Saturday, September 20, 2014

Tool Review: Titan 16061 61-Piece Bit Set

Key Features:
 +   Great selection of bits
 +   Bits are good quality
 -    Magnet in bit holder is weak


Recently we had an issue with our furnace not putting out heat.  I wanted to fix it, but some of the components were fastened with security screws.  I needed a set of security bits, and searched Lowe's and Advance Auto Parts without success.  Finally, at AutoZone, I came across the Titan 61 Piece Bit Set, part# 16061.


AutoZone sold this set of security bits and regular bits for about $15, which was more than I was looking to spend, but it seemed like a good bargain for the amount of bits it included.  There are 60 bits, plus a 2-1/2" magnetic bit holder, which is nice if you don't already have a magnetic driver.  The magnet in the bit holder isn't very strong, but it will suffice if you don't move your screwdriver too fast.

I am very impressed with this bit set.  It comes with such a wide selection of bits that you really don't need any additional bits for most projects.  There are slotted bits, Phillips bits, Torx/star bits, hex bits, security star bits, security hex bits, spanner bits, and even square bits.  More bits than most people would ever need, but definitely a good selection to have.

The bits are of durable quality.  I've used several cheap bits that start to wear down after the first use or two, but even after many uses these Titan bits have held up without so much as a scratch.  I haven't tried all of the bits, but the ones I've tried so far work great.

Even the plastic case they come in is nice.  It's a compact rectangular case, with enough room between each of the bits so that it's easy to remove and reinsert them.  The case isn't flimsy, and it stays shut so the bits won't fall out.  The back of the case lists all of the various bit types and sizes that are included, and it has a slide-out tab with a large hole so you can hang the case from a peg board or nail.

If you're looking for a good set of bits, I would strongly recommend this Titan set.  Titan is a brand of tools that is often cheaper than many others, and I've used a Titan pocket screwdriver before that I would not recommend buying, but this bit set is of good quality and is worth the $10 or $15 it will cost you.  It's a bit set you can rely on for a long time.  Amazon.com sells this set, currently listed for $12.19.

(Originally published in similar form on Bubblews.com, January 2014)