short 1/4 screwdriver bits

[natas2000]

I bought the Craftsman set of mini ratchets and the Craftsman one thats like a Chapman brand mini ratchet. I found a couple of shortened 1/4 in bits flat 1/8 wide and 5/64 allen. Does someone make shorter one or do I need to modify my own. Also if I have to cut them what would be the best way?
i

 

[bart1]

There is a Japanese company called Anex that makes short ones. eBay would probably be the easiest to buy some.

 

[Harrison2]

if you cut them just a hacksaw and file the edges, personally I'd bite the bullet and buy some.

 

[rusjack]

I use the blue point ones at work (http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/objects_lg/images/BTWSMPK.jpg) and I tool a pile of all the bits I'd use in them - PH1 and PH2 and some allen head ones and chopped them all down with a dremel cut off disc and cleaned them up a bit. I keep a bit in each of those now and the set of three quickly went from being used now and then to a complete lifesaver tool in tight spots. Short bits make those mini ratchets 100x better

 

[natas2000]

I checked out Anex but it looks like you cant replace the bits. I would buy bits if available. I think I'm going to make some. The Craftsman look identical to the Blue Point. With the short bit I have it makes the craftsman very short, Ill measure it and take some pics this week.

 

[jeremy v]

if you cut them just a hacksaw and file the edges, personally I'd bite the bullet and buy some.

You must have some awesome hacksaw blades and files, or else some very soft bits. I use average to high quality industrial quality bits of various brands. I buy whatever brand that I can find a good price on when I need more, and none of them cut well with a hacksaw. Either the hacksaw blade is ruined or else the going is very slow at best. It is the same issue with filing them. I just use the bench grinder to grind them shorter (dunking them in water every few seconds so they don't get too hot to hold or to cause them to lose their temper) or else cut off a quarter inch or so in one shot with a dremel cutoff wheel (not nearly so touchy from the heat aspect) like has been mentioned previously. Very fast and easy.

 

[bart1]

I checked out Anex but it looks like you cant replace the bits. I would buy bits if available. I think I'm going to make some. The Craftsman look identical to the Blue Point. With the short bit I have it makes the craftsman very short, Ill measure it and take some pics this week.

Sure they are.

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/i-tools/item/737162/

Making them will be cheaper and easier to find, though.

 

[shockwave]

Vim and ast make some really nice ones that are one piece and a lot stronger than any bits I have used .
I do have some snap ons bits with p2 Phillips I use for distributor rotors is nice with removable bits aswell but snap on will be pricey

 

[dede2897234]

There is a Japanese company called Anex that makes short ones. eBay would probably be the easiest to buy some.

I purchased after Christmas from a South Korean eBay member "allaview8979" Anex Phillips and slotted mixed short bit set; and a hex bit set from his store here: LINK. My first shipment which included two Anex No. 62 replaceable bit handles and an Anex NO.6103-F Ultra Low Profile Slim Offset Hex Wrench Set took 2 weeks to arrive to my home. He charged me only $8.00 for shipping.

My next package (ordered a couple days before New Years) included the Anex AK-51P-B8H Ultra-Short Hex Bit Set. He charged me $5.00 for shipping. It took a month to arrive to my home.

I was very satisfied with his communication via eBay. The Anex short bits look high quality; have a groove below the bit for easy removal by hand or a plier; and are each 19mm in height. Regular screwdriver bits are 25mm in height.

By the way, he offers a large selection of Olfa (made in Japan) cutters in his store here: LINK.


Dave

 

[dede2897234]

I also purchased from Snap-on in early January short screwdriver bits from their online store (with free shipping) here: LINK.

I purchased the following individual bits (instead of the whole set) by clicking on the "Sets/Members" tab: Torx T15, T20, T25, T27, and T30. The Snap-on bits are 17mm in height versus 19mm for the Anex bits. The Snap-on bits do not have convenient groove below the bit for easy removal.


Dave

 

[Vvmvbb]

you might be interested in the VIM half cut bits

Not sure if you can get single bits or smaller sets, etc.