You’ve heard about impact driver bits and impact tools, but you don’t know which ones to choose. How does one decide between them? Well, let’s see How to Choose Impact Driver Bits in Australia.
Impact drivers are powerful, hand-held tools that are used to handle different types of screws and bolts more efficiently than the average compact drill. An impact driver has two main parts: a motor that generates power and creates torque, then there’s the bit holder (also known as a chuck) that holds the tool bit at the center of rotation. The bit is usually held in place by tightening screws or bolts.
Check our guide to know which is the best screwdriver set.
There are five types of bits used in impact drivers: carbide, tungsten, sintered steel, ceramics, and composite materials. Carbide bits are the strongest because they contain pure carbon. Tungsten, sintered steel, and ceramic bits are less potent but much cheaper than carbide. Meanwhile, composite bits are more robust.
Continue reading this article to learn more about Impact Driver Bits and where you can get them in Australia.
Types of Impact Driver Bits by Material
Bits made from each material have their own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at each type. [1]
Carbide Bit
A carbide bit is made from hard, dense material such as tungsten carbide. It is the most common type of bit. Carbide bits are very strong and have excellent cutting performance. Truly a good choice no matter what experience you have with drilling.
Tungsten Bit
A tungsten bit is similar to a carbide bit, except that it contains tungsten instead of carbide. Tungsten bits are slightly harder than carbide bits. This makes them better suited for heavy-duty applications. However, tungsten bits are still relatively soft and will wear out faster than carbide bits.
Sintered Steel Bit
Sintered steel bits are made from hardened steel. These bits are solid and last longer than carbide bits. However, sintered steel bits are significantly more expensive than carbide bits. Anyway, I think it’s worth the extra money for their quality.
Ceramic Bit
Ceramic bits are made from aluminum oxide. They’re also referred to as alumina bits in other parts of the world. They’re the least expensive and the weakest; however not bad in any way or form. They’re best suited for light-duty applications, so use with care.
Composite Bit
Composite bits are made from plastic and metal, and they are ideal for heavy-duty applications. These bits are strong and will come in handy on multiple occasions. The price difference is not that big so definitively consider these types of bits.
Where Can I Get Impact Driver Bits?
You can find some of the best impact driver bits at hardware stores such as Bunnings, or you can choose online retailers.
Types of Impact Driver Bits
Many different Driver Bit Types are available on the market, such as Philips Driver bits, square driver bits, nut driver bits, Torx or star driver bits, spider driver bits, hex driver bits, and many others. The type of bit you choose depends on what kind of job you want to do. [2]
Read our review also for the Dewalt tough series screwdriver set.
If you’re wondering whether are impact driver bits universal or not, then the answer is no. Make sure to find the correct type of impact driver bit for the kind of job that you’re doing, or you will end up damaging the bits. For example, if you use a Philips 2 head screw with a Philips 1 driver bit, you will most likely strip out the screw.
If you don’t know which bit to buy, here are some tips to help you decide.
- Make sure that you buy a quality bit. Quality bits are usually much more substantial than cheap ones. Cheap bits may break easily and won’t hold up well over time.
- Buy a bit that has a good rating. Good ratings mean that other people have had no problems with the bit.
- Check the reviews before purchasing a bit. Reviews give you an idea of how well the bit works or how the package was delivered.
Closing Thoughts
Impact Drivers are valuable tools that come in handy for many different jobs. You should always ensure you know how to use an impact driver before purchasing one properly. There are five types of bits available for use with impact drivers. Make sure that you pick the right bit depending on what you want to do.
I hope this article has helped you come to a conclusion and get the information you were looking for. If you have any questions or suggestions about the article, don’t hesitate to leave them in the comment section.
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