Seeking quality non-Centrotec bits

[rmwarren]

I'm giving up on my Centrotec experiment and moving back to standard 1/4" quick-change bits for everything. Picked up the Milwaukee M12 installers drill/driver and I really like it, along with my existing fleet of DeWalt. While experimenting I did buy the PDC/T12/TXS along with the installers set and I really like the torx and brad point bits.

I'd like to replace those bits with similar quality. Can anyone recommend sources for 1/4" quick change bits? I've been searching for both Wiha and Wera sets but haven't hit the mother load yet. In particular I am looking for full sets of 4" torx, hex/Allen bits and brad points without needing to buy the other 47 bits they toss in to round out a set @ the blue/orange outlets.

Thanks, RMW

FWIW I have the installers set + add ons listed in the classifieds, along with the 3 lightly used drill/drivers.

 

[Cheese]

Before I was hornswoggled into the Centrotec program, my go-to bits were Apex. I've used a lot of others but they gave the best bit life I've ever experienced and that includes Festool bits.  [sad] 

Made in the USA and they cover every drive you'll ever encounter.  Several different lengths and on some of the bits you can choose between hardness levels. [smile]
https://apexbits.com/Apex-Fastening-Tools-Catalog-PDF.pdf

 

[rvieceli]

Richard I like this Wiha set. I actually have two of them.  One for the shop and b one in a go bag with a Felo t handle for my art fairs.

The bits are CB if good quality and the holder grabs the wire detent and doesn’t let go until you slide the release.
https://www.wihatools.com/go-box-impact-bit-set-32-piece

Ron

 

[rmwarren]

Thanks guys. I did manage to find 90mm Wiha drivers on Amazon in torx, hex Phillips and flat. Took a ridiculous amount of searching however.

Still looking for decent quick change Brad point bits.

RMW

 

[FestitaMakool]

I’m not sure if DeWalt still carries the same bits as before.
I suspect though that they are (were?) made by Wera or Wiha (They did even have stamped Wiha on some) My former DeWalt 14,4 volt drill was so strong it crushed any bit lesser in quality than Wiha/Wera. Lesson learned.. I still got most of those bits, albeit some well used and signs of wear - I bought spares back then - still have them, NIB!

Edit:
These are old bits, from a DeWalt set. Notice the ribbed section of the tip.
These have been fantastic, and thanks to a “hamster collecting” nature I have a selection of them. [embarassed]
[attachimg=1]

 

[FestitaMakool]

Maybe not totally relevant. But not so far off.
The fit of bits or screwdrivers to quality screws just makes life easier.
This photo under is no trick at all, no glue, nothing sticky. Just perfect fit.
(The screws, and the driver are a special slotted pozidrive pattern for electrical components)
This is from an electricians installers kit.

[attachimg=1]

 

[rvieceli]

Richard - Wera makes a brad point in 1/4 inch hex. You need to use a wire detent holder though. Individual pieces seem to be out of stock currently but the set is in stock. Metric only.
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-104653-wood-twist-drill-bits-and-bits-set/

Here are some others you might find interesting:

WERA metal stubbies
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-104652-metal-twist-drill-bits-and-bits-set/

This looks to be a combo drill/tap set
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-104651-set-combination-drill-bits-set/

Taps
https://www.kctoolco.com/wera-104654-tap-bits-set/

Ron

 

[semenza]

The Wera Rapidapter (and new Festool holder) take both wire and ball detent bits.

Seth

 

[Cheese]

These are old bits, from a DeWalt set. Notice the ribbed section of the tip.

Those ribbed bits were originally designed & patented by Apex. Now that the patent has run out, they're known simply as ACR®, Anti-Camout Rib bits. They work especially well on removing fasteners that have had the drive head damaged or for decking boards where the head is below the surface and exposed to years of moisture and dirt.

 

[rmwarren]

Thanks all, I grabbed 4 sets of Wiha bits from Amazon and added some individual Wera bits and a driver handle from KC Tool, that should cover me. It's not like I don't already have a gazillion bits anyway [doh] but the rationalization is I need them to offset giving up the Centrotec set.

Still would like to find the quick change brad points (not wire detent, which I have in shorties) but I can live without them as often as I use them.

Always appreciate everyone who chimes in/enables me.  [big grin]

RMW

 

[semenza]

How about ball detent bit holders and then you can use whatever high quality bits you like?

Seth

 

[Roachmill]

The Fisch brad points from Axminster are brilliant. Sharp to the touch and leave immaculate holes. Out of stock ATM but other sources are available. The other Fisch quick change gear (plug cutters, counter sinks etc.) is great too.
https://www.axminster.co.uk/fisch-double-groove-brad-point-drill-bits-set-of-6-717960

Famag do some with a hex head too. Short stubby ones for tight spaces.https://www.google.com/search?tbm=shop&q=Famag Short Brad Point Drill Bit Set

 

[DynaGlide]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] How about links to what you've ordered, for ah, scientific purposes? And possibly to copy you.

 

[rmwarren]

How about ball detent bit holders and then you can use whatever high quality bits you like?

Seth

Seth, I just prefer to use the one piece bits. I'll use the wire detent holders when necessary but if possible I always reach for the individual bits. Normally 50-100mm long.

It's a quirk.

RMW

 

[semenza]

How about ball detent bit holders and then you can use whatever high quality bits you like?

Seth

Seth, I just prefer to use the one piece bits. I'll use the wire detent holders when necessary but if possible I always reach for the individual bits. Normally 50-100mm long.

It's a quirk.

RMW

It's not a quirk. I prefer a single piece bit most of the time too. Less bulk , fewer connections, etc.  I wonder if good quality bits are available in a one piece quick change though.

I have a set of the Fisch brad points and they are very good. But no quick change.

Is the quick change chuck that you have part of the drill or is it a separate one?

Seth

 

[rmwarren]

[member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] How about links to what you've ordered, for ah, scientific purposes? And possibly to copy you.

I won't be held accountable for other's actions...

Here's the kit:

[attachimg=1]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8L4SUM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8L4Q3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8L4RI0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[attachimg=2]
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01B8L4QV8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[attachimg=3]
https://www.kctoolco.com/bits-accessories/?brand[]=43

You'll need to poke around the KC Tool site, but I mainly grabbed square & phillips ACR 50/90 mm bits.

RMW

 

[DynaGlide]

Thank you [member=8712]Richard/RMW[/member] those ACR bits are what I've been missing. I have laser engraved Wera screwdrivers and always wanted that feature on my bits. I just never knew the name for it.

I'll probably be building a collection off your links over time.

 

[semenza]

Never mind I looked up the drill. So built in quick change. Does that Milwaukee take both types ? Wire and or ball?

Seth

 

[rmwarren]

How about ball detent bit holders and then you can use whatever high quality bits you like?

Seth

Seth, I just prefer to use the one piece bits. I'll use the wire detent holders when necessary but if possible I always reach for the individual bits. Normally 50-100mm long.

It's a quirk.

RMW

It's not a quirk. I prefer a single piece bit most of the time too. Less bulk , fewer connections, etc.  I wonder if good quality bits are available in a one piece quick change though.

I have a set of the Fisch brad points and they are very good. But no quick change.

Is the quick change chuck that you have part of the drill or is it a separate one?

Seth

[member=71333]seth[/member]

For me everything happens in a snowball kind of pattern. I wanted to love the Centrotec so over time I bought the TXS/T12/PDC18 but in the end I still mostly grabbed the DeWalt 20V for general drilling/driving, and the TXS for lighter stuff. I'm heavily invested in their 20V in all my other cordless tools. I was always frustrated by the inability to totally get away from 1/4" quick change due to the limited availability of Centrotec.

I'd been teetering on the edge of buying the Milwaukee M12 Installers set to take the place of the TXS but was reticent to add yet another battery/charger to the fleet. I have a couple of M12 that are 5-6-ish years old so I had a so-so taste of the platform then recently I discovered the M12 die grinder and that pushed me over the edge.

The boss granted me the die grinder as a reward for growing another year older, to which I added the installers set and 3Ah battery/charger along with a Dremel type tool and presto! the need for the TXS evaporated. The die grinder is a killer tool for my hybrid metal/wood projects.

To finally/actually answer your question, the quick change chuck is part of the M12 installers setup.

As an aside, I know there's been discussion elsewhere here about the M12 installers driver in comparison to the TXS, my impression is favorable. There were a lot of negative comments online about the placement of the forward/reverse switch, I found that to be a non issue as I use it with my middle finger on the trigger, index finger along side the barrel and this puts my thumb in position to hit the reverse switch naturally. I think this grip is what Milwaukee intended when they designed the tool as the web between thumb/index finger nestles into the back of the handle and the balance is perfect.

Anyway, long winded way of saying I am moving on from the Centrotec platform and with it Festool drill/drivers. Just sold the Installer set and assorted Centrotec bits, I still have the 3 drivers available in the classified.

Thanks for the input and recommendations.

RMW

 

[rmwarren]

Never mind I looked up the drill. So built in quick change. Does that Milwaukee take both types ? Wire and or ball?

Seth

Sorry, our posts passed in the night. Both fit into the chuck, but like using a Centrotec driver bare the wire detents are not held in the chuck.

RMW