I spoke with a contractor today, and was reminded of a question/complaint that has come up in the past. Is there an impact bit holder that doesn’t suck?
He’s encountered 2 types of issues that have afflicted all of the impact bit drivers he’s used. Impact bits will either jam up, requiring pliers for removal, or the holder will drop bits.
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I’m thinking that both issues result from wear. A loose fit plus some torque can jam up bit, and a loose fit will also lead to dropped bits.
So… let’s hear about your favorite impact-rated screwdriver bits. Do you use the same impact driver bit holders in your drill?
How many of you only use whatever bits come with bit assortments and bulk packs?
I’m thinking that German brands, such as Wera, might make some fine impact-rated bit holders, but they’re also pricey. Even if vastly superior, will most contractors buy a $25+ bit holder?
I’ve used all kinds of brands of bit holders, and have experienced bit jamming before, but I don’t recall ever wearing out a bit holder to the point it would drop bits.
What’s your price target for something like an impact-rated bit holder?
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P.S. If you’re a tool brand, PR, or retailer rep and think your bit holders will impress us, please drop me an email!
Tom
I usually don’t bother with impact rated stuff.
Sometimes the bit will get stuck in the fastener. When doing lots of the same bit I will usually just use the 2″ since they lock in.
Todd H.
Wiha and Makita’s impact gold holders are by far my favorite so far.
Matt
I agree with the makita. Also use Wera without issue.
Mr. Creek
I am a big Dewalt fan for power tools. But when it comes to bit holders. Milwaukee Shockwave hands down!
jtr165
I bought an accessory kit with my impact driver and it came with one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA3HLDIR-IMPACT-FlexTorq-Screwlock/dp/B00GMHDRMS/
It worked ok, but used a thumb wheel to lock the bit and would come loose pretty often. I replaced it recently with an updated version of this:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA2509-IMPACT-READY-Holder/dp/B00E3AOBJO/
I found it at lowes, but can’t find it anywhere online…it’s skinnier than the above, but uses a slide lock w/ detent that does a much better job of holding bits securely, and has a thinner magnet tube that doesn’t get in the way as much.
Just finished a deck where I ran over 20 pounds of 3″ screws, didn’t have a single issue using that…and somehow my single T25 bit that came with the accessory kit is in great shape too.
Mahalo
You actually liked Milwaukee’s shockwave bit holder? I hate the one I have. Bits jam and need pliers to pull out half the time. Especially problematic with the short bits that can be hard to get a grip on.
BonPacific
I’ve never had a problem with using DeWalt’s standard bit sleeve/holder. I’ve used the one that comes in their “impact-ready” pack, and others I’ve had for years before, they all have worked fine. The run-out increases, but rarely matters for driving purposes.
I mostly use DeWalt bits, but I’ve also slotted in Irwin-brand and no-name bits without issue. Even the cheap bits that come in packs of star-drive deck screws fit and hold fine.
A separate issue is the screw-holding magnetic sleeves that fits over 2″ impact bits. Those have been completely useless in my experience.
Noah
The sleeves that “jamb up” use a friction ring to hold in bits, and that’s the precise reason I use the holders from Makita and Milwaukee. I’d rather need a tool to remove a bit that suffer the constant frustration of dropped insert bits. People think it’s a problem but Its actually a design feature.
Mahalo
Good point. I use the Milwaukee. I don’t like having to get a pair of pliers out at every bit change, but that’s still better than losing bits to the abyss. I guess I just want my cake and eat it, too. Can’t someone figure that out?
MichaelHammer
I find that if I reverse the drill and tap the bit on a 2 x 4 or the ground, the bit pops right out.
Chris
I have been using Wera Hexagon 890/4/1 Retaining Ring. It’s very high quality and I like the retaining ring much more than a magnet.
Hilton
There’s a difference between and Impact Bit Holder and a normal Bit Holder (as per the Makita main pic).
The Impact version needs to be able to move to allow for the impacts imparted from the Impact Driver. Guy cheap out on the bit holder then wonder why it falls apart. Almost 99% of bit holders are designed for driving screws with a normal drill (rotary) and not with an Impact Driver. The only one that works is the offering from Wera but it’s not cheap.
Truckdriver
I don’t use bit holders at all, just power bits. Problem solved.
Hilton
I have a couple of Wiha Terminator Impact Power Bits and I’ve managed to melt the fancy red coating on the shaft a few times.
truckdriver
Never used any with a coating.
Tj
Magnetic ones? I’d love to switch over to one-piece bits, but I can’t work without the magnets.
ca
https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/dewalt-flextorq-magnetic-sleeve-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
I’ve used them and like them. I’m sure other manufacturers make something similar, though they wouldn’t be yellow.
Hilton
Just buy a magnetiser and do it on the fly. $10 at most.
Michael
I just bought some of Hitachi’s design, starting to like them a lot. I would rather the bit be looser then have to get a pair of pliers to get the bit out of its holder.
Nathan
so for phillips screws I’ve been using the dewalt max fit bits with the mag sleeve holder. which works if the screw is big enough. I also got a set of like 12 for 4 dollars.
I need to get the same ones for the sloted – but I rarely use slot screws.
I also use a 2 inch bits for my 15,and 25 torx heads.
Other Stuff I use a bit holder I got from somewhere that’s a magnet hold device. works just fine in both the impactor and the drill. I would like and will probably will get an impact rated holder.
But as said above what I’d love to own is a set of all bit sizes I use in 2 inch with the lock notch.
Matt J
I might be the minority, or it could be my ocd, but using different brand bits than my drill/impact drives me crazy. I had the shockwaves for my hitachi dice they don’t really have great options but using them on my dewalt stuff seems wrong, same for Recip blades in my sawzall.
Back to the point I’ve never had issues with the shockwaves jamming, just cheap HF socket adapters that took a bench vise to yank loose.
Stuzin
Yes, you are in the minority and it is your OCD. First person I ever heard do this. Not buying any Mafell or Festool tools are we?
Must be a huge dilemma when holding a Dewalt impact and opening a box of Simpson Strong Tie or Kreg branded fasteners that supply a bit in the box!
Mahalo
Stuzin, you have me laughing big time on this one! Oh, the horror of using the Spax bit on Spax screws in combination with my DeWalt impact driver! 🙂
Sorry, Matt, just giving you a hard time. I have the same tendency as you, but I get over it pretty quickly. You’re not that different than the guys that insist on using only one brand of tools. I have a mix of brands, but I do keep my cordless tools all the same for practical reasons (batteries). I’m not trying to color-coordinate my workspace, I just want tools that work at a good value.
Travis
I loaded my bit kit up with Wiha 2″ long Terminator Power bits which are fantastic. I hardly use an adapter unless I need a long reach. I have a magnetic Wiha bit holder and 3″ DeWalt impact bits in the most common sizes for longer reaches.
John
Be careful with the Wiha terminator bits as the included bit holder in all the sets I had were specifically not impact rated. I had the bit holder snap on me on an impact driver and thought it odd so I looked up the part number of the holder itself and at the time even Wiha themselves stated to not use that holder on impact driving.
I tried to show include the link to the page but Wiha’s site looks updated. However I do specially remember that the magnetic holder was not rated for impact use which seeing as it’s included in the but set was just bizarre and frankly stupid. I believe this was the one included in my bit sets:
http://www.wihatools.com/bits/bit-holders/universal-magnetic-insert-bit-holders
Which is no where near was strong as the one that is “supposed” to be used for impact driving:
http://www.wihatools.com/bits/bit-holders/stainless-steel-1-4-insert-bit-holder
They may be different now but I stopped using Wiha after that scary incident and seeming big oversite.
Stuzin
John, just rained on Travis’ parade. Or, he will just ignore your comment, then expect a replacement and rant when it breaks using it in his impact driver.
Old as Dirt
I have a set of the Makita gold bit holders and I never use them.They get stuck and you need pliers to get the bit out.Now I only use the Milwaukee bits.
Troy
One vote for the Milwaukee shockwave holders. No frills and readily available. I’ve had better luck with them over the Dewalt versions. Several of my Dewalt holders won’t “click” into the impact gun for whatever reason. Admittedly, no matter what I use I have to get a pair or pliers once in a while to pull a bit out, but it’s not often enough to worry about.
As a result of impact guns, I rarely use Philips screws anymore if I can avoid it (i.e., deckmates). The strip too much, so I stick with star bits like GRKs. Seems to make the whole process better.
Matt
Powerbits all the way. Or if im driving longer fasteners ill use the sleeve holders more so to not lose the fastener than an affinity for sleeve holders
Michael Quinlan
The pictured Makita bit holder is my favorite – with a combination of a c-ring and a strong magnet, but the magnet didn’t really make good contact with #8 screw heads or smaller, so for those I prefer Milwaukee’s bit holder, with a c-ring and decent magnet.
Klein makes a multi-bit holder that would be my favorite if the bit retention didn’t suck. With a weak magnet and no c-ring on one end, and a simple ball detent on the other, it really is the worst bit holder I’ve ever used.
Reflector
I found that the Bosch Daredevil extensions are actually pretty good bit holders since the retention system lets me switch bits out easily. The only thing is they’re extensions and 6″ is unwieldly.
Otherwise another plug for the Makita holders, but for the plain version minus the big sleeve if I don’t need the strong magnet. That gets in the way sometimes.
fred
I think I like this one better than others I’ve tried:
https://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWA3HLDIR-IMPACT-FlexTorq-Screwlock/dp/B00GMHDRMS
John
This has been my bane. Trying to find a bit holder that is officially impact rated that is not the stupid ring or magnet type holder. I have tried them all and they all are terrible. I frequently have the bit “stick” to the fastener and rip right out any manger holder every single time. The ring ones either also are too loose and they fall out too or like you mention need a set of pliers to remove.
I even went so far as to buy every single bit holder Wera makes because the Rapidapter is simply the best bit holder I’ve ever used and I love it to death, however it’s not impact rated. Wera came up short too for me, while better than the rest there is no “locking impact rated bit holder” equivalent to the Rapidapter. The closest was the Bi-tortion one, but it’s designed to absolve impacts not transmit them and used in an impact driver actually prevents the impact driver from doing its “job” and just absorbs the hits. Eventually it snapped on me. I also found the setting at which it absorbs impacts instead of transmitting it would prevent me from removing screws too that were over a very low torque setting. It looks to be more geared to a drill than impact driver.
At any rate I’d give anything for a truly certified impact rated Wera Rapidapter. Until then I bought a few of them and if/when they end out failing I’ll just keep replacing them until Wera comes along and figures out the need for one.
john
I’ve been contemplatiing trying this set out for awhile now…
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GMXFK3G/
The concept seems interesting the only thing is the bits are proprietary
Anyone tried this out yet?
Jonathan
I’ve used FastCap TaperLock and Tip magnet
For about 6 years They are about $10 each. The tip magnet is two powerful half moon neodymium magnet in a plastic sleeve that slides over most 1/4″ bits. Most of the neo~magnets in bit holders are tiny rings or cylinders that are smaller than the bit. The tip mag has 2 half-moon or crescent moons magnets are just under .5″ long and approx .125~1/8-in thickness. The mag tip is powerful enough to pickup railroad spikes and 12″ long pennynails.
“The TaperLock is the first bit holder that works– the harder you pull, the tighter it gets! This unique, patented design uses a tapered spindle to firmly hold any bit in place. Also features a one-touch automatic lock for easy bit release: just pull out on the red collar while grabbing the bit, and the lock is released. Push the bit in and slide the red collar towards the drill, and the TaperLock is locked. Works with any bit, including bits without indents, notches or grooves as well as C6.3 & E6.3 bits. Any bit, any time; you’ll never leave your bit behind on the screw.”
Jonathan
Amazon has the TipMag for $13 shipped shpuld see links for the fast cap bit holder on same page
https://www.amazon.com/Fastcap-TIPMAG-ProCarpenter-Extreme-Magnetism/dp/B00VU2D77A/
Brandon
I’m not sure I understand the advantage of a bit holder in an impact driver. I just buy the longer bits and put them directly in the driver’s chuck. With the type of chuck on impact drivers, the bits can be changed just a quickly as with a bit holder.
Jay
Same here. Use power bits almost daily.
Bit holders are the pits.
Hang Fire
Once again invoking Betteridge’s law, the answer is “no”, unless you count the chuck on the front of your favorite Milwaukee, deWalt or Bosch impact driver.
The reasons are simple. The more flex in the system, the worse impact works. The more mass in the system, the less impact works.
John
I think the simple answer is if you make a bit holder too good, then no one will ever loose their bits so you can’t sell more bits 😉
Nathan
well if they made them like impact sockets and extensions then in theory they would be tight enough and true enough to transmit most of the impact energy.
but yes most have slop and that lessens the delivered impact and torque to the screw-nut-bolt.
Jkn
I have to go with Makita gold. No other bits or have stood up ton the beating my Makita bits have. As far as extender/holder goes I have never had much issue but I use Makita gold as they have truly stood up to everything without issue.
James P.
I’ve had good luck with the basic bit holder that came with my Makita drill/impact set. My issue is with the so called impact rated bits. They seem to break faster than the standard bits.
Bremon
Makita Gold are my go-to bit holder and bits. I may go back to Shockwave at some point to try out their new stuff. Specific dewalt stuff I’ve heard good stuff about but their packaging all looks the same; too hard for me to find/remember what I want.
Matt
Hammerhead makes a good magnetic holder too though i personally have yet to use it one of my employees swears by his. The bits they make seem pretty tardy as well.
Anyone else try the Hammerhead guys?
Cr8ondt
I have a set, the bits are great and are often used, however since this is about the bit holders, the hammerhead holder sucks.
Jeff
Late to the party, but I’ve had hammerhead kits and they have not held up well at all for me. The tips on about half of them have sheared off and the magnet in the magnetic sleeve crumbled very early on. Makita gold and Milwaukee’s newer shockwave bits have served me very well.
Scott
I’ve tried almost everything and the only bit holder I like is the pro magnet tip holder from Dewalt:
http://www.dewalt.com/en-us/products/accessories/fastening-and-screwdriving-bits/sleeves-holders-and-drive-guides/2-magnetic-bit-tip-holder/dw2045
Small diameter shaft so it doesn’t get in the way, and the bits never come out. It takes some muscle to remove the bits, but it can be done without pliers. I try to only use color-coded bits so I don’t have to spend a lot of time finding the right one. I like the bits that come with GRK fasteners. They last as long as anything else I’ve tried, and they don’t cost extra.
S10 Baja
I use an Apex 6″ Phillips bit, and had one for at least 10 years. Replaced it recently only because I lost it. Their bits are hardened and do not round over at all, but will finally chip away chunks of the tip. I use it I’m my 12v Millwaukee Impact all the time…
They do have bit holders also, but I prefer using the longer bit. Their system of part numbers is extensive, and refer to different options ( anti cam grooves on Phillips bits, size, etc).
Worked at a tool store and the guys in the know always went for the Apex bits.
http://products.apex-tools.com/tools/bits
Arturo
Hilti.
Roger
I’m no pro, but I havethe DeWalt impact bit holder and have to say it kinda sucks. My best bit holder is(was) made by Vermont American. Not rated for impact, but it CAN and it DOES. It looks almost like it was milled from one piece and the magnet is MUCH stronger than the DeWalt. It’s also more slender and longer. Looks very similar to this, but I can’t post pics so…
http://vermontamerican.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/r22874v10.jpg
Oliver (six-point socket)
Hi!
On my Snap-On CT761 I use either:
Koken 13139 -> http://www.kokenusa.com/products/model/618
Which is great because it is very compact, adds just little length – great for working in tight/constricted spaces.
Wera 797 B/4/1 B BiTorsion Bit Holder -> http://www-us.wera.de/product_detail_us.html?L=1&file=root_category_tools_for_power_use_holders_adaptors_connectors_bitorsion_quick-release_chuck_holders_797_b_4_1_b&lang=en-US
Quick release works EVERYTIME, absolutely zero problems.
And I solely use Wera Impaktor Bits with them ->http://www-us.wera.de/product_detail_us.html?L=1&file=root_category_tools_for_power_use_bit_sets_bit-checks_impaktor_bit-check_6_impaktor_1&lang=en-US
Kind regards,
Oliver
Irving K
I believe i have tried every one mentioned so far. I used to go through bit holders faster than my kid went through toys. Each holder has its benefits. Makitas green magnet sleeve holds screws better than most but is too bulky, and the bit holder on its own is lacking. Same with all the other sleeves like Dewalt. I prefer thinner to get into tight spaces.
Milwaukee shockwave impact bit holder is very good, but my favorite is the Dewalt model dw2045. Decent magnet and i actually like the ring that locks in the bit, so it doesn’t ever come out with the screw. That gets annoying real fast. And after testing EVERY bit on the market, i like makitas impact gold and hilti. They are very precise.
Chris P
Irwin’s 2 1/2-Inch Quick Change Extension is really a bulky impact rated locking bit holder rather than an extension.
https://www.amazon.com/Tools-1882442-Performance-Irwin-Extension/dp/B00LAEN8B8/
At 3/4 inch diameter it’s not not for tight spaces and visibility is poor ( I have the 6″ not this one) but it is impact rated and locks 1″ bits solidly, no magnet or clip. You can use 2″ power bits as well but with these there is a fair bit of movement, more than a Rapidaptor.
My 6″ extension hasn’t let me down in 6 months but an Irwin 3/8-Inch Square to 1/4-Inch Hex adapter which appears to be made by the same OEM and probably has identical internals failed me on the first day.
pete
My favorite ph#2 bits are makitas gold ones. They seem to last forever. My favorite mag bit is the hitachi green ones. They work awesome.
I tried the dewalt mag holder and bits and they didn’t work AT ALL. I found the problem though, the slip on dewalt mag holder is too long and it bottoms out on my m12 impact chuck so it can’t actually seat properly into the screw so it ALWAYS strips out. It work great on a regular drill though. However even though i own it i HATE dewalt bits. I bought a set of “impact ready” bit set and i broke them all with my m12. They’re too hard and don’t allow enough flex making them crack.
Jeremy
I’m really confused how people are having so many issues. The ring and magnet types both sucked for me. I like one with a sliding collar for locking/unlocking just like my impact gun. I just get the cheapest one with that and a solid steel shaft. Seem to last a few years before I lose them, and very little bit wobble. I have 6″ bits but often need more reach.
Joe Kay
Was just working in switzerland and fell in love with the Wurth One-Touch Bit holder. Retains bitwell with strong magnet. No need for pliers to remove (CLICK!) Was using impact all day to close wooden crates.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GWB8_AtgX0
https://www.baersupply.com/baer/servlet/CyberVendor/category/G4983873/catalog/group.jsp/W%C3%BCrth-USA-Insert-Bit-Holders,-Magnetic.html#
BIG FAN
sss
wera impaktor is the best for me
ChrisP
Realize this is an old thread, but just want to say that I just picked up the newish Bosch ITBHQC201 impact rated locking bit holder. It seems to the holder I have been looking for some time! At the widest point it is just 14mm (less than 9/16). Haven’t had it long enough to comment on durability but so far so good.