Broke a couple phillips bits

[doge]

I was drilling some 4in wood screw and the phillips head of the bits sheared off. I think it was because I was using a bit holder so there was a greater moment on the bit? Or just a cheap bit?

I dremeled off one screw because the bit was lodged in there.

 

[NorthNjWK]

Could have been both factors, cheap bit and too much torque. I have broken a few porter-cable brand bits this year while fixing up the house. I emailed the company and they sent me a replacement set and the same thing happened, broken bits. I now have some Bosch brand bits, so I'll see how those work out.

 

[tdkkart]

Are you using an impact driver?? Most bits are not built for impact duty.
I've got a Dewalt impact driver that snaps bits like raw noodles.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'm guessing this ^^^^ is the case. Those look like standard 1/4 screwdriver bits. Not impact rated ones.

 

[dutchgray]

They are all a consumable item, the better ones just last longer or can take more torque.
You piloting that 4" screw? I would.

 

[BlindViper]

Impact or not try to pre drill for the screws.

 

[doge]

I was just using a normal Ryobi drill and did pilot the holes. Yeah I'm thinking they are just consumable items. I don't use them too much but have had them forever.

Thanks for the responses I just wanted to see what you thought.

 

[Toolfool]

Buy the "impact ready" bits, even if you're not using an impact driver.

 

[Wamsutta]

I just wanted to see what you thought.

I think the screw head should break off before the bit does.

 

[MaineGuide]

Some bits can be absolute junk, but some situations just don't work out in the bits favor. Sounds like the bits are to blame here. I've had good luck with the new Milwaukee impact bits, just be sure to buy the ones with the red sleeve on the shank as they are the updated version.

 

[slip knot]

I tend to break bits when putting up backer board. The rockon brand screws fit tighter on the bits than reglar screws do. whenever they get out of alignment the bit breaks. I've tried several different brands and it seems to affect them all. Whenver I'm hanging backer board , I just buy more bits.

 

[Jmonnty]

The Milwaukee impact bits work great for me, both in my impact and my drill. I was breaking irwin bits installing windows pretty regular.

 

[langss]

Working Aircraft Maintenance, believe me I broke my share of Apex Tips (Bits). They break, bottom line. If you reach more torque than the bit was designed for its going to break, going in or coming out. As mentioned try pre drilling.

 

[All]

I stopped using Phillips screws where the screw length must exceed 2". I have found Torx drive heads to be sturdier, with no stripping.

 

[Rlfd213]

For wood screws I don't use anything but square drive. Works for me

 

[uart]

I was just using a normal Ryobi drill and did pilot the holes. Yeah I'm thinking they are just consumable items.

Yes and no. Yes they are consumable. Eventually they all get beaten up and start to cam-out more readily. But no they shouldn't really snap like that under normal usage.

They might be a little bit brittle. There's probably something of a compromise in the heat treatment, between being on the softer side and wearing down and rounding (causing more cam-outs, which is the usual end of life for most bits) and being on the harder side and having more tendency to snap.

Sounds like the heat treatment of those bits is a little on the hard and brittle side. Still, I'd just try a slightly larger pilot. Sometimes if I'm finding it too harder going on longer screws I even use a double pilot. Like a narrow full length one, and another slightly wider one that's only about half length.