Tool Sets:
- RadioShack 6400187 23-Piece Mini Tool Ratchet Set
Showing posts with label bit set. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bit set. Show all posts
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Monday, October 20, 2014
Tool Review: Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set
The saying "you get what you pay for" holds true sometimes more than others. With the Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set (SKU# 178179) that maxim definitely applies.The Tool Bench 12-in-1 Screwdriver Set is sold at Dollar Tree discount stores for a dollar. Any time you see a screwdriver with 12 attachments for a buck, you're probably right to be wary.
In theory, this set is nice. It comes with a driver, seven bits, and five sockets. The bits include one slotted bit, one Phillips bit, two star/Torx bits, two hex bits, and one 1/4" drive adapter (for the sockets). The packaging is very nondescript, and doesn't specify what sizes any of the bits or sockets are. The Phillips bit looks like it's probably a #2.
The sockets look okay, and they work okay, but the bits look soft and poorly-made. The star bits, even before their first use, are rounded at the top edges, so they will probably slip during use. The sockets fit loosely onto the 1/4" drive bit, which makes taking them off easier, but doesn't inspire a lot of confidence for their use.
This screwdriver's main selling point is that it can store all of the bits and sockets in its plastic handle. Half of the handle swings open, revealing 12 holes for storage. All of the bits and sockets are easy to take out and reinsert. The handle is held shut by a flimsy piece of plastic that barely latches over a small plastic tab, and it looks as though the plastic latch piece will break off after a handful of uses.
The driver itself is not particularly well made. The hole where the bits fit in is extremely shallow, and doesn't provide a lot of support for the bits themselves. The bits also fit loosely into the hole, and there is a significant amount of wiggle room.
All you really need to know about this tool is that it's sold for $1. Unless you are experiencing an emergency where you absolutely need a screwdriver and you don't have more than a dollar in your pocket, this driver and bit set is a waste of money. An argument could be made that it's worth the price for the 1/4" drive adapter bit, if you happen to need one, but you'd probably be better served spending a little more on a quality adapter. I give this screwdriver 1.5 out of 5 stars.
(Originally published on Bubblews.com, January 2014)
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)
+ 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)
Friday, June 13, 2014
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