Screw Head Bits
- Thread starter koziol41
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Wheatland KB
Silver Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2007
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- 140
- Tractor
- Kubota L3400HST
Being from Canada I would say that you can't beat the Robertson (square) heads with a new bit.
KB
KB
JB4310
Super Member
If your stripping the screws then the bit is doing it's job by not breaking, as long as you have the right bit for the screw, you need to learn the proper feel of when to bear down and when to let off.
If your stripping the heads when installing them after they're seated then back the clutch setting lower or let off pressure sooner, also slower speed. If your stripping them when installing the screw before it's seated or when removing a seated screw then you need to bear down harder to keep the tip tightly engaged with the head. If your already doing this then the screws might be the culprit or the wrong application.
If your problem is that the tip is rounding off then stripping the head then you have to change the bit more often or the bits are junk. usually the bits are going to be alot harder than the screw and not wear very quickly.
I rarely strip screws but often break the bits, I only buy the name brand ones.
If your stripping the heads when installing them after they're seated then back the clutch setting lower or let off pressure sooner, also slower speed. If your stripping them when installing the screw before it's seated or when removing a seated screw then you need to bear down harder to keep the tip tightly engaged with the head. If your already doing this then the screws might be the culprit or the wrong application.
If your problem is that the tip is rounding off then stripping the head then you have to change the bit more often or the bits are junk. usually the bits are going to be alot harder than the screw and not wear very quickly.
I rarely strip screws but often break the bits, I only buy the name brand ones.
Erik_in_Hoyt
Platinum Member
ACR bits for phillips. (anti cam) I can't recommend DeWalt bulk bits - the last box I purchased about half of them shattered on me. Recently picked up a set of drivers from Irwin, haven't had a chance to use them much. And contrary to popular belief, you can strip out a robertson... just not as easily as a phillips. (have had very good luck with torx pits from just about any manufacturer I've tried)
Bird
Rest in Peace
Most all the screws I've stripped (and there have been many) was the result of using the wrong size screwdriver (bit), but I've done my share (well, maybe more than my share) by not applying the right amount of pressure. It used to be that the only place I saw the Robertsons was on RVs and they were sure popular there. And over the years, I've developed a real aversion to using a slot screw. I consider them to be only as a last resort. I either want Robertson, Torx, or Phillips and I keep an assortment of bit sizes.
Scooby074
Super Member
Im not sure where you are, but Ive had good luck with the bits from Lee Valley. And Snap On, if you can find a guy.http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&p=32282&cat=1,43411,43417&ap=2
Erik_in_Hoyt
Platinum Member
McFeely's sells a LOT of robertson stuff, including some decent quality bits, with ball detent and wire clip available. They also sell a lot of stainless hardware for a fair price. (not great, but not bad, either)
wushaw
Elite Member
I use alot of Apex stuff mainly cause I get em free from work, they work fine, they still break and wear out just like anything.
jgrreed
Platinum Member
I like both Robertson or Torx. Robertson works great provided you have the right sized driver. Torx is very solid, but is kinda specialized and not too common - it'd prevent most others from mucking with your stuff though!!!
I like the firm feel that Robertson or Torx give you when the driver engages the screw properly.
We use either hex head or torx style at work. The hex will strip occasionally, especially if a knock-off or manufacturer mismatched screwdriver makes it into the room. I don't think I've eve seen a Torx head strip.
I agree with the above statements about 'feel', and would add planning and patience to the equation. Pre-drilling and accuracy of screw placement (angle, etc) can make a huge difference. Always ensure the driver has engaged the screw head fully before you turn it even a bit!! If the driver slips in the head, discard that screw and start again. If your drier is the culprit, buy a new one, and a good quality one at that. My work offers almost zero forgiveness on accuracy, and a limited amount of real estate to drill a new hole, so one stripped set of threads or head can turn something thats going very slick into a nightmare in hurry!!! One of my Mentors ALWAYS stressed accuracy "drill, tap, and screw all in the same line, like an arrow to a target!!" he'd say.
-Jer.
I like the firm feel that Robertson or Torx give you when the driver engages the screw properly.
We use either hex head or torx style at work. The hex will strip occasionally, especially if a knock-off or manufacturer mismatched screwdriver makes it into the room. I don't think I've eve seen a Torx head strip.
I agree with the above statements about 'feel', and would add planning and patience to the equation. Pre-drilling and accuracy of screw placement (angle, etc) can make a huge difference. Always ensure the driver has engaged the screw head fully before you turn it even a bit!! If the driver slips in the head, discard that screw and start again. If your drier is the culprit, buy a new one, and a good quality one at that. My work offers almost zero forgiveness on accuracy, and a limited amount of real estate to drill a new hole, so one stripped set of threads or head can turn something thats going very slick into a nightmare in hurry!!! One of my Mentors ALWAYS stressed accuracy "drill, tap, and screw all in the same line, like an arrow to a target!!" he'd say.
-Jer.
jgrreed
Platinum Member
For anyone in Canada (I don't think there's Mastercraft in the US??), Canadian Tire always has great sales (sometimes 70% off) of their sets. The Mastercraft Maximum series is really nice to use, and great quality. I've never used Snap-on or Mac Tools, but I can't imagine they're THAT much better to justify 5x the price unless you're a pro.
-Jer.
-Jer.