Power Bit vs. Impact Bit vs. Insert Bit...WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?! (Driver Bit Guide For New DIYers!)
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- Опубликовано: 9 июл 2024
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Power Bit Vs. Impact Bit Vs. Insert Bit...WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?! (Driver Bit Guide For New DIYers!)
Many new DIYers overlook a few of the most basic differences between driver bit types. This can be detrimental, because the rise of strong impact drivers has created more confusion surrounding what type of bit to safely use. This short video from The Honest Carpenter will explain the differences between Power Bits, Impact Bits, and Insert Bits, and show how to best use them!
Power Bits are longer silver-colored bits that are meant to chuck directly into keyless chuck power drills.
Insert Bits are shorter (1") silver bits that CAN chuck into standard power drills. BUT, they're really best suited for use with a BIT HOLDER or EXTENSION SOCKET. These devices were created to chuck into drills, and provide an appropriate 1/4" socket for quickly changing between insert bits.
Impact Bits are often black with colorful bands around the neck (or, in some cases these days, gold in color--Makita bits especially. These driver beats are rated for use in impact drivers, which create a substantial amount of torque.
Impact Bits are capable of flexing slightly in their torsional shaft so they don't break during heavy usage.
Impact Bits also have a POWER GROOVE near the bottom of the shank, which lets them chuck easily into the quick-release collet on impact drivers.
However, to confuse the issue, most standard Power Bits now also have this power groove, though I'm not sure why since they shouldn't be used in impact drivers, but most standard drills don't come with fast-change collets.
If you know why this is, shout it out in the comments!
Thanks for watching!
The Honest Carpenter 
Хобби
The quick change groove is a fun bit of engineering, manufacturing, and political history:
Power bits have the same groove as impact bits as a historical artifact. Before power drills were allowed to be sold as "drill/driver" combos, power screw drivers and impact screw drivers entered the market (1960's). Power screw drivers were notoriously bad at holding longer bits, so they adopted the "quick change" feature of the impact driver and scaled it to the now common 1/4 inch hex.
Over time and with advancements in materials, impact drivers were able to be scaled down from 3/4 inch and 1/2 inch to the now common 1/4 inch. This meant a single manufacturing system could produce both bit types by essentially changing only the input material. This was a major economic gain for the manufacturers both in production cost savings and the ability to bring impact drivers to the DYI market at an affordable price. At the same time, several patents, laws, and regulations were changed which now allowed any variable speed drill to be marketed as a drill/driver. The torque limiting chuck was very nearly a simultaneous release.
Since manufacturers had no reason to retool their lines (a very expensive procedure without any demonstrable financial gain), the now mostly superfluous grove on power bits remained. Virtually all impact tools (drivers, wrenches, etc.) clearly and conspicuously state in the operations manual to use exclusively impact rated accessories (bits, sockets, etc.). As a result manufactures of bits are only required to note that a particular accessory is impact rated on the packaging and and provided instructions, not on the accessory itself. Thus the legacy groove is meaningless for identification purposes. The distinguishing differences of colored bands, neck sizing, etc. are all Very recent (primarily post 2000), and were driven by users requesting simplified ID of impact vs. other types of accessories (specifically after throwing out the packaging and "user manual / instructions).
Some "conspiracy theorists" also attempt to suggest that the groove remains on non-impact accessories as a way to tempt people into using them in impact tools so that the bits will break and the manufacturer is able to sell more bits -- a form of "planned obsolescence. However this is not the case. As noted earlier, there are numerous electric screw drivers that use the quick release system, as well as many smaller 1/4 inch drills common in the home/DYI market - especially outside of North America. So again, why would manufacturers change their production lines when doing so would cost money without increasing profits?
This is probably the best, most complete analysis of the power groove that anyone will post. Thanks Michael!! 😁
@@TheHonestCarpenter You're most welcome Ethan. You have a great show and provide a very valuable service. I have learned a great deal from you. So I am glad when my background is able to repay in some small part the wealth of knowledge I have gained.
Please keep up the great work.
This is probably the best comment I've ever come across on RUclips. Thanks for the knowledge drop on a subject I never would've found otherwise.
I've never had a regular bit break while using an impact driver, and not sure I've ever used an impact bit with any regulatory
This lines up with what I was kind of thinking after the video. I actually have a few bosch drill/drivers that use the quick change power bits as well as a bosch and craftsman impact which of course also use quick change but I had a drill/driver with quick change way before I ever got an impact. Though to note I just buy impact bits because why not? Especially since bosch and makita impact bits are really cheap for some good quality, I also like the craftsman bits but they are not always as reliably cheap but they are still good quality. (im a fan of 3.5" and 6" impact bits and makita is kind of the best game in town for price/quality there)
Nice, you must have been in manufacturing.
THANK YOU!!! I have talked to many sales associates at big box, lumber, and hardware stores. Not one of those people could adequately explain to me about bits. For that matter, most couldn't explain the difference between drills and impact drivers. I am 66, a widow, and I LIKE the independence of having the 'know how' to do home fixes. In this social climate it is a survival skill.
Here's a tip when buying impact bits -- buy different brands to color code by fastener type! For example, buy Milwaukee (red) torx bits, DeWalt (yellow) phillips bits, and Makita (blue) square bits.
Great idea! (though, I prefer to buy when things are on sale...) You can also use different colors of heat shrink and more easily apply your own color coding.
A grand idea I'm borrowing that one thank you @@OneWildTurkey
I always use different brands for all my screwdrivers 😊
Not because of the colour!!! 🌈
It's just the polite handshake every time I reach in my case. The tell me who they are without hesitation 😂😂😂
Or you could just look at the bit shape 😅
Oh I like this idea
The power groove on standard bits was common in several brands years before impact drivers became common place. It served the same purpose in that there were extensions with spring loaded couplers that would hold them until the coupler was released so the bit would not drop out when you pulled it off the screw head.
Thank you, Purple! I think I entered construction at just the right time to miss this transition tool adaptor 😅
I like these bits because before I ever owned an impact gun I only had a drill driver. I bought a quick release adapter and these bits worked great. I could change bits fast and they remained secure while using them.
@@TheHonestCarpenter also I’ve seen non-impact drivers, at least on Ryobi and Milwaukee lineups
Yeah, you beat me to it, quick release was around long before impacts. Impacts just adopted the setup.
Yep! I have a "Sears Craftsman Professional" quick release drill bit kit that I still use today. I picked it up 25 years ago.
I had this exact problem yesterday when using my impact driver for the first time. I have learned so much from your videos. How to use tools safely, using the right tool for the specific job, and overall tool and accessory vocabulary 😊 Thank you
10 years as a hobby woodworker and I never knew this (yes, I have snapped a bit or two in my impact driver and just assumed it was workmanship). As always, thank you for making the videos you make. I enjoy your videos and learn something from just about everyone of them (sometimes to my embarrassment lol). Keep up the great and appreciated work!
Thank you, Richard! No shame in that-I’m constantly filling in gaps in my own knowledge. The channel has been a good learning opportunity for me too 🙂
I remember when I first started seeing the impact bits and they had marketing to state it was a torsion section for impacts
If it makes you feel any better I only knew because I read the marketing material from brands because sometimes its hilariously dumb why theirs is "better" than x brand and ended up learning why impact bits look like they do and realizing there was a difference. Some brands actually dive deep into why they are designed the way they are with charts and diagrams showing the forces on bits and how the design works, which is pretty cool and not just PR or bs marketing.
Honestly you're not gonna snap off normal driver bits unless you're overtightening shit or trying to drive something ridiculous that should have been predrilled.
Man, I’m a professional carpenter. And this video was kinda educational for me as well.
Impact drivers use an impacting anvil to increase their torque, not a ratcheting mechanism. The addition of the impact force also increases shock factor whel loosening fasteners. Also, the groove came before impact drivers were on the market, it was for tools that offered a quick release chuck.
the internal mechanism is certainly not a ratchet, but i think the point being made is that the screw becomes a defacto ratchet at the screw/wood interface, whereby anytime it binds the impact overcomes the static friction to slide it forward again
@@5naxalotl no,, he just doesnt understand how impact drivers works and said it uses a ratchet mechanism because the clicking noise it makes sounds like the clicking noise that a ratchet makes
unintendedpurposes is right. Quick change bits have been around longer than The “Honest” Carpenter has been alive. It’s the “torsion zone” gimmick that’s new.
Using less metal in each bit ALMOST seems logical, but it doesn’t keep bit tips from breaking. Also, an impact driver isn’t needed to break but tips. In my 29 year career, I’ve broken more bit tips with a drill than I have with an impact… regardless of bit type.
In the early 2000’s the best bits on the market were “cryogenically frozen” Bosch bits with serrations on the top. They were hard… very hard! They nearly never wore out but occasionally one would snap right off in the screw head as it reached final torque. DeWalt made some with serrated tips but not hardened. They gripped well but eventually did wear out.
So, the moral is buy good bits, do good work, and never mind the gimmicks unless they actually deliver. THAT’S honest carpentry.
I think he was alluding to the fact that the action on an impact drill is rotational (like a ratchet) . its not forward like a hammer drill
While I know this difference exists. I daily use the two kinds interchangeably(depending on whichever I find first) in an impact driver and have never had a “power bit” break on me my guess is your more likely to damage the fastener before you break a bit so to all those new comers I wouldn’t worry too much about spending the extra money on impact bits unless you plan to do a really serious amount of impacting and are organized enough to keep a bit long enough to break it.
Same here, and I am an installer by trade. I generally only buy impact bits. But I wouldn't take an extra trip down and back up a ladder to grab an impact bit if I had a non-impact one handy
Ditto. 35 years construction can’t recall ever a broken a bit with an impact driver. Quite a few with a straight drill-driver but then mostly in metal or concrete application or the tip of a slotted driver.
I was going to say roughly the same thing. I have built quite a few hardibacker showers that require a few hundred heavy duty heavy duty screws to install. I used screws that required square drives and I don't recall breaking a bit although the bits would wear to the point that they didn't grab the screw as well as a new one. I only recently became aware of the idea that impact rated bits should be used. They might be better, but you'd have to play close attention to how long bits last before you might notice that the impact rated bits are better.
I’ve only ever sheared impact bits when drilling holes in metal. Now I only use my impact on metal when I have the proper tool but it’s just out of reach
I've mullered plenty of bit tips myself. All of them have been rated for ugga-duggas & usually they have been insert bits, not full length quick release impact bits.
i watch a lot of diy vids and I gotta say HC, you bring the best, in the quickest, most easiest to understand way. I've learned more from you alone than 4 years of woodshop and a 2-year stint in a machine shop! Thanks for keeping me safe, knowledgeable, and best of all, improving my diy skills exponentially!
Thank you, Steven! 😄
Your acknowledgement that you don't know why power bits have power grooves and inviting others to answer that question was great.
When someone teaches others about a topic but admits there are some facts they don't know, that increases my confidence in what they DO claim to know and teach.
I realize that above statement may come off as sarcasm to some but it's not and I honestly do think it's a great quality of this video. Thumbs up!
Nice to know. However, I have used regular bits in impact drivers for years and have had almost no failures. Unless you are primarily using big, long screws, impact bits are only marginally useful. If impact bit would prevent me from losing them at the same pace I lose regular bits, THAT would be an awesome feature.
Yeah, I use quality made in Germany, 1 quid each, 'power bits' because impact bits never existed 14 years ago when I got my first impact driver, I saw some makita ones, they were 14 quid for 2! Well, they were shite, my 18v bosch snapped it off like a carrot! The normal power bits last for ages on normal size screws up to no5 x 150. Anything bigger than that an I just use a new one an most of the time you get the job done without breaking the bit.
@@michaelbamber4887 Well, you got ripped off. I bought a set of 18 Milwaukee impact bits for 20 canadian dollars. $14 for 2 is way too much
@tcg1_qc years ago remember. New items out, so hence price. I have some here now that were £6 for 5 bits. They last ok now.
@@michaelbamber4887 oh, for some reason I thought you were talking about today
@tcg1_qc ha, no, until now, I've been to tight to even look at them because the £1 each German ones have 2 ends on um, 50p a go!
Taking on home projects as a first time DIY'er and I just learned that I've been using the wrong bits/combos this entire time! Thank you so much for the lesson! So much appreciated!
I have no idea why this was recommended to me, but I learned useful information today that I'd never thought to ask about before.
Many years doing stuff and didn't know most of the information contained in your video. Clear and articulate as usual.
WOW and SUPER WOW. Now I finally know what all those tiny bits are for, and the skinny necked ones. Your explanation of how each one was designed to be used was, as usual, a real game changer for me. I always look forward to your vids. Even when they are about a tool that I will not need, such as a chop saw, just knowing about them is fun for me.
in response to your "hope it helps" comment: IMMENSELY. your channel is one of the rare channels that patiently explains things that may seem..... obvious to seasoned craftsman but is not for the rest of us. i absolutely appreciate you.
Thank you, Acronym! That’s exactly what I try to focus on these days. I’m glad it helps! 🙂
Going out dancing with my wife this weekend. I told her I’m gonna show her the Power Groove and the Quick Change Groove. She’s excited.
You should teach a class on how to make a RUclips video. That was quick to the point not a bunch of jibber jabber and probably one of the best video I’ve ever seen.
The deep round groove is for a ball detent bit holder. As noted by others, these predate 1/4” Drive impact drivers. The shallow skinny groove as seen on 1” insert bits is for a wire detent, as found in bit holders and built into traditional corded drywall screw guns.
20 years of hobby use, you certainly solved some mysteries tonight, thank you
I've been a carpenter for 20yrs and just learned something new today. I always used the correct bit I guess just instinctively, but didn't know this.
I was the exact same way for a long time until I read an article about it somewhere along the way, Daniel. Came as a surprise to me as I’d been using the bits so long. Thanks for watching! 😄
This video was so necessary for me to quickly learn the difference as I'm shopping real-time for my mini impact electric screwdriver. Thanks so much. Very informative.
There are quick change non-impact adapters for drill/drivers. They were developed before there were impact drivers. That's why they also have those notches.
Thank you! That’s what I surmised. But I just see them so rarely that I wasn’t sure if I’d missed some phase of tool development. 😅 I appreciate that!
Also there are some impact rates models without that skinny part.
The quick change bits have those notches for bit retention in bit holders that have retention clips, they use a release collar to eject the bit so you don’t have to fight the magnetic retention. (You had a picture of one version, that fat collar by the head was a release collar) those notches are not depth guides. Nice try though, they do work for that, but not their designed purpose.
Exactly the info I was looking for. I've been holding off buying an impact driver because it was the bit differences that confused me especially the ones with the notches but as you said they are not designed to be used with impact drivers. OK so now I can get that impact driver and a set of power bits. Thanks for clearing this up!
This is the information that is oh so important but is rarely ever taught thank you so much for these incredibly informative videos.
Quick and dirty run downs with all the information needed. I love videos like this!!
Electric screw drivers also have a collet very similar to impact drivers so the quick change groove is nice for that use case.
Thank you again for another direct-to-the-point, clear explanation. I knew there were some differences between bits, but did not clearly understand the differences in the bit kits that I had purchased. Between your presentation and some of the knowledgeable comments below, I feel now have a handle on the differences and even some of the history behind them. Thank you!
Thanks so much for explaining! So glad I saw this video. I just got an impact driver yesterday & thought I had the correct bits - they have the power grooves. As always, appreciate your help on my builders journey!
They aren't power grooves they're quick change collet grooves.
Today I purchased an impact drillbit set for the first time.
Viewing your explanation video on the subject provided me with all I needed to know about impact drillbits.
Thank you for that!
Good stuff, Ethan, as always. It’s helpful to truly understand the tools I use.
Every time I watch your videos you cover something Ive had questions about. Great video , very informative, thank you.
Always learning new tricks & tips from pros like yourself Ethan. Keep ‘em coming my man.
Thank you, Bill! Will do 😄
having bought a dewalt impact driver (and loving it) recently, this was very helpful. Thanks!
I’ve just picked up an impact driver and have been trying to learn about bits so this came at exactly the right time. Big thanks!
Sure thing, Thomas! 😄
I’m glad you showed the difference for diy people, I’m in a trade so I use Makita B-35097 Impact Gold Ultra-Magnetic Torsion Insert Bit Holder it’s like screws are glued to the bit, very strong magnetic field. Love your channel, keep up the great tips. Would like your option if it’s better to get a track saw system or a table saw. Which to purchase 1st. Almost the equivalent price.
Because of you i had the courage to drill my first nail using the drill bit. And because your content id thoroughly explained clearly fir a dummy like me who meber knew 1 but about using a drill. Thank you im glad i found you.
Dude, that’s was just straight forward explanation! That’s what I was looking for. Got a new sub! 🤟🏼
This has been so helpful. There are So many options for a new DIYer like myself! At least now I know a little more to make my life easier :)
i just got a new DeWalt impact drill and this video has helped me so much. Thank you very much.
I am a first time power tool user. This was very helpful. Thank you very much. I will be coming back to your channel for more inquiries because I'm sure I will happen.
Thank you!!!! I needed this I'm new and it was driving me nuts!
Great info!! Always discusses very pertinent diy facts. Kudos 👏
Very very helpful and informative! I always have similar confusion, but your video answered! Thanks
Thank God for your channel. I would definitely be destroying more things than usual 😆
Wow! I had no idea what the difference was! Recently, I shattered 15 brand new bits on my Dewalt impact driver. Now I understand why!
Once I finally learned how to use the different settings on my drill I’ve never gone back to using my impact. Great informative video still!
I always enjoy and get great value from the information you share. THANK YOU
Thank you, finally someone explained this to me after 30 years of using these tools.
Now I know, thanks.
Happy to help, Buick! 😄
I always watch your channel ,I’m a master carpenter and it’s always good to get a different ideas from other woodworkers
That’s awesome, Just Learning! Glad to have other carpenters watching 😄
Hola! 🖐I learned the hard way what the difference was, yes - I broke more than one bit. I wish I could have learned this long ago but good on you for posting this video. I'm sure that many DIYers will benefit from watching this. Take care and have a good one, Adios! 👊
This was a SUPER useful vid for me. Thank you!!
Always Great info to Learn and Helpful....... Thank you 👍👍
Always great advice and reviews from a true professional!
Great informative video! I really enjoyed the structuring and delivery of information
I needed this! Thanks for a clear explanation.
Thank you so much. It does help me I didn't know that about these different drill bits. I wondered why some are different and why.
THANKS ETHAN …🤗 One thing since I retired I still bought impact drivers and the whole bit set for any projects that I do come across and to help others ( like my kids )
Thank you. These videos you do are so helpful since my husband passed away and i find myself doing things i never had to worry about before and they releave some anxiety of those tasks. God Bless all with His grace, peace and love
Thank you, vintage!! I’m very glad they’re helpful. Wishing you all the best, and work safe! 🙂
Great tutorial, Ethan. I've been using all 3 types of bits for years and still learned something from you today. Again, many thanks.
Thanks, this was very informative and straight to the point
Great info. Also, your sound quality is perfect!
Holy cow Honest Carpenter, you take a very simple topic and make it so entertaining and still filled with a ton of knowledge and information. Well done Sir. Cheers from Canada. 🇨🇦
Thank you, Gerry! 😄
I always learn so much from your videos!
Thanks Ethan for sharing this important info. Learned something new today. Take care! 😊
I've been using impact drivers since about 2014 and never knew any of this. Thanks!
Thanks for the information, it was very helpful!!!!
It’s simply for connivence. Locking power-bit shafts for printers, security cameras, and networking racks or any install and tech kind of stuff and not having bits fall when in a lift is why I use them. Often screwing into plastic, threaded aluminum mounting brackets, and brass inserts. I don’t always need the impact bit strength and am usually using various security bits. Very small hex and torx 40 feet in the air with lanyards on all my tools.
Using a Milwaukee installation driver, that is an impact. It sinks self tappers in very thick aluminum extruded beams that are holding windows and automatic doors like in grocery stores.
I'm glad this video came up in my feed. I've wondered about these different bits for years, especially the colorful impact-rated bits which I see some RUclips creators using. I guess I have yet another item to add to my ever-growing purchase-when-I-can-afford list! ;-) Thanks for doing this one!
great info! I wondered about all that. thank you
Drill- Packedge in typical box, came with a tool bag (added bonus), two batteries, one charger, drill, and driver. Two words "plenty of Torque" ruclips.net/user/postUgkxW1vOBRCMrgTCDEijzpVzDWsgI-Jm2iQv well I guess that's three. Nice upgrade from current setup. Has belt clips, I don't think I will be using those. Driver and drill were bigger than what I expected but it is an upgrade from the current setup. For the money I would say that this is a great setup for Professionals and DIY/Weekend warriors.
I needed to know this! Thank you!
So helpful thanks!
I finally treated myself to an impact driver this year and so glad I did! Thought I was using the correct bits though, what you call "power bits". Haven't broken any so far, obviously not trying hard enough.
They’ll sometimes make it pretty far, Khakoo! But when they break it’s often sudden and possibly dangerous
Always good tips, thanks
I use quick release adapters on my drills that use the same ball bearing system as my driver. They use the groove too. It’s a good grip and easy to care for. Sometimes some dust builds up in there but a few pulls on the release and a blast of WD40 seems to clear them right up.
The Honest Carpenter never disappoints. I always learn something. Note, I once put an insert bit into an impact driver and it recessed so far I couldn't get it out. I had to trash the impact driver.
Thank God you chose to sort this out for me. I appreciate your help.
I love this. Glad the algorithm found you
This is golden information. Thanks for sharing this. 👍 😊
Thanks for this, Ethan! I never knew you shouldn't use non-impact bits in impact drivers. Looks like I'll have to do a bit of shopping for impact bits now. The adage is true - you learn something new every day. Have a great day! :)
Thanks Andrea! They’re abundant now, with some pretty good deals 😄
All that you do is helpful
Thanks for sharing
This was very useful. I wish I had seen this years ago, before I bought a bunch of bits.
Great info, THANKS!
Woo! Clear! Straight to the point 🔥🔥
Useful information.
Thank you.
Good info Ethan! I didn’t know the differences between the bits.
Thanks for the quick explanation
Thanks! Learned something new today!
Very informative. Thank you!
Thank you ! That was the question I had long time 👍👍
Thanks!! I needed this. My dad explained it, sort of.. but you explained it more clearly! 😉
I read your first book and enjoyed it, very excited to read with my nephew. Nice work!
Aww, thank you mrmile!! That means a lot to me! I hope he enjoys it! I may even taken them to traditional publishers and agents soon-never know what could happen 😄
Thanks for the info - very useful.
As always…great information…thanks
Great info. Thanks 🙏
Thanks a lot, I did learn from your video. Very good
Dude, I love your channel! I learn so much from you. Thank you from a noob DIYer
You’re welcome, Kyle! Thanks for watching 😄
Thanks for the great info
Very useful- thank you.
Very informative, thanks