Locking hex bit adapter

[66HertzClone]

I ordered this Wera adapter for use in the Dewalt DCF 860B I purchased hoping to find that it would stay locked in the gun allowing quick and easy switching of sockets when needed. Sadly it doesn't stay in the coupler, pulls out with the sockets almost every time. I have a couple of these style that have the deeper cut ridge but they are longer than what I'm looking for. I want one as short as possible like the Dewalt piece is, all the ones I have seen so far are 2 inches or more in length when the Wera one I have is just an inch.

Can one of you guys direct me to something like what I have described?

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

If I’m understanding this correctly, you’re trying to source a 1/4” square (male) to 1/4” hex (male) adapter that is a) very short and has the E6,3 hex shaft (power bit/ round groove) instead of the C6,3 (notches)?


Kind regards,
Olli

 

[66HertzClone]

Olli, that pretty much sums it up, thanks

 

[Winterborne]

Apex EX-250 / 1-3/8" OAL

 

[66HertzClone]

Yup, that's it, thanks

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Just be aware that has a pin lock, will work best with (impact) sockets that have a through hole in one of the retention notches.

Here are some off-brand stubby’s with ball retention: https://www.amazon.com/Stubby-Impact-Socket-Adapter-Inches/dp/B0DKVG6L51?tag=atomicindus08-20

(I’d prefer the Apex, though … Neat find @Winterborne !)

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[66HertzClone]

Just be aware that has a pin lock, will work best with (impact) sockets that have a through hole in one of the retention notches.

Here are some off-brand stubby’s with ball retention: https://www.amazon.com/Stubby-Impact-Socket-Adapter-Inches/dp/B0DKVG6L51?tag=atomicindus08-20

(I’d prefer the Apex, though … Neat find @Winterborne !)

Kind regards,
Olli

That's something I need to consider, none of my sockets have the hole so retention might be an issue. Maybe I'll try the off-brand pieces and see how they work.

 

[whateg01]

I've wondered for awhile, why isn't there a length I'm between the stubby one you've been trying to use and the next size up. Why can't they make them with this section removed and the anvil closer to the tool?

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

@66HertzClone

Here they are still available, the seller is on vacation until August 2nd, though. (Maybe they come back on Amazon then as well …)

-> https://www.ebay.com/itm/167575432380

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[whateg01]

Here are some off-brand stubby’s with ball retention: https://www.amazon.com/Stubby-Impact-Socket-Adapter-Inches/dp/B0DKVG6L51?tag=atomicindus08-20

(I’d prefer the Apex, though … Neat find @Winterborne !)

Kind regards,
Olli

Ok, I guess they do. Must not have searched right.

 

[KnurledNut]

Add a "B" suffix to the Apex part number for ball retention.
Be aware these are industrial power bits and they have a little different heat treatment than impact rated bits.



If the pin lock is acceptable, Irwin makes one very similar to Apex. I bought a 10-pack at a local industrial supply.
Looks like there is a seller on eBay that has them at a reasonable price:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/274838134630?msockid=1acb3a2812de6bc3157f2d88139d6ae7


Another option is to make your own. Its easy to add a power groove using a round file.

 

[66HertzClone]

I've wondered for awhile, why isn't there a length I'm between the stubby one you've been trying to use and the next size up. Why can't they make them with this section removed and the anvil closer to the tool?

I like the compact size of the Dewalt gun and I would like to keep it is compact as possible when using just in case, I have a couple of longer ones but it would be handy to have it stay compact for use in tight spaces. But that is a good idea as well.

 

[LXCam]

I bought several of the apex ball type a few months back. Those have been rockstars. Haven’t broken one yet nor noticed any loss of retention.

 

[Winterborne]

Okay, try this one on for size with the ball retention
Apex EX-250-Ball

 

[lu787a]

Koken makes a 35mm ball and pin version.