Zephyr phillips hex bits

[bmwpowere36m3]

I was looking at some Phillips hex bits from Zephyr... specifically in ACR ones and I see they have a few listed.

• no notation
• reduced nose
• milled point

The first ones seems like most Phillips bits I've seen (where the bit end is slightly profiled.

Reduced nose, is a clearance bit (smaller diameter bit end, for a recessed screw).

However milled point? The bit-end is much fatter... thoughts?

As far as hardness... aircraft/intermediate should be good for any machine screw or self-tapping ones in plastic. Are the hard/industrial ones better suited for driving into wood or metal (like self-tapping screws)?

 

[mechanical turk]

I bought a bunch of these for use on wood screws (specifically E1102XX6 and E1102XX6RI which are 6" long ACR bits, just a long version of your first picture there I believe). I wasn't particularly impressed, they bite well and work but the tips break very easily. Seems like the hardness lends itself to a little extra brittleness. I would guess on average I got through fewer than 100 #8 2" wood screws using a little Bosch 12v impact and not driving into hardwood or anything either. I certainly won't seek them out over any other bit in the future.

Still looking for the holy grail of impact bits, though. Something affordable that lasts a good while. The Wera Impaktor set I bought didn't last as long as I'd expected either so maybe I'm just picky and tough on bits.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Just looking for bits for my ratcheting driver... impact I use the Makita Gold with their driver holder. They aren't expensive, readily available at HD and so far last. I've driven 200-250 cement board screws (Phillips) over the past week with the same bit.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I think for impact driving you need a longer bit or one that'll flex to withstand the sustained impacts. Once the bit slips once... usually it goes down hill quickly after that. I always keep a lot of pressure on the driver/screw to keep it from popping out and slipping (especially with Phillips).

 

[mikebaker1129]

I have some in the first picture and they are very good bits.They came in my snap on ratcheting driver.
Liked them , so I purchased a ZBB4 kit from Omega.

 

[hautpot]

What is this ZBB4 kit you speak of? Omega tech doesn't have it online? pictures?

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

What is this ZBB4 kit you speak of? Omega tech doesn't have it online? pictures?

+1

on the info

 

[mikebaker1129]

+1

on the info

It is a 30 piece set that includes Phillips, flat,torx,Inch Allen, metric Allens and a bit holder in a red metal box. It is a very good mix of everything in one box.
It cost me $28.30 from Omega,but they have a $50 minimum order.
It took a couple weeks, it is not listed on the website,I emailed and ask about the kit after seeing a picture of one on here.
Hope this helps....

 

[Biomed]

I really like the Zephyr bits I have. Some came from Snap-on and some from McMaster. Too bad it is so darn difficult for individuals to buy these bits. Fortunately Apex and Wiha are also top quality and much easier to purchase.

I would love to get the Zephyr ZBB-4 bit set. Never found it on the Omega Web site, never had any success with Omega sales and Zephyr isn't interested in selling to individuals. Omega used to lurk here on Garage Journal, maybe they will get the hint.

Here is a link to a Zephyr ZBB-4 PDF (but it is somewhat dated):http://www.aviaquip.com.au/pdf/zephyr/probitbox.pdf

 

[mikebaker1129]

Yes, I ordered 2 from omega. It was fairly painless. I sent an email received a reply ,then I called and placed my order. The kits lag time was 2 weeks and she let me know that up front.
I did not use their website to place my order,I called and spoke with the lady that replied to my email.

That is the same kit I purchased.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Bought a bit kit at Home Depot on clearance, $2.39. I have access to all the Phillips bits I need in standard with ACR and the reduced diameter and #3 bits, but the 52 bit box with all the oddballs is handy to have for that once in a lifetime. Use them carefully they will last a while.

Charles

 

[Wamsutta]

I bought a bunch of these for use on wood screws (specifically E1102XX6 and E1102XX6RI which are 6" long ACR bits, just a long version of your first picture there I believe). I wasn't particularly impressed, they bite well and work but the tips break very easily. Seems like the hardness lends itself to a little extra brittleness.

I believe the ** denotes Extra Hard. The AA version is probably softer. Therefore you have your choice of a bit that never wears down but breaks easier -- or a bit that never breaks but wears down easier.

 

[OmegaTechnologies1]

I really like the Zephyr bits I have. Some came from Snap-on and some from McMaster. Too bad it is so darn difficult for individuals to buy these bits. Fortunately Apex and Wiha are also top quality and much easier to purchase.

I would love to get the Zephyr ZBB-4 bit set. Never found it on the Omega Web site, never had any success with Omega sales and Zephyr isn't interested in selling to individuals. Omega used to lurk here on Garage Journal, maybe they will get the hint.

Here is a link to a Zephyr ZBB-4 PDF (but it is somewhat dated):http://www.aviaquip.com.au/pdf/zephyr/probitbox.pdf

Hi Guys

The Zephyr ZBB-4 Bit Kit is now available on our website.

http://omegatec.com/zbb-4-zephyr-professional-31-piece-bit-kit.aspx

The lead time is currently about 10 days.

 

[B_Bimmer]

Some service, nice. Personally the ZBB-2 kit would be the most tempting for me.

 

[T45]

Hi Guys

The Zephyr ZBB-4 Bit Kit is now available on our website.

http://omegatec.com/zbb-4-zephyr-professional-31-piece-bit-kit.aspx

The lead time is currently about 10 days.

Nice kit at a fair price