Bit sockets....

[64merc]

Hey, I was thinking the other day, how different are the bits that come in the bit sockets (cman, SK, etc.) from just regular screw-driving bits meant for power tools? I'm assuming that the steel is somehow different, correct?

 

[Stuey]

I don't think that they would be too different. Maybe a bit stronger to handle greater torque. Then again, some of the torque will be transferred to the socket.

I don't think that the cross section is much different though since some sockets are built to handle replacement bits.

 

[Danglerb]

Same basic size, materials and construction vary out the yin yang from a 10 cent disposable bit, to very high quality bits around $8 each. Wera diamond coated bits.

 

[64merc]

Wow, diamond coated bits!! I'd like to try those.

I guess my question should be, let's say you compared a C-man torx bit socket to a standard made in the USA torx bit you can find at Lowes. I'm talking about a loose bit that you would use in a magnetic bit holder. Would there be a big difference in how much torque they could take without twisting the bit?

 

[Stuey]

Wow, diamond coated bits!! I'd like to try those.

I guess my question should be, let's say you compared a C-man torx bit socket to a standard made in the USA torx bit you can find at Lowes. I'm talking about a loose bit that you would use in a magnetic bit holder. Would there be a big difference in how much torque they could take without twisting the bit?

Define "twisting the bit."

In a drill, a power bit wouldn't slip or twist but the head or fastener could be damaged and stripped. In a handheld bit holder, the screwdriver handle might twist, or the handle become loose, or more likely the bit or fastener head could be damaged or stripped. In a socket, again, the fastener or bit head would likely strip before the bit twisted in the socket, *depending on how well the bit socket was designed and constructed*.

For a moment, let's assume that the holding mechanism in a socket is built at least as well as the cheapest handheld bit holder. Something (well, almost anything else) will be damaged well before the bit twists in its holder.

 

[64merc]

Define "twisting the bit."

In a drill, a power bit wouldn't slip or twist but the head or fastener could be damaged and stripped. In a handheld bit holder, the screwdriver handle might twist, or the handle become loose, or more likely the bit or fastener head could be damaged or stripped. In a socket, again, the fastener or bit head would likely strip before the bit twisted in the socket, *depending on how well the bit socket was designed and constructed*.

For a moment, let's assume that the holding mechanism in a socket is built at least as well as the cheapest handheld bit holder. Something (well, almost anything else) will be damaged well before the bit twists in its holder.

Sorry, I don't mean that the bit itself twists in the holder. I mean that the "teeth" of the bit that corresponds to the female fastener head gets twisted or mangled. Let me try it a different way, can you put a quality bit into a bit socket and expect it to perform as well as the original bit that came with the socket? (I'm thinking specifically those bit sockets that have replaceable bits)

If you're saying that the fastener always gives way before the bit does, why do they sell high-dollar bit sockets, and why do people trash talk about the lower end bit sockets?

 

[eschoendorff]

Same basic size, materials and construction vary out the yin yang from a 10 cent disposable bit, to very high quality bits around $8 each. Wera diamond coated bits.

Those are badass! I might need to try some....

 

[Moose-LandTran]

apparently, my DeWalt bits have some special "torque zone" or something that absorbs torque at a certain point (like torque sticks) to prevent stripping the drive hole for the screw. whether it works or not, i don't know. never actually used them in my drill so i can't vouch for that.

i do think that there is a difference between some bits and others. i've broken a handful of bits, the ends break off, whereas my expensive Wiha torx bits have taken a lot of use and show no signs of wear what so ever.

 

[Lightning]

The Wiha dura bits are very good quality. They are expensive but you get what you pay for.

 

[Stuey]

Sorry, I don't mean that the bit itself twists in the holder. I mean that the "teeth" of the bit that corresponds to the female fastener head gets twisted or mangled. Let me try it a different way, can you put a quality bit into a bit socket and expect it to perform as well as the original bit that came with the socket? (I'm thinking specifically those bit sockets that have replaceable bits)

If you're saying that the fastener always gives way before the bit does, why do they sell high-dollar bit sockets, and why do people trash talk about the lower end bit sockets?

It's really hard to say. I think that most insert and power bits are designed and intended for power tool driving. I've stripped a few philips bits down to their core before.

Low quality bit sockets can sometimes lose their grip on the bits. Higher quality bit sockets may be better designed or may have a more complicated but reliable bit securing method.

On another note, I have a few Irwin torsion bits. I wondered what that thin part between bit head and base was for.

As far as I'm concerned, once my cheapo philips socket dies on me, I'm just going to buy a 1/4" insert bit holder. I already have a few 1/4" sized ones, and so far so good.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm assuming that the steel is somehow different, correct?

I can't answer your question about the metallurgical differences of the different insert bits, but I can give you two links to the best insert bit companies known to man:

http://www.cooperpowertools.com/brands/fastening/index.cfm

http://zephyrtool.com/

 

[annoyingrob]

I've had lower quality bits either wear into funny shapes over time, or just snap in half all together.

I bought a multi-bit screwdriver to carry around in my car for emergency repairs. I broke both the philips bits trying to take out a screw in the side of a 20 year old radio.