Driver Bits

Driver bits are used to transfer the force a drive source produces through the bit into the head of the fastener... Read More

Tech Tip: A Word on Driver Bits

Driver Bit Care Tips

 
Recess Types

Driver Bits

Driver bits are used to transfer the force a drive source produces through the bit into the head of the fastener. Common wood screwdriver bits are Square, Hex, Phillips, Torx/Star, Pozi, and Slotted. Check out our selection of driver accessories such as magnetic bit holders or specialty drivers for threaded inserts, dowel screws, and hanger bolts.

Standard wood screwdriver bits have a wire detent designed exclusively for use in a magnetic bit holder or a hex ball detent which fits any standard 1/4” bit holder. Do not use ball detent bits in standard magnetic bit holders designed for wire detent bits − the ball detent causes them to get permanently stuck! View individual driver bit categories for additional information on each type of driver for applications and sizing.

Tech Tip: A Word on Driver Bits

Depending on the driver size, bits are available in lengths from 1 in. to 6 in.. Note that 1 in. Long wire detent bits are designed exclusively for use in mag bit holders; longer ball detent bits fit any bit holder using the standard 1/4" hex ball detent design. Do not use ball detent bits in standard magnetic bit holders designed for wire detent bits − the ball detent causes them to get permanently stuck!

p.s. Don't ask us how we know that.

Driver Bit Care Tips

Use a Clutch, Save a Driver Bit

To save driver bits, aggravation and frustration, use a drill that has an adjustable clutch when driving screws, no matter what screws you use.

The torque required to drive a screw increases gradually as it penetrates deeper into the wood. This is due to friction acting on an increasingly large surface area. But as the screw head contacts the wood, the amount of torque required increases dramatically. Woodworkers normally anticipate this and back-off the power to "coast" the screw in. But often the result is that the bit spins in the recess just a turn or two before the drill stops, gradually wearing out the bit. Drills equipped with a variable torque clutch disengage the chuck when there is a sudden increase in torque, preventing the overload and minimizing bit wear.


CPR for your Driver Bit!

Our square drive bits are top quality hardened steel, so they last quite a bit longer than ordinary bits. However, once in a while you may find that you are down to your last bit and it has started slipping. Here is a quick "fix".

Look at the bit carefully and you will see that only the corners on the lower end of the bit have become rounded. (If the corners are rounded all the way to the shank, either you are using the wrong size bit, or you have already done this trick before. In either case, it's ready for burial.) What is needed is to get the fresh, sharp corners to engage the screw recess. If you shorten the bit slightly by touching the end to a grinding wheel, it will be able to move deeper into the recess, and like magic, you will have given it new life. Now, don't you feel better?

Driver Bits

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