Cordless Screwdriver Bits

[hcshooter]

Anyone have problems with driver bits breaking, rounding off etc? I got some new dewalt bits today and 2 snapped and 2 more rounded off. Not even 1 box of wood screws used and they are shot.

What do you guys use or found to last well?

[bowhuntntxn]

Turn the torque down, and hold the screw gun straight. I have bits that have been in my screw guns for years and still work fine.

[Tilladaddy]

Turn the torque down, and hold the screw gun straight. I have bits that have been in my screw guns for years and still work fine.

^^^^^ This

[pure lefty]

I have been using the spax screws from home depot, no issues, drive better, no slipping, a box of screws comes with a bit that is shaped like a toes head.

[hcshooter]

Turn the torque down, and hold the screw gun straight. I have bits that have been in my screw guns for years and still work fine.

Done this and always make sure I am level and square on the bit.

I swear they are making more junk now days, tools are not like days of old.

I may have to buy matched screws as suggested see if that helps.

[Artos]

All my DeWALT bits have held up fantastic?? Have not had to buy any new ones in a long time. They are now owned by Stanley Tools, so not sure if maybe they have sourced that commodity out to a different supplier if yours are new.

I have a few Snap On bits & they are of course very well made...

The matched screws are the way to go if you are driving lots of long wood screws for sure!!

[LWolken]

I have noticed the screws from Home Depot and Lowes are not as nice as they used to be. To add fuel on the fire the phillips tips regardless of brand are all made in china and very brittle. I have some Black and Decker tips from 15+ years ago and they still work and have not broken. I wonder why....

[LloydMcCoy]

If they break you will buy more. Their plan of corse.

[Jhill313]

I have been using the spax screws from home depot, no issues, drive better, no slipping, a box of screws comes with a bit that is shaped like a toes head.

This.

I didn't half a porch with regular screws. Then I did the rest with spax screws and it took less than half the time.

I'm actually not sure if they were spax but they had a non-traditional head and not one slipped.

[txfireguy2003]

Are you using an impact driver? Those drivers put out a ton of torque and the impact doesn't help matters? You need to use bits especially designed for the impact drivers. I use some made by Milwaukee that are pretty awesome. After the hexagonal section that locks into the driver, they have a shiny metal section that is smaller in diameter and round, then the bit that locks into the screw itself is black. They are made from better quality steel and they hold up better.

[hcshooter]

Are you using an impact driver? Those drivers put out a ton of torque and the impact doesn't help matters? You need to use bits especially designed for the impact drivers. I use some made by Milwaukee that are pretty awesome. After the hexagonal section that locks into the driver, they have a shiny metal section that is smaller in diameter and round, then the bit that locks into the screw itself is black. They are made from better quality steel and they hold up better.

No just using a cordless drill. Someone hit the nail on the head, the bit material is china or japan material which is junk.

I may have to find me a snap on dealer nearby.

[47]

Use the right bit for the type of screw head helps too... some bits just seem like they fit the screw head.

[hcshooter]

Use the right bit for the type of screw head helps too... some bits just seem like they fit the screw head.

Agreed, I have seen guys use a Prince&Reed bit and call it philips. I always try to size the right size philips for a snug fit. The first 2 fit snug and both after about 40 screws snapped. Turned the torque down went with lower speed and the others eventually started to twist until they just rounded off.

Guarantee they don't treat the bits right any longer.

[Gummi Bear]

I've gotten to where I run impact rated bits for everything.

Milwaukee bits are spendy, but last a long darn time.

Buy quality screws. For fastening wood, I pony up for Deck Mate. Never have broken one.

For metal, I typically use a lath screw (known to some as a "modified truss" screw)
This is a self drilling or Tek type of screw to be used in heavier metals.
This is a point screw, to use on light gauge metals and framing.

Fastenal has a good selection, but their prices absolutely suck. I will buy from Pioneer, or another fastener distributor instead.

Never used them, but the Spax screws mentioned above look promising.

Depending on the media that you are running a screw into, sometimes it's worth the effort to pre-drill and I take the time to drill a counter sink when using a bugle shape head. (Adds surface area, relieves stress, and prevents cracking and splitting.)

Sometimes, you need to lube your fastener. Beeswax is what we used on finish nails when I was doing cabinets and trim, I've been known to put a dab of grease on a screw when shooting it into metal if it's gonna be a hard run.

[stevieray54]

What type of wood are you going in to, when working with Oak,Walnut Hard wood, i use a little bar soap or take some bees wax stick a little of the screw point in it for lube, also hold the driver straight and use good quality screws.

Check out Mcfeelysscrews .com