{"id":3905,"date":"2021-03-19T09:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T13:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"\/ptr\/buying-guides\/buying-screwdriver"},"modified":"2022-05-27T16:19:03","modified_gmt":"2022-05-27T20:19:03","slug":"buying-screwdriver","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.protoolreviews.com\/screw-bit-types-screwdriver-bits\/","title":{"rendered":"Screw Bit Types and Types of Screwdriver Bits | Pros and Cons"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Manufacturers make screwdrivers to fit a wide variety of screw bit types. They come in various lengths, grips, and styles\u2014all so that they can do a great job fastening screws. But which types of screwdriver bits do you use for what application\u2014and which work the best? We’ll attempt to go through each\u2014even the specialty bits<\/a>\u2014and give you the Pros and Cons so you can understand each and choose the best bits for your application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remember when all<\/em> screws were slotted? Thank goodness for innovation!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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How to Get the Screw Bits You Need<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

As you know, both drivers and bits can be purchased individually and in sets. For the best deal, we recommend purchasing a good bit set to build a robust screwdriver fastener collection. One set we really like includes the Wurth Zebra Universal Bit Assortment<\/a> but you can find less expensive screw bit solutions as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having all the screw bit types ensures you’re ready for the wide varieties of fasteners you’re likely to encounter. Of course, not only do you have to contend with the wide variety of screw bit types and fasteners, but most also come in several sizes. Using the right screwdriver bit types for their proper applications ensures you don\u2019t damage the fasteners. It also tends to speed up the job. Keep this in mind when shopping for the best screwdriver set<\/a> so you can handle the myriad of screws and fasteners on the job site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Editor’s Note: <\/strong>Check out our best screwdriver sets<\/a> article for our top recommendations.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Screwdriver Bit Types Explained<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The various drive tips are made for a variety of reasons. Some are patented because they offer a unique solution to keeping a driver bit in place\u2014others are simply better for the application they are intended for. In our opinion, the biggest reason for going with a particular screw bit type is getting a good grip on the fastener.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fit and Grip Matters Most<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The tip of the screwdriver or driver bit should always fit snugly into the fastener so as not to slip around when the fastener is turned (at either low or high speeds depending upon the application). Impact drivers<\/a> are particularly adept at maintaining the bit’s connection to the fastener when used properly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here is a quick look at some of the most common types of screws and fasteners you should have in your collection, and the drivers that fit them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phillips Head Screw Bits<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The most common type of fastener has got to be the #2 Phillips head bit, but we’ve even seen adaptation here. The name “Phillips” comes from its inventor Henry F. Phillips in the 1930s. These types of screwdrivers have a pointed cross-head tip that matches a self-centering, cross-head screw. Believe it or not, Phillips heads were originally designed to cause the driver to cam out, to prevent over-tightening!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros<\/h4>\n\n\n\n