Guide To Driver Bits: Types, Features, Applications

After mastering the fundamentals of using a power drill, it's critical to fully comprehend the many bits and accessories that contribute to the drill's versatility.

The phrase "driver bit" only refers to drill bits that act as the power tool's equivalent of a screwdriver. These don't drill holes like "drill bits," which are distinct. It's simple to misunderstand and refer to both drill bits as drill bits.

However, understanding the distinction can help you and the people you're speaking to understand each other. It will also give you the impression that you are knowledgeable. Attaching the correct verbs is the key to remembering the terms: a drill bit drills holes, whereas a driver bit drives screws.

Basics Of Driver Bits

There are a few things you should know in general before we delve into the specifics of each driver bit. Although longer lengths are available, driver bits typically come in 1" and 2". Each driver bit has the tip size engraved on the base; it's fairly faint and needs excellent lighting and some reading glasses. It's important to always match the driver bit to the screws you intend to use. Some screw box packages include driver bits. It will always be marked on the box's exterior, so you can always tell. If you need to buy a driver bit, this is a good site to find the right size for the screws.

There are impact driver bits and ordinary driver bits, like drill bits. Power drills can also employ impact driver bits, graded for use with impact drivers. Because they were not designed to withstand torque, non-impact driver bits should never be used in an impact driver.

Like drill bit kits, driver bit kits are available, and experts strongly advise getting one. While you might initially believe buying individual driver bits or relying on boxes that already contain driver bits is simpler or more cost-effective, a driver bit kit quickly proves to be an essential tool in the DIY world. As a homeowner, you never know what kind of screw you'll find in your home. Therefore, a driver bit kit is also useful. Game-changer has the proper driver bits in an easily accessible, well-organized location.

With driver bits, your drill can be used as a power screwdriver. Using a power drill and driver bits, you can drive and remove screws that you couldn't with just a screwdriver. You can work much faster. When a screw is in a fragile material, a screwdriver will offer you the control to prevent damaging or stripping the screw. This is one of the rare occasions you'll want to put your driver parts away.

Types Of Driver Bits and Their Applications

We'll concentrate on the driver bits you'll encounter while DIYing because many different types of driver bits are available worldwide. So let's discuss each of the following types:

1. Slot Bits

There are two sizes of slotted bits. we rarely use these because, in most cases, a screwdriver makes more sense when encountering a flathead screw.

2. Phillips Driver Bits

These are available in sizes #1, #2, and #3, which you are probably already aware of. Phillips #2 is likely the most popular size. Phillips #2 reduced bit (abbreviated PR2) is also available. This #2 size was created to fit plasterboard and screws tighter.

3. Square Driver Bits

Although Torx head screws have recently considerably surpassed square driver bits in popularity, square driver bits are still used for deck screws. They come in #1, #2, and #3 square bits.

4. Star Driver Bits Or Torx Bits

These are our top picks, and you must try them because of how difficult it is for the bit to skip inside the screw head and strip it out, thanks to their unique design. Making sure you're using the right size is crucial when using star bits. However, because they're so similar in size, it can be challenging if you're not paying close attention. Star bits are available in various sizes, ranging from T1 to T100 (the "T" stands for the Torx name, a trademark). However, you'll use T10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 in DIY.

5. Nut Driver Bits

One of the few driver bits that are concave rather than convex is a nut driver. This is intended for hex-cap screws only. These bolt-like screws resemble a cross between a screw and a bolt and are frequently used to fasten metal roofing or when an aesthetic but functional screw is required (such as when fastening Simpson's black brackets). A nut driver is available in smaller sizes like 1/4", 5/16", and 3/8 since it is made for a screw rather than a bolt.

6. Hex Driver Bits

Most people don't use this tool often, but still it is in their toolkit. It is essentially the opposite of a nut driver and fits hex socket screws or screws with a concave hex shape. When putting together furniture, we see these screws quite often. These driver bits can be used as a power Allen wrench if you use a soft hand and low speed. This is because an Allen wrench can sometimes be difficult to use in a remote location. The common driver kit includes 1/4" and 3/16" hex bits.

7. Spider Driver Bits

Fasten Master's Spider bit is a well-known driver bit brand. It resembles a star in several ways but has eight rather than six points. Large, dark, and typically decorative, structurally heavy-duty screws are called "spider head screws."

8. Bolt Extractors

If you're seeking a larger-sized nut driver, you might mistakenly purchase a bolt extractor (at least, that's how we first learned about them). These driver bits extract bolts. This bit removes tough bolts that have corroded, been painted over, or had their ends rounded off.

9. Square Driver Bits Six Inches

This driver bit is also distinct. Even though this driver bit can be applied in various situations, we prefer calling it the Kreg Jig bit. Even at the acute angle of the deep pre-drilled pockets, the drill can access the screw thanks to the driver bit length. You can also buy your 6-inch #2 square driver bits for backups or replacements since this bit isn't exclusive to Kreg Jig.

Driver Bits: Accessories

• Drive Manual – A hollow tube with an internal driver bit eliminates screw wobbling during installation.
• Socket Adapter – a driver bit for screwdrivers, t-handles, or drills that connects ratchet-driven sockets to them.
• Drive Extension – For difficult-to-reach screws and bolts, a stiff extension made of tool-grade material extends the distance between the bit and the torque driver.
• Pivot/Flexible Extension – A bit extender that transfers torque to screws or bolts that are difficult to reach with standard equipment. There are two popular designs: a lengthy metallic hose with a flexible internal shaft and a dual-revolute junction that works best over short distances.
• Right-Angle Connector – a stiff extension that uses bevel and miter gearing to transmit torque.
• Magnetizer – To hold a screw or bolt at the end of a bit, a powerful magnet induces polarity in a driver bit constructed of a non-magnetic substance.

Driver Bits: Features

Some driver-bit products include the following properties:

• Magnetic – The magnetic driver bit holds the screw in place because of the polarity its constituent components impart.
• Change Quickly – The tooling can be quickly inserted and removed thanks to the driving bits.
• With Two Ends – Both sides of the driver bit have interfaces that can vary in size or style.
• Non-Sparking – If struck against metal or stone, the driver substance or coating does not spark.

Conclusion

One of the most empowering things you can do for yourself as a DIYer is to learn how various tools, such as Driver bits and others, can be used. We hope this Guide to Driver Bits has provided insight to apply to your upcoming tasks.