Best Screwdriver Bits

[Phantom552]

Long story short, I killed a few screws today thanks to some too-soft and well used bits, and I'd like to avoid that happening again if at all possible, as it wasn't a lot of fun to rectify.

That being said, what are the best quality bits out there? Gonna need phillips, flat, torx, and hex at the very least. Bonus points for companies that also make tamper-proof torx/hex and/or JIS bits.

Arizona, USA Resident, SnapOn/Mac/Matco at work, not that I'm only considering truck brands. No preset budget, if it grips well and lasts under hard use, I'll pony up for it.

Thanks guys (and possibly gals)!

 

[PureLeaf]

Im a big fan of VIM. They also do Torx, Hex, not sure on JIS.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'm guessing you're talking about the 1/4" bits for use in a driver handle?

 

[cbracer]

PB Swiss hands down.

 

[Phantom552]

I'm guessing you're talking about the 1/4" bits for use in a driver handle?

yeah, specifically for use in ratcheting screwdriver handles.

 

[LB-1911]

Who makes the best screwdriver bits?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291969

Zephyr (who makes Snap On's) and Apex are my "go to" for bits

This website has both Apex and Zephyr. I've never ordered from them so I can't say how reliable they are though.

http://omegatec.com/

 

[Phantom552]

Who makes the best screwdriver bits?
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=291969

Good catch man, thanks for the link! Can't believe I didn't find that on search >.<

 

[Moose-LandTran]

PB Swiss hands down.

Absolutely. They really are unbeatable in all ways. I have all different other bits from Snap-on, Wiha, Wera, and others. None of them come close to the quality of PB Swiss.

 

[KevinF]

Another vote for PB Swiss, they just don't seem to wear out.

 

[Hip2u77]

Apex is what they used at the Ford Assembly plant I worked at.

I think I'll give PB Swiss a try also.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Apex bits are nice.

Are you in the Phoenix valley?

 

[Wamsutta]

There's a company called EVCO that makes tamperproof Allen hex bits. I needed one for a telephone junction box one day. I couldn't find that type bit through Apex. Tamperproof Hex is not as common as Tamperproof Torx.

 

[LB-1911]

One source for JIS-type bits*

Vessel 1/4" Drive DIN 5260 (JIS-Type) Phillips Bits
http://www.rjrcooltools.com/shop_item_detail.cfm?subcat_ID=89

*
Vessel is making the 1/4" drive bits we carry to DIN Standard #5260. They are NOT true JIS per se. However, we have tested them extensively here and have determined that due to the tight corner radius on these bits (a key ingredient differentiating JIS from Phillips standards), they fit JIS fasteners that you will encounter perfectly.

http://www.rjrcooltools.com/vessel.cfm

 

[mikebaker1129]

I like Apex and Zephyr bits.
Both are available from omega/ mro.
HJE has a few APEX bits.

 

[Dave455]

Best overall quality - PB Swiss, no doubt about it!

I've used most of 'em over the years, and PB win overall!

Next best - Zephyr. almost as good!

Third choice Apex, Wiha, Wera. They are all 'acceptable'. Some folks rate these as the best, but not in my experience. I've spent many hours doing assembly work with one bit, and I've known applications where a Wera bit will put in maybe a hundred screws, maybe a couple hundred, but wiil always fail eventually. Same job with a PB bit and I havn't broken one!

 

[d.mcfarland]

If your Snap On driver would warranty them, maybe you should go that route? From what i've heard some will and some won't.

 

[morgantm]

One source for JIS-type bits*

Vessel 1/4" Drive DIN 5260 (JIS-Type) Phillips Bits
http://www.rjrcooltools.com/shop_item_detail.cfm?subcat_ID=89

*
Vessel is making the 1/4" drive bits we carry to DIN Standard #5260. They are NOT true JIS per se. However, we have tested them extensively here and have determined that due to the tight corner radius on these bits (a key ingredient differentiating JIS from Phillips standards), they fit JIS fasteners that you will encounter perfectly.

http://www.rjrcooltools.com/vessel.cfm

You can buy them directly from Vessel for much cheaper than that website is charging. I ordered 10 packs of the common sizes last year and it wasn't bad at all.

 

[DOlsen]

I like the Wera diamond coated Phillips bits. They don't slip, and they seem to last forever.

 

[Jure]

PB..or wiha

 

[HCNDM]

Wera or PB


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1969]

For later......

 

[mikebaker1129]

I am seeing a lot of PB Swiss replies.
Where are you buying the PB Swiss bits? Are you buying individual bits or sets?

 

[jflores]

I bought mine from ToolLady but I've also gotten PB from CountOnTools via Amazon or the pbtools.us website.

 

[Kev442]

After ruining 3 P2 screwdrivers this weekend, it's time to switch to bits. Reading up today about PH2's, Bosch ribbed tip (ha ha!) And the Makita gold were deemed super durable too. Anyone have experience with these?
I was going to order some Zeypher today but it was $50 minimum order.

 

[mikebaker1129]

After ruining 3 P2 screwdrivers this weekend, it's time to switch to bits. Reading up today about PH2's, Bosch ribbed tip (ha ha!) And the Makita gold were deemed super durable too. Anyone have experience with these?
I was going to order some Zeypher today but it was $50 minimum order.

I know,that is why I ordered 2 of their zbb4 sets.
I could not be happier! 1 set is being used and the other is still in the wrap.
Great bits in my opinion.

 

[Kev442]

Wow. Dropped 4 1/2 pages in less than a day. I guess no one likes ribbed or gold....

 

[skan]

Absolutely. They really are unbeatable in all ways. I have all different other bits from Snap-on, Wiha, Wera, and others. None of them come close to the quality of PB Swiss.

How do PB Swiss Tools compare to Makita, Hilti, Zephyr or Bosch Ribbed tips?

 

[bonneyman]

I like Apex and Zephyr bits.
Both are available from omega/ mro.
HJE has a few APEX bits.

I like APEX bits and have heard rave reviews of the Zephyr's.

 

[Danglerb]

I wanted some JIS, now DIN 5260, so bought a bitbelt set of 5 from Vessel, about $10 shipped to usa.

I've beaten on a few, but so far haven't broken any of the 100 bit security sets from HF.

 

[rallenc]

I know,that is why I ordered 2 of their zbb4 sets.
I could not be happier! 1 set is being used and the other is still in the wrap.
Great bits in my opinion.

Ordered three of the ZBB4's and some miscellaneous to get free shipping. Great bits at a super price.