Best in class Screwdriver Sets for Mechanics | 14 Bit Types

Oct 18th 2022

Many mechanics need a reliable screwdriver set to rely. The classic screwdriver Phillips, and flat head are the most common. Well we cannot forget about those others; Torx, hex, etc. either or you’ll find yourself needing that one specific screwdriver. Being prepared is the best approach, here is a list of the top 10 screwdriver sets for mechanics Vermont Tool Company style.

Phillips Bits

This is the most common type of screwdriver bit in Australia; mainly because they drive the most popular type of screw. Created by Henry F. Phillips, the Phillips screw driver was purposely designed to cam-out when the screw stalled, to prevent the fastener damaging the work or the head, instead damaging the driver. Philips bits look very much like a cross, and come in a range different sizes – #000, #00, #0, #1, #2, #3 and #4 (#2 is the most common). The most common type of bit in any screwdriver set.

Pozidrive Bits

The Pozidrive screw driver is an improved version of the Phillips screw drive with an additional four contact points. These points decrease the likelihood the bit will cam-out, which allows greater torque to be applied. This design also provides a greater driving surface and decreases wear. They come in three main sizes – #1, #2 and #3 (#2 is again the most common).

Slotted Bits

Slotted head screws aren’t very common anymore, but used to be the most popular type of screw available. Screwdriver tips are still made for them however, and the gauge of screw they drive defines their size. They aren’t often seen in applications where a power tool would be used however as the driver bit tends to slip out of the head and can potentially damage the surrounding material. The second common type of bit in any screwdriver set.

Torx Bits

Torx bits are shaped like a 6-sided star and are used on anything from cars to consumer electronics. They resist cam-out better than Phillips or slotted bits, and were specifically designed with this purpose in mind due to the improvements in torque-limiting automatic screw driving tools. Sizes range from T1 through to T20. Screwdriver sets are specific for this bit style.

Tamperproof Torx Bits

Tamperproof Torx Bits are a variant on standard torx bits. Instead of being solid, they have a hole in their centre to accommodate security screws, and to prevent the use of standard torx bits. They are generally used on anything that people don’t want you to have access to, and sizes again range from T1 to T20. Many found in screwdriver sets that are found mechanics and HVAC techs.

Internal Hex Bits

Basically an allen key that you can put in your drill, these hex bits are commonly used when assembling DIY furniture and for locations where surrounding obstacles limit allen key access. The standard size for most hex-drive screws is 5mm. Found in screwdriver sets that specifics listed for these bits. Sizes go very large and tend to be in metric.

Square Recess Bits

Square recess bits (also known as Robertson bits) were invented in 1908 by P.L. Robertson, a Canadian. The head has a slight taper which makes inserting the bit and keeping the screw on the bit a great deal easier. They are a lot more reliable than Phillips and slotted bits if you are trying to avoid cam-out, but in modern times are slowly being replaced by hex bits. These bits can be found in sizes #1, #2 and #3.

Nutsetters

Nutsetters are similar to a hex bit, except they fit over their corresponding screws (in this case, tek-screws), rather than into them. They come in three main sizes – ¹/₄”, ⁵/₁₆”, and ³/₈”. Sometimes these sizes will be slightly small for the screw at hand. In this case, the nutsetter you require may be in metric (i.e. instead of a ³/₈” (9.38mm) nutsetter, you may need a 10mm). They are ideal for handling the torque on applications where impact drivers are used.

Drywall Bits

Drywall bits are phillips screwdriver bits with a metal ring around them. This ring sits just below the end of the phillips bit and upon screw driving, the ring presses up against the material and stops the screw from being driven below the material’s surface.

Torq Bits

Torq bits are very similar to phillips bits, but each arm of it’s cross-like shape is offset from it’s opposite. It is a tamper-resistant style of screw drive, and is most frequently used for aerospace applications.

Tri-Wing Bits

As the name suggests, Tri-Wing bits have three evenly spaced slots and are predominantly used on consumer electronics to discourage home repair. They are available in sizes #1 through to #4.

Spanner Bits

Also known as “Snake Eyes,” Spanner Bits fit into their respective screws via two small round symmetrical pins. They are security bits, and come in sizes #4, #6, #8 and #10. Very specific bit size, screwdriver sets are limited.

Tri-Lobular Bits

Tri-Lobular Bits are also known as TP3^® Bits, and are becoming increasingly common on consumer electronics, security doors and many other tamper-proof applications. The most rare bit to find in a screwdriver set.

Socket Adaptors

Socket adaptors give you the ability to attach sockets to a drill, allowing you to tighten nuts or screws that are too big for nutsetters. In order to fit most size sockets, they are available in the main three drive sizes – ¹/₄”, ³/₈“, and ¹/₂”.

Manufacturer’s warranties do not cover the misuse or abuse of sockets, and if your socket fractures as a result of use in a power tool, it is considered misuse. Special sockets called impact sockets are available for high torque fastening applications.