Any experience with Makita XPS impact drill bits?

[dclark2171]

I've always had good luck with Makita bits here and there. I have a new Hikoki Impact drill coming and thinking of this set for the bits. Opinions?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DZ9G14?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Dave455]

I haven't used the XPS bits, but I have to say that generally, I'm not impressed with the quality of Makita accessories.

I generally like their power tools, and while the quality varies with the grade / COO of the tool, all are good value.

Can't say that for the accessories, especially the mixed sets of drills and bits, which seem to be generic Chinese, and far from great. They do change the sets a bit for different markets, so the U.S. may be different, but the U.S. doesn't seem to get the best grade power tools, so I'd be surprised if it gets the best bits!

I saw some of these XPS bits last week, COO appears to be Taiwan, which is an improvement. The dealer selling them reckoned they are not as bad as usual, which is hardly a raving endorsement, but perhaps an improvement.

I have to say that I utterly detest any of these "torsion" style bits with the narrow shanks. The theory is that they twist a bit, cushioning some of the shock from the impact driver. But the whole point of an impact driver is that it imparts shocks, and these bits just negate that.

Personally, the cheapest bits I use are the Wera, which I find good (not the "torsion" style). There may be better mid range options in the U.S. If I had to go cheaper I'd probably rate Bosch ahead of Makita generally.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have used some of the XPS bits and they are well machined and had good fitment/tolerances.
The old gold bits that were made in Japan seemed to last longer though.
No problem recommending any Makita bits.

EDIT: I came back to take a closer look at that kits contents.
-They include 3 SQ3 which is a little redundant for a seldom used size. One would have been sufficient. This would have allowed room for a P0 or even PZ1 or PZ2 which are showing up more and more.
-3 T27 is a little excessive. A T8 would have been nice or at least more than one T10 which is quite common.
-A smaller slotted 4-6 would have been beneficial.
Regarding the 2" power bits, which are more of a go-to with impact drivers, they are missing some very common sizes, SQ1, T10, T15, T20.
While the bits should perform well, I'd look at other options just because of the selection that kit offers/lacks.


@Dave455 Ditto. Generally not a fan of torsion style bits. However I do like the Wera stainless bits. Had to abuse a T30 yesterday on some rusted M6 screws and it took it like a champ. The applied torque probably would have broken most other torsion bits or damaged the splines. The Wera came out unscathed.
This style:

 

[bwringer]

No matter their quality, bits are consumables, not heirlooms. Just let go of any notion that the things will last forever. Buy decent sets from decent brands when you can find a deal, and toss 'em and replace 'em as they wear out.

In general, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt consumables are in that "decent" category, and roughly equal. They're also on the shelf at your nearest home store, so buy the color you like, or the one on sale, or the one with a nice case or better assortment.

As noted above, Wera stuff is on that next level, but they are more expensive and they're not on the shelf in the US.

I've never noticed that the "torsion" style reduced shank BS makes the slightest difference either way. The longer bits, where you don't have to use the bit holder, are very very handy.

The set you linked looks pretty good, and it's a good deal. It does seem to have a thoughtful selection of sizes for general home use in the US, with lots of extras in the sizes that wear out most, like PH2, T25, etc.

Metric hex would be nice in my garage, but your needs probably aren't the same as mine (a lot of work on metric motorcycles), and it's easy enough to add metric hex bits.

 

[dclark2171]

No matter their quality, bits are consumables, not heirlooms. Just let go of any notion that the things will last forever. Buy decent sets from decent brands when you can find a deal, and toss 'em and replace 'em as they wear out.

In general, Bosch, Makita, Milwaukee, and DeWalt consumables are in that "decent" category, and roughly equal. They're also on the shelf at your nearest home store, so buy the color you like, or the one on sale, or the one with a nice case or better assortment.

As noted above, Wera stuff is on that next level, but they are more expensive and they're not on the shelf in the US.

I've never noticed that the "torsion" style reduced shank BS makes the slightest difference either way. The longer bits, where you don't have to use the bit holder, are very very handy.

The set you linked looks pretty good, and it's a good deal. It does seem to have a thoughtful selection of sizes for general home use in the US, with lots of extras in the sizes that wear out most, like PH2, T25, etc.

Metric hex would be nice in my garage, but your needs probably aren't the same as mine (a lot of work on metric motorcycles), and it's easy enough to add metric hex bits.

Yes, I have to agree with you. The general bits from the major brands are probably "minute" in quality differences. Plus, for general home use, the y are more than fine. The Makita and Milwaulkee shockwave seems to have many favorable reviews. I did consider this Metabo set, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B085DZ9G14?tag=atomicindus08-20 , however, the Makita just seems to be a better deal and looks nicer (as if that matters). My late dad did not spend lots of money on things like this. Dad would buy cheap and buy more of them so you have backups when they do break (all of them do at some point).

 

[reader2580]

I broke many Phillips #2 bits driving in self drilling screws into metal with an impact. This was almost 20 years ago before impact rated bits. I haven't broke any impact rated bits, but I am not driving so many screws into metal either.

 

[dclark2171]

The Makita set came in and the bits seem well made. For what I do, I'm sure they will last a long while. Now I need to find some decent quality drill bits and I am all set