Driver Bit

Choosing impact driver bits and screwdriver bits

A driver bit has to match the screw head twice over: the drive type (the shape of the recess) and its size. The size is marked on the bit, so a PH2 bit fits a #2 Phillips recess, an SQ2 a #2 square drive and a T25 a T25 Torx head. All our Power-TX bits have a 1/4 inch hex drive end.

• •Phillips (PH1, PH2, PH3): the cross recess. PH2 is the size Hobson specifies for its plasterboard screws and its Phillips head needle point screws.
• •Square or Robertson (SQ1, SQ2, SQ3): a square recess. Hobson specifies square #2 bits for its stainless countersunk and button head needle point screws.
• •Torx (T10 to T55): a six-point star recess. The countersunk Torx Type 17 timber screws take T25, the Type 17 large washer head screws T40, and the Mungo wall screws T30.
• •Slotted (SL3 to SL8): a flat blade for slotted screws.
• •Hex (HX5): for hex socket (internal hex) screws.
• •Trilobular (TRI2): for trilobular drive screws.
• •Hex head screws, such as tek and roofing screws, are driven with a nut setter, not a bit.

Driver bit sizes and lengths

Every driver bit we carry, with the lengths available in each range. Insert bits are 25mm long; power bits run from 50 to 150mm, and the double-ended PH2 bits are 45 and 65mm.

Standard, impaX impact bits or TitaN?

• •Standard: S2 alloy steel bits, and the only range with slotted, trilobular, double-ended and plasterboard bits.
• •impaX: black S2 alloy steel bits designed for the high impact forces of modern power tools. These are the impact bits to use in an impact driver.
• •TitaN: S2 alloy steel bits with a titanium nitride coating that increases surface hardness, for extended life in general purpose work. PH2 and PH3 inserts, a PH3 x 100 power bit and an HX5 x 50 power bit.

Insert bits, power bits and special bits

• •Insert bits (25mm) are short bits that sit in a bit holder or a driver's own quick-change holder.
• •Power bits (50 to 150mm) are longer bits that fit straight into the drill, screw gun or impact driver. The longer bits reach screws in recesses and tight corners.
• •Double-ended PH2 bits (45 and 65mm) have a tip on each end.
• •Plasterboard bit: a PH2 insert bit with an aluminium collar. Once the screw is just below the plasterboard surface, the collar makes the bit disengage, so the screw sets flush.
• •Mungo bits: a PZ2 duo-bit for Mungo MJP and MFJ jet plugs, and a square bit for the MJPM metric thread jet plug. Sold singly.

Magnetic booster

The magnetic booster is a nylon sleeve that fits on all driver bits and turns a non-magnetic bit into a magnetic one. It stops screws slipping and falling off the bit, which saves dropped screws when fixing overhead and up high. Packs of 10.

Which bit for which screw

The bits the maker specifies for screws we carry, from the screw data sheets and descriptions. Select a row to open that bit.

Getting a clean drive

1. Match the bit to the recess: drive type first, then size.
2. Seat the bit fully in the recess and keep it in line with the screw.
3. Apply firm, steady pressure while the screw drives.
4. In an impact driver, use impaX bits.
5. Follow the screw maker's advice on the tool: for its plasterboard and needle point screws, Hobson specifies a cordless screwdriver at a maximum of 2,500 RPM and does not recommend impact drivers. Its data sheets list the PH2 and SQ2 impaX bits for those screws, used in that screwdriver, and say to take care not to over-tighten.

Driver bits in Adelaide

Allmat supplies driver bits, impact bits, bit holders and nut setters to builders, plasterers, roofers and trade across Adelaide and South Australia. Add the bits to a quote with the screws they drive, and we will price the lot.

Questions