Tag Archives: bit

Buy a big Neiko 10048A set of quarter inch driver bits and not worry about having the right one when you encounter something weird

You know the quarter-inch bit really gives you amazing flexibility 4 installing or removing different types of screws, bolts and even using some tools such as Spade bits and step drills. With them you can overcome the problem of having the right type of screwdriver to install or remove specialty security screws or even things such as Torx and Allen heads.

For the most part when I am using Phillips bits I stick with name brands such as DeWalt, Irwin, Milwaukee and so forth. What I have found is that cheap bits aren’t always very rugged and round the tips over very quickly compared to name brand higher-quality bits.

For security/tamper-proof bits and specialty bits, I have this large set from Neiko.  The below set has served me well so far when I hit the “oh man, do I have a bit for that” moments when working on cars, guns and electronics:

Neiko 10048A 100-piece driver bit set in red case, showing various bits.

Neiko 10048A 1/4-inch driver bit set in red case

Neiko 10048A 1/4 inch driver bit set in red organizer case

In case you are wondering, here is what Neiko reports about their 10048A bit set:

The 100-Piece Security Bits Set Security bits set contains many of the most common tamper proof type security bit sizes, including tri-wing bits, torx bits, spanner bits, and hex bits. Security bits set contains: 1 – wing nut driver. 1 – magnetic bit holder. 1 – socket bit holder. 1 – 1/4-Inch sq. x 1/4-Inch hex x 1-Inch extension. 1 – 1/4-Inch sq. x 1/4-Inch hex x 2-Inch extension. 3 – clutch bits (No. 1, 2 and 3). 3 – torque bits (No. 6, 8 and 10). 3 – spline bits (M-5, 6 and 8). 4 – tri-wing bits (No. 1, 2, 3 and 4). 4 – square recess bits (No. 0, 1, 2 and 3). 4 – spanner bits (No. 4, 6, 8 and 10). 6 – metric hex tamper proof bits (2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 and 6). 6 – SAE hex tamper proof bits (5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64 and 5/32). 8 – Phillips bits (0, 1, 2{5} and 3). 8 – pozi drive bits (0, 1, 2{5} and 3). 9 – slotted bits (3, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7 and 8). 9 – metric hex bits (1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 5.5, 6 and 8). 9 – torx bits (T-8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35 and 40). 9 – torx tamper proof bits (T-8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 27, 30, 35 and 40). 10 – SAE hex bits (1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 7/64, 1/8, 9/64, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32 and 1/4). Set includes plastic storage / carry case.

Based on my experience, for the price it is cheap insurance and it has saved me more than once so you might want to consider a set.



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Irwin Lock-n-Load Quarter-inch bit extensions can save your bacon

Irwin make some very nice quarter-inch drive extensions in different lengths that you can use for extending your reach of everything from screwdriver bits, socket drivers and even step drills. I have even stacked the units for getting into really bizarre locations. I have use them for everything from reaching down inside butt stocks to loosen Frozen bolts, to truck firewalls, to holding Spade bits while drilling custom holes for recoil absorbing mercury cylinders, and so forth.

Irwin Lock-n-Load 1/4-inch bit extension on a metal surface

Irwin Lock-n-Load extensions & step drill bits on workbench

They are not very expensive and are definitely something I would recommend keeping in your toolbox for those times you have to reach something that is set way back.



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Step Drills Can Simplify the Drilling of Clean Holes in Sheet Metal and Relatively Thin Stock

One type of drill I use a lot are step drills.  They are best thing since sliced bread for cutting circular holes in sheet metal and relatively thin stock where the the thickness of the material is less than the height of the “step” in the drill.  Unlike a normal twist drill, the step drills will not thread onto sheet metal and make a mess.  You get a nice hole on one side and if you can reach the back side, you can come at it from that direction and remove burrs very easily.

I keep a variety of step drills including some odd-ball drills that are very similar but stepless that I mainly for opening up some odd non-critical sized hole.

CRKT HalfAChance K920KKP machete blade showing wear and sharpening marks

I also have several lengths of Irwin extensions that I use for holding step bits, spade bits, screw-drivers and just about anything else with the common 1/4″ interface.  I’ve even plugged one extension into another to reach really remove parts and can’t even guess how many times these extensions have saved my bacon.

CRKT HalfAChance K920KKP machete blade showing wear and sharpening marks CRKT HalfAChance K920KKP machete blade showing wear and sharpening marks CRKT HalfAChance K920KKP machete blade showing wear and sharpening marks

I’d recommend that you keep all of these handy. If you can, buy a known good brand as it will probably last longer.  My problem with imported cheap bits in the past is that they dull fast.  Irwin, Dewalt, Klein, Milwaukee and other name brands might be something you want to invest in if you plan to use them a lot.



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