Recommend me Long screwdriver bits hardened like hand screwdrivers

[mrjaw14]

Hi all,

I'm building a travel tool kit. Size is a consideration, so I don't want to carry individual screwdrivers in all the sizes and styles I want. I'm looking for a high quality interchangeable bit set that work with 1/4" hex bit or power bit holders. I've looked at the Wera Kraftform Kompakt 60 Imperial kit, and it looks like the right general idea, but the bit configuration isn't ideal and it's expensive to not be ideal. I do like that the bit shafts are round and not just hex stock all the way to the tip. That's a must have feature the Wera gets right. They seem to favor the non-imperial market, so their selection for us is somewhat minimized.

I have a feeling that a lot of what's available at the big box stores are impact bits, which I assume are softer than a regular screwdriver. They also maintain most of their girth all the way up the bit, which doesn't work well for recessed screws.

Does anyone know of some well made 4-6" bits designed for hand usage in an interchangeable bit screwdriver? I'm looking to put together a set of phillips, slotted, square, torx (security?) and sae and mm hex for use on a locking drive handle like a Wera 817 or 816. If I can find the right bits, I can have an entire screwdriver set that fits in the space of a single screwdriver.

Edit: I will also carry an assortment of 1" insert bits, but the chunk of the bit holder doesn't fit sometimes, that's why I want some bits that mimic an actual screwdriver blade.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Zephyr.

Check out KC Tool's website for a great assortment of Euro branded bits.

I think your best bet is going to be buying individuals in the sizes you want.

 

[m6z]

Felo smart blades?

 

[mrjaw14]

I looked at the Felo smart blades, but they don't have the power bit shank that works with the wera 817R I have and love. Maybe the indents would work in a bit holder, but I'm not sure.

 

[GaryM909]

Pic Quic might work but the bits are only 3" though

 

[Dave455]

I think you are essentially correct, and most (if not all) blades designed for impact bit holders will be impact bits. This is the problem with these holders. You can, of course, use hand bits, but then you might as well use a regular bit driver.

Personally, for what you describe, I’d go with the Wera. I use their bits and they are more than hard enough for general use.

I actually have the Wera set in stainless. I tend to carry it if I’m doing electrical work, so I have at least one of most bits, just in case.


Wera actually offer subtly different versions of this set for the U.S. and European markets. The European version has Pozidriv bits, the U.S. version includes Frearson and Prince square tips, or somesuch…!

Another option is the Felo. The blades are a little more bulky than the Wera, but I use mine in a similar role and they are fine. Tend to use the Wera more as the set is much easier to carry.


PB Swiss offer exactly what you want, namely long bits for hand use (C6L). I have a few of these, but they are harder to find than the bits for power use (E6), the different hardening isn’t noticeable unless you are doing up hundreds of screws, and you lose the option of impact use. (They shatter quickly if you do).


The best option, in all honesty, is probably to ditch the power bit holder and use the PB Swiss interchangeable blades. Lovely quality, pretty much everything is available, and the systems come in 3 sizes with numerous handle options. But, if you think Wera are expensive you might need to sit down before looking up these…!

 

[mrjaw14]

thanks for the detailed reply! I’m going to look into the options you presented. Appreciate the pictures too

 

[mrjaw14]

Any good leads on where to buy those PB Swiss C6L bits? I'm not having much luck. How have the Wera stainless bits held up?

 

[KnurledNut]

Any good leads on where to buy those PB Swiss C6L bits? I'm not having much luck. How have the Wera stainless bits held up?

DRPD has them with the quick change shank. They will work just fine with your Wera handle. There is no reason to go with the version pictured above.
They are a very reputable company that many of us have dealt with and even have a representative member here on GJ.
https://drpd.cc/bits-accessories/?page=2

 

[Dave455]

Any good leads on where to buy those PB Swiss C6L bits? I'm not having much luck. How have the Wera stainless bits held up?

Sadly, not in the U.S.

I think, for all practical purposes, you wouldn’t notice much difference using the E6L bits.


Although there is a difference in the heat treatment, I don’t think you will notice it unless you do a lot of repetitive assembly work. The E6 bits will fit your holder better too.

Wera bits, generally, are my alternative choice if I don’t want to use PB. I pretty much use them as standard in my impact driver.

I haven’t had any problems with the stainless bits, but I’m only using them as a backup if I suddenly find a Torx screw in a light fitting or something (electrical screws are not the hardest anyway). But I value them being stainless if I’m working outside, especially bits in a case - if I got steel ones wet I’d need to take each bit out, wipe it down, and allow the case to dry!

 

[cbracer]

I have both the PB Swiss and Wera Stainless. I prefer the Wera Stainless, and they are impact rated too. I purchased a set then a bunch of individuals to complete all the sizes they make. I paid just under $80 for a set. There are 2 versions with slightly different bits in each one. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001551XCS/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Beerhippie]

Unless the screw is in a deep and narrow recess, this is what I use:



Just insert your favorite bits.

 

[pizza]

Any good leads on where to buy those PB Swiss C6L bits?

C6L is discontinued, but NOS is available at some places.
just get E6L bits instead. they're more useful, anyways.

and a wiha 'SoftFinish CentroFix Blade Holder' if you need a bit holder for them, and non-ratcheting's ok with you.