Bit for a screwdriver as the main working unit of a power tool

Tips for use

Before starting work, it is worth deciding on the screwing depth of the fasteners and adjusting it. To replace the magnetic holder, you need to remove the chuck, mount, coupling, after which all the parts are inserted back into the screwdriver.

After selecting the nozzle, the configuration of the screw head, its size, types of recesses are determined, the bit is installed in the center of the open cams of the holder. Then the sleeve is turned clockwise, and the bit is fixed in the cartridge. To remove or change the bit, turn the chuck counterclockwise.

If a key chuck is used, the key is turned clockwise, inserted into its designated recess in the chuck of the power tool. At the same time, the tip of the bit enters the groove of the screw. Double-sided bits do not need to be clamped in the chuck attachment.

Further, the direction of rotation is adjusted: twist or untwist. The chuck ring is marked with markings indicating the range of values ​​required to tighten the various fasteners. Values ​​2 and 4 are suitable for drywall applications, higher values ​​are needed for hard materials. Correct adjustment will minimize the risk of damage to the splines.

The direction of rotation has a middle position, which blocks the operation of the screwdriver, it is necessary to change the bits without disconnecting the tool from the mains. The chuck in electric drills is also replaced if necessary. The sleeve itself is fastened with special screws with a left-hand thread.

The tips can be hardened using a conventional torch, but not all types lend themselves to this procedure. The method is used to increase the resistance and hardness of the material from which the element is made. The device is connected to the network or a portable power supply is used.

The battery of drills is discharged over time, it is recommended to put it on charge before work so that the speed and power of the torque do not drop. The first charge takes up to 12 hours. Braking the electric motor can damage the battery.

For information on how to choose the right screws and bits, see the next video.

Basic types of bits

The most common self-tapping screws can be roughly divided into two categories of cruciform products.

Phillips Bits (PH)

On the self-tapping screw and the nozzle itself, additional notches are not visible, the design is simpler. Depending on the size of such a cross slot, there are PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3 and PH4 bits. When working with wood and metal products, crosses number 2 are most often used. PH3-4 nozzles are used mainly for larger items or when repairing vehicles.

Cross and other tips may differ slightly from each other, not only in size, but also in shape or coverage

In order not to get confused, you need to pay attention not only to the PH marking, but also to the article. If the product says 000.0, then you have a classic cross PH bit

The 160.0 is also the standard Cross Bits, while the 701.0 indicates the Exaform geometry and the presence of titanium carbide spraying. Models 706.0 simply have a stronger finish with a standard tip shape. If the bit is coated with a Tin coating (titanium nitride), then the article should be chosen 101.0.

Screenshot of video from the channel First-person "Miscellaneous"

Healthy! The presence of Tin is easily identified by the golden color of the tip. Such bits are characterized by increased strength, durability and price. Products come in different lengths from 25 to 250 mm.

As a rule, products with additional reinforced coating are more expensive and are available in limited sizes.

Pozidriv Bits (PZ)

Bits of this type are considered improved, since in addition to the standard cross shape, they differ in additional edges with intermediate notches. Accordingly, for a self-tapping screw with additional notches and marking 2, you need to select the PZ2 bit. PZ bits are mainly used for galvanized self-tapping screws. Pozidriv bits are available in three sizes -1, 2 and 3.

Screenshot of video from the channel First-person "Miscellaneous"

Nozzles of this type also differ according to the article number:

• 0 indicates that this is the classic Pozidriv bit;
• 0, as well as 2.716.0 for Tin-coated nozzles;

Healthy! To determine that the bit is correctly selected for the self-tapping screw, it is enough to connect both elements. If the products fit, then the fastener will not fall off.

Screenshot of video from the channel First-person "Miscellaneous"

If you give preference to the PH2 bit for the PZ2 self-tapping screw, then the edges of the slot will begin to break off very quickly. Accordingly, not only the dimension is important, but also the type of bit and the self-tapping screw itself.

Healthy! Self-tapping screws with a press washer for connecting soft products (for example, used in the construction of greenhouses) are also available with a head for PH and PZ.

Screenshot of video from the channel First-person "Miscellaneous"

Bits are available in regular and elongated versions. The latter are applicable if you need to tighten the screw in a hard-to-reach place where the screwdriver itself does not go. The length of products of this type usually reaches 150 mm, that is, the bit can be held in your hand like an ordinary screwdriver. As a rule, elongated models are also not available in all sizes, but only in the most popular ones, that is, No. 1, 2 and 3.

Best mid-priced screwdriver bit sets

If you often need to use bits during installation work, it is better not to skimp and take at least semi-professional options. They are not only better made, but also include more items. The set can include up to 100 drill bits, which will help to spin absolutely everything, including in hard-to-reach places. 3 sets have an optimal ratio of price and quality.

Makita P-16782

This is a set of quality bits that are resistant to destruction when tightening the most difficult fasteners. High-strength chrome vanadium steel is much harder than screws, which will cause the head to break more quickly than the bit. The set comes with 10 bits and a lance holder, all elements are made accurately and do not play during use. The components of the set come in a durable plastic case with a retractable mechanism, which does not take up much space, since it is only a couple of times larger than a conventional lighter.

Dignity

• Compact and convenient carrying case;
• The most popular picks are duplicated (2 pieces PZ2 and PH2);
• The edges lick off very slowly;
• Durable material;
• Not a bad bit holder.

disadvantages

• Excessive rattling may occur at high rpm;
• There are no hexagons included.

To buy a set of bits for the Makita P-16782 screwdriver is recommended for those who have a need for several types of high-quality cruciform, straight and star-shaped bits.

Kraftool 26140-H61

This is a budgetary set of a large number of bits for hand and power tools, which has everything you need to loosen and tighten screws of all types. The cost of 59 elements is about 600 rubles, however, due to the low cost, the quality of the metal leaves much to be desired. Such a disadvantage can be forgiven, because there are over 20 cross peaks alone, that is, the failure of one bit will not be a big problem, there is always a suitable replacement. Thanks to the portable case, the attachments are easy to store and sort, and you can even take them with you.

Dignity

• Large selection of bit types and sizes;
• There is an adapter for nozzles;
• Simple but roomy case;
• Universal standard size of the mount;
• Any attachment is easy to replace.

disadvantages

• Failure when operating at high speed;
• It is not always convenient to get the picks out of the box.

Kraftool 26140-H61 is a cheap, huge set of bits of all shapes and sizes, you don't have to buy anything in addition. You just need to be condescending to the quality of the metal and not use them to work with complex fasteners.

Dewalt DT71517

Introducing a high-quality 8-piece set from the world leader in construction and installation tools. Half of them are cross bits, the other half are star-shaped bits. The main feature of the kit is that it has an angle screwdriver that transmits the torque from the screwdriver to the fasteners located at 90 degrees. Thanks to the metal core, the device can operate even at high speeds with minimal noise. But the screwdriver cannot get the hidden mounts, you need to additionally buy an extension cord.

Dignity

• Reliable metal and plastic device case;
• Durable bits and screwdriver;
• Compact tooling;
• Strong magnet, the screw firmly adheres to the attachment;
• There are the most popular bit sizes.

disadvantages

• No storage case;
• Difficult to find in the store.

There are places where a straight lance with a screwdriver cannot be reached. For such fasteners, a Dewalt DT71517 set of 8 bits and an angle screwdriver has been developed. It is not as functional as its flexible counterparts, but it is much more convenient to work with and allows you to work at any speed.

Hex Socket Bits (Hex)

Another, less popular, but often used, is the hex slot. This notch shape first appeared in 1910 and is called the Hex socket. This phrase denotes an internal hexagon. It was first used in the Allen Manufacturing Company workshops. These bits are labeled with the letter H. The Hex system has a high torque that can be applied to the head of the fastener as it is tightened. In this case, there is no possibility of damage to the nozzle and breakage of the slot.

The distance between the sides of the hex bit is the main characteristic that distinguishes these bits. If you take a 4 mm nozzle, then it is perfect for twisting a furniture confirmation. A so-called safe type of slot is also available. It was named Hex-Pin, which means a protected hexagon. This slot is equipped with a special pin in the center. Its presence prevents unauthorized disassembly of the connection.

Hexagon shape classic bit

These bits make it very convenient to work with the corresponding self-tapping screws and screws, since they have a large contact area with fasteners. They have been used in the USA for a long time, but in Russia their introduction took place relatively recently. The sizes of these attachments can vary from 1.5 to 10 mm.

Hexagonal bit with hole inside

A robust bit of this kind is easy to use. During its application, a person does not need to exert great physical strength. Due to the presence of the hole, the device does not slip. The size of the nozzle is from 1.5 to 6 mm.

Long bit hexagon shape

This nozzle is marked with a Hex- symbol. It is rarely seen in work. Despite this, it has proven itself well, as it is practical and convenient. For the manufacture of this bit, high quality steel is used. Therefore, it has good strength. Its dimensions are in the range from 3 to 8 mm, and the length of such nozzles varies from 50 to 100 mm.

Sets rating

There is no universal answer to the question of which bits are better, but preference should still be given to proven brands. Cheap products not only will not allow you to perform the task in a high-quality way, but also damage the tool.

Manufacturers and characteristics of the kits:

• Bosch 2607017164 - quality material, durability;
• KRAFTOOL 26154-H42 - adequate price in relation to product quality;
• HITACHI 754000 - multifunctional set of 100 pieces;

• Metabo 626704000 - the best tooling quality;
• Milwaukee Shockwave - High Reliability
• Makita B-36170 - running bits with manual screwdriver, high quality;

• Bosch X-Pro 2607017037 - ease of use;
• Metabo 630454000 - increased safety margin of the tooling;

• Ryobi 5132002257 - large set in mini-case (40 pcs.);
• Belzer 52H TiN-2 PH-2 - medium wear of elements;
• DeWALT PH2 Extreme DT7349 - high durability.

How to choose?

If you buy a product by the piece, it is important to select models with:

• the presence of a protective coating;
• high impact resistance.

When purchasing a set, you should pay attention to slightly different parameters.

• The material from which the bits are made. The better it is, the fewer problems will occur in the work.
• The way the item is processed. There are two types of processing. Milling is the least durable option due to the removal of the surface layer of the material. Forging is a homogeneous structure. Heat treatment of the bits allows them to be used in various modes with increased load.
• Profiling. Designed to facilitate handling difficult-to-release fasteners.

• Micro-roughness. Bits with rough edges, coated with titanium nitrides, are used to secure fasteners with a special coating.
• Hardness. The standard value for most attachments is around 58-60 HRC. Bits are divided into soft and hard. Hard bits are fragile, but they are more durable. They are used for low torque fasteners. Soft, on the other hand, are designed for hard mounts.
• Design. Metal tips should not be used in work where shavings from the same material are present. This will make the fixing process more difficult and will lead to wear on the workpiece.

A set of bits for a screwdriver which company is better to choose

In the budget segment, nozzles from Chinese manufacturers are the invariable leader. In the middle and expensive price category, companies from Germany, Japan and the USA are valued, however, almost all of their production facilities are also located in China.

Introducing the TOP-7 manufacturers of screwdriver bits:

• Gross is a Chinese manufacturer of various bits. The assortment of the brand includes both wide sets and sets of several elements. To a large extent, it produces cross models from S2 tool steel, which is distinguished by its high hardness (60 HRC). Each bit, with careful use, withstands an average of up to 500 tightening of self-tapping screws.
• Metabo is a German company with manufacturing facilities in China making good picks for high torque tools. To protect the endings of the beats from "licking" and breakage, a special shock mitigation technology is used. The company sells products in small sets with different slots. All elements of the kit have a magnetic bit holder.
• Stayer is a German company, but its screwdriver accessories are made in China. Both cheap models and professional sets are produced under this brand. The budget models are not very durable, but the more expensive options are so high quality that they can be used in combination with a percussion tool.
• Makita is a Japanese brand with over 400 tool models and over 5000 accessories. The company's products are appreciated all over the world for their high-precision manufacturing, which ensures the correct fit of the peaks to the screws and minimal wear.
• Kraftool is a German company that manufactures bits from alloy steel S The presence of additives in the form of molybdenum and chromium ensures resistance to corrosion and also increases the strength of the product. Most bits are shockproof and come with a magnetic holder.The unique structure of the torsion zone makes them suitable for tightening self-tapping screws under high loads.
• Dewalt is an American brand with manufacturing facilities in China, which has a wide range of electrical tools and accessories. All brand bits are high speed, braking technology and shock resistant. Optimum torsion zone configuration increases bit life.
• Bosch is a German trademark, under which various electronics and instruments are produced, among them there are pick sets. The company's universal bits are supplied with powerful bit holders. They are based on a high-strength alloy that resists abrasion when operating at high speeds.

Best cordless screwdrivers

Selection of bits for a screw

How perfectly the bit matches the screw, you can check for yourself: the bit must hold securely in the screw socket. Even considering the appropriate size, it is not yet guaranteed that a decent transmission of the torque motion will be obtained. However, with a strong backlash, the bit breaks down much faster.

Photo. Existing types of bits for screwdriver

Despite the fact that you may have an excellent model of a screwdriver, repairing will not be satisfying if the purchased bit cannot hold normally in the screw slots. In a similar embodiment, when the fasteners are tightened, an unpleasant noise is emitted, which is generated when the working area of ​​the bit slips in the slots of the screw socket.

The result of this is depressing, then it makes it very difficult to unscrew such a fastener - in addition, after a couple of times of use, such a bit becomes smoothly erased, in connection with which it is better to throw it out. If the bit slips or scrolls in the grooves of the screw, first you need to make sure that you have correctly selected the bit.

Make an experiment: insert a bit into one of the screws you are going to work with. If the fastening is weak, the bit will loosen almost immediately.

What are the strongest attachments: the most well-groomed

The answer to this question is as follows: those that are well looked after and reasonably used:

• if you see that the nozzle does not fit under the screw head, do not try to adapt it and still screw or unscrew the screw - the product will quickly become unusable;
• if for any reason the fastening element of the product has worn out, it is better not to insert it into the screwdriver and not to operate it. The bit can fly out and injure the worker;
• you need to store the equipment in a special box (wooden or plastic), where sunlight, dirt, moisture do not penetrate;
• after use, the product must be wiped with a dry cloth to remove dust from it;
• do not apply machine oil or any other lubricant to the bits, they do not need such a procedure.

Which ones are better to operate?

The question of bit exploitation always remains relevant.

• German kits from Belzer and DeWALT represent above average quality products. In the first minutes of operation, wear of the fasteners appears, small breaks of the bit, breakthroughs on low-quality elements, but after a few minutes the wear stops. These changes are happening with all the bits of different firms. German bits are the most impact-resistant.
• Bits of all sizes and types are presented in large sets of HITACHI 754000, they are suitable for craftsmen of large repair and construction companies. The quality of the bits is average, but it is compensated by the number of attachments. With a careful attitude, the service life will be unlimited.
• Kraftool introduces chrome vanadium alloy tips. The set consists of 42 items, one of which is a case. ¼ ”adapter included.

• Makita (German company) - a set of chrome vanadium steel, represented by common types of splines. The bits are designed to work with a screwdriver, but the kit also includes a manual screwdriver.In addition, there is a magnetic holder. All elements are of high quality.
• The American Milwaukee set provides craftsmen with a working surface, each of which is designed with Shock Zone technology, which protects the bit from kinking during operation. Excellent elasticity and impact resistance of the material ensures a long service life.
• The Metabo set is color coded. Each type of spline is color coded to make it easier to store and retrieve a particular bit. The set contains 9 elongated bases of 75 mm and 2 nozzles.

• Ryobi is a Japanese company that focuses on duplicating popular bits in different lengths. The magnetic holder is made in a non-standard format, looks like a bushing on a hexagonal shank, because of this, loose magnetic fixation of the fastener and the bit is possible. In general, the set has sufficient strength and quality materials.
• The Bosch company has established itself as a company producing quality products that enjoy the prestige of craftsmen. Most used bits are gold-plated titanium, but tungsten-molybdenum, chrome-vanadium and chrome-molybdenum bits are more durable. Titanium is replaced with nickel, diamond, and tungsten carbide to protect against corrosion and reduce wear. The titanium coating increases the price of the product, but it will also last longer. For short-term and rare works, you can choose ordinary hardware.

Nuances of use and tips for choosing

Before buying, you need to carefully check the marking of the equipment. It must be stated that it is intended for drywall

It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that the markings on the elements and bits coincide. It is best to purchase self-tapping screws with a Phillips head and a diameter of 3.5 mm, bit marking - PH2

If the caps have an eight-pointed slot, then you should choose another bit - the PZ standard.

The bit length depends on the purpose of the application. If you need to install the gypsum board only on one wall, then it is enough to buy a short rig with a limiter. To tighten screws in corners, under shelves and in other hard-to-reach places, it is better to purchase a longer bit.

The service life of a tip depends on the material from which it is made. Professional builders speak well of tooling made from the following alloys:

• chromium and vanadium;
• chromium and molybdenum;
• tungsten and molybdenum.

Very often there are fakes brought from China. For one-time and short-term use, you can buy something at a low cost.

For convenience, some bits, in addition to the limiter, have a magnetic holder, thanks to which the mounts do not need to be held in your hand. To check the quality of this part, the bat is dipped into a handful of self-tapping screws. After lifting, at least three elements should remain on it.

To increase the service life, various protective layers are applied:

• The nickel plating will prevent the alloy from rusting.
• Diamond plating increases wear resistance.
• Tungsten carbide layer increases strength.
• Titanium coating protects against damage.

In addition to helping speed up workflow and improve structural strength, the bit has other benefits. The risk of going through the sheet is negligible. This characteristic is especially convenient for those who use such equipment for the first time, since they do not know how hard it is to press on a drill or screwdriver. All screws are obtained at the same level. As a result, it will be convenient to cover with finishing materials, since nothing sticks out, and there are no large depressions.

Even high-quality nozzles have a low cost - in the range of 200-220 rubles. For example, Skrab 43695 with a length of 50 mm costs 210. The bit is made of heat-treated stainless tool steel and covered with an anti-corrosion layer.Gross 50 mm long is made from an alloy of molybdenum and chromium, equipped with a magnetic holder, the cost is 220 rubles.

Requires minimal tool handling skills. Before proceeding with the repair and fastening, it is best to practice well on unnecessary building materials. This equipment fully justifies the funds spent on it, since you do not have to spend time, effort and money on installing new sheets to replace the damaged ones. Skirted bits can also be used on softwood, chipboard and fiberboard.