Replies

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 24, 2007 10:42pm | #1

   You won't need any special bits for an impact driver. I do buy mine in bulk from an industrial fastener outfit, but I doubt if they are much better than the brands you would pick up in a big box store.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   user-307242 | May 24, 2007 11:37pm | #2

   Thanks John.I just checked the big box stores and it seems the prices are way up there. Any outfit you can recomend. Sam

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 25, 2007 06:07am | #3

   I doubt if prices are any better at the industrial fastener place where I buy my bits (which is locally owned/operated). Dewalt has prepackaged bits that are sold at Home Depot. Don't know how much they are, but they are as good as any. If you are doing Phillips screws, the #2 will cover most of your bases.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

2. 
   MikeHennessy | May 25, 2007 02:34pm | #4

   I'm not sure from your post (and Nikiwood is apparently in the same boat) exactly what type of bit you are looking for: Phillips screw bits, bits for drilling holes (e.g., normal twist bits for wood) or bits for the hammer drill (e.g., masonry bits).

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

   
   

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   Edited 5/25/2007 7:35 am ET by MikeHennessy

1. 
   user-307242 | May 25, 2007 09:14pm | #5

   I am just looking for drilling bits and phillips. I am new to these tools, and I though you needed a special bit for them. Thanks. sam

1. 
   nikkiwood | May 27, 2007 01:16am | #6

   They do make special bits suited for hammer drilling, but unless you intend to drill hundreds of holes, you can get by with regular carbide tipped masonry bits. It has never happened to me, but a small piece of such a bit might break off -- so be sure to wear your safety glasses.********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   user-307242 | May 28, 2007 07:51am | #7

   Thank you John. I am learning so much just reading all the advise that is given by the Knots community members. Sam 

2. 
   MikeHennessy | May 29, 2007 02:50pm | #8

   If you are looking for hex-shanked drill bits, I know Ryobi and DeWalt both make them and that HD sell them. Both are fine, IMO. Same for phillips bits. Don't expect screwdriver bits to last forever -- they are pretty much expendable, especially if you use them a lot. I usually plan on a new bit every couple of hundred screws. (If you try to get too much out of a bit, you'll end up mucking up a screw head at the most inopportune time.)

   Many non-standard screws, such as square drive and whatever the hybrid square/phillips is called, come with a bit if you buy a box. These freebies are usually wire detent bits, as opposed to ball detent bits that an impact driver typically uses, and are too short to boot. (I think the screw manufacturers got stuck with a bunch of bits that nobody wants, so they thought they'd just give 'em away.) I typically put a bit extender in the driver and use the free ones that way. Otherwise, they just disappear into the driver's chuck, sending you on a hunt for needle nose pliers to yank 'em out of the chuck.

   As for masonry bits for the hammer drill, I've never seen hex masonry bits, so you'll probably have to go with smooth shank. These too, are pretty much expendable and last from mere seconds to a generaous several minutes. ;-) I've pretty much abandoned hammer drills for masonry in favor of SDS systems.

   Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA

1. 
   user-307242 | Jun 02, 2007 06:20pm | #9

   Thanks for the info Mike. Sam