Problems with bit holders

[stahl]

Hey people.

I'm not sure if this is a user error or theres an actual fault with my tools but im having problems with something as simple as using a bit holder. Not the one you attach to a drilling machine but the one that goes to ratchet etc. It's a Stahlwille with a little spring on it's upper part. I've got two sizes of that and both are impossible to use.

When I try to insert a bit to it, it just wont go in more than maybe a millimeter or two. I've tried turning it while pushing it in and varying levels of force but no result. I managed to get it on some times but it wasnt easy. Now it wont go at all.

A defect on both or user error? I didnt know using something as simple as a bit holder could be one of the most challenging tasks with tools I come across.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Is it a 1/4" square socket to go on a 1/4" ratchet, and it converts it to being a bit holder for 1/4" bits?

 

[pizza]

why no pics

 

[GeoBruin]

why no pics

It's their first post. They might not have privileges to post pics yet. But yes, I agree, this definitely calls for pictures

 

[midnitemack]

I believe there are 2 types of 1/4 hex bits which are not exactly compatible

 

[Wamsutta]

STAHLWILLE 412



STAHLWILLE 412-1


STAHLWILLE 442


STAHLWILLE 443


STAHLWILLE 543


STAHLWILLE 3100


STAHLWILLE 3825/1

 

[stahl]

I will try to attach pictures today, but in the meantime I will answer some of the questions. The holder looks like that 412. The other holder is same type but for 3/8 while the other is 1/4. Both have the same issue. They came with a Stahlwille socket set that also had Stahlwille bits so they should fit those

 

[stahl]

Here they are

 

[pizza]

i don't have that one, but i'd guess either it's defective or you need to use more force. i've used ones that were quite stiff until broken in. only other thing i can think of is maybe the retention is incorrectly installed and needs tweaking.

 

[stahl]

I'll try more force and hope it doesn't get destroyed lol. Pity I don't have same type of bit holder that works to compare with

 

[Wamsutta]

The STAHLWILLE uses a spring for the bit retention. I've never tried that type. The kind I'm more familiar with uses a cir-clip to hold the bit in place. The one I have is an Apex M-490-2. It's the kind intended to go in a drill or impact driver. It has both a cir-clip and a magnet. The cir-clip is so strong, I use pliers to insert the bit and pliers again to remove the bit. I like it. If you've ever used the cheap kind that have a magnet and no cir-clip, you know how frustrating those can be when the bit gets pulled out of the holder and stuck to the screw head.

The other two kinds are a set-screw type and a quick release type. The set screw type are very convenient, but I think that design may increase the outside diameter of the bit holder in order to have material for the threads.


APEX M-490-2 / cir-clip bit retention


APEX 825 / cir-clip bit retention




APEX SC-108 / set screw bit retention



APEX QR-108 / quick release bit retention

 

[RTM]

In the first pic, it looks like there is one of those rings inside. If so, is it just too small, and needs to have a few rammed thru there?

 

[uart]

Here they are

I haven't used that exact type, but I'd guess that the spring is located in some kind of retaining groove. I'd be checking the the spring hasn't moved a bit out of the groove so that it's not expanding properly when the bit is inserted. I'd also try it with a bit of lube on the bit for a few times to help it slide easily while it's seating in.

 

[Dave455]

I’m generally quite a fan of Stahlwille tools, but I really don’t like their bit holders.

They either use a very crude spring clip to retain the bit, or the coil spring as in the O.P’s bit holder, but I don’t find either work particularly well.

Quite often it’s a struggle to insert or remove bits, and the coil springs get damaged easily.

The solution? In all honesty, get something different.

Hazet bit holders are superb.

They retain the bit with a properly designed ball detent, retained by a spring clip, and work superbly.


Wera make nice bit holders. Ball detent again.


The Snap On are superb also, but make sure it’s the magnetic one.

 

[stahl]

Thanks for tips. Odd they cant design a good bit holder. I will be looking at those holders you suggested as these aren't really functional

 

[mattstevens]

I was curious so I picked up a Stahlwille 412 to try. I think the problem is that the hex opening stops below the spring so you can't feel if the bit is aligned, and if it's not aligned then yeah it's not going in there. What worked for me was to use less force - light pressure while rotating the bit on top of the spring and when the hex lined up the bit would almost drop in.