screwdriver bits
- Thread starter belvedere
- Start date
pizza
Well-known member
pb swiss. not cheap, but SO isn't either.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
PB Swiss, Snap-On USA, Zephyr USA (Oem for some of Snap-On bits), Apex USA, Montana Brand USA. Also, Phillips from Vessel Japan. Also, Menards has a nice set of metric/sae allen bits branded Masterforce for $10.
I've heard that Wera Wedge Torx and Wiha Align Torx (not the basic Torx from either brand) fit fasteners very tightly because of their wedge-like profile but I haven't tried them yet.
I've heard that Wera Wedge Torx and Wiha Align Torx (not the basic Torx from either brand) fit fasteners very tightly because of their wedge-like profile but I haven't tried them yet.
Top Row:
Wera 071011 (Czech) —Stainless
Wera 072072 (Czech)
Wera 134920 (Czech)
Wera 346281 (Czech)
Wera 135009 (Czech)
Wera 380156 (Czech)
Wera 056662 (Czech) —ACR
Snap-On SDM222IRB (USA) —ACR
Apex 440-2X (USA)
Apex 446-215 (USA)
Bottom Row:
Wiha 71102 (Vietnam)
Wiha 76502 (Vietnam)
Felo 10317 (Germany) —TIN
Felo 52471 (Germany) —TIN
Felo 30205 (Germany)
Vessel 2H (Japan)
PB Swiss C6-190.2 (Switzerland)
Montana Brand (USA)
Dewalt (China)
Generic (China)
I picked up more Zephyr bits direct from the manufacturer. They're selling on Ebay and Amazon.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/282841843802
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079Q4HHCP/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Good bits. Slightly different than the Snap-On bits although Zephyr makes their bits. Here's a comparison photo.
Snap-On on the left. Zephyr on the right.
from left to right: new PB Swiss 6.25mm, old PB Swiss 6.25mm (long version), Felo 6.5 (for comparison)
The grind on the Felo is very similar.
https://www.menards.com/main/tools/...et-21-piece/m82078/p-1444451306701-c-9158.htm
Picked up this bit set at Menards and I think it is pretty good deal (especially when they run 11% off) for made in the USA bits. The bits are nicely machined. If you zoom in the photos, you can the fine machine lines. In the photo, the Masterforce bit is on the left and a Zephyr bit is on the right, for comparison. I've used the bits with my Snap-On ratcheting screwdriver but they do come with a magnetic holder with sockets on both the long and short arms. The holder is just a bent metal tube so it's nothing special but the magnets are actually surprisingly strong. The bits come in one of those vinyl holders. I happen to like this bit holder a lot. I typically use ammo boxes to store bits but these vinyl holders are nice for smaller quantities. You can buy similar holders for a couple bucks at Epstein's made by Ulmann Devices.
These bits are higher quality than the poorly machined bits included with the Masterforce magnetic screwdriver. Even though they are the same brand, they are not the same quality. For other bits at Menards...The Montana brand is also good and made in the USA.
Last edited:
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I don’t hardly ever use a ratcheting screwdriver but when I do I just put my good ole Craftsman bits in there. That’s the only bits I own.
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal
RPH
Well-known member
Vim are good quality. Been impressed with the abuse they have taken.
Hex, square: Wera. Best geometry (corner engagement), made well.
Philips: pretty much any European, Japanese (with international detent placement), or Taiwanese bit should be fine. American bits seem not to conform to the international (DIN) standard, and I've found them to be second-tier for that reason. I've largely switched over to PB Swiss not because they're better, but because their distinctive coloring makes it easier to see at a glance if a bit is PH or PZ.
PZ: The ones with "triangular" secondary points (as opposed to fin-shaped secondary points) are easier to distinguish from PH. It's probably hard to find **** PZ bits in the US, because they're generally only sold here by the better makers.
Torx: haven't compared much. All seem fine. I use Würth/Wera/Wiha/PB Swiss/Facom-USAG/Felo/Toptul because that's what I have. I don't seek out one over the others.
Slotted: Felo, because I prefer hollow ground and they seem just as good as PB Swiss but much cheaper. I also have some Zephyr (?) ones that are just as good.
Others: having them is probably good enough, considering how rarely they'll be used.
I have been pleased with the Felo bits I have been buying. Easier on the wallet than Vessel, PB Swiss, Wiha, etc. but a giant step above the **** found with the usual 'we put our name on everything" **** typically found in abundance at most brick & mortar stores.
I've also bought a few of their screwdrivers and I think their 1/4" drive wobble extensions are the best I've ever used.
I'm not really a brand ***** for them yet but I do like their quality to cost ratio
I've also bought a few of their screwdrivers and I think their 1/4" drive wobble extensions are the best I've ever used.
I'm not really a brand ***** for them yet but I do like their quality to cost ratio
macgee
Well-known member
I have to totally agree with you,
Felo is making some really nice bits, the finish, fit and hardness is impressive compared to the other similar competing brands. Much prefer them over Wiha and I find Wera good fitting bits but too soft and not worth getting. PB Swiss is excellent (top dog) and I like them but when there's a budget the German made Felo's are ones that I order. I'm stocking up on them, I use them daily. I also really like Felo's hollow ground slotted bits that come with different tip thickness and their torx bits are good.
I am starting to try out Vessel bits (the Japanese made ones) but they're hard to get and pricey, almost more than PB's. They quoted me a rockwell hardness of 58 for ph #1 & #2 bits and HRC 57 for their #3, that's excellent if they don't chip. Hopefully, if they get more popular (more volume) the price will come down and easier to get.
RoundedNut
Well-known member
I usually use Vessel bits when it matters, which is not often. wiha is a good brand.
Otherwise, I have 100's ranging from industrial brands to generics. I burn through PH2's more than anything, regardless of brand, even though most of my fasteners are Robertsons. They are consumables however and random noise in cost compared to building materials or the work piece.
Otherwise, I have 100's ranging from industrial brands to generics. I burn through PH2's more than anything, regardless of brand, even though most of my fasteners are Robertsons. They are consumables however and random noise in cost compared to building materials or the work piece.
Bubba Fett
Well-known member
Wiha, Zephyr, Klein, old USA-made Craftsman, DeWalt - in that order.
I haven't tried Felo, Wera, or PV Swiss, but maybe I will.
I haven't tried Felo, Wera, or PV Swiss, but maybe I will.
macgee
Well-known member
One particular thing to mention and I guess the OP needs to tell us if the bits are for screwdriver functions or for impact drill jobs. Impact bits are not necessarily better bits and high end non-impact bits are not really good with impact cordless drills.
I had learned a lot about this after speaking to engineers at Wiha about it. Impact bits are designed to give a little, softer metal and flex more than a typical high end tip that you're use to on a screwdriver.
If the bit is too strong (stiff), it will most likely chip/crack early on when being used on a impact. I found this out when trying to use impact bits (thinking they were better) as a screwdriver on hardened fasteners, they not did last long. My PB Swiss & Felo (non-impact) bits work way better for my cordless screwdriver and hand drivers.
I had learned a lot about this after speaking to engineers at Wiha about it. Impact bits are designed to give a little, softer metal and flex more than a typical high end tip that you're use to on a screwdriver.
If the bit is too strong (stiff), it will most likely chip/crack early on when being used on a impact. I found this out when trying to use impact bits (thinking they were better) as a screwdriver on hardened fasteners, they not did last long. My PB Swiss & Felo (non-impact) bits work way better for my cordless screwdriver and hand drivers.
measuredtwice
Well-known member
My posts assume they are for the SO ratcheting screwdriver.
Another thing is that some brands have bits with different hardness and profiles... Zephyr, Apex have a LOT of variations. Also Wera's airplane bits are harder than their standard bits. For simplicity, I didn't go into it. The first photo will show some of these different profiles.
I agree about Felo being an economical source for bits. If he's near one of the Menards locations in his state and he wants to buy local, he could do very well picking up the Masterforce USA allen set and some of the Montana Brand USA bits. Lots of other good options too.
That is correct! Thanks for the recommendations, everyone.
plinker
Well-known member
Zypher/Snap-on are always decent bits, I'm not super picky but tend to buy "better" bits in general. Either way, they are disposable/consumable. The cheap sets from Skil/Ryobi/ete.. bits are junk IME.
I have used various brands of phillips bits (mainly No. 2), If it's an option, I'll try a few different bits to see which fits the best. I find the "P2R" No. 2 reduced drywall bits to have the best fitment on most automotive screws (others too), they fit shallower screws Ford uses best IMO.
Vermont-American bits held up pretty well. Vessel is quite good, I should acquire more. Run of the mill typical phillips bits are pretty meh IMO.
I have used various brands of phillips bits (mainly No. 2), If it's an option, I'll try a few different bits to see which fits the best. I find the "P2R" No. 2 reduced drywall bits to have the best fitment on most automotive screws (others too), they fit shallower screws Ford uses best IMO.
Vermont-American bits held up pretty well. Vessel is quite good, I should acquire more. Run of the mill typical phillips bits are pretty meh IMO.
TailGunner3000
Well-known member
I've had good luck with Bosch bits.
jives
Well-known member
Ryobi are terrible, Bosch work well, new set of Makita don’t yet know, not tried the other brands mentioned.
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
Zephyr.
Negen
Well-known member
I guess you do not have a wife that shops at IKEA.
IKEA stuff is all made with pz screw's. They sell many kits with the cheapest pz bits on the planet.
Just saying that the cheap ones are around. Many other build at home type cheap furniture also uses pz screw's.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
IKEA stuff is all made with pz screw's. They sell many kits with the cheapest pz bits on the planet.
Just saying that the cheap ones are around. Many other build at home type cheap furniture also uses pz screw's.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A6013 using The Garage Journal mobile app
They actually have PZ bits in the US market kits now? That’s an improvement. Last I looked they were PH. And yes, their screws were still almost all PZ2.
My point was, I don’t know that you can find a PZ bit in a Home Depot or Ace etc. At least last I looked (needed a PZ1) there were none to be had. So a PZ bit in the US is likely to come from one of the better suppliers anyway.
PS why would it be the wife who shops at IKEA? Let’s let go of moronic stereotyping, ok?
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Amen.
I have found the Apex 446-2X mated with a SO ratcheting screwdriver a force to be reckoned with.