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advice on screw bits
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11-30-2007, 01:03 PM
I always end up buying whatever they have at Lowes or Home Depot. And I always end up chewing them (or the screw head) up. Are there any recommendations for a GOOD set of screw bits? Very tough. Good gripping power etc.
11-30-2007, 01:27 PM
In the battle between a screw and a bit there will always be a loser.
A hard bit that does not get chewed up easily will invariably chew up the screws if pushed to do so, or it will shatter. And a soft bit will wear down fast. I have had pretty good success with a DeWalt brand bit over the last couple years. I get a double sided phillips (#1) and a double sided flat head, that way if one side busts I can just flip it over and not have to go find a new bit. I think the key is getting good pressure between the two metals to prevent the bit from slipping out. If the bit (and drill) are strong enough you will probably be able to break off many screws given enough contact.
11-30-2007, 01:40 PM
I second mikebw on the Dewalt brand - they last a long time.
I also second his thought that it's all about the contact between the screw and the bit - the driver shoulld be square to the screw head, and light to medium pressure exerted, so the bit doesn't slip out, or get "loose" before seating. Lastly, don't drive the screws at top speed - if your driver has different settings (i.e., drive, drill) set it to drive. If not, temper the speed using the variable speed of the trigger (most drivers have this feature). Cary
11-30-2007, 01:43 PM
On the same subject, I've been meaning to look up the difference between, for example, PH1 and PZ1. Anyone know the answer, links?
11-30-2007, 01:55 PM
Yeah. I use the trigger on my drill to "feather" the speed so it doesn't ream out the screw head. But I recently got some decking screws that actually came with a screw bit...specifically for those screws. One thing i noticed is that the phillips screw bit has some ridges which seem to really grab onto the screw head. These screws are so easy b/c of the bit. Now i realize that the bit is made specifically for THAT screw, but I think the ridges have a lot to do with the gripping ability. But of course that screw bit ONLY works with those screws.
11-30-2007, 02:39 PM
PH is Phillips and PZ is PosiDrive. If I recall correctly, the PosiDrive bts have - oh heck, here's the page http://www.justbrits.com/pozi/pozidriv.html
11-30-2007, 02:42 PM
Buy Robertson "Square Drive" screws and bits.
Phillips head screw are designed to "Cam Out" to limit the amount of torque that can be applied to the screw. The newer crappier screws make it worse. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robertson_screwdriver http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_F._Phillips BGnR
11-30-2007, 03:07 PM
The key is to replace your screw driver bits when they wear out. If it's a handle screw driver, but Craftsman and take the worn one back to the store for a new one. If it's not, you CAN 'sharpen' them, but that usually digs down to the softer metal in the core of the tool, and you might as well toss it. Most hand drivers are not made of full-up tool steel, just coated with something stronger.
11-30-2007, 03:12 PM
[quote bazookaman]Yeah. I use the trigger on my drill to "feather" the speed so it doesn't ream out the screw head. But I recently got some decking screws that actually came with a screw bit...specifically for those screws. One thing i noticed is that the phillips screw bit has some ridges which seem to really grab onto the screw head. These screws are so easy b/c of the bit. Now i realize that the bit is made specifically for THAT screw, but I think the ridges have a lot to do with the gripping ability. But of course that screw bit ONLY works with those screws.
The Dewalt bits have similar ridges. You can use the deck screw bits, but they are Phillips #3, not the #2 ("standard") size... Square drive is cool, but you generally have to order ahead of time - not carried by HD or Lowe's... Cary |
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