Bits for a screwdriver as the main working unit of the tool

Bits for a screwdriver as the main working unit of a power tool

The screwdriver bit facilitates and simplifies the process of mounting fasteners, as well as their removal during repair and construction work. If the nozzle is selected incorrectly, the risk that the tool will fail increases. This article will help to avoid such problems by understanding all the features and varieties of removable devices for a screwdriver, as well as the nuances of their use.

With the help of a screwdriver and a variety of bits, you can perform many types of work

Screwdriver bits: device and general classification

Bits, or screwdriver heads, have a simple structure. These removable nozzles consist of a rod that is fixed in the chuck of an electric tool. A drill bit is inserted into it. The rod is made in the form of a hexagon. Each bit has a specific shape that corresponds to a specific type of fastener.

Bits for a screwdriver are nozzles of a certain shape for different purposes

All existing varieties of bits can be divided into three categories:

Varieties of bits for a screwdriver for its intended purpose

Its purpose depends on the shape of the working part of the bit. On this basis , the following types of heads are distinguished:

• for bolts and nuts;
• with vandal-proof slot;
• professional;
• for drywall;
• with a “fork” type design;
• magnetic and spring.

Useful advice! It is advisable to buy nozzles in one set. Piece by piece bits are more expensive.

There are three categories of bits: basic, special and combined

The shape of the bits intended for unscrewing and tightening bolts and nuts is non-standard. The working part of these heads is not convex, like most tips, but has a hole. The size range of such bits is quite extensive. Nozzles equipped with an anti-vandal slot are called “snake’s eye”. The shape of this tip is adapted to the fork wrench.

Professional screwdriver bits are characterized by a high degree of reliability, excellent strength characteristics and a long service life. With the help of such heads, you can tighten a large number of fasteners. Professional nozzles are made of high-quality metal, they are protected by a special coating.

In sets of professional heads, there is usually a torsion bit for an impact screwdriver. It can be distinguished from conventional nozzles by its appearance. In it, the area between the shank and the slot is very narrow. The torsion bit has a special design with a special flexible insert, which is made in the form of a spring. This component works on twisting. Such a structure allows you to use a torsion bit to work with very hard materials, while using self-drilling fasteners. With the help of such a head, you can completely drown the self-tapping screw in the metal, and together with the hat.

A separate group of bits for self-tapping screws includes nozzles designed for drywall. They have a limiter that will not damage the material during installation work. Plasterboard sheets are quite fragile, so you should avoid strong pressure while screwing in the screws.

Bits are divided into different types depending on the purpose

A bit with a “fork” type design is a kind of vandal–proof slot. Externally, it looks like a flat version of the head, only with a slot in the middle.

Features of spring and magnetic bits for screwdrivers

For work in hard–to-reach places, as well as on the ceiling, bits with special capabilities are used – magnetic or with a lock. The tips with a spring lock are well held in the adapter. Like screwdriver bits, magnetic heads provide good coupling with the notches of the fastener (screw). The capabilities of these nozzles are used to ensure that the tip does not slip off the fastener head during operation.

Useful advice! If you need to tighten the screw as deep as possible, it is better to use a magnetic bit instead of the usual one.

Heads with a spring design belong to the category of special. They are used in cases where it is necessary to install fasteners in hard-to-reach places or at different angles. Such bits consist of a base and a slot, which are interconnected by means of a flexible spring. Moreover, the slot in such products is fixed manually. After that, it is inserted into the notches on the screw. Thanks to the flexible spring, the fasteners can be twisted at an angle that exceeds 90 °.

Magnetic or locking bits are used for hard-to-reach areas

Adapters, or extension cords for screwdriver bits, greatly simplify construction work. There are two variants of these designs:

The adapters are designed for standard nozzles, they are convenient and practical.

Bits for a screwdriver: types of attachments by type of material and shape

Hard and soft metals are used for the production of removable heads. The quality of these products, as well as the service life depend on the raw materials used for their manufacture.

The highest quality nozzles are obtained from alloys:

• chromium and vanadium;
• silicon-fire speck;
• chromium and molybdenum;
• vanadium and molybdenum.

The bits on the screwdriver can be made of different types of metal

Steel bits can also be found on sale, but their cost is very high. Given the short operational life, the cost of buying such expensive products cannot be called justified. Even the pobeditovy napayki, which are designed to prolong the “life” of steel heads, do not save. A more effective protection is a titanium coating, which is superior to nickel, diamond and tungsten-nickel spraying in terms of reliability.

Important! It is not recommended to use steel bits for working with hard rocks of mineral origin. Upon contact with such materials, the heads crumble.

Bits for a screwdriver: snap-in for a straight slot

Heads for a straight slot are standard equipment in sets of bits for Bosch, Metabo, Hitachi and other brands of screwdrivers. They are used in almost all types of work. The heads under the straight slot appeared among the first. This tool is designed for tightening screws and screws with a straight section on the cap.

The nozzles for a straight slot can be recognized by the characteristic Slot marking. Usually such bits are marked with the letter S and a number that displays the width of the slot. This indicator can vary in the range from 3 to 9 mm. The marking does not show the thickness of the head, since it is standard and is 0.5-1.6 mm. To find out what material the nozzle is made of, you need to look at the shank. That’s where manufacturers indicate this information.

A straight slot bit is an indispensable tool for household work

Titanium bits for a screwdriver have good strength indicators. Some of them have a golden coating and are marked with the letters TIN. This means that the head is coated with titanium nitride. Such devices have a width of up to 6.5 mm, which exceeds the standard. Their thickness, on the contrary, does not reach the generally accepted indicator and it is no more than 1.2 mm.

Slotted nozzles are often combined. Usually they are supplemented with a cruciform head. This approach is explained by its versatility and practicality, since it is these nozzles that are most in demand.

Features of Hex Hex Bits for Power Tools

Hex attachments are used to fix the hex head fastener. Such screws are used in the repair of large machinery, as well as in the assembly of heavy furniture structures. This shape of the notch, called an internal hexagon (Hex Socket), was invented in 1910. It found its first use at the Allen Manufacturing Company plant.

Hex bits are marked with the letter H. Good torque is a distinctive feature of these nozzles. Due to this, the possibility that the thread will break off or the head itself will be damaged during the installation of the fastener is completely eliminated.

Bits from the Hex manufacturer have excellent torque

The bit size for a hexagon shaped screwdriver is in the range of 6-13 mm. The most popular are the heads of 8 mm. They are used to install self-tapping screws during roofing work. There are other characteristics of Hex nozzles. One of the main ones is the distance between the sides of the hexagon-shaped stinger. Nozzles with an index of 4 mm are used for twisting furniture fasteners.

In addition, manufacturers produce a safe type of slot, which is called Hex-Pin. A special pin is installed in its central part. Due to this, unauthorized disassembly of such connections is simply impossible.

Pay attention! Hexagon head screws have a slight deformation. This nuance must be taken into account when installing such fasteners.

Characteristics of cross bits for a screwdriver

Many companies produce their own bits. Despite the fact that they are branded, these products have a standard shape. Philips marks the cross nozzles with the letters PH. This company produces several sizes of bits for the screwdriver: PH2, PH0, PH1 and PH3. The diameter is selected taking into account the size of the head of the fastener.

The diameter of the cross bits is selected taking into account the size of the head

PH2-sized bits are considered the most popular, they are used in construction and repair work. The heads marked PH3 are used in the assembly of furniture, as well as for car repairs. The length of the nozzles varies between 25-150 mm. Flexible extension cords are used to perform installation work in hard-to-reach places.

Pozidrive branded heads are reliable, have sufficient torsion torque, and also provide a strong coupling even at a small angle. The company marks the cross–shaped bits with the letters PZ and a number indicating the size of the head – from 0 to 4. PZ0 nozzles are designed for tightening screws and screws of small size, the diameter of which is 1.5-2.5 mm. The largest PZ4 head is used to install anchor bolts.

Both companies, in addition to the classic heads, produce bits coated with titanium nitride.

Features and dimensional parameters of the asterisk bits

The star-shaped heads are used to install fasteners used in the manufacture of household appliances, as well as in mechanical engineering. Such bits are marked with the letters TX or T. Their full name is Torx. Next to the letter designation, a number is indicated that displays the size of the head. This indicator corresponds to the distance between the rays of the asterisk.

Bits for a screwdriver in the form of asterisks are of several types

In 1967, Textron first introduced star-shaped bits with six beams to the owners of an electric tool. Almost all of them have a highly specialized purpose.

There are several options for tips in the form of an asterisk:

• classic;
• Torx Plus;
• with TIN coating;
• with a hole inside.

Related article:

Screwdriver tips: functional tips for power tools

Tips for power tools, their types and functional purpose. Removable accessories for grinding, polishing, cutting and other tasks.

Classic bits provide excellent coupling with a screw or screw during its installation. To create a torque, the user does not need to put a lot of effort. The size range of these heads is quite extensive, but the most popular options are in the range from T8 to T140.

Pay attention! The sizes of classic bits from T8 to T140 are the most common. This does not mean that it is impossible to find nozzles that will be greater or less than the specified values.

Bits in the form of a stargazer are used for fixing household appliances

The rays of the hexagonal sprocket on the Torx Plus heads are not so sharp. In addition, they are much shorter. This form provides increased accuracy of movements during work that requires special care. Torx Plus heads are made of very hard steel. Their sizes vary between T10-T140. Titanium nitride coated nozzles and heads with a hole inside, used in assembly plants, have the same value.

Overview of the parameters of long bits for a screwdriver of various shapes

In each group of bits, you can find heads with an elongated design. This allows you to more accurately perform certain types of work. In elongated bits under a straight slot, the sting is firmly fixed in the cap of the fastener. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to perform minor installation work efficiently. The length of these removable devices ranges from 50-100 mm.

Cross-shaped heads with an elongated design are used for installation work in hard-to-reach places. At the same time, they are no less effective when it is necessary to unscrew the fasteners.

The cross-shaped bits are presented in three sizes (PH3, PH1 and PH2), and their length can be as follows:

Bits with an elongated design allow you to do the work more accurately

• 50 mm;
• 70 mm;
• 90 mm;
• 110 mm;
• 125 mm;
• 150 mm.

Similar parameters for the cross-shaped Pozidrive nozzles. Elongated hexagon shaped heads are used in work much less often, however, they are quite convenient and practical. These products are made of high-quality steel, so they are characterized by good strength. Their length ranges from 50 to 100 mm, and their size is from 3 to 8 mm. As for the nozzles in the form of stars, their length is the same. Manufacturers offer these nozzles with an elongated design in size from T10 to T140.

A brief overview of the bits on the screwdriver of non-standard shape

Non-standard shaped nozzles include triangular heads marked with the letters TW. Their size is marked with numbers from 0 to 5. The design resembles a trihedron, and it is used to install fasteners with a cross-shaped slot, which is usually found in foreign-made household appliances. Specially for drywall, nozzles with a limiter are provided.

Also on sale you can find square-shaped heads marked with the letter R. They have four faces and are designed for a narrow application – the assembly of large-sized furniture structures. Square nozzles are available in four sizes.

Bits for a square-shaped screwdriver are used for furniture products

The fork-shaped heads have a flat slot, in the central part of which a slot is made. These nozzles are marked with the letters GR and are available in four sizes. Fork-shaped bits can be standard or elongated (up to 100 mm).

The TW marking is also found on products with three or four blades. These are professional-purpose nozzles that are used in the industry affecting the field of aviation and space construction.

Useful advice! Non-standard shaped nozzles are found in household kits, but they are rarely used at home. If you want to choose the best bits for a screwdriver, it is recommended to give preference to kits that include the most popular types of attachments.

How to choose bits for a screwdriver: prices and optimal sets

Sets of bits are in high demand among consumers, because they contain nozzles for all occasions. Such kits can help out in almost any situation, so it is very important to choose a really high-quality option.

Bits for the screwdriver can be purchased both individually and in a set

How to choose the bits for the screwdriver in the set? Main criteria:

Rating table of the best kits with screwdrivers (prices for kits):

The best sets of bits for screwdrivers of popular brands

Bosch screwdrivers are in demand among consumers. The products of this brand are of high quality, reliability and performance, so it is not surprising that the sets of bits of this company occupy high positions in the ratings.

Advantages of the Bosch 2607017164 kit:

• the heads are made of durable material;
• comfortable case with rubber coating;
• magnetic holder with quick-change and universal design.

Pay attention! Many Bosch kits are manufactured in China. Despite this, the quality of the products is still maintained at a high level.

Metabo produce nozzles of excellent quality at an affordable price

A set of heads for the Hitachi 754000 screwdriver fell into the same category of the best kits, which is considered one of the largest, since the number of nozzles in it reaches 100 pcs. Many of them are duplicated, so in case of a breakdown, you can always use a spare bat. In terms of quality, these heads cannot be compared with Bosch nozzles, only for this reason this kit got to the third line of the rating. However, if you avoid heavy loads and carefully operate the bits, they will last a very long time.

If you want to buy the highest quality nozzles, you should pay attention to premium class products. In this category, the best set of heads for the Metabo 626704000 screwdriver is recognized, which has outstanding characteristics and operational qualities:

• convenient color marking for each type of slot;
• attractive appearance;
• the presence of bits with an elongated design;
• lightweight and compact case.

And on top of all these advantages, you can add a relatively low cost of this set.

Bosch heads are characterized by reliability and high quality

How to insert a bit into a screwdriver: an algorithm for changing attachments

There are two types of cartridges in screwdrivers: turnkey and quick-release. The bit replacement algorithm on the instrument in both cases is performed almost the same way. To change the drill bit on the quick-release chuck, you need to perform the following actions:

Before pulling out the drill, you should change the direction of rotation by switching to the unwinding mode. After that, you can remove the head. At the same time, the movable part of the cartridge is held with one hand, and the start button is pressed with the other hand.

Algorithm for changing the nozzle in a turnkey cartridge:

Changing the bits in the screwdriver does not imply complex manipulations

To fix the nozzle, it is necessary to turn the key in the direction of clockwise movement.

How to upgrade a 12 volt cordless screwdriver

Cordless screwdrivers are much more convenient and mobile than their network counterparts. The only problem is that the Ni-Cd battery fails very quickly, and buying a new one will cost almost as much as a new tool. The optimal solution to this problem will be the conversion of the unit into a lithium screwdriver by installing a Li-ion battery.

To upgrade the tool into a Li-ion screwdriver, you will need:

• Li-ion 18650 batteries (4 pcs.);
• flexible cable (2.5 mm2);
• BMS CF-4S30A-A board;
• the case part is from an old battery;
• soldering iron with a power of at least 60 watts.

To charge a new battery, a native charger for a screwdriver is suitable, if it is universal.

If necessary, the cordless screwdriver can be converted to lithium

How to upgrade a screwdriver? To do this, you need:

The resulting circuit should be inserted into the housing, using a sealing material for fixing, so that the parts are not damaged.

Such modernization measures more than pay off, because the power of the updated screwdriver becomes greater, and the charge lasts much longer than with a native battery. In addition, the battery becomes lighter after the alteration.

In combination with the right bat, the screwdriver will be an excellent and indispensable assistant if repairs are required in the house. You can purchase a ready-made set or the necessary bits separately. The main thing is to choose a high‒quality and durable tool when buying.