Hi. I understand and respect that there is a demand for a native CentroTec square drive bit. However, I still don't know where people are getting the impression that you can't use square drive screws WITH a Kreg jig using a Festool C12 plus bit holders.
This is a standard #2, 2" square drive, ball detent bit that I bought at Lowes tonight:
Here's a link to McFeely's page of color coded square drive bits from #0 to #3 bits from 1" to 6" long:
http://www.mcfeelys.com/subcat.asp?sid=480. Loads of options.
This is a pic of a Kreg square drive screw, my 2" #2 bit in my
"Bit holder BH 60 CE magnetic", and my
"Bit holder BHS 65 with collet":
.
Here are two pics showing how either can be used to screw in a Kreg Pocket Hole screw:
BHS60
BHS65
Both worked fine for me. The only difference that I can see is that BHS60 is made for wire detent bits and the ball detent bit wobbles slightly. It won't fall out, but it just is slightly loose. For drill bits that would be an issue. For pocket hole screws, I don't seen any problems.
The BHS65 is made for ball detent bits and holds the ball detent bit snugly. But, if you crank the holder down close to the wood, the collar can rub slightly. Neither of these bother me at all. Depending on application, I'd choose one over the other. But both work fine.
Are they perfect? No. To be sure, having a native CentroTec square drive bit would be better. Assuming that I rated a native bit as a 10, I'd still rate either of these between 7 and 9 depending on application. They work very nicely for me.
If you want to use square drive screws, even using a Kreg jig, don't let the C12 stop you. These two options should work nicely until a native square drive bit shows up.
Regards,
Dan.