Makita has come out with a new slide-n-lock bit storage case that comes with an ultra magnetic bit holder and selection of Impact Gold impact-rated screwdriver bits.
I spotted these this new combo set over at the local Home Depot in their holiday display section and couldn’t help but take a closer look.
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The bit storage case slides open for bit access and then slides closed to lock the bits in place for transport. At first this all seemed like a good idea, but after looking at these pictures a bit more it seems that the bit holder is a bit too bulky to carry around. The case could still be pocketable, but perhaps not as pocketable as Milwaukee’s. It’s probably better sized for stowing away in a tool bag or box.
The set comes with 20 impact-rated screwdriver bits, 13 of which are #2 Phillips bits. The Impact Gold branding and color scheme means that these are Makita’s latest-and-greatest impact bits, which are designed to cam out less and last longer.
Also included is an ultra magnetic bit holder that comes with a strange-looking sleeve. The sleeve is meant to grip screws for less fumbling during installation, but it must be removed from the bit holder when changing bits.
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The 21-piece set is priced at $20 and appears to be exclusive to Home Depot. The storage case is made in Japan, the insert bits are made in Taiwan, and the bit holder is made in China.
First Impression
I saw this in store and immediately went into “gotta have one!” mode. But in the process of writing up this preview post my mind changed somewhat drastically. The bit storage case looks large and bulky, the bit holder a hassle since it requires an extra two steps when changing bits, and I really don’t yet see how these bits are any better than other impact-rated bits currently available.
Oh, I definitely still want to give this set a try, but will probably wait until a good coupon comes my way.
Jerry
I’d be looking into it, except for there being so many Phillips bits. I would much rather have a wider selection of bits. I can see 4 or 5, but 13 of them? I’d much rather have 4 #2 Phillips, 2 #2 square drive, and the rest different sizes. I can buy #2 Phillips bits by the hundreds, on the cheap, and in fact am swimming in them because every time I buy an assortment to have square and Torx bits, I wind up with a dozen or more Phillips bits I don’t need. Sorry for the rant, but I do feel better now.
fred
We can buy hundreds of cheap #2 Phillips bits too but they don’t hold up – compared to a $3.40 each ( when bought in 10 packs) Wera Impaktor bit ( 05057616001)
If these Taiwan-made bits are comparable to the Czech-made Wera bits – then this set would be a bargain for the bits alone.
Jerry
A while ago, I bought a Wera bit set, which came in a case, which held I believe around 30 bits, and their Rapidapter bit holder. Other companies should look to that, as a model of how to not only make quality bits, but how to build an assortment (only a couple repeats on the Phillips and #2 square) as well as how to make a bit holder compact, yet secure, while making all bits easily accessible. The case, with bits and Rapidapter in it, easily fit in a shirt pocket. If they ever make a similar assortment, with 15 or maybe 20 bits, and put them in a case proportionally smaller, I will jump on in, as much for the case as the bits.
Stuart
I totally forgot about Wera’s Bit-Checks! I have one that came with their micro bit ratchet but misplaced it some time ago after a move. I can’t think of any other portable bit carrier with greater bit storage density.
fred
Wiha sets are fairly compact too:
http://www.wihatools.com/700seri/792serie.htm
James C
The case seems kind of goofy to me. I see it as $20 for 20 bits. I don’t know if it’s worth it (no idea on the quality of those bits).
John Sullivan
I saw these too just the other day, along with a bunch of other items that were obviously brought in for the “buying season” — I’m just wondering if the post-Thanksgiving price will be $10, $12, or $15. This is the time of year when we get a preview of the Black Friday sales just by looking in the corrals at the front of Home Depot, and the island displays at Lowe’s.
Stuart
I don’t think this is going to be a Black Friday special – those typically don’t fill the aisles until maybe a week before BF. Still, it’s definitely a holiday special.
My local Lowes hasn’t brought out their displays yet so I’ll be visiting a further one to see what special buys they’ll have up for the holiday season.
John Sullivan
I could be wrong, but the front corral where I saw these was chock full of similar kits, sets, and so on. Three packs of utility knives, flashlight assortments, and whatnot in the same area were all priced at higher than anybody would want to pay… I’m assuming that they’ve positioned these items for holiday sales and will just plaster the sale prices on the cardboard displays when management gives a green light. Even the cheapo combination screwdriver that you can be SURE will be a BF item at $0.99 is out in quantity but marked as a $10 item right now. And it’s definitely the “seasonal” zone of the store, where they will have limited-time furniture in the spring, then fans and A/C units after that, and then bulk ceramic tile specials in the late Summer. The Depots around here have fairly predictable sales cycles.
The local Lowe’s stores around here aren’t as consistently organized/patterned as Home Depot in terms of layout, but they usually rely on a smaller ‘seasonal goods’ section and two wider aisles for the temporary displays. The Lowe’s I’ve been to lately don’t seem to have put as much on display in advance of Black Friday.
Stuart
Some might be BF specials, but I have doubts based on past experiences and how the displays are arranged. They will likely be advertised ahead of BF, but many of the prices will be probably be constant throughout the holiday season.
John Sullivan
If the prices remain consistent, that’s a bummer. Several of the combo kits were seriously overpriced cheap-looking crap.
Stuart
It’s really hard to say, but some of the products in the seasonal area, such as tool bags and cordless combos, might go on sale for at least a short time.
AL
Horrible set. More like “gold plated”. Typical crap makita, nothing new.
Admin Note: We have learned that Al is affiliated with Makita USA.
Heff
Have you even used these or seen them in action? They’re great. Yes, the gold is a plating to make them stand out, but the bits are the real deal. I bought a set in October and literally this last week had to replace the FIRST bit I used with it.
I’ll admit the last set of Makita bits that Home Depot carried left a little to be desired, but these are awesome. We’ve long since left behind our Shockwave and “Impact Ready” bits. I just wish they had more variety in stores.
Heff
I’ve used these. They’re great so far. The magnet seems to be a hassle, but it doesn’t bug me. I don’t find myself changing bits constantly. The magnet holds screws way better than anything else out there.
The advantage of the bits themselves is that they’re a lot stronger. I’ve had a couple guys using the bits in other bit holders, to get more use out of them. These rejects normally break bits faster than anyone. They haven’t been able to ruin these yet.
And before you write that you don’t think the case is convenient, use it. When it’s folded up, it’s about the size of a larger smart phone. I put mine in my back pocket all the time when I’m on a ladder. Way better than anything I’ve ever used.
Two or three years ago, our guys went from using Dewalt to the Milwaukee Shockwave. That was a big step up. These absolutely blow the Shockwave out of the water. I just hope they offer more options (4-6″, nut drivers, etc) soon!
Kiwi
If you want some comments from folks who are using these, check this link to the comments section of Home Depots site;
Admin note: masked links are not permitted.
Noah
So I just tried picked these up at a local HD to try them out. Been putting it off but cheaper card packs are finally in stores.
Wow.
I’ve used DeWalt Impact Ready, Wera, Wiha, Milwaukee Shockwave and countless others. These are easily some of the best I’ve used. The fit is PERFECT. Better yet, after a long day, the tip has considerably less wear than other brands. I like these.
Larry
How can anyone review a product they didn’t actually buy or test?? Seriously?
Stuart
How can anyone think this is a review?? Seriously?
I did this review this at a later time, here: https://14cyiuhvcgv.com/makita-impact-gold-screwdriver-bit-set-review/%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
You can tell that’s a review because it says “review. “