Best Impact Bit?

[DFB]

Well that question get asked a lot around here doesn't it


Seems some perform better than others

Many generally known and widely available brands including those from Harbor Freight.

Yup haters are gonna hate

Check it all out...

Some surprising results

The testing isn't fully inclusive of all the different brand names out there though might help someone out making a decision


I don't normally buy the carded name brand bits from box stores and generally get my driver bits from bulk bins at the local hardware store. "Lutz" brand is what those are, mostly S2 plus I do have dozens and dozens of the older Dewalt "Power Bit" 5 packs of 2" PH2 tips I got wholesale 50 cents a pack or aprox. 10 cents apiece and those will last me for awhile.

So really I don't need to buy any bits but I might again try the Milwaukee Shockwaves, the first releases left me wanting because of cam out mostly. and definitely gonna grab some of the Bauers next time I'm in one of the stores

 

[LNKMK8]

I've been very pleased with the Milwaukee Shockwave bits.. Inexpensive and long life

 

[JRC3]

People still use phillips bits and screws. *shruggs*

Do yourself a favor and switch over to torx. I've never had a bit wear out or break, I only loose them. You can reuse screws over again. Not to mention it's easier on your body as you don't have to push, you can actually let the driver do what it was designed to do...The work.

Posting from the year 2020.

 

[jtrux]

Agreed. Torx for the win. After I started primarily using Torx screws, I went and bought a decent set of bits from Lisle. So far they have held up.

I do still have some phillips but I just buy a handful of bits when I see them on an impulse rack at the hardware store.

 

[DFB]

I do have to agree with the point that outside of interior drywall for me anyhow most exterior screws I ever use are mostly T20 or T25 Star drive, or designed for square tip, S2 or the Quadrex bits.

I possibly might have a handful of old galvi ph2 around that I probably never use again and of course some stainless

 

[Toold_up]

I like phillips screws more than torx. If they get boogered up you can generally hammer them back into shape. Can't do that with a torx. Also a phillips can shed water/grit more easily.

I dislike hex heads the most. Those retain water and grit and are a real pain in the neck!

 

[bdbecker]

I really appreciate the Project Farm comparison videos. What is funny about that video is the timing. I've tried about half the brands he featured in that video, with the Milwaukee being the most recent, and the one that I've had the best luck with so far. When I picking up another pack of bits a few weeks ago, I was thinking about how that was the first time I could remember where I didn't switch to a different brand because I was frustrated with with what I'd been running. Low and behold, that video pops up in my feed a few days ago and confirms what took me several years (and many swear words) to figure out.

 

[Professional Tool User]

People still use phillips bits and screws. *shruggs*

Do yourself a favor and switch over to torx. I've never had a bit wear out or break, I only loose them. You can reuse screws over again. Not to mention it's easier on your body as you don't have to push, you can actually let the driver do what it was designed to do...The work.

Posting from the year 2020.

Wait until your torx screws rust or your torx bits break because the screw/bolt is seized. In less than ideal conditions even Phillips screws are not as bad. Square/Robertson all the way.

 

[Farmall450]

I like square myself.

 

[Yarpo]

No zephyr or apex bits..?

Best bits I've used, but looks like these must be just the store brands.

 

[measuredtwice]

No made in USA??? No made in Germany??? Out of the 10 tested, 3 were from Harbor Freight.

Except for the Makita Gold (Japan), the other 9 were made in China, Taiwan or Vietnam. I had no idea so many were made in Vietnam.

 

[bdbecker]

No zephyr or apex bits..?

Best bits I've used, but looks like these must be just the store brands.

No made in USA??? No made in Germany??? Out of the 10 tested, 3 were from Harbor Freight...

Probably just the brands he could find locally. I'm fairly certain he'd be open to testing any specific brands you'd like to see - reach out to him in the comments section. He's done second rounds of tests in the past to include products that were omitted from the first batch.

 

[measuredtwice]

Probably just the brands he could find locally. I'm fairly certain he'd be open to testing any specific brands you'd like to see - reach out to him in the comments section. He's done second rounds of tests in the past to include products that were omitted from the first batch.

I don't post on Youtube.

Some brands that would be worth looking at include Zephyr, Apex, Montana Brand, Vessel, Felo, Wera. Some of those brands have multiple lines of bits with different designs and hardness.

Most of the companies have several lines but he only tested multiple lines from Harbor Freight. Harbor Freight marketing is very active on social media so it's not surprising that Harbor Freight was over represented.

There was obviously a lot of work that went into the video. It wasn't your average Youtube video rambling nonsense.

The adapter can play an important role. This manufacturer ad shows some testing that might be of interest -->

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ir1J6m15U8g" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[oflannabhra]

I appreciate his tests. I'm curious about the procedure for this one, though. I imagine impact force is different than a steadily increasing static load. I'm guessing the bit designers and metallurgists would optimize for resistance to impact as opposed to resistance to static loads.

I'm no mechanical engineer, though.

I also agree that PH2 was a poor choice, but I imagine he runs tests that he is also personally interested in. I have a mix of Makita Gold and Milwaukee Shockwave, and have been pleased with both.

I was definitely impressed with how well HF's brands did.

 

[Professional Tool User]

No made in USA??? No made in Germany??? Out of the 10 tested, 3 were from Harbor Freight.

Except for the Makita Gold (Japan), the other 9 were made in China, Taiwan or Vietnam. I had no idea so many were made in Vietnam.

If you are a contractor or anyone who uses an impact driver a lot, at the end of the day, the number of screws driven in per bit before it breaks or wears out is going to be more important than COO. I have yet to toss out any of my made in China Maximum branded impact driver bits from Canadian tire. If you are buying German bits for non-impact applications because they fit well, that's another matter. And in case you haven't already figured out, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and even parts of Africa like Ethiopia are the new frontiers of cheap labour. Chinese labour is no longer as cheap as it used to be.

 

[Steve_P]

If square drive was great it'd actually be used frequently in the last 50 yrs. But it's not. Because it *****

 

[Professional Tool User]

If square drive was great it'd actually be used frequently in the last 50 yrs. But it's not. Because it *****

That's because you probably haven't ever inserted a Robertson screw onto a Robertson bit before. To get a comparable level of fit with Philips screws, I'd have to use my laser etched tip Wera screwdrivers. If Robertson wasn't so touchy about licensing his design to Henry Ford, he wouldn't have used Phillips screws. Screws that deliberately cam out like Phillips to accommodate unskilled labour are what really ****.

 

[measuredtwice]

If you are a contractor or anyone who uses an impact driver a lot, at the end of the day, the number of screws driven in per bit before it breaks or wears out is going to be more important than COO.

How many screws per bit before it breaks wasn't shown in the video. It would be too time consuming.

I mention COO because the sampling lacked diversity. It completely ignored industrial stuff from the USA like Apex and Zephyr that is standard in many trades. It looked at one consumer example from Japan (Makita) but didn't look industrial bits from Vessel (or the consumer stuff from Vessel).

COO also matters to people who care about America. I'm well aware that a lot of American's don't care about America. I watched a Youtube review that claimed Gearwrench performed better than Snap-On and the Youtuber cheered "Taiwan beats the USA! Yah!". Blows my mind to see Americans cheering against America.

The OP video showed no USA industrial bits but showed 3 from Harbor Freight because that's what the shills on Youtube want to see.

If you are buying German bits for non-impact applications because they fit well, that's another matter.

Fit was considered by the video reviewer.

And in case you haven't already figured out, Vietnam, India, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and even parts of Africa like Ethiopia are the new frontiers of cheap labour. Chinese labour is no longer as cheap as it used to be.

I've already "figured out". Not sure how it relates to my post.

 

[_brian_]

My vote goes to Vessel, as it relates to P2 and P3. They are not called Phillips, but cross point and are also compatible with JIS. They grip better than anything I have used before. My last purchase of P3 was here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0844GNB65/?tag=atomicindus08-20, although it is not available. You can see my review of them noting a verified purchase.

 

[JRC3]

That's because you probably haven't ever inserted a Robertson screw onto a Robertson bit before. To get a comparable level of fit with Philips screws, I'd have to use my laser etched tip Wera screwdrivers. If Robertson wasn't so touchy about licensing his design to Henry Ford, he wouldn't have used Phillips screws. Screws that deliberately cam out like Phillips to accommodate unskilled labour are what really ****.

Get over it, you're hanging on to a period between Phillips and Torx, be it Robertson or not. I will bet a box of standard/slotted bits that if we put square/Torx to a poll, Torx would win 10:1. Antiquated is antiquated...It's like saying a toothbrush is better than a tree root all while battery spinbrushes are out there.


Yeah, I spinbrush too.

 

[Professional Tool User]

COO also matters to people who care about America. I'm well aware that a lot of American's don't care about America. I watched a Youtube review that claimed Gearwrench performed better than Snap-On and the Youtuber cheered "Taiwan beats the USA! Yah!". Blows my mind to see Americans cheering against America.

The OP video showed no USA industrial bits but showed 3 from Harbor Freight because that's what the shills on Youtube want to see.

Sometimes you have to control your feelings of national pride and think objectively. Taiwanese tools can be as good if not better than US made tools. My co worker has already broken his 1/2 dr Snap on 24" flex head ratchet on at least one occasion. I broke my cheap made in Taiwan 24" equivalent with a cheater pipe once and there seems to be a limit on how strong these long ratchets can be made without going up to 3/4 dr. Another example would be those VIM bit sockets vs Snap on. There are some who say they are as strong if not stronger.

In regards to bits, if I am going to treat it as a wear item, I'm obviously going to go with the most cost effective option - my 50 cent made in China impact driver bits. I highly doubt an expensive bit is going to be 5 to 10 times more durable. I'm not going to spend $3-5 each on those Wera bits at the tool store if I was looking for something to beat on. Those bits may make a difference in terms of fit when dealing with stripped screws.

As for Harbor Freight, their target market is different from those who make high end bits. If those manufacturers want to compete with Harbor Freight, they can start by spending some money on marketing their bits to those with less money to spend on tools. Wera for example has been including stickers with their logo on it in their screwdriver sets lately.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Get over it, you're hanging on to a period between Phillips and Torx, be it Robertson or not. I will bet a box of standard/slotted bits that if we put square/Torx to a poll, Torx would win 10:1. Antiquated is antiquated...It's like saying a toothbrush is better than a tree root all while battery spinbrushes are out there.


Yeah, I spinbrush too.

Each to their own then. If I ran a poll asking mechanics about which design they hated the most with slotted, phillips, square, and torx being the options, torx would definitely win because of rusted and seized screws/bolts as well as broken bits.

 

[General Geoff]

Robertson/square drive is extremely popular in Canada, they're vastly superior to Phillips. I mostly use Torx because Torx screws are easier to come by in the states, but I would have no problem rolling with Robertson if it was more common.

 

[measuredtwice]

Sometimes you have to control your feelings of national pride and think objectively. Taiwanese tools can be as good if not better than US made tools. My co worker has already broken his 1/2 dr Snap on 24" flex head ratchet on at least one occasion. I broke my cheap made in Taiwan 24" equivalent with a cheater pipe once and there seems to be a limit on how strong these long ratchets can be made without going up to 3/4 dr. Another example would be those VIM bit sockets vs Snap on. There are some who say they are as strong if not stronger.

In regards to bits, if I am going to treat it as a wear item, I'm obviously going to go with the most cost effective option - my 50 cent made in China impact driver bits. I highly doubt an expensive bit is going to be 5 to 10 times more durable. I'm not going to spend $3-5 each on those Wera bits at the tool store if I was looking for something to beat on. Those bits may make a difference in terms of fit when dealing with stripped screws.

As for Harbor Freight, their target market is different from those who make high end bits. If those manufacturers want to compete with Harbor Freight, they can start by spending some money on marketing their bits to those with less money to spend on tools. Wera for example has been including stickers with their logo on it in their screwdriver sets lately.

Did you even watch the video in the OP? You don't seem to know what happened in the video. Just being "objective" about your last few posts in this topic.

In regards to price. Several of the Ph2 bits reviewed in the video were around 50 cents. There are Zephyr Ph2 bits on Ebay and Amazon for $5.50 for 10. "And in case you haven't already figured out", that's 55 cents each. That even includes shipping. Direct from the manufacturer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Q4HHCP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

3 of the reviewed bits were more expensive. Many others were just a few cents difference.

 

[JRC3]

Each to their own then. If I ran a poll asking mechanics about which design they hated the most with slotted, phillips, square, and torx being the options, torx would definitely win because of rusted and seized screws/bolts as well as broken bits.

Uhm..."Mechanics"...Like cars? Buddy, cars are a very small portion of the bulk of fastener sales. I mean, you know this thread is about wood and construction screws, right? What's next? You gonna compare why Torx isn't good for submarine manufacturing.

 

[ChrisLS8]

People still use phillips bits and screws. *shruggs*

Do yourself a favor and switch over to torx. I've never had a bit wear out or break, I only loose them. You can reuse screws over again. Not to mention it's easier on your body as you don't have to push, you can actually let the driver do what it was designed to do...The work.

Posting from the year 2020.

For my job I have zero choice. Thousands and thousands of Phillips bits and they won't change the industry to make me happy which is a bummer.

I've always said the DeWalt non impact Maxfits are a great deal and I was right.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Did you even watch the video in the OP? You don't seem to know what happened in the video. Just being "objective" about your last few posts in this topic.

In regards to price. Several of the Ph2 bits reviewed in the video were around 50 cents. There are Zephyr Ph2 bits on Ebay and Amazon for $5.50 for 10. "And in case you haven't already figured out", that's 55 cents each. That even includes shipping. Direct from the manufacturer.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Q4HHCP/?tag=atomicindus08-20

3 of the reviewed bits were more expensive. Many others were just a few cents difference.

Those are not impact bits at all, they break faster than you can blink much to my dismay.

Do not use these in an impact driver

 

[measuredtwice]

Those are not impact bits at all, they break faster than you can blink much to my dismay.

Do not use these in an impact driver

They aren't impact bits and neither are the Harbor Freight Warrior bits but the Harbor Freight bits were tested in the video. I linked those bits as one example of price.

 

[techieman33]

People still use phillips bits and screws. *shruggs*

Do yourself a favor and switch over to torx. I've never had a bit wear out or break, I only loose them. You can reuse screws over again. Not to mention it's easier on your body as you don't have to push, you can actually let the driver do what it was designed to do...The work.

Posting from the year 2020.

That works fine if your buying new screws for yourself. But they've been so ubiquitous for so long that you can't help but come across them. If you have existing phillips head screws that you bought years ago are you supposed to just throw them away? Or maybe your boss is a tightwad and buys the phillips head screws because they're cheaper. And sometimes torx screws just plain aren't available in the size and style you need. Good luck finding torx drywall or machine screws.

 

[Tonyuk]

Each to their own then. If I ran a poll asking mechanics about which design they hated the most with slotted, phillips, square, and torx being the options, torx would definitely win because of rusted and seized screws/bolts as well as broken bits.

I'd take torx any day over the rest of that ****.

VAG uses it everywhere, so long as you have good fitting bits its fine.

 

[JRC3]

That works fine if your buying new screws for yourself. But they've been so ubiquitous for so long that you can't help but come across them.

Of course all that, not to mention things like electrical, cabinet hardware, door locks and hinges...That's why my driver has both Phillips and Torx on board. But for driving, and the vid was about driving, this would generally be new screws.

If you have existing phillips head screws that you bought years ago are you supposed to just throw them away? Or maybe your boss is a tightwad and buys the phillips head screws because they're cheaper. And sometimes torx screws just plain aren't available in the size and style you need. Good luck finding torx drywall or machine screws.

There is no need to look for Torx to be used for actually doing drywall because most of us don't use them for that. My screw box has all Torx of every size except 1-1/4" and that has both Torx and Phillips. If you use screws as part of your job those Phillips get used up and eventually you switch over as you buy new screws. The same applies to homeowner type use, use the old Phillips and use Torx when you buy new, it's obvious you wouldn't just throw them away. And if you have a boss who wants to use Phillips, then I guess that's one more reason to quit making him money and start making it all for yourself. Haha.