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)

Titan tool reviews

Bit Sets:
- Titan 16061 61-Piece Bit Set

Screwdrivers:
- Titan 32984 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Tool Review: Titan 32984 4-in-1 Pocket Screwdriver

Key Features:
 +   Good bit selection for a pocket driver
 +   Bits are durable
 -    Plastic frame warps over time enabling bits to fall out

For anyone who likes tools and likes always having a screwdriver with them, a pocket screwdriver is perfect. There are several different types of pocket screwdrivers, but one common style is the pen-shaped driver, which is about the size and shape of a pen or pencil and has a removable cap on either end, covering a double-sided screwdriver bit. The Titan 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver (model 32984) was designed in this style, and it ranks slightly above average compared to other similarly-designed pocket drivers.

Titan makes inexpensive small hand tools -- drivers, wrenches, sockets, telescoping mirrors, etc. -- that are sold in auto parts stores as well as some other stores. These tools are often cheaper options for those who can't (or don't want to) spend more money on a comparable tool from a more well-known brand. The Titan pocket screwdriver is sold for $1.99 at AutoZone, though the price may vary by location.

This pocket screwdriver resembles Stanley's 4-in-1 pocket screwdriver in appearance and function, though not in quality. The Titan driver has a black body and yellow end caps, with a gray double-sided bit in either end. The driver doesn't come in a package; it just has a little yellow tag with very little information about it. Each double-sided bit has a Phillips bit on one end and a slotted bit on the other end. One of the double-ended bits is stamped with the bit sizes -- PH #0 and 3mm -- but the other one, the larger of the two bits, doesn't have any sizes marked on it. The description on Titan's website doesn't give any information about the driver or bit sizes.  The bits are not magnetic.

The end caps fit on the body snugly, unlike with some other pocket screwdrivers, but the bits themselves are very loose inside the body. They won't actually fall out -- at least, mine haven't yet -- but they feel like they're going to. The bits are metal and the body of the driver is plastic, so eventually after enough screw-turning, the plastic frame will wear down and be too loose to hold the bits in place. The bits themselves seem to be of decent quality.

The body of the driver, which doubles as the handle when you are turning screws, does not have any rubber or added texture grip, but there are length-wise grooves cut into the body that do serve to provide some traction. Each of the end caps has a hole near the tip so you can see which side of each bit -- Phillips or slotted -- is ready to use.

Overall, this driver is made with the design, materials, and attention to detail that you would expect for its $1.99 price tag. If you need a pocket screwdriver in a pinch, this driver is superior to some other drivers with a similar cost, such as the General Tools pocket driver and the UltraSteel pocket driver, but it ranks far below the Stanley pocket driver. For a long-term pocket screwdriver, you're better off spending a couple of extra bucks and purchasing the Stanley model.

(Originally published in slightly different form on Helium.com, June 2013)