Dewalt Impact Driver Accessory Set Qs

[Stuey]

Dewalt Impact Driver Accessory Set for $20

I forwarded the thread about the Bosch impact driver to a friend of mine, and he ordered himself an early birthday present. Anyways, he asked me if he could use regular bits, and I told him no. I've been searching for an accessory set to recommend to him, and found the above Dewalt one that seems to be a bargain at $20 when other stores sell it for $30 and up.

Are there any other sets available via normal retailers that are either better quality or better priced? My buddy probably won't mind larger retailers, but he's also the type that won't step foot into industrial suppliers or small retailers.

So is the above set a good buy, or would you recommend something else?

 

[boiler7904]

Only buy that set if you really need / want 21 #2 phillips drive bits.

 

[Jokeman]

My home depot has stuff like that up front right now. Looked like they had cases upon cases of sets like that.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I am in the tool business, and I can tell you that is a hell of a good price on that set. I have a very similar set, but I haven't used it enough to give you a review. There are several reviews on the Amazon page on your link.
Just so you are aware, the components of that set are made in China and Taiwan.
Jokeman is right, this is the time of year that HD and Lowes put out this type of stuff in the front of the store. They ****** up overstock deals on sets like this during the year and move them before Christmas.

 

[chrisexv6]

Only buy that set if you really need / want 21 #2 phillips drive bits.

Agree!!!

I was looking for an accessory set that has what I would want for a Bosch PS20/PS40, but all of the sets I found are just tons of the same piece that I dont want/need.

Honestly, Ive used a cheapo set of non-impact driver bits in my PS40 and never broke one once. Ive even used that same cheapo set in my 18V impact driver and again, never broke one. Not really sure an "impact ready" set is a requirement.

In my research I did find that Ingersoll makes a couple bit sets that might come in handy, but you pay for it (either the quality or the name, I dont know if they are just Chinese bits in an Ingersoll pouch).

Right now Im using my 9.99 craftsman 22 piece drill set and a 4.00 milwaukee bit set that I got off Amazon. They work for what I need.

 

[Stuey]

Only buy that set if you really need / want 21 #2 phillips drive bits.

Hmm, good point, I didn't notice that!

I couldn't even find a similar Craftsman set. All these new impact drivers coming out, but no bit sets??

Maybe b/c bits are very narrow and uniform in thickness they aren't prone to the same failures as standard sockets used in an impact tool?

 

[chrisexv6]

Good bits are out there, just probably not in set (its been recommended to get McFeeleys impact bits). You have to buy them all separate though. I suppose if you buy them as you need them you can amass a good set........get a storage pouch and you're good to go.

Part of what I really wanted was a good quality bit set that would fit nicely in the same case as the Bosch tools so I could carry it around when I needed it.

Ive also heard good things about Apex impact bits, but again never found a full set.

And dont discount just getting a cheap however-many-piece bit set and use em until they break. I got a 95 piece "Allied" set from Amazon years ago and most of the bits are still working fine.

 

[boiler7904]

McFeely's offers a few impact rated bits but they aren't available as a set from what I can tell.

http://www.mcfeelys.com/impact-driver-bits

Like Chris, I usually just use a standard bit and bit holder. Haven't had any problems with them in my PS40 or the standard 12V Bosch Impactor that I bought a couple of years ago. I've only bought bits and holders from name brand companies - Bosch, Hitachi, DeWalt, and Milwaukee. After my experience of breaking 3 Craftsman drill bits in less than 5 minutes a couple of weeks ago, I'm staying clear of them for a while.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I feel that with the little Bosch PS40, you don't need impact rated bits. They would be good to have with one of the larger impact drivers, but even then not mandatory.

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

I've been wondering the same thing. I've used non-impact bits in the impact drivers before without any issues, but it was an emergency situation on a show site, and it was only done a few times. I saw the impact DeWalt stuff at HD, but it's made in china/taiwan so the way I see it, those bits should be on par with a good U.S. made standard bit. Maybe.

Boiler-Which bits were you using? You have to check their packaging now to see where they are made, they've started to outsource their drill bits to china, but only some of them. I know the black cobalt ones for sure, and I believe the spade bits as well. Disappointing, isn't it?

 

[boiler7904]

I've been wondering the same thing. I've used non-impact bits in the impact drivers before without any issues, but it was an emergency situation on a show site, and it was only done a few times. I saw the impact DeWalt stuff at HD, but it's made in china/taiwan so the way I see it, those bits should be on par with a good U.S. made standard bit. Maybe.

Boiler-Which bits were you using? You have to check their packaging now to see where they are made, they've started to outsource their drill bits to china, but only some of them. I know the black cobalt ones for sure, and I believe the spade bits as well. Disappointing, isn't it?

They were from a Speed-Lok kit that I bought a couple of years ago. Discontinued now but pretty similar to this:

Craftsman Speed-Lok

 

[DiStOrTiOn]

Sorry to hear that, I've got a smaller speed-lok set from about 7 years ago, so far so good, though I don't drill through too much steel or anything with it, mostly just wood or drywall. Do they warranty their drill bits if they break? I don't think they do if they get dull.

 

[boiler7904]

Hadn't thought about a warranty claim. I'll have to see if I already through them away. If not, it's time to head to the Sears Hardware around the corner and see if they are under warranty.

 

[Bolster]

Hum. The philips driver bits I've broken the most of, were branded Bosch. Seemed to be over hardened.

 

[jcs_in_ky]

I used to use the Bosch bits with no problems at all. A few days ago I put in about 200 screws using the Bosch bits and managed to break six of them. It does seem like their newer bits might be over hardened.

 

[Hip2u77]

I used to use the Bosch bits with no problems at all. A few days ago I put in about 200 screws using the Bosch bits and managed to break six of them. It does seem like their newer bits might be over hardened.

You might be right as I broke the flathead 5 seconds after I first charged the PS40. Tried to use it to loosen a rusted bolt on a 8" floor scraper and it didn't flinch. I hammered on it for about 2 seconds and snapped it.

 

[Fast Orange]

I picked up the DW set about a month ago and have been using it on my PS-40 pretty regularly.I don't like the mini #2 phillips bits-I don't think they have enough bearing area to keep from stripping the screwheads.They may be OK on deck screws or other hardened screws,but on the cadmium plated machine screws I work with the most,the heads strip too easily.Standard 1" insert bits seem to hold up and don't strip the screwheads as often.
I also bought a 3 pc set of DW swivel sockets-1/4",5/16" and 3/8"-they work great-I used the 5/16" to remove about 800 #10-32 x 3/8" machine screws in about 1-1/2 hours on my PS-40 the other day.No signs of wear on the socket,no stripped screws.I did completely drain 3 freshly charged batteries in that session.I bought the DW 1/4" and 3/8" square drive socket adapters too.I haven't had a chance to try them yet,but I think they'll be OK.