box 17, 204, 223, 5.56x45, 6x47 : Sports & Outdoors

a.co

I don't know of one that fits them well without modification.
Years ago, I posted about one I did where I added clear tubing:


Getting back to the main thread, I have a small MAC (Facom) set with a clamshell case that folds closed. I like this design:


A small set I assembled that rides in my tool backpack:


Another one I put together:

 

[CGarage]

The ammo box storage is a great idea!

Did you bother to read the initial post?

You are nuts if you travel with anything firearms related with all of what is going on in the world these days!

It will likely invite further screening and delays at security checkpoints, too.

 

[Cheesy1]

I throw all my loose bits in a pill bottle that I’ve cut the tamper resistant ears off of. Works surprisingly well.

Did you bother to read the initial post?

You are nuts if you travel with anything firearms related with all of what is going on in the world these days!

It will likely invite further screening and delays at security checkpoints, too.

An ammo box doesn’t say “ammo box”. It’s a freaking plastic box that some carry bits in. Big deal. That wouldn’t drive anymore screening than potentially pulling out of yiur bag for a quick look and being sent on your way.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Did you bother to read the initial post?

You are nuts if you travel with anything firearms related with all of what is going on in the world these days!

It will likely invite further screening and delays at security checkpoints, too.

Don't think that case would be a problem. Ironically, the bits might be more of a problem than the fact that that case is able to hold bullets. Last I checked they were against having people traveling with even screwdrivers. They might allow small bits, but I've been questioned because I was carrying coins.

I remember traveling with knives. On one flight from Germany to Bulgaria, it was a Russian plane, and we the passengers were repairing parts of the plane inside with tools that we happen to have with us. Most of those tools that we used would not be allowed into a passenger compartment today, I think.

 

[Milton Shaw]

The one's that I hate are the ones that grip the screwdriver bit so good that you have to have pliers to get them in and out of the holder. Milwaukee's are especially bad. Why can't they give a couple of thousands clearance so they can be removed. I like the Klein's that come with a screwdriver and full set of security bits for around $30. They store on the shaft of the screwdriver and keep them together, I bought the full set of non security bits in the same holder from them. One screwdriver set organized with all security and regular style bits in one package.

 

[Beerhippie]

That's shop storage. If I have to travel to work on something, I don't.

Did you bother to read the initial post?

You are nuts if you travel with anything firearms related with all of what is going on in the world these days!

It will likely invite further screening and delays at security checkpoints, too.

It's a plastic box unless it has ammo in it.

The one's that I hate are the ones that grip the screwdriver bit so good that you have to have pliers to get them in and out of the holder. Milwaukee's are especially bad. Why can't they give a couple of thousands clearance so they can be removed. I like the Klein's that come with a screwdriver and full set of security bits for around $30. They store on the shaft of the screwdriver and keep them together, I bought the full set of non security bits in the same holder from them. One screwdriver set organized with all security and regular style bits in one package.

I have set of 1/4 hex drive drills from Milwaukee. I hate the case. I always feel on the verge of cutting myself pulling a bit out.

 

[autobon7]

To be clear, Matt, I was referring to literally throwing the entire rack into the bag from about four feet away.
I have a big oversized Milwaukee bag. I get called to do "odd jobs" for friends, relatives. So I'll go out into the garage, set the opened bag on the floor, and start tossing in the cordless drill, drill bits, maybe a wrench or screwdriver - ONLY the stuff I think I need to do the job.
When I threw the MTS bit holder full of bits, half of them fell out. But in that scenario, I don't think it's reasonable to expect them to stay in the holder. So now I pull them out of the drawer and set them into the bag.

Mechanics Time Savers Bit Holder and Vessel 31-pc Bit Set with Holder

* if you purchase any stuff from Bowers, be sure to take advantage of his "free tool" deal. Great guy to do business with.
(I get two-day shipping from him almost every time.)

* You can find Chinese-made knock-offs of the MTS holders online for HALF as much. Whether or not the magnets are strong enough I have NO clue... I tend to stick with the same vendors.

The Vessel set looks real nice.

 

[RTM]

I have one of the Vessel 31-piece bit sets, which come in a nice holder tray.

I bought this set from HJE as well, and love it.

Most of my bits are in groups of 10 or so in vendor supplied holders. Need to find one for a McMaster “set” of metric Allen bits at work that came in a ziploc bag.

I followed someone’s suggestion for an ammo box for 5/16” bits, and it’s not bad, but way too big for work stuff.

 

[four.cycle]

I've been questioned because I was carrying coins.

I wear a nylon webbing strap with a plastic buckle for a belt. Super lightweight, dries quickly.

I was held up at SeaTac for almost a half an hour when the thing set off their scanner. Full pat-down search. Damn near missed my flight.

You don't want to take ANY chances with TSA - they're just over-the-top nuts.

 

[four.cycle]

The Vessel set looks real nice.

It is. I bought two of them. Gave one to my buddy. He loves it.
My opinion on the bits: top notch stuff. I have had no issues with any of them.
My ONLY objection is that I have to use another tool to pry the driver thingie out of the holder because I usually have my nails clipped pretty short.

 

[MiteyF]

I was just struggling with my ENORMOUS Dewalt case of impact bits the other day helping my uncle rebuild some stairs. That Vessel set looks killer, love the small case. And it has somehow fallen into my amazon cart.

It looks like it's actually in stock at the ACE a few miles away, but it's almost $20 more expensive for some reason.

Maybe I'll go put my dirty little paws on it before I order.

 

[Ohio Andy]

I was just struggling with my ENORMOUS Dewalt case of impact bits the other day helping my uncle rebuild some stairs. That Vessel set looks killer, love the small case. And it has somehow fallen into my amazon cart.

It looks like it's actually in stock at the ACE a few miles away, but it's almost $20 more expensive for some reason.

Maybe I'll go put my dirty little paws on it before I order.

The bits are great. I've only ever ordered the bigger case, I thought about ordering that set just for the smaller form factor

 

[KnurledNut]

For those considering Vessel, be aware these are not standard 25mm bits and may not have the same retention in certain drivers due to the torsion zone.



Also, some might confuse these with the similar looking standard quick change shank, which they are not.

 

[MiteyF]

Well that includes me. Why do they say "impact" on them then? Seems quite misleading.

 

[CGarage]

You don't want to take ANY chances with TSA - they're just over-the-top nuts.

And it is worse in other countries.
The scrutiny fliers receive coming into Canada and Germany and elsewhere far exceeds that of the US.

Canada being the most stringent from my experience.

Do not give them ANY excuse to delay your travel if you value your time and travel plans.

This is why I declare -in advance- what I have that may require further inspection.

 

[KnurledNut]

FWIW, A can koozie makes a cheap secure protective sleeve for the 22 ammo boxes.

 

[MiteyF]

I don't know of one that fits them well without modification.
Years ago, I posted about one I did where I added clear tubing:


Getting back to the main thread, I have a small MAC (Facom) set with a clamshell case that folds closed. I like this design:


A small set I assembled that rides in my tool backpack:


Another one I put together:
View attachment 2392627

Obviously, I started looking at what my local Cabelas had in stock for 22 cases, and remembered this pic when I found this on their website

https://www.cabelas.com/p/mtm-sb-200-series-rimfire-ammo-box

I assume that's the same guy? Looks like a great candidate for short bits

 

[four.cycle]

That Vessel set looks killer, love the small case. And it has somehow fallen into my amazon cart.

Just out of curiosity, did you check the price at Bowers Tool?

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'....

 

[KnurledNut]

Obviously, I started looking at what my local Cabelas had in stock for 22 cases, and remembered this pic when I found this on their website

https://www.cabelas.com/p/mtm-sb-200-series-rimfire-ammo-box

I assume that's the same guy? Looks like a great candidate for short bits

Yes sir, that's the one. But the bits won't fit without enlarging the holes.

Why do they say "impact" on them then? Seems quite misleading.

They are still impact rated.

 

[MiteyF]

Just out of curiosity, did you check the price at Bowers Tool?

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'....

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.

 

[four.cycle]

For those considering Vessel, be aware these are not standard 25mm bits and may not have the same retention in certain drivers due to the torsion zone.

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

am I missing something?