What bits are suitable for an electric screwdriver?

best bit sets for a screwdriver

Without tooling, an electric tool such as an electric screwdriver is completely useless. It is the bits that make it possible for it to tighten quickly and a lot. Of course, the quality of the working tool matters. tooling that rubs off after the third screw is not uncommon on the domestic market.

In our review, you will find the best electric screwdriver bit sets that excel in quality and durability. Rating of models in different categories is based on the characteristics declared by the manufacturer and evaluations by professionals who use these materials in their work.

What is the best brand of bits for an electric screwdriver?

In order to choose the right bits, you should give preference to reliable, trusted manufacturers. The best bits come from brands that specialize in making household tools in general and screwdrivers in particular.

Among the most reputable firms can be listed:

These and other brands offer sturdy and durable accessories for household power tools in a large assortment.

Rating of the best manufacturers of bits for an electric screwdriver

Among the manufacturers of bits for screwdrivers, several companies can be especially singled out. Well-known brands offer well-balanced, sturdy starting and professional-type nozzles.

DeWALT

One of the best brands of bits for screwdrivers is DeWALT, which supplies bits by the piece as well as in kits. Among the brand’s products are tooling with a torsion zone for impact units, tips for work with wood, drywall and metal.

DeWALT bits can be the right choice for high torque applications and high tightening torque

Bosch

German brand produces high-quality bits with a solid margin of safety. The most popular bits are the Extra Hart series, made of durable steel, and the Max Grip bits with titanium nitride coating.

Bosch bits are specially hardened to increase their toughness

WhirlPower

The brand is primarily known for its ideal tooling geometry. WhirlPower bits are available in various sizes and with grooves on the tip.

WhirlPower supplies plain steel bits and bits with a protective coating

Bit types and applications

Electric screwdriver bits are made to fit into a variety of different shapes, depending on what they are used for.

All varieties of products can be purchased as a set, which is much cheaper than buying them individually.

But be sure of the quality of the bits beforehand.

To make the right choice, you need to know the types, sizes, bits, their main differences and the material from which they are made.

Bits for nuts and bolts

Their peculiarity is that they do not have a convex working part, but with a hole, and there is a large number of sizes.

It should be remembered that for screwing nuts and bolts with a large diameter of the head you need to use an electric screwdriver with high power.

With anti-vandal slot

Bits with an anti-vandal slot are called “snake eyes”, t.к. Bits have a head designed for a fork spanner.

Professional bits

Professional versions are characterized by increased reliability, durability and service life.

These products are capable of driving a larger number of screws.

In most cases, they are designed to screw in about 400 screws, after this period of time the performance of the bit should not be impaired.

They have a protective coating, and are made of quality metal.

The set of professional bits also includes a torsion bit.

It is designed for an impact electric screwdriver.

It is possible to distinguish a torsion bit from a simple one by its appearance.

It has a narrow part between the slot and the tail.

Its peculiarity is that in its design it has a special flexible insertion in the form of a spring, which works for twisting.

Therefore, they are popular when working with particularly hard materials when using self-drilling fasteners.

The torsion bit allows you to sink a self-tapping screw directly into the metal.

Bits for drywall

Bit for drywall with a limiter is used when working only with gypsum board.

This is due to the fact that when attaching the sheets can not be strongly pressed on the screw, and as soon as the limiter reaches the surface of the material, you must necessarily stop working.

If this is not done, the slots from the screw head will be cut off.

This can cause the drywall bit to wear out and become clogged with metal filings.

Bit “fork”

It is a subspecies of the anti-vandal slot.

Only quality steel is used for manufacturing, making it tough and durable.

Looks like a flat slotted bit that has a slot in the middle.

Available in extra length and high toughness.

The tri-wing bit is a three-blade bit, with the blades angled (unlike the ribs in a Phillips head).

Used for assembly of household appliances and electronics.

Spring-loaded and magnetic

Bits with spring clip or magnetic tip designed for use on ceilings or other difficult-to-reach locations.

Latch pins are designed to hold the bits in the adapter.

The magnetic end allows the bit to be firmly fixed in the screw notches.

It’s also capable of preventing the electric screwdriver bit from slipping during work and allows you to drive a self-tapping screw deeper than a simple nozzle.

The spring tip is a special type of bit.

It enables you to work on fasteners that are at different angles and in hard-to-reach places.

Most often presents a slot and a base, which are connected by a flexible spring for fixing: to fix the slot of such a bit by hand, insert into the notches on the screwdrivers, and the spring can be bent at any angle, even more than 90°.

Tips and tricks for selecting the right set: what to look for when buying

To know which bit for an electric screwdriver to choose, you need to remember a few general rules.

Material

You can judge by the material how strong and durable the bits are:

• R-7, R-12 steel. Applicable for standard bits.
• Chrome vanadium coating. Serves for corrosion protection.
• Titanium-nitride shell. Gives special strength.
• Titanium and tungsten coating. Combined with diamond plating, such bits can improve the grip on the slotted part. Optimal for intensive use.

Machining methods

The most popular bit treatments are milling and forging. Forged bits retain a homogeneous structure that does not change over time. When a bit is milled, it is given a specific shape. The top layer, in this case, is removed. That is why tools obtained by forging are considered to be the strongest ones. Also, the nozzle will be tough if it is hardened.

Some manufacturers, such as Bocsh, give their bits a heat treatment that makes them better able to handle heavy loads. There are profiled bits. They are needed to loosen tough joints and for work in hard-to-reach places.

Hardness

Carbide bits are not always good. They are roughly divided into hard and soft. In the first case, the nozzles are more durable, but brittle. They can be used in screwdrivers with a small torque. Soft bits break quicker, but perform well with hard fasteners. The average hardness value for a bit is 58-60 HRC.

Constructional Features

Almost all bits have this kind of feature. For example, if you magnetize the working side, it will work better in the slot. But sometimes a magnet can be inconvenient. Chips can form when working with metal. It is attracted to the nozzle, which shortens the life of the bit.

For an electric screwdriver with a hammer, you might consider torsion bits. Less subject to wear and more resistant to heavy loads compared to standard bits.

The main types of bits used

The number of types of bits, including those that are out of use due to low technical suitability, numbers in the dozens. The following types of attachments on an electric screwdriver have the greatest scope of application in fixing techniques today:

• PH (Phillips). cross-shaped;
• PZ (Pozidriv). cross-head;
• Hex (symbolized by the letter H). hexagonal;
• Torx (symbol T or TX). in the shape of a six-pointed star.

PH bits

The PH cross head, which appeared after 1937, was the first self-centering tool for driving screws. The quality difference from the flat tip was that the PH did not slip out of the slot even when the tool was turned quickly. True, it required some axial thrust (pressing the bit against the fastener), but working comfort was improved enormously compared to flat-headed slots.

The flat head screws also needed to be tightened, but when tightening the PH bit, there was no need to pay attention and no force was required to limit the potential for the bit to slip out of the slot. Screwing speed (productivity) increased dramatically, even with a manual screwdriver. The use of the ratchet mechanism and later pneumatic and electric screwdrivers generally reduced the labor required for assembly operations several times, resulting in significant cost savings in any type of production.

The PH bit tip has four blades that taper in thickness towards the end of the bit. They are used to grip and torque the fastener’s mating parts. The system is named after the engineer who introduced it into fastening technology (Phillips).

The PH bits are available in five sizes, PH 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4. Stem lengths from 25 (basic) to 150 mm.

PZ bits

About 30 years later (in 1966), the Philips Screw Company developed it.) the PZ (Pozidriv) fastener system was invented. It was developed by Philips Screw Company. The PZ bit is cross-shaped like the PH, but the two types have such strong differences that they prevent one bit from being able to screw fasteners of the other one efficiently. The angle of the bit tip is different, the PZ bit is sharper (50º vs. 55º). The PZ blades do not taper as the PH blades do, but remain equal in thickness over their entire length. Exactly this construction feature reduced force of the tip ejection from the spline at high loads (high twisting speeds or considerable resistance to rotation). A change in bit design has improved bit-to-holt contact, increasing tool life.

The PZ bits are also different in appearance from PH bits, i.e. they have slots on both sides of the shank to create pointed elements, which are absent in PH bits. In turn, to distinguish them from PH, PZ fasteners are provided by manufacturers with characteristic notches offset 45º to the side of the power ones. This allows the user to quickly find his or her bearings when selecting a tool.

PZ bits are available in three sizes PZ 1, 2 and 3. Stem lengths from 25 mm to 150 mm.

The PH and PZ systems are most popular due to their good automatic tool alignment capabilities in in-line assembly operations and the relative low cost of tools and fasteners. In other systems, these advantages have less economic incentive, so they have not become widespread.

Hex bits

Bit tip shape, symbolized by the letter H in the marking. the hexagonal prism. The system was invented in 1910 and is still a great success today. For example, mortise screws used in furniture industry are screwed with H bits of 4 mm. This tool is capable of transmitting considerable torque. The tight connection to the fastener slot gives the fastener a long service life. No force to push the bit out of the slot. The H bits are available in sizes from 1.5 mm to 10 mm.

Torx bits

The Torx bits have been used in technology since 1967. They were first developed by the American company Textron. The bit is a prism with a hexagonal star base. The system is characterized by a tight contact between the tool and the fastener, capable of transmitting high torque. Widely used in American and European countries, in terms of popularity the volume of use approaches the PH and PZ systems. An upgrade to the Torx system is the “star bit” with the same shape, but with a hole in the center of the axis. The fastener for it has a corresponding cylindrical protrusion. even more tight contact of bit and head of screw, such design has a vandal-proof feature, excluding unauthorized unscrewing of connection.

Other bit types

In addition to these popular bit systems, there are also lesser-known and less frequently used types of bits for electric screwdrivers. Bits fall into their classification:

• S type (slotted), was invented in the 26th century;
• Hexagonal Hex type with hole in the center;
• Robertson type square prism;
• SP type fork (“fork”, “snake eye);
• three-blade type Tri-Wing;
• four-blade Torg Set type;
• and others.

Companies develop their own unique bit-fixing systems, both to counteract non-specialist access to instrument compartments and to protect against vandals looting the contents.

Star-shaped bits (Torx)

Star bits are used in engineering and domestic appliances for tightening fasteners with correspondingly shaped heads. They are called Torx and are designated by the letters TX or T. The number next to the letter indicates the size of the bit. It corresponds to the distance between the hexagonal star beams.

Torx was first used in 1967 by Textron, in America. Today there are different kinds of bits for this type of electric screwdriver. So, there is a vandal-proof version, which has an inner hole. TR, which stands for Torx Tamper Resistant, is used for its designation. Five-bead bits called Torx Brigadier Pentahedron are also used.

The classic asterisk bit (Torx)

In European countries and the United States, the Togh bit is the most popular of all existing slot shapes. This is due to its high performance. Characterised by six facets that come into contact with a screw or screw.

The design feature allows the bit to have a better grip on the fastener surface. This prevents a high torque build-up from having to apply too much force. Also reduces the tendency for the bit to slip, since the load is distributed over the 6 faces at once. In turn, this reduces their wear and tear. Consequently the bit’s service life is considerably extended. Various sizes of star bits are available. The most common models are from T8 to T40. Smaller bits are also available.

Torx Plus “Star” bit

The Torx Plus is different in that its sprocket has a less sharp beam that is also shorter. These types of bits for an electric screwdriver require from the craftsman a higher precision during the performance of works. High-hard steel is used for their construction. These bits come in sizes T10 to T40.

Star bit with TIN coating

Increased wear resistance due to titanium nitride coating. Its surface is rough and it bonds well with steel. Also the bit is highly durable, because it is made from solid material. The bit is available in sizes from T10 to T40.

Star bit with hole in the hole

This bit is often used in assembly work. The bit fits tightly into the fastener when tightening it. The result is a more reliable tightening torque that requires less effort. Bit sizes range from T10 to T40.

Extended asterisk bit

Suitable for certain applications. Its dimensions are the same: from T10 to T40, its length can be from 50mm to 100mm.

What affects bit durability

To choose a quality bit, it is not enough to remember the name of the recommended manufacturer. Even one company has products of different quality, which affects the usability and durability of the tool. Here are two key factors that affect bit durability that you should consider when purchasing.

Material of manufacture

Since the slits of the bit are under the heaviest stress, the material they are made of is one of the important factors that affects durability.

The most common materials for screwdriver bits:

• R7-R12 steel. the cheapest, suitable only for screwing screws into soft materials (wood, plastic).
• Tungsten-molybdenum is a stronger and more versatile material.
• Chromium-vanadium is the most common tool alloy that tolerates high loads well. Can be used for frequent work on metal.
• Chromium-molybdenum is the hardest alloy, ensuring the bit’s longevity.

The lifetime of the bit material is also affected by whether it has been hardened. Heat treatment makes the tool face harder, to resist load distortion more effectively.

In addition to the material of the bit itself, the coating is important. It is designed to either protect the steel from corrosion or make it stronger. Inexpensive options include a chrome vanadium coating that allows the bit to resist corrosion despite exposure to moisture. But it wears out quickly with intensive use.

Bits with chrome vanadium coating.

dependable is the titanium-nitride or pure titanium coating, which can be identified by its characteristic golden color. The coating is effective in protecting against rust and increases tool toughness.

Bits with titanium-nitrate coating.

The tungsten coating is equal in impact.

The leader in terms of stability of the outer layer is the diamond coating. It increases the service life of the bit considerably, prevents slots from slipping out of the fastener grooves, and speeds up repetitive processes.

Bits with diamond coating.

The construction or what are torsion bits

In addition to the material, the construction of the tool influences the service life of the bit. They are available in two versions: rigid and flexible. Bits look almost identical in appearance. the only difference may be the colored inlay on the bottom of the bit. But nowadays products are also available without it.

A rigid bit is just a piece of metal with a certain shape. It transmits torque from the gearbox to the fastener. When a screwdriver comes to a sudden stop in hard material, it causes a hard blow, which causes beating out of the bit head and bit tip or breaking of the bit.

The torsion bit has a flexible insert. a shaft that can twist and untwist on an axis. Such bits are well suited for impact screwdrivers, when it is necessary to screw a long self-tapping screw into a solid material or vice versa to unscrew old fasteners. The bit transmits the tangential impact of the power tool well, and instead of slipping out of the slot, acts on the slots in the flat bar for rotation. Impact bits last much longer than conventional bits.

Torsion bit.

What affects bit durability

To choose a quality bit, it is not enough to remember the name of the recommended manufacturer. Even the same company has products of varying quality, which will affect the usability and durability of the bit. Here are two key factors that affect bit durability that you should consider when buying a bit.

Material of construction

Since the bits are under the heaviest strain, the material they are made of is one of the most important factors influencing their durability.

The most common materials used to make screwdriver bits:

• R7-R12 steel. the cheapest, only suitable for screwing in soft materials (wood, plastic).
• Tungsten-molybdenum is the more durable and versatile material.
• Cr-Ni. the most common tool alloy that resists high loads well. Can be used for frequent metal work.
• Chromium-molybdenum is the hardest alloy and helps ensure a long tool life.

The lifetime of the bit material is also affected by whether it has been hardened. Heat treatment promotes hardening of the tool face, which resists deformations under load more effectively.

In addition to the bit material, the bit coating is important. It is designed to either protect the steel from corrosion or increase its strength. Among the inexpensive options would be chrome vanadium coating, which allows the nozzle to resist corrosion despite exposure to moisture. But it wears out quickly with heavy use.

Bits with chrome vanadium coating.

resistant is the titanium-nitride or pure titanium coating, which can be identified by its distinctive golden color. The coating effectively protects against rust and increases the durability of the bit.

Bits with titanium-nitrate coating.

The tungsten coating is equally effective.

The diamond coating is the hardest on the outside. Increases the bit life significantly, prevents the slots from slipping out of the fastener grooves and speeds up repetitive processes.

Bits with diamond coatings.

Construction or what are torsion bits

In addition to the material, the tool life is influenced by its construction. available in two versions: rigid and flexible. Bits look almost identical in appearance. the only difference may be a colored insert on the bottom of the last bit. But nowadays the products are also available without it.

A rigid bit is simply a piece of metal with a specific shape. It transmits torque from the reduction unit to the fastener. a sudden stop of a self-tapping bit in a hard material causes a hard blow, resulting in dislocation of the facets in the flat and the bit, or breakage of the bit.

The torsion bit is equipped with a flexible insert. a shaft that can twist and unwind on an axis. These bits are well suited for impact screwdrivers when a long screwdriver has to be driven into hard materials or to remove old fasteners. The bit transmits the tangential impact of the power tool well and instead of slipping out of the slot, acts on the slots in the flat bar for rotation. Impact bits last much longer than conventional bits.

Torsion bit.

Medium level

This price segment is represented by renowned brands that have proven themselves in the construction equipment industry. These are some of the most durable and popular models available on the market today. Any of the following bits is an excellent solution for a variety of purposes, and if you do not forget the simple rules of correct operation (do not overload and do not overheat any equipment) they will last for many years.

The German manufacturer is known for the excellent quality of products and has in its range of products from a variety of price segments. This model is available in a variety of types (PZ1, PZ3, PH1, PH3, etc.) and is considered better than any entry-level screwdriver bit (despite the lower price). High-alloy steel and unique metal-spinning technology (HSC).

Characteristics: Fits square drive PZ (or other) screw heads, shaft length 25 mm.

• Good value for money;
• Quality steel;
• Machining with proprietary technology;
• Common type;
• Tight fit.

Conclusion: the best solution for those who are going to use the trimmer regularly and do not want to overpay.