Screwdriver Bits?

[Oldforgepower]

Hey guys -- this has probably been discussed ad nauseam, but I'm looking for a good set of screwdriver bits. Any recommendations? I've had a snappy ratcheting driver for years and I don't think I've ever once used it. I never bothered to buy a set of bits for it! Snap On's bits are expensive -- as always -- I'm sure they're fine, but I wondered if there was a more economical choice around. I'm assuming the cheap chinese bits are as bad as all the other cheap HF tools. Any help is appreciated -- thanks!

 

[idubvdub]

Irwin

 

[canuckian]

Wera, wiha, Milwaukee shock wave, and apex are some good ones that come to mind.

 

[archirelic]

I recommend the 'search function.'

 

[Oldforgepower]

I recommend the 'search function.'

who makes those?

 

[billymade]

Apex/Zephyr:

http://www.cooperpowertools.com/brands/fastening/

http://zephyrtools.com/

 

[Oldforgepower]

Thanks guys. I'm off and running and about to spend more money on stuff I've gotten by for years without. Wouldn't have it any other way.

 

[DanCo]

There's a 25 or 30 piece shock wave set in a red plastic case @ HD for $10. Great bits, I've been using the same #3 philips bit in my impact gun since the summer(I use my gun every day)

 

[Monte]

Wiha and Wera have a precise fitment.

 

[ishiboo]

Wiha and Wera have a precise fitment.

The Felo bits that came in my E Pro are very nice quality, though I haven't found a place to buy them separately in the US for a reasonable price.

The quality bits have a clearly well-done stamping and a much nicer forged tip than the cheap sets that come in just about everything.

 

[Krokodil]

Monte, did you forget about Schroder bits?

 

[kxxr]

Made in Ronan, Montana. I have some. They're good.
http://www.montanabrandtools.com/pageID/124/CategoryID/148/Products.aspx

 

[cderalow]

the home depot dewalt ones I've been using for the last 6 years have done me well, though are finally starting to rust a bit.

 

[Monte]

The Felo bits that came in my E Pro are very nice quality, though I haven't found a place to buy them separately in the US for a reasonable price.

The quality bits have a clearly well-done stamping and a much nicer forged tip than the cheap sets that come in just about everything.

Monte, did you forget about Schroder bits?

oooops sorry forgot Felo, Schröder, Hazet, Witte, Gedore, Elora ....

 

[Steevo]

Made in Ronan, Montana. I have some. They're good.
http://www.montanabrandtools.com/pageID/124/CategoryID/148/Products.aspx

Thank You for that!!
I can now buy a USA made gift for Christmas!

 

[plinker]

FWIW, the Snap-on bits are made by Zypher.

 

[Notwerk]

Anyone know a good, non-Snap-on source for actually buying Zephyr/Apex bits?

Those Montana bits/drills look interesting. Thanks for the link.

 

[billymade]

Apex:

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1...w.,cf.osb&fp=1675119eaf3e1fa&biw=1280&bih=937

Zephyr: seems to be less available online but if you google, there are dealers out there.

http://zephyrtools.com/sales_team_9.html

 

[ECP]

Seems like everyone is against SO on this one.... but I love my Blue Point set I got for Christmas a couple years ago.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...group_ID=13118&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

$38 sounds like a good price to me for this set. I have yet to replace a bit in the set, and I use is almost everyday. Phillips and Torx mostly. I've taken some Torx T30 bolts that had Locktite on them with the same T30 bit countless times (with 1/4" ratchet and mag socket) and it's not even starting to twist the bit.

Works great with SO's new cordless driver with the stainless shanks too. I took the lid off the case and just leave it in my screwdriver drawer.

 

[kxxr]

Thank You for that!!
I can now buy a USA made gift for Christmas!

And you would be supporting a very small community on the Flathead Indian reservation. Employment of any kind is a very big deal there and you gotta give a company props just for being there. Thanks!!

 

[jjjrmx5]

Seems like everyone is against SO on this one.... but I love my Blue Point set I got for Christmas a couple years ago.


Works great with SO's new cordless driver with the stainless shanks too. I took the lid off the case and just leave it in my screwdriver drawer.

I'm not against Snap-On's bits, but I work in light mfg and prodcution and due to them being labeled a "consumable", you need to find a very high quality bit at a price that is realistic.

We buy Wiha bits and have done so for years and years with excellent results.
Usually bulk orders of 200 of each bit for several philips head sizes, flat blades, torx and hex. Both 1" and 2" shanks.

The Wiha Bits have been know to last a year and more even if used daily, but they tend to get lost or misplaced if switching bits a lot thus our bulk buys.

 

[Steevo]

I ordered the "Big Sky" set from Montana tool for an Xmas gift for my son in law, and WOW, this is some beautiful stuff!

I am going to order this set for myself right after Christmas!

 

[billymade]

I'm pretty sure that Montana tool is the OEM for the Sears/Craftsman line..... I don't think that are terribly durable; the drill bits in particular, tend to shear off and spin in the cast portion of the shank too. Again, I recommend apex/zephyr.

 

[powertrip]

What a way to rain on Steevo's parade.

 

[Steevo]

Doesn't matter to me, billymaid.
I'd rather give something made by, sold by and warranted by an ALL AMERICAN company, based in a state I care about, than something else.
It is much nicer than the DeWalt Chicom ****, so I'm good with it.