SK magnetic bit socket not strong enough

[bw77]

I was looking for a magnetic bit socket, 1/4" drive, 1/4" hex that would hold a bit
and a screw. I found 2 choices, SK 44498 and Snap-on TMBS8A. I bought the SK.

As the pic shows, the SK holds the bit, but the magnet is not strong enough
to hold a small screw. By comparison the Apex M-1500-P magnetic bit holder
works much better. It holds the screw very well.

Am I expecting too much from the SK, or is it defective?

Anyone have the TMBS8A to compare?

 

[3baygarage]

I always thought magnetic bit holders were meant to hold the bit, didn't know they were supposed to hold the screw as well.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I always thought magnetic bit holders were meant to hold the bit, didn't know they were supposed to hold the screw as well.

^^^

My thoughts too

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

buy a magnetizer
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-magnetizer-magnet-and-demagnetizer/p-00945021000P

 

[CoyoteKyle]

Am I expecting too much from the SK, or is it defective?

Heck yes you're expecting too much!! Don't think the SK bit socket has a magnet! It's a bit holder not a screw holder!

http://www.skhandtool.com/bit-sockets/44498.aspx

 

[bw77]

Heck yes you're expecting too much!! Don't think the SK bit socket has a magnet! It's a bit holder not a screw holder!

http://www.skhandtool.com/bit-sockets/44498.aspx

Yes, it has a magnet in it.

 

[bob15]

It is a BIT HOLDER. Not a screw holder. The screw bit doesn't have a magnet on it. The SK tool is designed to hold the bit. Because the Apex can hold the screw is a bonus.

Where does it say it is designed to hold a screw?

Right from the SK website:

1/4" Drive Bit Holder Socket 1/4"
Part # - 44498
Made in the U.S.A. Ball hex bit sockets allow a working angle up to 30 degrees to provide improved access to hard-to-reach fasteners. Bit sockets feature SK's high polish SuperKrome finish®, which provides for long life and maximum corrosion resistance. Through-hole design makes it easier to replace worn or broken bits: simply pop the old bit out and insert a new replacement bit. The new bit holder design is 9 times stronger and helps prevent the bit from slipping out of the socket while working. Bits are manufactured to rigid standards using high strength S2 steel.

SuperKrome® finish provides long life and maximum corrosion resistance
Through-hole design: simply pop the old bit out and insert a new replacement bit.
Working angle up to 30 degrees
New Bit Holder Design is 9 times stronger and helps prevent the bit from slipping out of the socket while working.
Lifetime Warranty

What size hex are you using? They do make hex sockets with magnets built in, like these:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=631308&group_ID=674807&store=&dir=catalog

or these

http://www.grainger.com/ec/pdf/ProtoGrip-Magnetic-Sockets-Sell-Sheet.pdf

or these

http://apexbits.com/m1p10-apex-1-4-square-drive-socket-magnetic-for-sheet-metal-screw-self-drilling-and-tapping-screws.aspx

 

[Steinmetz]

I was looking for a magnetic bit socket, 1/4" drive, 1/4" hex that would hold a bit
and a screw. I found 2 choices, SK 44498 and Snap-on TMBS8A. I bought the SK.

As the pic shows, the SK holds the bit, but the magnet is not strong enough
to hold a small screw. By comparison the Apex M-1500-P magnetic bit holder
works much better. It holds the screw very well.

Am I expecting too much from the SK, or is it defective?

Anyone have the TMBS8A to compare?

It's not defective. As others have noted, you need to magnetize the bit also. Get a magnetizer. They are inexpensive, and you can magnetize other tools also.

 

[quattroJoe]

Perhaps a 1/4" magnetic nutdriver would work better.