Impact bits required?

[PassnThru]

So I picked up a bare tool DeWalt DC825B to go with my existing 18V tools. I notice no where in the manual does it state that impact rated bits are required. It does require impact sockets for the anvil style impact driver (they share the same manual apparently). Obviously, impact rated bits would be stronger but are they overkill? For reference, the max stated torque on this driver is 111 foot pounds. I have lots of bits around. It would be nice to not have to buy more and keep them separate.
So - what is your experience on this? Will most decent bits take the pressure or am I looking at grenading pretty much anything besides impact rated bits?

 

[diesel research]

The easiest solution is start liquidating the non-impacting bits and start using impact rated exclusively...

 

[woody 73]

Interesting topic; yesterday I was in lowes and they are now selling impact drill bits to use with your dewalt tool.

 

[GrantCee]

Speaking from long experience...buy the impact bits. I can't count how many good quality but non-impact bits I've destroyed, both square and Phillips.

Oh, and I twisted a non-impact-rated 1/4" socket adaptor. If I can find it I'll post a picture - looks a little like a barber's pole!

 

[kippieland]

I got tired of breaking bits all the time, so I only use impact rated bits. But they don't last forever.

 

[PassnThru]

Speaking from long experience...buy the impact bits. I can't count how many good quality but non-impact bits I've destroyed, both square and Phillips.

Oh, and I twisted a non-impact-rated 1/4" socket adaptor. If I can find it I'll post a picture - looks a little like a barber's pole!

I can understand having a problem with a socket or adapter. This thing will probably only see duty around the house - not around any vehicles. Were you just driving screws into wood or something more serious than that? With a regular drill I've never broken a bit but I've twisted the head off a few screws

I got tired of breaking bits all the time, so I only use impact rated bits. But they don't last forever.

As above - what were you doing with them? Just driving screws into wood or something more sinister

 

[AltecDarpa]

I think its not so much the max torque, but the sudden jolt that will shatter normal sockets and bits, which are quite hard compared to the softer steel used in impact rated parts.

 

[64merc]

Too funny...I was just wondering the same thing today. I have one of the 12v Bosch impacts, and I've never had a problem with using standard bits around the house. I really want an excuse to buy impact bits, but I'm thinking it's overkill. Maybe I've just been lucky, who knows.

 

[rlitman]

I've got both 12V Bosch impacts. No issues with regular bits here on either, but I still like the Milwaukee impact bits because they last longer.

I know someone with a Dewalt 18V impact, and that's a whole different story. Those hit MUCH harder, and tear up regular bits. He once even spun the tip off one of my impact bits too.

 

[Stuey]

I think its not so much the max torque, but the sudden jolt that will shatter normal sockets and bits, which are quite hard compared to the softer steel used in impact rated parts.

Yep, those are my thoughts exactly.

You can still break impact bits, but just not as easy. Impact bits are cheap enough anyways. While I wouldn't go out and buy a 150-piece bit set, a small set should do the trick and should be relatively cheap enough.

 

[PassnThru]

I'm probably going to pick up some impact bits in phillips and square drive. Keep it simple for now and probably take my chances with standard torx and hex bits. I don't use them very often anyway. I'll probably look around for a cheap impact adapter and a set of cheap impact sockets also. My only impacts right now are deep 1/2 inch drive - probably a bit big for the driver.
I have enough bits laying around - I may see how long it takes to break one this weekend.

 

[buildmyown]

I can understand having a problem with a socket or adapter. This thing will probably only see duty around the house - not around any vehicles. Were you just driving screws into wood or something more serious than that? With a regular drill I've never broken a bit but I've twisted the head off a few screws



As above - what were you doing with them? Just driving screws into wood or something more sinister

Sure to you try it once. I have the Makita version along with 1/4 and 3/8 socket adapters. It is the most handy tool i have used in a long time.
Just rebuilt my snowmobile motor and didnt use a regular ratchet on the whole job. Ran all the bolts in with it and did a final snug with a torque wrench.

I just use regular chrome Kobalt sockets and regular bits. Havent broken a socket yet and the regular bits i just keep extras of the common ones on hand it does tend to wear them out faster or brake them.

 

[GrantCee]

I can understand having a problem with a socket or adapter. This thing will probably only see duty around the house - not around any vehicles. Were you just driving screws into wood or something more serious than that? With a regular drill I've never broken a bit but I've twisted the head off a few screws

Around the house work, driving screws into wood. (And I've got the "cheap" Ryobi impact driver, not the more powerful DeWalt!)

One day I was doing some deck repair, and went through a half-dozen 4" #2 Phillips bits inside of 20 minutes. They weren't cheap ones, either - they were made in US bits that the local tool emporium said were "the best we can get". Every one of them broke flush with the top of the screw, leaving a piece of the bit in the recess.

I've been using DeWalt impact bits for the last year, and though I've broken one or two they definitely last a lot longer than the regular variety. A few weeks back I picked up some Milwaukee impact bits; we'll see how they stack up.

 

[Monte]

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