Oops, you ran out of screwdriver bits. You head out to Home Depot and find a selection of Dewalt MaxFit, Makita Gold, and Milwaukee Shockwave screwdriver bits and fastening accessories. Which brand do you buy?
Of these three brands, I’d look at Milwaukee Shockwave first. Milwaukee has become my go-to brand for general purpose drill bits, hole saws, screwdriver bits, and nutdrivers.
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I buy Dewalt MaxFit bits if I need a size or style that I can’t find on the Milwaukee side of the pegboard, or if I only need two bits instead of five.
Makita bits are great too, but Home Depot’s selection is always extremely limited.
So which would you buy? Dewalt? Makita? Milwaukee? Something else? Do you skip HD and visit a different supplier?
Mosh
Probably going to buy DeWalt, for driving.
Not the best experience with some of the other.
Kim Alan Flaig
What is WRONG Lennox specializes in blades of ALL kinds
You might pay a little more but I think they last Maybe twice as long as others mentioned
Lauren
I’m not going to HD, I will go my my local tool guy and grab the bits I need. He order multipacks of 4 inch Irwin #3 Phillips impact bits for me that everyone else just doesn’t have and isn’t willing to order.
Thomas Jones Jr
Agreed Lauren,
IRWIN has been on point with quality & performance … They need a marketing team … … … like Milwaukee’s …
OldDominionDIYer
I have been using Milwaukee but I’m having some issues with them so I might try one of the other brands. I used Dewalt first but honestly think they are about the same as Milwaukee so I may go with another brand next.
Joe
The best screwdriver bits are made by Bosch. They bought Vermont America years ago and acquired the groved Phillip’s head, which holds much better than any other brand. Remember the Vermont America Claw screwdrivers? The bits have the same design. They are the best. Nothing better.
David
I bought by chance Vermont America bits and have been impressed by the performance.
ManOMagik
Actually Boschs’ tool division is mainly made in Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan and China with only a few from Germany and Switzerland. Personally, I go with Chapman for bits, Diablo for all my blades and channellock for all my wrench and cutter needs. All US companies.
Stuart
Diablo is owned by Bosch…
Brad
And Diablo blades are made in Italy
LG
Ah I see Bosch acquired Freud & all of its subsidiaries! I was about to say… I love Freud miter saw blades! When boss has them sharpened i throw a Freud blade on my flex slider! He doesn’t actually know the different between Freud to avanti, old school dude, if they cut good they are good lol I’m partial to the finer things especially when Builders are buying aye?!
Christopher Trafnik
I concur
B. Green
Milwaulkee for drill bits, DeWalt max fit for driver bits.
Mike Boney
Freud manufacturers all of Diablos sawblades. I’d spring for a freud though, there more industrial grade.
Addison
Makita.
Nathaniel M
Second,
Have had great luck with the couple sets I have.
The new Milwaukee ECX bits are a must have too.
Gene
I’ve had problems with dewalt breaking, Milwaukee all the way!
Shane
Makita is where it’s at. I have all 3 brands. And honestly it’s. Makita number one. Milwaukee second and Dewalt third. All decent bits. But I also have Bosch and they’re last for sure
Shane
Btw I work with these bits daily. I work for a good sized construction company in Marietta Ohio called Moran construction.
Dennis
I go Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita too. Although I don’t remember the last time I ran out, because I find myself buying a bunch of bit sets during November and December at Home Depot. It’s hard to resist the seasonal combo pack sales they have every year.
Kyle W Mort
Milwaukee shockwave are junk. DeWalt is overpriced. Give me something thats cheap and lasts long. Any advice?
Dennis
Try Wiha
Damon Brown
Wiha and Wera are by far the most recommended in the knife collectors circles. They don’t round out due to poor fit and soft metal
Chris
All my tools are DeWalt so I have to buy DeWalt bits.
Vlad
Stay strong, we understand your pain )
Chris
I work for a large fabrication company and we have tried all types of bits, DeWalt, Ryobi ,Irwin even Hilti nothing lasts as long as the Milwaukee shockwave especially when driving screws into metal. We have a large selection of different bits and gradually as we use our stock we changed to the Milwaukee shockwave, buying them online in bulk can’t beat the price either.
Kurt
Milwaukee seems to be cutting corners! Might just be the holiday deals, but I am seeing defect after defect! Sticking with DeWalt due to a long history of quality over time.
John
Defect after defect? What do you mean. I’m using Milwaukee shockwave and like their newer bits. I can’t stand DeWalt bits i don’t know why but just despise then
Chris
Can’t say I’ve ever despised anything in my life without any reason whatsoever.
Thomas Jones Jr
Right … If I despise something , I can damn sure tell you why …
Szymon
I would go with Milwaukee
Than maybe makita
Have not had good success with Dewalt.
Chris
Such a unique comment compared to ‘Mosh’ above. Just goes to show they’re likely all the same with different packaging.
Mosh
Actually sorry.
DeWalt first gen impact no good.
I try not to use impact rated never exploded on me and doesn’t wear out as fast
Ryan
Makita. I have only broken a few tips in my life, and they were all Milwaukee Shockwave. Makita and Irwin both last much longer and do not break. Everything else I own is Milwaukee including the impact gun to drive the screws, but no longer with Shockwave bits.
ChrisP
I have had a lot of Irwin PH2 failures. A 3/8 impact hex adaptor broke on first use and my 6″ impact extension has so much run out I only ever used it twice. Gave up on the brand.
Noticed that since the SBD takeover everything is new. Probably a different OEM.
ChrisP
My issues were with the old Irwin (newel rubbermaid). I will probably try the new Irwin
Philip Proctor
Whichever ones are on sale.
Kenneth Stephens
I’m with this guy
MikeIt
I too am with this guy. I am just a home gamer though. However, after asking us what we saw in the Lufkin promo image I think this is another test for us. The first thing I saw was the “LASTS 10X LONGER” and “UP TO 50X LIFE” but compared to what? When ever I see “marketing” I tend to start questioning the claims that follow. I would also question why I need to buy new bits. If its because I tend to lose them or they walk off then maybe I wouldn’t spend top dollar on them. If all my bits are worn down to a nub then maybe I would look at a more durable bit. Then taking those factors in to account, I would buy the cheapest that meet my requirement. Also, I would be buying a SQUARE drive bit. I am a recent square drive convert and made sure all my project screws are square drive compatible.
Charles A Andrews
I like the Bosch bits and boxes.
SP
I’ll have what he is having… …
Where i live (mid east) Milwaukee tools, powertools and accessories are expensive. Very expensive. I would say that Bosch, Makita and Metabo HPT / Hikoki are the most popular among pros and DIYers.
Robear
1. Hercules 2. Norske 3. Milwaukee 4. Any brand that isn’t Dewalt. I just don’t like yellow and having the same tools as every other person at the job site.
Adam
I never loved the original Shockwave (silver accents), and found myself preferring Irwin. Then tried some Dewalt which were good, but fell back Milwaukee when they upgraded the line (red accents) & have been content since, but if something significantly better came out I’d probably prefer that (like I only buy carbide sawzall blades now).
I just ran into the Spax rep in HD the other day (which I don’t think I’ve ever seen before). What caught my eye was he had a Wera bit driver on his table, which I asked “why he had such a nice driver that I can’t even buy here.” He said they once had a promo kit that had different bits & drivers, and were Wera sourced.
He went on to say that some of the bits included in the boxes are Wera, but also sourced from several other companies. I always thought they included junk, but sounded like Spax does have some standards.
Anton
That’s surprising, I like the screws and small cases that they come in, but hate there screw head design, never had good luck with them. I think I found that a #1 Phillips bit works better than the included for there smaller #6-8 dia from 1” and down. But I still buy because I think they are the best you can get from homer Depot.
Joe
All I own is dewalt, I’ve tried other brands with the same results. Do I’ll stick with dewalt.
Joatman
I’m not sure how I acquired so many bits over the years, but I think I’m set for life. And yes, I use the heck out of them……mostly Dewalt, Bosch and Mikita. Some cheaper brands, as well. As long as I use the correct size, I honestly don’t think I’d ever be able to tell the difference between the brands…..but I do want to try Milwaukee. If all of my bits magically turned into teeth, I’d probably have enough to take care of the entire NHL.
Aaron
Every one of my cordless tools, and half my corded, are Milwaukee. However, I prefer DeWalt bits for diving. I find that the Milwaukee will slowly wear out, while the DeWalt just eventually shear off completely. While the Milwaukee may last longer, their end-of-life use tends to deform or strip fasteners too much. Though, I’m probably just going to get whichever is on sale…
The What?
In the 20 years I’ve been doing construction and remodeling I don’t recall ever running out of bits. In fact I’ve accumulated enough bits to fill almost 2 cigar boxes. So I won’t be needing bits any time soon. And considering that most screws sold at HD come with a bit, like the ones that I typically use, there’s really no reason to spend the money on extra bits you’ll likely never need. Plus none of the brands that are mentioned make a bit for the screws I use. And typically the bit that comes with the fasteners are always better than the aftermarket brands such as Dewalt, Milwaukee, etc. The last bits I bought were some makita bits but it was only cuz they were gold and I could see it if I dropped it. That was a few years ago and now that’s the only brand I’ll buy and carry with me on the job. I guess Milwaukee & Dewalt think that bs marketing wank is more important than visibility. They sure as hell ain’t doing anyone a favor by making their bits black and gray. So I could see running out of their bits from being dropped & never found.
Aaron
*driving… My one key doesn’t stay connected to my phone when it’s under water.
Stacey
If the price is similar, I’d pick Milwaukee, otherwise the cheapest.
Mike
I refurbish the bits tip by filling the point a little flat so it grips without slipping or stripping the screw head( apex tips only .I buy quality tips on sale.
Roger
DeWalt Maxfit. But only on specials. Other than that I get FlexTorq from Lowes. Lasts longer. Keep away from Ryobi, Warrior, and Hercules. Milwaukee driver bits have a bad reputation. Gen1 used to twist, and the Gen3 recently just got canceled after it’s debut. Vermont American (SBD) used to make some really nice bits. I still have the one piece extension. Impacts like no other.
Frank D
I have bits for life …
Value will be a consideration.
Same price for a 5 pack for all three brands?
Dewalt I’d skip.
Ideally Makita.
Otherwise fall back on Milwaukee.
Shyerwood
I have used them all and prefer the Bosch. But if I had to choose, it would be Milwaukee.
pr20de
While I have 4 Milwaukee M12 tools, I’m largely a DeWalt guy. However, most my bits are Milwaukee. No real reason, they just look better.
S
Makita Gold. They are fantastic.
I won’t buy any Milwaukee bits, any more. I’ve had more failures with them, than any other. I’ve not had a good record with DeWalt bits, either. Have had them chip.
Brian
I second this!
Makita Golds by a far shot. I have used many variations of each brand and neither Milwaukee or Dewalt come close in holding power or longevity . I’m not a fan of Makitas other tools, but their bits are the only ones I buy now.
David J.
I found that Home Depot can vary on bit selection. I went to a Home Depot on the west coast (Washington state)and they had a really good selection of bits, a lot better than on the east coast (Florida) ironic since the store was smaller and selection too.
Corey Moore
I’ve snapped more Milwaukee than anything, I’ve smooshed more DeWalt, and I’ve never really had issues with Makita longevity, but they don’t seem to agree with one handed impact chucks for me. That being, I’ve got a backlog of all three that I never intend to reach because the 50pc Wiha terminator set I bought months ago has yet to have a single bit fail on me. I generally pass on the Milwaukees to get rid of them, Makitas if I like the person asking, and with the better fit I use the DeWalt maxfits in hand drivers, replacing them as I lose them. For real though, Wiha terminators are the best I’ve ever used, hands down.
Dan
Milwaukee is supposed to be coming out with one that is guaranteed not to fail
Forget the name , I would like to try it out
Lance
That’s a good one!
Brian M
They already came out, kept breaking and they discontinued them less than one month after release.
I’m a Milwaukee power tool guy but their bits are absolutely garbage.
Dave
I PREFER HERCULES FROM HARBOR FREIGHT … LAST JUST AS LONG AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE
Todd
hitachi are the best
Corey Moore
This is the first I’ve heard this. I actually didn’t even know Hitachi made impact bits. Can’t seem to find any comparisons online, can you elaborate?
Kilroy
I’m not sure who “really” makes them, and I don’t go through enough screw bits enough to have an informed opinion, but Menards stores in the Midwest generally carry a decent selection of Hitachi bits if you’d like to try them.
Toolfreak
I’d check the clearance tools and get whatever bits or sets are super cheap there.
If there weren’t any there or in the tool area, I’d head to Lowe’s and buy Bosch.
Jason McWilliams
Milwaukee all day everyday best tools on the market hands down. I will also use Makita I love their double sided bits with different sizes and their super strong magnet. As far as Dewalt there bits are pure garbage they wear out really fast and are not constructed well. If I need a cheap bit holder I will buy Ryobi.
Chris
How much did Milwaukee pay you to say that lol
James
In terms of quality, I prefer Bosch and Makita, but do use a lot of Dewalt too since they are frequently on sale. I haven’t had very good luck with Milwaukee bits.
I actually like to get different brands for different bits or sizes to make it easier to distinguish them when switching back and forth.
Marco
Tried them all. Makita gold bits, 25 pack if available. Can’t beat them for everyday use
Rb
Which ever one will stay in my spare bit holder on my drill I use both Milwaukee and dewalt. Milwaukee seems to have a harder bit but will break I like it to use on harden screws like drywall screws. Dewalt seems to have more meat on the Phillips tip.
But will wear out quicker on drywall screws. The only Makita bit I use was double headed didn’t fit in my impact well. And they look kind of cheap I don’t see them around much
Mike
I use the Milwaukee bits as I love their combos that go on sale. But I really do love my Dewalt #2 Phillips & Robby MaxFits (6″). I’ve never had a problem with them driving wood or steel screws and never had them slip/break.
Ian M
Bosch, they seem to be the hardest wearing. I am a huge fan of Milwaukee but their bits just don’t cut it, they wear out way to easily
Skye A Cohen
It’s a well known thing in my world, residential remodeling in Portland OR, not all but most of us at least I’m my corner of the world here very much dislike milwuakee driver bits and feel their hole saws are average, sawsall blades good for metal garbage for wood, rotohammer bits below average.. good tools but bits and blades meh. We all still end up with them because if their availability and decent prices.
I think Makita and DeWalt both have decent driver bits, usually if Bosch makes whatever bbit or blade I’ll buy that first, Freud Diablo too.
Tom
I am a huge dewalt fan. But I’ve recently been using wera bits. They are great!
Jo B
As an Electrician I use 6″ Robertson #2 bits mostly. From experience, the DeWalt are very soft and before fast. They also wreck the screws on the electric panels, especially GE panels. The Milwaukee are equally as poor and soft. Couldn’t find Makita to try. What lasts the best by far, and I mean by far are those that come from Rack-A-Teer. They have a soft body and and hardened tip and are designed for electrical use. They last roughly 6x long than Lenox, DeWalt, and Milwaukee so far. I’ve also used their blue #2 Philips and it’s my preference.
Steven
Yes, rack a tiers make, what i think the best bits. Not the prettiest but they just seem to last longer and hold even low grade screws better than___brands
But given from this massive spread of brand preference, get whatever.
Tool performance and speed puts alot of demand on drill bits. Depending on what your base material and angles of installation or extraction, bits die, there is no Highlander of bits, they all die regardless of advertised claims.
Big Adam
Who ever buys 2 or 5 packs?
I’m nothing like a power user but I’d not look at anything smaller than a 25x pack.
jeff
I have some no name brand ones that I love, no idea where I got them. I also have some Milwaukee Philips bits, they cam out to easily compared to the unknown bits. Ive actually just debated throwing the remaining Milwaukee bits out.
Love my m18 tools though!
Matt J
I prefer Makita, but HD has a terrible selection of individual bits and I need another multi-bit set like a hole in the head. I’ll usually pick up Milwaukee if I’m at HD, Bosch if at Lowe’s. If it’s not emergent, I will order Makita online.
MrWeedley
I just use the free ones that come with the big boxes of drywall screws, I’ve accumulated more than I I have to replace…
Flotsam
Tried them all. Makita gold just seem to fit perfectly!
SP
SIGNET (I think its originaly a Canadian brand and produce mostly hand tools and accessories) is widely available in Asia and the mid east. I never heared or saw that brand name mentioned in the USA. Does anyone know that brand? I would compare their tools and equipment to Snap On.
I think (not sure) Wera is marketed in my area under different name.
Irwin, DeWalt and Metabo olso durable and affordable where i live.
Steve Goodman
Have used all brands over the years. Lately it’s been Dewalt bit holders which are awesome. For long (non-holder bits) it’s whatever is around thought the dual end bosch bits are pretty good. What I’ve really noticed over the last few years is that Philips head is only used if it comes with a finish item or doors etc. pretty much use T25 for all non framing gun activities and tacking.
Cr8on
None of the above, closest HD is 20 miles away. I buy Bosch bits almost exclusively now and Menards carries almost every size.
Romeo
I have used dewalt bits but they always break even though the ones with the same impact are broken, the makita only twist then I guess maybe the new ones from Milwaukee are a little better
Adz
Have used all over the years and have found Milwaukee shockwave to be best ones, one bit has driven thousands of wafer screws into 2mm 3mm RHS using dewalt impact drivers other bits twist break tips also Quality of fasteners is a factor
Thom
Milwaukee, Makita then Dewalt. I burn out the Dewalt bits pretty easily and tend to avoid them if I can. Maybe its because I usually buy then in holiday promo sets at Home Depot. Are the blister carded bits better quality?
Chris
I use DeWalt and Bosch… Father in law got some Milwaukee bits Last year for Christmas… Well their in the trash now, pure junk. I told him they won’t last and been in the landfill for about 6 months now
Nathan
Germain to the directed question at hand of those I would buy either the Dewalt or the milwaukee bits probably in order of cheapest or number offered for the money. Example last time I bought any philips bits I bought 12 or 15 dewalt max fit 2 inch philips #2’s that have that nifty mag collar. They work great in the impact driver and I think I still have 7 left. Also it was on sale at the time and cost per bit was right.
Now outside of the directed question – I rarely go to Home Depot but I do cross shop there. I find I get better stuff from Lowes – either plumbing stuffs, hardware stuffs, wood, etc. and the prices are often similar and they are less than 2 miles apart so it’s a roll of the dice for me. To that end – going to lowes I’m just as likely to buy Bosch stuffs for bits or other brands.
Daniel
Milwaukee.
Jeremy Hicks
Depends on what you are using the bits for. Some are made for drill/drivers and some are made for impacts. The bit you choose depends on how you are going to use it. As someone who works at one of the big box stores I have had the opportunity to learn the differences and which last the longest. From what my contractors and repeat customers tell me is that Milwaukee is by far the best and DeWalt is a distant third. So again it all depends on it’s use
Corey Moore
Outside of quality control issues that I believe account for most of this vast diversity in experience- operator error most definitely accounts for the rest. I wouldn’t write off purchasing trends as relevant data, but likewise I wouldn’t stake the real world truth of what’s actually best in the field, off of just what the box store patrons are reporting.
Adam
Wiha because you can buy them in bulk packs of 250 bits at a time and they’re in the same general performance envelope as the other major independent brands. At less than $1.25 per bit, they’re unquestionably an economical option. For the average home person, it’s obviously overkill to purchase 250 bits at a time, but if you’re a professional or power user in some area, that’s the best deal you can find for decent quality bits.
Building decks & fences, it’s easy to go through a couple dozen bits a day (not counting dropped and lost bits) because you’re driving thousands of screws and they simply wear out. When driving that many screws, you want speed and efficiency – the minute a bit starts to wear out, you swap for a fresh one. The cost of a fresh bit is negligible compared to the value of lost time fighting a worn bit.
Most decent brands will do around 300 screws into treated pine, give or take some, before they start to cam-out or simply break.
Kizzle
Bosch for sure.
Diamond Dave
I’ve am a handyman and DIY’er so I don’t go through a ton of bit drivers like some who drive hundreds of screws daily. With that being said I have an accumulation of bit tips with the majority being Dewalt. As one poster put it, I have bought so many on sale promo kits in the past that I think I am set for life however I still continually look at the Dewalt Lineup on the wall at Depot because of new stuff that comes out and I may not of heard of it.
Renato
Makita.
PETE
For phillips- Makita Golds for sure.
For all other sizes- milwaukee.
I’ve said it before and i’ll say it again. DeWalt bits are the WORST.
S
I forgot about Bosch – those are great, as well.
S
Koko The Talking Ape
It’s a little strange that these opinions are so varied. I imagine part of what is going on is that people aren’t distinguishing between impact-rated and regular bits, and whether they are using them with impact drivers or drill/drivers. A hard but brittle bit might last longer in a drill/driver but might break in an impact driver.
I wonder what it would take to do some sort of objective comparison of these bits. It could start with just measuring surface hardness, depth of hardening, elastic coefficient, etc. (plus a plain-language interpretation of the results.) Those aren’t simple topics, but at least it would provide a means to compare.
Or somebody could do some kind of “real-life” comparison. It could just be doing their day job, but just being systematic about using only a specific brand for a day or a week, and paying attention to how many bits they go through, and whether they break or wear out. Fine Homebuilding sometimes has articles like that.
DENNIS
I lean towards milwalkee followed
By Dewalt then Mikeeta. The quality
To me stands for its self. Home depot’s my go to place, Lowes has
Been bought out by Stanley Decker,and there customer service
Has hit rock bottom, so, I’m willing
To live with Home Depots selection ps I’ve been asked 4 times may I help
You, just saying.
BlueCrafted
My go-to bits are bosch’s impact tough bits. They’ve been great so far. But between those listed, I’d go for the makita golds. I have a bunch of those too and they work just as good.
Jarred
I’m in the what’s on sale group, really if it’s a good set I’ll buy it if it’s on sale! I’ve bought Irwin buts for super cheap on clearance for $2-3 and they work great, Bosch bits also for super cheap, no problems, I just never really buy ryobi or similar
Chris
I have used them all and the Milwaukee hold up the best. You have to hit a specialty store or online for some of the longer sizes, but I have yet to strip one.
David
Has anyone tried Masterforce or Montana brands at Menards?
Lynyrd
Bosch. For electrical work, the Bosch 2 in 1 P2/Sq2 is the best.
Don
Bosch all the way.
Ray
Like many of the posts I also have had problems with the Milwaukee bits. They seem like their quality has dropped. I prefer the Bosch or Makita bits. Masterforce is a
Menard house brand and only good thing about that is the lifetime guarantee.
Greg
Vermont’s were great when they were the 2R’s . That reduced head allowed the bit to seat much better so you didn’t wear them out very quick.
Grabbers are great they are just like the 2R. Don’t have the slip off when starting.
Joe
I use Milwaukee everything! I have just about every tool Milwaukee makes except the small m12 stuff. The new Milwaukee bits with the wear guard tip that is silver in color seem to do exactly what they say they won’t. I bought the 3 inch t-25, t-20, square #2, Phillips #2 and I’m not impressed at all! They wear down soooooo fast. I have used there previous line (all black) and gotten months out of one bit….this new line…I’m lucky if I make it through the day before I toss it. I would go with the Makita out of the three you have to choose from.
Amy
Snap-on ACR (Anti Cam-out Removal) bits.
Bonson
Of the 3 in the original post, I’ve used Milwaukee and Dewalt’s… Not in love with either but have had annoyances with the DeWalt maxfits (Philips and Robertson in my experience… Haven’t used others). They require a more perfect alignment than any other bit. Which is an unnecessary distraction that takes away focus and increases frustration.
If I were to get one set next in an emergency, i’d get the Makitas for no other reason than to try them.
Shawn Brubacher
I’ve come to the conclusion that impact bits are disposable. We’ve tried several different brands including the ones mentioned and they all break or strip out eventually, no matter if you use Phillips, square or t bits. We have pro grade impacts so that probably makes a difference too. Our older impacts don’t ruin bits as fast but also have way less power.
Steve Goodman
Totally agree. Cost of bits is negligible
Ken
Bulk bits from local trade-oriented hardware stores (Preston hardware or Ottawa Fastener Supply), otherwise whatever quality brand is on sale…
Andreas
Personally i go for the bosch bits, they are cheaper and seem to last longer for myself. After that i usually get whatever is better priced which is generally mastercraft. I used to use the dewalt bits, however i found they started making them alot cheaper and they break far too often.
Chris
At least for Robertsons, both DeWalt and Milwaulkee are garbage, paulin are the best that home depot has/used to have (I haven’t seen them lately, but they are/were usually hidden near the contractor stuff and away from the tool aisle so I may have just missed them). This is Home Depot Canada so your mileage my vary.
https://www.hpaulin.com/media/wysiwyg/pdf/Pro-Tip.pdf
Edward Frattarelli
Milwaukee, everytime! I’ve tried every kind of dewalt and they wear out quickly. Ive tried Makita a couple of times but the Milwaukee seem to last much longer.
Jeremiah Leonard
I have a Makita drill-&-impact set, but Milwaukee bits seem to work really well.
DRT
Project Farm did a very comprehensive and scientific test of Phillips #2 impact driver bits. Search Youtube and it should come right up. Results summarized in charts, close up photos and video of bits failing. Well worth the time to watch.
Shaky
The Wiha and Milwaukee both did pretty well in the Project Farm video. Wiha is pricey, and you need to order them ahead of time. They do work well.
One other thing to look at, check out the Wera brand bit holders. They have a typical insert , (889/4/1), and one that has a sliding magnet (887/4/1). I recently bought both. They are much better than all the previous ones from every other brand that I have used. I don’t like wasting money on the straight bits, that are just as long as a magnetic insert version.
I mostly use them with Milwaukee bits, because they were on special over the Xmas holiday, and I have a bunch of them. I also have Makita, Wiha, DeWalt, some off-brand, and some old Stanley branded ones. I stick to the Milwaukee and Wiha bits.