Bit inserts (primarily torx) to replace worn/bad ones, USA made preferred?

[terrific]

I have a large order of Zephyr bits coming soon. Ordered from Zoro. I also have many PB Swiss bits. None of these are Impact rated though; and I have never tried them in an impact. I have always just kept them "loose" and then put them in bit holders attached to my metal tool chests (magnetic holders). I finally ordered the Zephyr Professional 31 Piece Bit Kit (ZBB-4) because

<enter lie mode> I really needed another bit kit <exit lie mode>

Ironically, the kit will contain my first Zephyr bit holder.

Has anyone ever figured out when to use Zephyr's softer bits vs. the harder ones? Does it even matter? I know they say the harder bits are meant for wood screws while the softer bits are for machine screws, but why would you want to use a softer bit? I don't think any of them are impact rated.

 

[glenng]

Has anyone ever figured out when to use Zephyr's softer bits vs. the harder ones? Does it even matter? I know they say the harder bits are meant for wood screws while the softer bits are for machine screws, but why would you want to use a softer bit? I don't think any of them are impact rated.

I have the hard ** bits. I believe they are are meant for self-tapping sheet metal screws. I just use them on all screws.

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have a large order of Zephyr bits coming soon. Ordered from Zoro. I also have many PB Swiss bits. None of these are Impact rated though; and I have never tried them in an impact. I have always just kept them "loose" and then put them in bit holders attached to my metal tool chests (magnetic holders). I finally ordered the Zephyr Professional 31 Piece Bit Kit (ZBB-4) because

<enter lie mode> I really needed another bit kit <exit lie mode>

Ironically, the kit will contain my first Zephyr bit holder.

I keep one ZBB4 in my kitchen drawer along with a Williams ratcheting screwdriver. It is the most useful thing around the house.

 

[Ohio Andy]

Has anyone ever figured out when to use Zephyr's softer bits vs. the harder ones? Does it even matter? I know they say the harder bits are meant for wood screws while the softer bits are for machine screws, but why would you want to use a softer bit? I don't think any of them are impact rated.

A harder bit generally handle less torque, but it also is less likely to deform. So wood screws well, how much torque can you put on wood. So hard bits that will last night.

And you are correct, these are not impact rated... Find the people who genuinely use the softer bits are aircraft mechanics. This is where I'm going to speculate... So everything I'm about to say could be completely wrong. I believe that this is specified. I also believe that it will be less likely to damage the screw heads or as the harder metal is probably more likely to damage the screw head but save the driver bit.

I have only ever used the harder bits.

It's kind of speaks to another question that I was thinking about opening an entire post. Just see if they could get a discussion going on.. and that is about ACR.

I believe that ACR is specific to Phillips bits and I think that Philips company might own the registered trademark.

I'm going from memory here but I think ACR stands for anti-cam-out And I think they are is for rounding but I'd have to check my notes when I get home.

If you have an ACR bit, you will see that there are lines in the screwdriver that grab into the side of the screw preventing it from camming out. A couple items of note here.

Zephyr has three types of bits. One type has no ACR of any sort. One type only engages ACR when tightening a screw and one type has it both for tightening and loosening. To my knowledge they do not have one strictly for loosening/ removing a screw.

Big question...

I once saw reference to acr screws implying that they had something related to ACR in the head of the screw itself. Has anyone ever heard of this? This was news to me.

When I order Phillips bits always get ACR in both directions or no ACR at all.. I have never intentionally boarded ACR only for tightening

If I'm being intentional I will use an ACR bit unless it's a screw I really care about; for example, A decorative visible screws but I do not want to damage

 

[mattstevens]

Has anyone ever figured out when to use Zephyr's softer bits vs. the harder ones? Does it even matter? I know they say the harder bits are meant for wood screws while the softer bits are for machine screws, but why would you want to use a softer bit? I don't think any of them are impact rated.

Apex describes it being about maximizing bit lifetime for a particular application. I think this more relevant for industrial use doing the same thing all day every day and most people here would just want to go with high hardness.

Selecting the Proper Heat Treat for Bits

Choosing the proper heat treat is important in achieving long tool life. Different applications, different operators, and different power tools require different heat treats. APEX offers a choice of three heat treat hardness levels in many of our screwdriver bits to match the particular customer’s application. These heat treats are specified by a letter suffix as follows:

X - The hardest heat treat in the industry
I - Intermediate hardness
R - Lowest hardness

Selecting the heat treat best suited for a particular application may require some trial and error. The proper heat treat depends on the failure mode. If the bit breaks or shatters, select a bit with less hardness. If the failure mode is wear, select a harder bit. Many times both breakage and wear may occur within the same application. This can be due to a number of factors such a different operators, different torque values, and different power tool settings.

In general, high torque applications require “R” heat treats to withstand twisting and resist breakage. The “X” heat treat is most suitable for low torque applications, particularly if hardened screws are used.

If a failure occurs, a change in hardness may result in better service. The “X” heat treat is most common and should be selected unless the specifics of an application or an existing problem would suggest using “I” or “R” hardness.

Vessel has this:

 

[terrific]

This is some primo information.

I see a lot of complaints across different brands about torx bits twisting. I guess that makes sense if companies are recommending the lowest hardness bits for high torque. I wonder if they'd be better off with a higher hardness.

This can be due to a number of factors such as different operators

I know exactly who they're talking about, haha.

 

[KnurledNut]

Be careful with Genius tools. I tried to warranty an impact bit socket that shattered first use on a weak-sauce impact and they never replied. I did both warranty form on their site and email to their support, and it's been 3-4 weeks now and I've heard zero response from them. If warranty is important to you I'd look elsewhere.

I have dealt with their warranty department a few times and had prompt professional customer service. YMMV with any brand warranty.