What's the attraction to hex bits vs screwdrivers?

[Biomed]

What's the attraction to hex bits vs screwdrivers? The cheap bits don't last and you have storage issues and cannot ever seem to find the one bit you need. Sure, I can see wear issues in industrial or manufacturing applications but for the do-it-yourself guy and many repair occupations... why?

I like the size and feel of my Vessel, Felo Ergonic, Snap-on and Wera screwdrivers. I have not had any tip wear issues. With the Snap-on screwdrivers I could replace the shank if wear became an issue.

What's the big attraction to hex bits?

 

[ChrisF250]

I can put hex bits in cordless power tools, besides that none

 

[zkling]

One thing that is really nice about hex bits, is that most of the flat screw driver bits are hollow ground instead of the common taper ground found on most fixed tip screw drivers.

They allow you to be compact with a lot of different drivers.

Good quality bits shouldn't wear down that fast.

 

[Jbizzle]

I can use them in my ratcheting Snap-on screwdriver!

 

[zcbauer89]

^ +1, exactly!

 

[diesel research]

I want to ask the exact opposite question. Whats the big attraction to screw drivers (which i rarely ever use)? For me thats a specialty tool only when the circumstances demand it. Otherwise a huge space hog in the box.

 

[Rico.]

I can use them on my ultra low profile ratcheting bit holder if there is no headroom to get to the fastener.

I can use them on a large ratchet if I need more torque.

I can use them on an impact driver if the fastener is stuck.

I can use them on a ratcheting screwdriver if I want a bit more speed.

I can use them on a power tool if I want lot's more speed.

^^^High quality ones are cheaper to replace than screwdrivers and can be used on all of these ^^^

 

[Biomed]

I want to ask the exact opposite question. Whats the big attraction to screw drivers (which i rarely ever use)? For me thats a specialty tool only when the circumstances demand it. Otherwise a huge space hog in the box.

OK, we can do it your way. Other than the space issue in a toolbox. Why don't you like screwdrivers? What circumstances demand a screwdriver?

 

[blackz26]

I don't have issues with finding the bit I need. I have a 100 piece greatneck bit set with labeled bits. Use them with my Stanley ratchet screw driver. As a diyer I have no need for 100 different screw drivers and.its a space killer. Haven't had any bits wear any different then an actual screw driver.

I'm with the others, why not just have the bits vs a separate driver? I mean come on, the case is labeled..

 

[diesel research]

OK, we can do it your way. Other than the space issue in a toolbox. Why don't you like screwdrivers? What circumstances demand a screwdriver?

I personally prefer cordless everywhere they will fit, except for precision applications such as electronics. cam out less, cost less, more power safely, take less space. Plus i think my zephyr-snapon bits grab/fit better than my dedicated snap on screwdrivers (rarely ever used)

i know a lot of people with screwdriver fetishes, usually quantity over quality. wont judge too much, but find it peculiar.

maybe its just the screwdriver motion im not fond of? i dont know. Maybe some people get relaxation or joy from driving a bunch of screws with standard driver.

 

[ajchien]

I use screwdrivers when I work on my car.

I use hex bits when woodworking. That's when I usually wear out tips.

 

[CWP1616L]

One advantage to screwdriver bits are the low profile (reduced nose diameter) Phillips bits. They fit deeper into the Phillips slot for screws that you absolutely cannot afford to cam out of. They also work better on Phillips screws that have real shallow slots.

http://mrotools.com/d1227aa-zephyr-insert-bit-2-phillips-reduced-shank-1-4-hex-shank.aspx

 

[Plasmatic]

Because with bits I can grab the tools in the attached picture and have the equivalent of about 300 discrete screwdrivers in my bag wherever the work needs to be done, more if I also grab my extra shanks for the snappy driver, even more if I grab my second bit box with the more obscure stuff in it.

(That being said, I do keep plenty of regular screwdrivers on hand for narrow recesses and magnetic-sensitive things...)

 

[M-EGT]

On the other hand, when I need to use a screwdriver as a prybar I prefer an actual [cheap] screwdriver

 

[submariner]

I use my torque wrench with hex bits for critical bike parts.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought my first 4-in-1 screwdriver about 40 years ago, because it was magnetic. It would hold the distributor points screw until it was screwed down.

When Torx came out, I bought my second one because I really didn't want to add a bunch of seldomly used screwdrivers to my box.

In both cases the bits store inside the handle.

I bought one more multi-bit driver because it had tips for odd thing like square drive, clutch, etc. There are so many bits they have to be stored in a separate rubber block, but the handle does hold the 3 most common straight and Phillips bits. Very handy for light jobs around the house.

 

[SJShaw672]

I want to ask the exact opposite question. Whats the big attraction to screw drivers (which i rarely ever use)? For me thats a specialty tool only when the circumstances demand it. Otherwise a huge space hog in the box.

They're really great for getting to recessed screws, and when access is an issue (stubby etc). Not to say I don't love my Kraftform Kompakt...

 

[cgv69]

I can use them in my ratcheting Snap-on screwdriver!

+1 - I picked up my first SO ratcheting SD over 20 years ago and since them, it's what I use 95% of the time. I only use regular screwdrivers for jobs that I can't use the SO ratcheting driver for. It's far and away my favorite and most used tool!

Also, quality S2 steel bits don't wear out or break very often.

Lastly, when you are away from the shop, it's easier to carry one bit driver with a few bits in the handle then it is to carry multiple regular screwdrivers.

 

[Holt]

I personally think its a good Idea to have both. For me I run into p2, t25 security screw, and 1/4 flat head daily so I keep those style screwdrivers with me where ever I go. Then I keep a bit set for any other style someone decided to use. Its a good compromise for me. Rarely used gets bits and most used are dedicated. Now at home I have more room so If I have a lot more dedicated drivers there.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I keep both handy. For me, choice of which depends on the task at hand. Getting inside a truck cab tear apart the dash, I take the battery powered screwdriver and the box of bits so I'm covered for Torx or whatever I find.
Diagnosing / repairing a fault in the limit switches / valves of an electricaly controlled hydraulic circuit - it's a simlpe #2 Phillips since I know that's all I need for all the connections in the system and some spots (junction box) the screws are recessed longer than any bits will reach, anyway - also simpler when climbing around on top of the machine not to be carrying (dropping) much.

 

[Packard V8]

Really, it's not an either/or, but rather a both/and. Sometimes a slim long screwdriver is the only tool which will reach in there. Sometimes a ratcheting bit driver is a real labor saver. If I'm removing the large, rusted door hinge Phillips screws from a Studebaker pickup, I put the best quality bit in a chuck on 1/2" impact gun and lean on it.

Bottom line - best tool for the task means having the widest possible choice.

jack vines

 

[jjjrmx5]

I can put hex bits in cordless power tools, besides that none

Guess you have never worked in a mfg. setting where hundreds if not thousands of screws are removed and replaced daily by a big work force.

Even good bits are inexpensive when bought in bulk, are easily replaced and allows the user to continue to use a driver with a new bit vs. having to toss or warranty a full on screwdriver.

Add in the use of power or air tools with bits and the advantage is even more.

If you have a book time or TACT time to do a job, power tools ar even a ratcheting srewdriver with bits will increase productivity and thus your paycheck in most cases.

Worn bits and worn screwdrivers strip screws.

The only downside to bits is in some cases the bit holder is too big of a dia. to access a recessed screw in a given diameter part or hole.

If you're a dude or dudedette in your basement building birdhouses, then use regualr screwdrivers. They are also awesome for tech equipment, electronics and electrical work.


Move up into big time production though and a std. screwdrivers are too slow to keep up with anything but maintenance of the machines themselves.

 

[dirtmister16]

every situation demands a certain approach. i have a ratcheting screwdriver, i dont use it as much as i probally should, but i find it handy for certain jobs.

alot of times its the shank is just to big to fit where i want it. alot of the screws i deal with are recessed in plastic covers on power equipment. i need a standard driver that will fit.