Bit driver bits.

[kunkernator]

Is it honestly worth it to purchase a really expensive bit set from Snap On?

Assuming you use the bits for their intended purpose, will a set like this from HF last you? Has anyone had any real world experience with bits breaking or getting damaged under normal usage? I really cannot justify purchasing an equivalent set for over $200 from SO when this was $8, unless there is an honestly good reason to.

 

[DodgeMech]

Every so often Mac runs a special with a 100 piece bit set with a ratcheting screwdriver and t handle for like 85 bucks...biggest problem you'll (or i do anyway) have with bits is loosing them...which is why i now use bit sockets...

 

[kunkernator]

I saw that Mac set, I am considering buying it with my student discount. Is that the most full, best quality set out there? Even Snap On's "master bit set" is lacking.....A lot.

 

[DodgeMech]

I don't remember what all exactly it has, but it does have a wide variety of bits...Allen, torx, Phillips, flat, etc...

 

[greasemonkey44]

im forever losing, disorganizing, and misplacing those 1/4" bits
i buy bit sockets now; or specialty vim sockets
sometimes i keep a few extra 1/4 bit magnetic sockets for common stuff like p3 on rotors and drums on imports

 

[Singlecut]

I have had that bit set from HF for about 3 years now. The drilling on the tamper torx ****, go ahead and upgrade those. The rest of their bits are a lifesaver for when you run into that crazy security screw.

 

[blackz26]

I have the 100 piece set from auto zone.I love it. It has flat, Phillips, Torx, secuirty torx, eye and cup hooks, security etc. Haven't broke or lost any yet. Dyier

 

[MattPersman]

The HF set is definitely worth having just in case, that said if you use certain bits quite often then buy several in those sizes in a good brand like Apex, Snap on, Zephyr, Wiha, Wera, etc

 

[xj31]

I drink gallons of Snap on's kool aid, but I think their set is overpriced. I have Snap on bits and they twist and break just like the cheap ones.It is harder to break them and they don't strip screws, so I just have Snap on for the ones I use a lot

 

[kc-steve]

That's a good question! And I've been asking myself a similar question for years. I have found that, in general, low priced bits won't last long.

However, I found an old set at a garage sale for $5 that have a chrome coating it looks like and they have a longer life in my opinion. I haven't worn any out yet. Overall, I doubt the bits will have a long life no matter who makes them though. All you can really hope for is they last long enough to get the current job done, based on my experience.

Steve

 

[Thunderbisciut]

Mine consist of mainly Zephyr, some Wiha, and a few Apex. Is it worth it to spend the money for good bits? I dunno. I do know that I hated using a cheap bit for the first time, and it just shattering when I hardly put any torque on it, and this happening over and over.

 

[pipsters]

IIRC the HF ones are stamped S2 indicating S2 tool steel. It's decent quality. Keep your receipt and lifetime warranty on it, if you lose the receipt who cares it's $8.

IMO, I say spend the $8 over the $200 and see how they do. I have plenty things from HF that have outlived their useful life by 10x. I find the hand tools are a decent value there. Stuff like power tools I avoid, but hand tools are pretty good.

You will probably lose these WAY more than you break them...

 

[kunkernator]

I think I am going to stick with the HF set for now, thanks for all the good info.

Also, are Snap On/Mac/Matco bits covered under warranty?

 

[xj31]

I have had no trouble getting Snap ons replaced

 

[Unmarked Bill]

I don't know who OEM's it but I have the little Blue Point set and it's been good for me.

 

[CORTEZSS69]

I have the HF set. No issues.

 

[sberry]

I like that set and the risk is super low, I also agree to add other sets in particular like torx and common used allen etc. I have been buying those from Walmart lately. But for 8 bucks its cheap even if used a couple times here and there or has something unusual you may not have.

I see a lot of similar sentiment above, use something routine buy an upgrade if needed.

 

[dirtmister16]

only reason i can think to buy the snap on bits is that snap on warranties the bits. they have a great garuntee on them. your not supposed to be able to wreck them, so they repace them when get do go.

 

[chipper]

I've had that set for about four years i bought when i had to change my wifes hid headlight bulbs the screw were security screws. this set has been awesome for me never broke anything losing bit another question i can't tell you how many times i opened this upside down.....now i have broke just about every 2inch or longer bit from hf that I've owned....just for reference will snap on warranty their bits?

 

[crewchief888]

i have a similar set that i got from ace hardware.

the phillips bits were really bad..everyone of them was junk by the end of an afternoon in the garage, just from driving screws, the others have been problem free.

i have a SO ratcheting T handle driver, SO ratcheting screwdriver, and a MAC magnetic driver set,
i've never had an issue with any of the bits from those sets.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have had that set for a few years.

Get one of those; it's a sanity saver. Then . . .

Upgrade the bits you break, wear-out or use a lot with Apex replacements. I have bought 20 or so Apex bits this year from HJE & Travers; mostly Torx to replace failed ones. They all seem to be of much better fit; the torx bolts I broke 3 cheap bits in removing the bolts have not broken a single Apex yet.

 

[CWP1616L]

Mechanics Time Savers Magna-Caddy 580 Series.

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