Screwdriver Bits

For the Trade

Start with the space you’ve got and how the tool’s going to be used, then narrow the screwdriver bits from there. In tight spots, a shorter, cleaner bit usually saves grief. If the job is repetitive or the tool’s taking a hammering, impact screwdriver bits are the ones to reach for rather than something that’ll round off early. Magnetic screwdriver bits help when you need one-handed starting, but they’re not the answer to every job. Most of the time, it comes down to a simple driver bit or a tougher spec that suits the access and how hard you’re leaning on the tool.

Types of Screwdriver Bits

If you’re buying screwdriver bits for mixed site work, the first split is between standard driver bits and impact screwdriver bits. Standard bits suit lighter drill-driver use and usually cost less, but they’ll wear sooner if you’re on them all day.

Impact screwdriver bits are the better pick when the tool is doing the hard work. They handle repetitive fastening better and take shock more cleanly. After that, it comes down to the head pattern. Torx screwdriver bits are the choice when you want less cam-out. Phillips screwdriver bits and pozi screwdriver bits still do the job where the fixings call for them.

If you’re building out the rest of your kit, keep the parent Power Tool Accessories page in mind for the other accessories you’ll need alongside them.

Selection Factors for Screwdriver Bits

The first question is what’s driving the screw and how hard you’re leaning on it. For regular drill-driver work, standard screwdriver bits usually make more sense on cost.

Once the tool’s hammering away all day, impact screwdriver bits are the better call. They take the abuse better, but you pay for that extra durability.

Head pattern matters next. Torx screwdriver bits and hex screwdriver bits tend to hold better under load. Phillips screwdriver bits are still common on lighter fixings, but they can cam out sooner if the screw’s poor or the driver’s not square.

If you’re matching the rest of the job out, Drilling and Cutting & Blades are the usual next stops.

Finish the Room

Once you’ve picked the screwdriver bits, the next call is what else you need to finish the job. If you’re on the same run of fixings, keep a few magnetic screwdriver bits and the right driver bits to hand so you’re not changing over for every screw type.

Once the job moves into panels, screens or storage, the fixing pattern and access matter more than the bit itself. A bit that stays seated saves more grief than one that looks clever on the shelf. Check the surrounding screws and fixings before you leave the room.