Does anyone make Ball End #2 Square/Robertson Bits

[A&P mechanic]

Hi GJ,

Does anyone make ball end square/robertson bits?

I see Bondhous makes ball end square screwdrivers. I am interested in a bit set because I can put the bits in a battery impact driver or battery ratchet etc. I have been using #2 square 1 inch stainless screws in soffit lately on a shed and was curious if these bits exist.

 

[scooby074]

Get one of these.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Get one of these.

I did not know Milwaukee made one of those. It shows it pivots 30 degrees, for comparison, my Klutch version/made in Taiwan from Northern Tool (NT) only pivots 20 degrees. My NT flex bit holder does not work that well. I also have this odd shaped silver flex bit holder which works well and better than the NT flex bit holder. Thanks for the suggestion.

It still would be neat if anyone made the ball end square bits.

 

[ohhimark]

Haven't seen any, seems like a useful product. You could cut the end off the Bondhus ball driver and chuck it into a drill.

 

[scooby074]

I did not know Milwaukee made one of those. It shows it pivots 30 degrees, for comparison, my Klutch version/made in Taiwan from Northern Tool (NT) only pivots 20 degrees. My NT flex bit holder does not work that well. I also have this odd shaped silver flex bit holder which works well and better than the NT flex bit holder. Thanks for the suggestion.

It still would be neat if anyone made the ball end square bits.

Its pretty good. The joint is really just a 2 mode thing, either straight or angled. Its kinda chunky. Seems solidly made though. Ive used it for several years and no issues.

 

[A&P mechanic]

Haven't seen any, seems like a useful product. You could cut the end off the Bondhus ball driver and chuck it into a drill.

That's a good point about cutting the shank off. If I do not find ball end square bits, I will likely pick up a single #2 ball end square drive screwdriver.

Its pretty good. The joint is really just a 2 mode thing, either straight or angled. Its kinda chunky. Seems solidly made though. Ive used it for several years and no issues.

The NT version is the same, straight or angled. Thanks for the review, I may pick one of the Milwaukee swivel bit holders also.

 

[The Cobbler]

I am not sure, but I don;t think they would bite very good with higher rpm than twisting by hand. just guessing , but I think it might be prone to kick out when using a battery drill

 

[KnurledNut]

In researching these I came across another unicorn, ball end triple square. Who knew?

 

[dnschmidt]

Square drive and ball end just don't mix. What makes the Robertson design great is the tightness of fit between the driver and the screw. I don't see how square drive and ball end can co-exist.

 

[A&P mechanic]

I am not sure, but I don;t think they would bite very good with higher rpm than twisting by hand. just guessing , but I think it might be prone to kick out when using a battery drill

I have used ball torx periodically in corners when doing the shed framing as I used torx structural screws. I would start off the ball torx to get the screw started then swap out with a regular torx (not ball end) halfway through. I use an older non fuel M12 battery ratchet with just light pulls on the trigger when using ball torx. I would do the same thing with the ball end square drive bits but since it looks like nobody makes the bits, I will likely only do this by hand and purchase the #2 ball end square screwdriver.

In researching these I came across another unicorn, ball end triple square. Who knew?

That's neat, I don't use triple square that often but its good to know those exist!

Square drive and ball end just don't mix. What makes the Robertson design great is the tightness of fit between the driver and the screw. I don't see how square drive and ball end can co-exist.

That's probably why I can't find just the bits anywhere, thanks for the input!

 

[ohhimark]

Square drive and ball end just don't mix. What makes the Robertson design great is the tightness of fit between the driver and the screw. I don't see how square drive and ball end can co-exist.

Maybe they made the clearance tighter, but the ball end square screwdrivers I have grip very well, to the point of getting moderately stuck in the fastener. Might break easier than a normal square drive, minimum diameter is smaller.

Maybe try Canadian tool sources? They use Robertson more there.

 

[superautobacs]

I've never seen them in a bit format. I've had the Bondhus ball end #2 screwdriver for years and it has done its job on a few occasions.

 

[rust in the eye]

Square drive and ball end just don't mix. What makes the Robertson design great is the tightness of fit between the driver and the screw. I don't see how square drive and ball end can co-exist.

^^
Unlike straight sides of a hex drive Robertson has a slight taper. Reducing the diameter at the top to allow tilt would leave very little contact area.
It might be interesting to experiment with some bits and a grinder.

 

[A&P mechanic]

To post what I did:
Interestingly: The Bondhous part number for the #2 ball screwdriver comes with (2) of the same screwdrivers-works great for me!
I pulled the shaft out of one, it's an odd size diameter, came out to around 13/64 inch when sized a drill index. The bit is to small to fit in a standard 1/4 inch drive bit holder. So, I will chuck the ball end bit in a drill. I wrapped the bit in electrical tape so it is easier to find.

My plan is to start the screws with the ball end bit in a drill then switch to my battery 1/4 inch M12 ratchet with a bit holder and a #2 square bit. I measured the 1/4 inch ratchet head with a 1 inch #2 bit on my bit holder adapter and it came out to be 2.25 inches tall. Interestingly, the 2015 2467-20 M12 1/4 inch bit holder with a 1 inch bit is also 2.25 inches tall. So, there's no point in ever getting the M12 2467-20 since the M12 1/4 ratchet with a bit holder and bit is the same size.