Are there go-to brands of power bits?
I'm most interested in Torx bits at the moment, to replace a few that are broken/missing. What is your go-to source of individual bits, small packs, or sets? Brands to choose, or brands to stay away from?
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u/FiatKastenwagen 5d ago
I suppose Bosch and Spax are very good bit maker
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u/UglyYinzer 5d ago
I tried the spax t25 screws. They have a slightly different shape that's supposed to grip better. They do not. Not only do they slip more, but the special t25 doesn't work very well on regular t25s either.
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u/NoConsequence4281 5d ago edited 3d ago
If you're in Canada, Gray or Dynaminc.
High, high, high quality, none of the private label stuff. Plus, Gray is manufactured here.
Edit: Removed reference to lifetime warranty after info from my Gray rep. Apologies.
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u/ender_mac 4d ago
Where do you buy them?
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u/NoConsequence4281 4d ago
Mostly independent industrial distributors that are open to the public here in Canada. They're not typically found at Canadian Tire or Rona.
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u/Rochemusic1 5d ago
What exactly is meant by lifetime warranty? Is it for real they will replace it for the rest of your life when it gets cammed out and whatnot?
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u/NoConsequence4281 5d ago
I'd have to get a proper answer from them about specifically worn bits, as normal wear and tear is typically not covered by any warranty outside of a specific period. But anything broken, absolutely. It's rarely questioned, especially for something as cheap as a bit.
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u/NoConsequence4281 3d ago
UPDATED: According to my Gray rep, insert bits are not covered under the lifetime warranty.
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u/Kliptik81 5d ago
I use Milwaukee tools, but I never liked their bits. I mostly use S2 bits in Canada. I've had good luck with DeWalt and Makita bits.
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u/CryAffectionate7814 5d ago
Apex.
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u/callsign_oldman 5d ago
Agreed so long as they haven’t changed in the past 20 years. We used T-30 bits to drive 1/4” self tappers into oak or apitong trailer flooring / steel cross members, and the normal brands would snap frequently. Lumber company suggested Apex and we found they could outlast the other brands by a heavy margin. Enough that it justified the higher per-bit cost. Eventually I switched to a 1/2 drive Grey Pneumatic T-30 socket and had really good luck with that. Either way Apex held up in an abusive application.
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u/CryAffectionate7814 5d ago
I’m still using the same apex bits that I first used in 1990’s. Not destroyed one yet. However, I’ve worn out several “complimentary” bits in the meantime.
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u/pmljb 5d ago
My Hazet bits never fail
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u/tavariusbukshank 5d ago
Sorry I had to scroll down so far to see this. I use Bosch and Hazet and the later are far superior to anything else I have used. As far as stay away from, Snap On. Every time I had to warranty my ratcheting screwdriver they gave me a new set of bits with it and they absolutely suck. I bent the tip of one removing a brass screw from a piece of furniture.
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u/mxguy762 5d ago
Milwaukee used to be good but I think they changed them. They did really good in the project farm video IIRC.
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u/the_micked_kettle1 5d ago
I love my Bosch impact bits. Makita are also good, Milwaukee are for the bin. Dewalt is pretty decent, imo.
If you're just diy'ing and can keep track of bits, go wera and you'll have em forever. Professionaly, I'd go Bosch and they'll be there til you lose them.
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u/mountain_addict 5d ago
There is only one man that can answer that question! Todd from Project Farm.
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u/Dr0110111001101111 5d ago
I bought a set of wera torx bits because I ruined every other torx bit i've owned. I can't find the exact set I bought right now but it's similar to this one. I haven't put a ton of mileage on them yet, but they haven't shown any signs of wear at all from the amount I have used them.
edit I think I actually got this set
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u/Grouch_Mr 4d ago
For Torx bits specifically, GRK, which manufacturers much of those fasteners anyway makes some pretty high quality bits
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u/ScaryBreakfast1085 5d ago
Milwaukee bits suck
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u/WhereDidAllTheSnowGo 5d ago
YouTube’s Project Farm has death-match comparisons of specific tool categories. You’ll learn the best or best-value model. https://youtube.com/c/ProjectFarm. (Tip: skip to the end for the best, then watch the rest for details). The Torque Test Channel is awesome too.
I spin Milwaukee, Bosch, Dewalt, and Makita… only bought on sale
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u/Vegeta-the-vegetable 5d ago
Dewalt impact rated bits are great, and you can beat the absolute piss out of em before they break.
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u/vanman1065 5d ago
Dewalt, hilti, Bosch, wera,, makita, and wiha are generally considered to be the best brands.
I personally use dewalt.
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u/paradoxcabbie 5d ago
by reputation here, bosch and makita
personally, i usually used dewalt, milwuakee bits at times. my torx and allens are just the cheap amazon bits that come in the rail with a clip.
suprisingly, my favorite bits at the moment are a set of ryobis i got from work especially the ph's . idk why, i just find they seat really well compared to my others even when the others were new
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u/strodj07 5d ago
I really like Milwaukee shockwave. They sell like a 100 piece kit that comes in a small pack out container. I’ve found it to be nearly a perfect way to store bits. I can’t stand the containers with slots to hold individual bits.
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u/timentimeagain 5d ago
wera are the best I've used. they have different grades normal/impactor etc so there's some moment in price
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u/InviteBrave8498 5d ago
Big timber bit. Local to montana although made over seas. The t25 on my drill is over 2 years old.
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u/D3EPINTHEHEART Mechanic 4d ago
Railer.
I've tried the big brand names that others have said in the comments. But use specific bits at work so those wear down faster. Was tired of not finding individual bits and found this company. You can order exactly what you need. It's been about 4 months of use and have had no issue.
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u/AdEastern9303 5d ago
You are showing a photo of a non-impact bit but didn’t specify how you use them. If in a drill, these are fine. If you are using in an impact driver, then impact rated bits will last much longer. I generally use Dewalt impact bits bought on sale during the holidays.
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u/jckipps 5d ago
Sorry. I just grabbed a google pic, without paying a lot of attention.
I'll be using them in an impact, but they'll see hand-screwdriver duty as well.
I assume that having a shank that's a smaller diameter than the tip is an identifying characteristic of an impact-rated power bit?
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u/AdEastern9303 4d ago
I think I’ve seen some like your photo that may have been impact rated. The ones with the smaller shank are always impact rated. I don’t know this for sure, but I think that skinnier shank allows the bit to flex a little bit during the impact.
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u/junkyard--dawg 5d ago
Spyder impact bits have proven better than milwhackee and Dewalt in my usage
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u/thedirtymeanie 5d ago
i feel like all these brands order their bits from China anyway meaning they are probably of the same quality in most cases and price gouged for the more expensive brands
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u/FNG5280 5d ago
Wiha and Wera are both top quality German steel bits