Replies

1. 
   fingers | Sep 16, 2004 12:06am | #1

   I like the bits from McFeeley's.  Their square drives are two piece with the actual square area that contacts the screw being of a harder steel than the hex shank.

   I've also ordered the Iso-temp phillips bits from them (are they made by Vermont-American?) but I think they are widely available elsewhere.

   I'm editing this now regarding the phillips bits.  They're not iso-temp bits, they're the ACR ribbied bits from McFeeley's and might be available elsewhere.

   
   

   ---

   Edited 9/29/2004 6:13 pm ET by fingers

1. 
   allenschell2 | Sep 16, 2004 11:18pm | #11

   I've used alot of those, (color coded #2 square drive) but have had quite a few brake. Ever happen to you?

1. 
   fingers | Sep 17, 2004 08:53pm | #13

   No never happened to me.

1. 
   Snort | Sep 18, 2004 12:19am | #14

   I've gotten McFeely's # 3 and #1 square drive bits. The # 3's are two pc and great, the #1's are one pc, and suck. The ones I got rounded over after maybe 20 screws with an impact driver. Personally, I don't deal with McFeely's unless I absolutely have to, been put on the back burner way too many times with no acknowledgement.

   Bosch #2 & #1 square drives last pretty long, but are a tad pricey. I'm trying DeWalt now, square and phillips, and they seem to hold up fine.

   Cool thing is, since I started using an impact driver, it doesn't seem to matter what the screw head configuration is, or even how cheap the screw is, I usually can drive it in or get it out. One giant leap for me, anyway<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!

2. 
   MGMaxwell | Sep 18, 2004 02:13am | #15

   I  broke some when driving ribbed bugle heads into CBU's. I need a lighter touch or use the clutch better.

2. 
   sawdustmaker | Sep 16, 2004 01:15am | #2

   I'm with fingers on McFeeleys. All bits I've purchased through them are tough. Personally, I like the square drives. Less "cam-out" than phillips.

3. 
   RobKress | Sep 16, 2004 01:15am | #3

   There is a huge difference in phillips driver bits.  And I wish I could tell you who made the good ones but all I know is that they (the good ones) come in and out of my gig bag every-so-often and I can tell when I have one.  But as soon as I go to BUY a few I only get bad ones.  So, if you happen to find out which ones work well, please let us all know.  VA's are terrible bits in my opinion.

   Rob Kress

1. 
   pvtrim | Sep 16, 2004 01:30am | #5

   APEX are the best for impact drivers

1. 
   Shoeman | Sep 16, 2004 01:58am | #6

   Can you give any more info on those bits?  link to where they sell them?

4. 
   jonblakemore | Sep 16, 2004 01:26am | #4

   Lowes sells the best phillips bits I've ever used. They are silvery with the ribs, and the flutes on the driver are curved not straight like most brands.

   Unfortunately I can't remember the name of the bits. Every time this comes up I remind myself to find out, but I never do.

    

   Jon Blakemore

5. 
   handhewn | Sep 16, 2004 02:33am | #7

   I have converted to GRK brand screws and their bits. They use a torx drive and they offer many screw styles/types. They have screws for decks, structural use(instead of lag screws bolts), cabinets, trim, etc.. I use them exclusively now. They are not cheap, but well worth the money.

   Curly the GRK screwer

   Hand Hewn Restorations Inc.

   Restoring the past for the future.

6. 
   james | Sep 16, 2004 04:41am | #8

   hilti sells some good phillips bits that i am sure you will like, have not broke one yet and they get used im my impact driver.

   james

1. 
   BillBrennen | Sep 16, 2004 10:40am | #9

   Apex. They make different hardnesses for different applications. Very tight fir in Phillips recess, too. Not available at the box stores.

   Bill

7. 
   JohnT8 | Sep 16, 2004 09:29pm | #10

   I have been using a Craftsman Speed-Lok 120-piece set for 2 or 3 years now. 

   Snapping the bits/drivers in and out is REALLY handy, but the bits do not seem very durable.  I haven't worked them all that hard but have had to replace several.  Mostly the tips are breaking off, but one of them the shaft broke free of the base.

   Anyone know of a durable Speek-Lok type bit set?

   jt8

8. 
   jonblakemore | Sep 17, 2004 05:17am | #12

   I went to Lowe's tonight. The driver bits are Phillips II platinum ACR driver bits.

   A picture is attached.

    

   Jon Blakemore

1. 
   AdamB | Sep 18, 2004 03:43am | #17

   to give you a feel for how good these bits are I used a corded Milwaukee impact driver (to give you a feel for the torque) and screwed the following in an area measuring 8*16:

   1 subfloor screwed in a 8" on center pattern

   1 layer of 1/2" Cement Backer board  screwed in a 8" on center pattern (with thinset of course)

   and about 9 sheets of sheet rock

   with one driver tip...

   the ad says they are titanium I believe...  I have never ever had a driver tip last that long.  even now that tip is still going strong...

1. 
   pvtrim | Sep 22, 2004 01:19am | #18

   RE:Apex bits -used with impact driver- source MSC industrial supply co. -phone 800.645.7270 -on line---mscdirect.com---request -the big book---excellent service

2. 
   Snort | Sep 22, 2004 02:57am | #19

   I'm sure I missed where you said the brand name of the bits that you are using. What are they, & where do you get them? Sounds like it's worth giving them a try<G> Don't worry, we can fix that later!

1. 
   AdamB | Sep 24, 2004 06:47pm | #20

   sorry haven't been back in the last couple of days but the bit is a Phillips II platinum ACR driver bit.

   and I believe that Lowes sells them in a 5 pack... I've been using the same 5 pack since january of 2004.

   Adam

9. 
   Jemcon | Sep 18, 2004 02:47am | #16

   If you know a local Snap on rep buy about 15 bits at 2.00 each and just give them back when they brake. My rep said there guaranteed for life. And there pretty good bits.

10. 
    DanH | Sep 26, 2004 05:22pm | #21

    On a slightly different topic, I many years ago had a B&D rotary drill index that was the cat's PJs. It had two concentric rings of holes, so it could handle about 30 sizes from tiny (1/16, I think) up to 3/8" in fairly small incremeents. I gave it away several years ago (to a guy who really deserved to have it) but have never found a replacement. The standard styrene rotaries like this one http://store1.yimg.com/I/tylertool_1812_50656954 hold too few bits and aren't very rugged.

    I've tried various flat indexes but they take up a lot of room in my toolbags for a very small number of bits.

    The B&D unit was probaly made of nylon (red with a black rotating top) and survived being dropped many times.

    Anyone know where I can get something like the old B&D unit?