I bought a cheap bit holder keychain set over the holiday season, and it wasn’t terrible.
Shown above is a gift set that Walmart had in stores, with 6 bit holders, an assortment of 6 general purpose accessories, and a carabiner.
I also bought a Workpro set – see Workpro 3pc Bit Holder Set is so Cheap I Couldn’t Resist – before they raised the price.
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Bit holder keychains are exactly what they sound like – they’re small 1/4″ hex collets that clip to your belt loop, tool belt, or bag.
They provide storage, organization, and quick-access functionality.
Vessel’s ball-type bit holders are my favorite, and unlike most of the other models on the market they can also be used as an ultra-compact screwdriver handle.
I first tried this type of accessory more than 12 years ago – see Engineer Bit Pit, and EDC Screwdriver Bit Holder – but wasn’t the biggest fan. They were pricey, and couldn’t be used to turn bits in a pinch.
A few years ago, I wanted to give the concept another try. Before Amazon and other online marketplaces were flooded with cheap accessories, I bought a bunch of brand-name bit holder keychains from a Japanese retailer.
I changed my tune, and found a new appreciation for bit holder keychains. I matched some with quick-release attachments and multi-functional screwdriver bit keychains.
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But they pricing and difficult availability kept me from recommending them.
Even now, my favorite Vessel bit holder keychain is quite pricey – they’re around $10 each on Amazon. Is it worth it? I think so. But if you need more than one, the price climbs upwards very quickly.
There are tons of cheap no-name sets on Amazon. This one, by “FACAINCXS,” is currently a bestseller, with the 12pc set priced at $13. Another brand, “Aoebwpwi,” appears to have the same for just under $12.
So that’s around $1 each per generic bit holder.
I would buy more Vessel bit holders without hesitation. But for someone who hasn’t used anything like it before, maybe the cheap generic ones are a better way to get started.
The Workpro and Walmart brand bit holders I’ve tried so far are okay. They’re not as refined as the better brands I’ve bought from Japanese brands, but you get much better value for the money. Generic brands look to offer similar at an even better value.
If it turns out that readers are interested in the generic bit holder keychains, maybe we’ll then talk about what you can get at 5X to 10X the price, because that’s really what it takes to get the brand name accessories.
Alexk
A Phillips, square, 20T, 25T and 30T on my belt loop would save me time walking back and forth. I’d like to hear about the better brand holders.
Lance
I’m using the cheap ones and they work fine.
MattW.
Railer ones are a step better without being 10 bucks each for vessel a good value with many color choices. I own cheap ones they arnt a rebrand there better and made in Taiwan from my packaging. Yes I own vessel sk11 cheap Railer and many more for comparisons.
TimL
I got the railer one over the holiday too. Got it as a gift so the price wasn’t an issue. I’m happy with it in the $20 range; any more feels out of place. I did try the workpro set when it was like 4 or 5 bux, but it is not in the same boat in quality. I’m totally a part time DIY’er so no real-world use, but it is handy and makes projects more enjoyable.
Al
Can the Railer version be used as a stubby screwdriver like the Vessel? Obviously that’s not for a T-30 deck screw, but I could see it for a straight blade for electrical covers.
MattW.
Small with a big old ring in them not really a good choice. Vessel is best for what your asking they even make a one with 1/4in hex on the backside from Japan. Vessel makes all aluminum versions that are beefy but not good screwdrivers. The 10 dollar ones you see in the post are what your looking for.
Al
Thanks! I ordered a pair of Vessel on one carabiner (~$17USD), and the generic 12-pack to compare.
Jared
I own one of the Vessel ones. I purchased it more as a novelty than for any specific use. It kinda looks like a mini ball-driver. I thought it might be fun to have on my keychain with a bit.
I found it too bulky to leave on my keychain, so I attached it to my tool bag – but then there was no reason to be carrying around a single bit in a special holder. I have a set of common and specialty bits I keep in that bag for whatever I happen to run into.
I put it in my tool box next – thinking maybe I would grab it to use as a finger driver. That’s not a bad idea, but I haven’t found a reason to use it yet.
If you’re carrying a carabiner clip-full of them – why not just carry a bit-check (or similar)?
Actually, what I’d much rather have is just the Picquic “the pic” in my pocket.
James
That’s my issue with the vessel. Because if it’s bulk (and price!), it doesn’t really work to have several on a tool bag. Like you, I bought to try, probably based on some post here.
I’ve settled on it holding my 5/16” nut driver bit as I usually have a reversible rack a tiers Robertson/Philips bit in my #1 impact, but 5/16” nut driver gets used a lot for plumbing, so it’s a quick grab.
On another bag, I have several of the cheap Amazon ones and they work well for that, and even if they’re a bit cheap, they’re compact and useful.
Evan
I picked up one of the Workpro ones when Stuart posted about them during the holiday season. Now it is one of the first things I clip on to my belt at the start of every job. It is amazing to have my most commonly used bits at my fingertips!
FixThis
I’ve bought the Chizon (amazon) knockoff version of Vessels with a gift card, a year through and some of my more used bit holders are a bit sloppy and need extra handling to lock, but if anyone was wondering they work similar to Wera radpidapter by locking both the Jap bits and US standard. I’ll wait for a deal from vessel on Lowes if ever brought over, otherwise I’d rather not support Chizon anymore… it’s filled with knockoff crap, glad I only wasted a gift card, yet they still are holding up somewhat
Nathan
I thought about that carabineer set too for a moment. Hold 3 to 5 bits that I might need for something and clipped to my belt loop or tool pouch.
Don Julio
I’m a fan of the PB Swiss BitBlocks. Very minimalist and snug. One side of the block is open, so that you can see the stamped sizes on the bits without removing them.
eddiesky
Its a solution looking for a problem. I’ve some 3″ bits (P2, PZ, R2) and 2″ (GRK torx in gold, red, green, grey) that are needed for installs. I’ve not found a solution I can put in a tool bag, tool box or with tool that is secure, comfortable and lightweight. Even my Dewalt drill/driver case with 4 sockets, some bit extension and bits is clunky. And putting bits back in the “rails” isn’t easy- its like a test or challenge to line up a side and press in or slide in. (older than this but similar – https://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-Steel-Driving-Bit-Set-45-Piece-DW2166/100647075
No- I do not recommend.
James
Sounds like you still have a problem looking for a solution though? I’m like you….I find bit storage options clunky….
Finally, my Veto DP3 (got it for free last year in the spring promo) takes care of most of this as I am able to stuff my impact and all individual bits and bit extensions/holders/etc into the pockets so every single bit is accessible without fiddling or opening anything….and then I keep a whack of spare bits in the truck in a Packout, and those get pulled into service as needed to replace dead bits.
Obviously that pouch, like all, is prone to emptying when turned upside down 😆
JR Ramos
I’m not a fan of these belt keepers myself for various reasons but here are a couple of maybe options for your bit storage need.
These are good…kinda pricey but it’s hard to find these types of containers without products in them or without buying huge quantities. If you have a shorter one from a drill bit or end mill or something (even some cheap china step drill bits come in them) then that’s a freebie…screw/ratcheting type preferred. There are lithium battery options out there, too.
I like these little cases that DeWalt and Craftsman sell…don’t like their bits but the cases are great. Holds a lot of 2″ bits…could fit a couple of 3″ diagonally but it’s a poor use of space. They’re pretty solid and I’ve never had one jostle open. The Craftsman used to be like $5 with all the bits. I think you can buy the empty cases (possibly knockoffs but I’ve seen them and they’re fine)…overpriced on Amazon but if you buy from Aliexpress they’re cheap (usually multi packs though). https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09KSCF2K6/
All kinds of tiny device zip pouches out there, too, if you just need to keep them safe and together…toss it in the box or belt pouch or pocket. Don’t be one of those magnetic wrist pouch guys though…
ElectroAtletico
I got in AMAZON the 6-piece set from some outfit named “KATERK” and I’m very happy with it. Nothing wrong with cheap, bit holder, keysets. Nothing at all.
Mike
These look like an exact ripoff of the Vessel holders, $17 for a set of 5.
https://www.amazon.com/dcvbny-Quick-change-Screwdrivers-Organizer-accessories/dp/B0CRHM9KDP
Al
The product photos are terrible fakes. I would have said Photoshop, but looks like their marketing budget cannot afford it. They couldn’t even find an appropriate hex-shanked bit to paste in over the other stolen photos.
Joe S.
I purchased the Sumind 6 Pieces 1/4 Inch Bit Holder Keychain off Amazon and I had to discontinue use. Had them on a caribiner attached to tool backpack. When the bit holder get dragged on something the bits fall out.
Turns out these have the reverse action of the one that would work.
Matt
I’m a Railer fan. They look good and function well. They feel quality and definitely look and function better than the Chinese Amazon options. The best mid-tier option I have found. Vessel is good, but expensive if you want 5 of them like the Railer you’re looking at $50. I have 2 sets of Railer keychain bit holders.
Donny
Can get 2 plus the clippy thing for $14 on Amazon. Each holder itself is $10. I agree Vessel is best. Buy once. Cry once!
JR Ramos
Random late addition….while looking for a link to the Simon’s Creations add-on bit holders for drills, I saw that they have these keychain square drive socket holders.
These, for me, seem far more useful than bit holders (I don’t want the bit holders in the way, poking me, or potentially damaging walls or furnishings as I move, and when not standing they aren’t always so easy to fiddle with). These socket holders do seem useful though, especially where nutsetters aren’t ticket.
Dawned on me that I don’t recall seeing any of these elsewhere, from anyone, ever…quick clicking around and I can’t seem to find others.
Not sure about the quality here and in photos I see what looks to be early wear of the phosphate finish, so take it for what it’s worth I guess.
https://www.amazon.com/Simon-tools-Socket-Holder-Keychain/dp/B0DF7JVK1S
The bit holders for drills are fantastic products, by the way…limited choices but well worth the money.