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Argh, Dewalt Impact Screwdriver Bit Holder Failure – But at Least it’s Rare

49 Comments

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Dewalt Impact-Rated Screwdriver Bit Holder Magnet Popped Out

I reached for my Hitachi 18V brushless triple anvil impact driver test sample (be sure to check out Ben’s review of it) and some screws, but I was lacking something important – an impact-rated bit holder and an impact-rated Phillips #2 screwdriver bit.

After some quick rummaging I came across a black-cased Dewalt bit set. The black-cased sets are usually for impact-rated sets, and yellow for drill/driver bit sets.

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I grabbed the bit holder and a slightly worn bit that still had lots of life.

The task was a quick one – installing a baby gate across the 6-foot doorway between dining room and living room. I could have used a drill, but the Hitachi impact driver was the first tool to come to mind.

The first 5 screws went in nicely. The next 5, not so much. On screw number 6, the bit popped out of the holder, and took the magnet along for the ride.

ARGH! I did what I could, but ended up grabbing a Milwaukee locking impact-rated bit holder to finish the task.

So… what went wrong?

Well, the magnet popped out. Duh. But how? Why? I haven’t done an extensive study, but a quick evaluation suggested that the adhesive failed, allowing the magnet to pop out. Either that, or the coating failed and the magnet broke apart. While the magnet is discolored on the adhesive side, there are no fragments, so I am decisively leaning towards believing that the adhesive failed.

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This happened to me before, most notoriously with a Craftsman L-shaped wrench that came with a hex bit assortment. With that Craftsman L-wrench, one of the magnets was liberated with the first use.

I have not used this Dewalt bit set all that much, and so the bit holder has seen some use but not extensive use.

It’s a simple defect. Either it’s a manufacturing defect, or it came about due to temperature or humidity swings where it was being stored. All signs point to a manufacturing defect. Maybe a little less glue or epoxy was used than there should have been, or it wasn’t cured properly.

Or maybe something I did caused this to happen. But what?

Oh, well. I’ll consider this a fluke occurrence.

My search for a recommendable impact-rated bit holder still continues. Last year we asked you about impact bit holders that don’t suck. I still haven’t found an impact-rated bit holder that I can enthusiastically recommend. Generally, all the ones I’ve found are *just okay*.

The somewhat new Milwaukee Shockwave bit holders that came to the rescue are quite good. My only complaint might be their bulkiness, but they’re strong and sturdy, and have a locking mechanism. Acme has them for $8 each.

Now, I’m off to install some cabinets, just as soon as I can find a slender impact-rated bit holder. I’m sure I have another one around here somewhere. The most common one I have seems to be this Dewalt all-silver style, and despite this incident, I still have faith in their accessories. Although these types of failures seem to be rare, it still sucks.

Have you ever had this happen to you with any brand’s magnetic bit holder, impact-rated or otherwise?

The bit holder was included in a Dewalt FlexTorq screwdriver set, I believe it was DWA2T40IR, which sells for $30 on Amazon.

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49 Comments

  1. Happens all the time . Does not matter the brand . Glue is glue . It gets hot and let’s go .

    Reply

  2. Frequently, no matter the brand, however I’m currently using both Bosch(new style?) and Makita impact rated ones and so far so good. I still fave quite a few others floating around that get used but I’m liking the Bosch especially.

    Reply

  3. My search for the perfect impact rated bit holder also continues. I’ve been experimenting with quite a number still finding the holy grail. Bar none, nothing beats the Wera Rapidaptor but its not impact rated sadly 🙁

    Requirements for me are actual quick release locking mechanism (not just magnet) as I have a terrible time of bits popping out without some type of lock mech and its made me frustrated to no end.

    So far the best I’ve found are:

    DEWALT DWA3HLDIR IMPACT READY FlexTorq Bit Tip Holder with Screwlock System (though obviously not quick release but screw retainer keeps bit from pulling out)

    Irwin Lock-n-Load Quick Change Extension
    (having trouble getting definitive answer to this being impact rated though its bundled in with impact rated bits and states can be used in impact drivers, would be nice to get a warm fuzzy certified on the holder itself)

    DEWALT
    Max Impact Screw Lock Holder / DEWALT
    3 in. Screw Lock Bit Tip Holder Set
    (both of these are the same but one has bits the other is stand alone, remove the goofy plastic sleeve and the retainer behind it is quick ejecting doesn’t need the screw retainer)

    My search continues …

    Reply

    • You wrote that the Dewalt DWA3HLDIR isn’t quick releases and the removable mag screw holder is all that holds the bit in. This is incorrect.

      The Dewalt DWA3HLDIR doesn’t use a magnet to hold the bit in. The removable ring mag is for holding screws, not the bit, and the holder locks the bits in with a detent system (not a c-clip either). One pulls back on the rear of the holder to pop the bit out.

      Reply

      • I think they may have recycled the model number (or I’m just having serious issues finding it) as the model I’m talking about there is discontinued and when you look up DWA3HLDIR it shows the revisioned version.

        The old one was (and still was called the DWA3HLDIR) like this:

        https://images.lowes.ca/img/x/8557/885911334914_ca.jpg

        and

        https://www.canadianwoodworking.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full_w525/public/assets/images/news_dewalt_impact-bits.jpg?itok=jH7RhkL4

        Which had a screw holding sleeve which was removable but underneath was a magnetic bit holder with a screw on cap that kept the bit locked in manually which you can see knurled at the top of the bit holder.

        The new one as you mentioned is what I’m referring to in the 3rd bit holder above the “Max Impact Screw Lock Holder / DEWALT
        3 in. Screw Lock Bit Tip Holder Set” (new DWA3HLDIR)/DWATHLDRMI3.

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        • Don’t you just love it when manufacturers do that? Ridgid also did that with their portable table saw.

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        • No no, John S, you got it right. Kinda. There’s ALSO a magnet holding it in. Both on the FlexTorq and the MaxFit series impact ready bit holder, there’s a magnet inside to grab the bit, and a tightening ring to lock it in place (funny enough, in case the magnet fails, which DOES happen) AND there’s the magnetic bit sleeve that goes over top to grab the screw and keep it in place while driving.

          I, PERSONALLY, prefer the MaxFit Bit Holder. Though I can’t find a picture of it anywhere, It is essentially the same as the FlexTorq one shown in your post.

          That’s my favourite. I don’t usually like to play favourites with these things, because they’re consumables, and getting attached to them is a quick way to get your heart broken. But, regardless… It’s my favourite bit holder. Impact Ready or otherwise.

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          • …Come to think of it… I think they ARE the same bit holder… The MaxFit one is Yellow, the FlexTorq one is Black. The MaxFit one had the Yellow MaxFit sleeve, the FlexTorq one is the one shown. But they were the same UNDER the sleeve. Magnet grabs the bit, quick twist of the ring locks it in, Sleeve goes over top. MaxFit was just Yellow where the FlexTorq one was Black. So, I don’t actually think they re-used the model number, but technically they SHARE a Model Number. You might as well add a B for Black and a Y for Yellow on the end of the model number.

            What confuses things even further is that the FlexTorq sets also had completely separate sleeves that were for the 2″ and longer bits that just grabbed onto the screws, no bit holder needed, just the silver coloured sleeve. MaxFit had a big Yellow one as I recall. I think it was just a tube rather than the FlexTorq’s cone, but essentially the same device.

            Making things EVEN MORE COMPLICATED… I think MaxFit and FlexTorq were sibling lines of bits. FlexTorq was just the predecessor to the MaxFit, which was “Machined” to be tighter fitting in the fasteners, so there was “Less Need” for the magnet holder, that they included in the set anyways…

            DeWALT handled the FlexTorq/MaxFit lines in a REALLY weird way. I have a set of each, and I can’t really say much about the differences, other than fasteners seem to sit straighter on the end of the MaxFit heads than they do on the FlexTorq… they may as well be the exact same otherwise. They have the identical RapidLoad adapter as well. These two lines have all the same “Accessories” for them, like Impact Sockets and all that. You might as well ask a Parent which Twin they like better. I love both sets actually. Not, y’know… Parent Love… but, they both do their jobs really well.

        • I can confirm that the old screw-lock was replaced with a quick release collar. I ordered the same part number twice and got two different bit holders. Both had the same part number on them.
          I wasn’t sure I would like the quick release collar but it grips pretty darn good. It’s much faster and releases the bit much more reliably than the screw lock system, which always took some persuading to get the bit out.
          I also wasn’t sure about having a mixed metal and plastic unit instead of the all-metal screw lock, but this was a non issue. Overall I’d recommend it.

          Reply

      • Don’t buy, have one from Dewalt set and it’s fail for couple day use.

        Reply

    • Try Makita. They don’t have a push locking mechanism but they have a retaining ring, it holds 1″ bits well. The retaining ring locks into that notch in the 1″ bit. With 2″ or longer bits, they often need pliers to get the bit out. The magnet is held in by an E-clip so it’s not going anywhere either.

      It’s $9 now but it drops down to under $4 occasionally. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00E1GKK3Q/

      Reply

  4. I remember that post last year, and had bought this during a deck project right around when you had asked the question:

    https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA3HLDIR-IMPACT-FlexTorq-Screwlock/dp/B00GMHDRMS/

    at the time I found it at lowes, and couldn’t find it anywhere online yet. Seems to be more readily available now.

    I can’t count how many screws i’ve driven with it in the last year. The entire deck, privacy fence, arbor/archway, etc. was finished with deck screws. Installed new sheathing on my entire garage roof (24 panels of OSB) with screws…and many other random projects. Have not had a single problem. Bits lock in with a detent (not an o-ring like older styles), the magnet is only to hold screws at the bit tip.

    It doesn’t feel like some crazy high end bit holder (the magnet housing is plastic), but it works extremely well and puts up with a ton of abuse.

    Reply

    • It’s almost too strong. I need a pair of pliers to coax the bit out. Small price to pay since I’m not frequently changing bits mid-stream.

      Reply

  6. I suggest looking at Qualtool, Apex or Zephyr for impact it holders.

    Reply

    • I don’t recall every seeing bit holders, listed in the Apex catalog, specifically called out for impact duty

      Reply

  7. Makita Gold line has been working well for me for about a year.

    Reply

  9. I also use the Dewalt DWA3HLDIR. It meets these five requirements for me:

    1) hold all bits (1″ insert and 2″ power) with a quick release, so the bit NEVER comes out unless I want it to.

    2) bit never gets stuck in holder

    3) has a good ring magnet to hold screws

    4) ring magnet THAT ALSO COMES OFF to make it much slimmer, so if I want to drive a screw deeper or in a constructed space, I can do that.

    5) is impact rated

    I was going to go with the Wera (failed #3, 4 & 5) or Wurth (not sure if the deep magnet, not a ring btw, would pass #3 & #5 is unknown). And I don’t know if either holds 2″ power bits.

    My only wish is that the dewalt would be a bit shorter.

    The only other bit holder I use isn’t a holder, it’s a 2″ power bit with a green magnet permanently attached on the end. It’s made by Hitachi (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F0R9KL8/) and comes in t25, P2, and Sq2. Unfortunately for spax fans, no t20 :/

    Reply

  10. I gave up on bit holders for impacts, even “impact rated”, I only use them on drill/drivers. For impacts I use only the longer socket-ready bits. My basic reason is different, bit holders absorb a lot of impact energy. The more loose joints in the driver system, the more energy lost.

    The simple solution for this design issue is crimping, not gluing. But the crimping is best done before temper and draw, and temper/draw will reduce magnet strength, plus it’s a much more expensive machine tool step. So impact rated/magnetic bit holder users will continue to suffer, unless someone sees it as a chance for a competitive advantage.

    Reply

    • The Dewalt DWA3HLDIR doesn’t use a magnet to hold the bit in. The removable ring mag is for holding screws, not the bit, and the holder locks the bits in with a detent system (not a c-clip either). One pulls back on the rear of the holder to pop the bit out.

      Reply

      • yeah, I know this is now a few days old, but I really am surprised by the amount of people giving up on a decent impact ready bit holder. This thing is $10 and available almost anywhere now.

        the above mentioned bit holder is basically an extension of an impact driver’s hex chuck. It comes with a floating magnet that is removable (which is only for fasteners), but there is NO magnet holding bits in the ‘new’ chuck. It has a detent ring on the shank for unlocking bits, the same mechanism the driver’s actual chuck has.

        I bought one being pessimistic because it looked kinda weak, but it’s been a go to accessory for at least 25 lbs of 2 1/2 to 3 1/2″ screws (w/e that works out to be) without even trying. Never dropped or slipped a single bit, the magnet works perfectly when needed, yet can be slipped off easily for spots that it’s in the way.

        Reply

  11. My guess it was probably due to both: too little glue and using in impact driver.
    You probably gave it a lifetime worth of impacts using the first 5 screws. I have had happen once with a generic holder. I have used a standard (silver) Dewalt holder, albeit a pretty old one, with my impact with no issues.

    While using in a drill, it might get an impact or two driving each screw, and the impulse duration is a little longer with gentler ramp-up slope. With the impact driver, the impulse time is very short with sharp slope. Add thousands of impulses per screw, and any hard glue has no chance of dissipating the impact energy before cracking . Softer glues like rubber cement will probably work better here than harder epoxy types.

    Reply

  12. Why are you using a bit holder with an impact driver ? Just use the proper 2″ bit. First extension bit holders should only be used with drill drivers,no ? I’d never use a bit holder with an impact driver…this solves the problem

    Reply

    • Habit? The added reach? It’s what I grabbed.

      It was bundled in an impact bit set, so it’s impact-rated.

      Reply

    • A great reason to use a bit holder on an impact is to have a REMOVABLE screw-holding ring magnet.

      The Dewalt DWA3HLDIR doesn’t use a magnet to hold the bit in. The removable ring mag is for holding screws, not the bit, and the holder locks the bits in with a detent system (not a c-clip either). One pulls back on the rear of the holder to pop the bit out.

      Otherwise, with 2″ power bits, if you want a magnet you can use the Hitachi ones I linked to above or a removable mag that slides over the power bit. Makita makes a good one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WMLY59W/

      Reply

    • I think you answered your own question. The small 1 inch bits tend to fall way down inside most impact drivers I’ve ever used and only is useable with 2 inch or longer bits. If you’re on the job you go through #2 bits like candy and its much cheaper to buy a box of those and throw them out as they wear down than a 2 inch bit. There are kits which tend to come with a bit driver and hand full of #2s.

      Reply

  13. I like my Wera, which has been on the end of an impact gun for an entire basement renovation project. No problems, though I don’t know if it is really designed for impact use.

    I also have a Felo one which is great.

    Both have magnets to hold screws on the end. Great feature.

    Reply

  14. I am going to look at the DeWalt that David recommends.

    I have had retaining magnets pop out of other tools, like a hammer that had a magnet to hold nails so you could start them one-handed. I guess securing magnets is a perennial issue. Magnets are made only in certain shapes, and they are hard to machine. You also want them close to the nail or bit being secured, so you don’t want much space or material on the magnet face. So they use glue on the back. Crimping would work, as Hang Fire suggests, and so would retaining rings, but both would put some space between the magnet face and the bit, meaning the magnet might have to be larger, meaning it would be more expensive. Also, in an impact-rated bit holder, the magnet might actually have to touch the base

    If it were me I would try some kind of flexible glue, like construction cement, to deal with the differing thermal expansion rates. The glue itself shouldn’t be taking any shear or compression forces.

    Actually, I bet that’s how the glue in Stuart’s holder failed. The holder tube and shaft was taking the rotational forces, but the magnet and glue were taking the impact forces. The holder steel and magnet respond differently to those forces, resulting in shear forces in the glue, which glue doesn’t like. Or it was heat, as The yeti suggests.

    I guess one way to fix that would be to use a longer, thinner magnet, and mount it slightly recessed in the bottom of the holder tube, so it doesn’t directly touch the bit, and the impact forces are taken by the bottom of the tube surrounding the magnet.

    Reply

  15. I use cheapo harbor freight ones – I consider them disposable/recyclable and use about one per project

    Reply

  16. I’ve had nothing but problems with dewalt bits… ALL dewalt bits. New and old. I wont buy them ever again.

    Reply

  18. Still going with my Vermont America bit extension. My default impact side piece with PH2 FlexTorq. Drives everything. Masonry screws, drywall screws, sheet metal screws, plastic housing types, wood screws. Much slender at 2/3 the diameter of the DeWalt with a much stronger magnet. I’ve had it for years.

    Reply

  19. The only Dewalt one ive found that doesnt suck is the locking flextorq one. I have this same dewalt one that failed on you as well but find myself using my Makita gold one over it.

    Ive never had any of these issues with my Wera bit holders,but they cost quite a bit more than these lower cost throw away types.

    Reply

    • Y’know… I have one of the ones Stuart used, and I distinctly never touched it. I have the original IR (Impact Ready) Angled Bit Holder, the FlexTorq Bit Holder, and the MaxFit Bit Holder, as well as an Impact-Ready Right Angle Holder. I don’t know why, but that plain “Just a Magnet” silver one makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up to think of using it. I have something like 5 other, more specialized options, all with locking features that one totally lacks.

      Do you get that weird “Won’t touch that” feeling around that silver one like I do?

      Reply

  20. I had a dewalt bit holder with the screw guide “sleeve” that apparently had a problem. The bit holder portion expanded and the sleeve will not go past the bit any more.

    Reply

  21. What’s wrong with the milwaukee magnet shockwave one that isn’t locking? solves the issue of the bulk, I’ve never had a magnet loose in one, its impact rated, and inexpensive ($5.47 at HD)

    Reply

  22. The reason that the magnet popped out is because, just like all bit holders, its glued. And if you use it enough the glue breaks loose from all the impacts it has to endure. Happens all the time. Its really not a big deal or worth whining about and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to put it back in with glue & the bit or a nail. Just let the glue set before pulling the nail & don’t put the glue on the magnet. It also depends on which type of bit holder too. The sleeveless ones suck. Its a pia trying to hold the screw & drive it unless your driving a bolt. The sleeved ones are much more superior & you don’t have to push nearly as hard because it holds fasteners for you. The harder you push to drive in the fastener, the more your bit is going to beat the hell out of the magnet. And eventually the magnet will stick to your bit. But this is a regular occurrence and not a big deal.

    Reply

  23. Ha! My dewalt lost its magnet on the 9th! The newer, slide-eject impact one.
    Doesn’t make sense to put a magnet in bit holder that is used for impact…right?

    Reply

    • Probably not if you expect it to stay put with glue holding it. I guess a magnet could be secured using a different mechanical fastening design (like an internal groove and retaining ring) that did not rely on an adhesive – but that might add a lot to the cost.

      I’m kind of chuckling – because my last project was a replica pie safe for a daughter. Using brass hinges and hardware – with brass slotted screws – I had no use for magnets or impact drivers.

      Reply

  25. Ok , after a few days and this discussion has kind of ended, I’ll close it as objectively as possible.

    Don’t use bit holders that rely on glued magnets in impact drivers. Or, don’t expect them to last very long. This topic was brought up before, and options to remedy this issue were available even then, but apparently it’s still something people are annoyed about.

    David Carson and I mentioned this thing above: Dewalt’s DWA3HLDIR bit holder. I mentioned the exact holder a year ago. It doesn’t use a magnet to hold bits. It doesn’t use a squeezed o-ring to hold a bit, or a c clip, etc. It uses a ball detent within the sleeve just like the drivers chuck operates. It’s impact rated, and will not let go of bits…be it the little 1″ variety or any other with a 1/4″ shank.
    The bit is stuck in there until you pull the collar to release it.

    I’ve punished this accessory for over a year with no issues. At the time, I didn’t think this was such a significant difference from other bit holders. It seemingly is, because many are saying just use a bigger 2″ bit or w/e that locks into the driver. That holder seems to be the absolute best readily available option there is. Not interested in the politics between brands and all that. So and so has great holders that aren’t impact rated, others have ok ones that are impact rated, etc. The mentioned holder is cheap, will NOT drop bits, has a removable magnetic sleeve for fasteners, and simply does what is intended.

    Love this site…but i’d consider this topic ‘fixed’, personally. If anyone continues to have issues with bit holders, they just didn’t see this haha.

    Reply

  27. The dewalt bit holder I have is brand new and I even used the bits that came with it and the first time I go to use it and take the bit out it’s stuck! The lock-ring would not let go no matter what I did I sprayed lube in it I even tried heating it up slightly and cooling it to make it soft and expand thinking it might loose some spring tension but nothing. I ended up have to grab the bit with bise-grips and pound a probably between the visegrips and the primary and rip it out and now the lock ring inside is gone and it will never hold a bit again. Its the same type of ring thats on the end of an impact gun to hold the sockets but its inside this garbage bit holder. And this was the first time the garbage was used. The next time dewalt has an idea they need to flush it down the toilet

    Reply

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