This Maxtech 30-piece set has the best bit assortment that I have seen. I had several sets before ordering and purchased another set as well at the time that I purchased the Maxtech. The set does not mention what I have found on my own but mention it here to let you know. When I first received it I was extremely impressed by the quality of the bits. They are all manufactured from a 0.155" steel hex stock. I wish I knew of a handle that would accept this size hex bit that held the bits in place magnetically rather than a clip style. I have used Brownell's Gunsmith's full size hex Magna Bits for years and have several extra Magnetic handles and truly love this style. Back to my main point. Upon receiving I assumed that the handle alone would just accept the bits. When I went to install a bit directly into the handle the bit just fell into the handle clear out of sight. I just thought that this was the way to use the bits and just tried to really clamp down on the bits to keep them from falling. Problem is, the collets in the handle are just plastic with a metal outer tightening collar. The outer collar is the only thing that is metal and I kept loosing the bits as the light force used in tightening and loosening fasteners would just keep pushing the bits back inside of the handle. This morning I was just playing around with the set. I had not tried using the extension. But I found that once the extension was inserted I found that it was really an integral part of the set and why the handle is hollow. The extension is accepted at full depth to be pushed way down into the handle. You can extend it out any length that you desire. But pushed way in, it becomes the final piece in the puzzle. With this extension inserted you have a clip tip with a firm socket into which the bits, once inserted, are firmly held into place without any chance of them loosening and falling in deeper. Once I discovered this little bit of information my opinion of this set increased dramatically. This should be pointed out more clearly in the main description. Also the bits are held in the case by three trays that are completely removable from the main case which is very handy. The bits are clipped firmly in place. I would rather see these trays held into the case being able to just tilt forward with the "option" to remove them if you desire. All in all, with this bit of information known, I would give this set a 5-Star Rating. I hope this is useful.
UPDATE 7/3/009: Shortly after writing this I found a link on Amazon to 'widgetsupply.com'. They had a set of four color-coded aluminum micro screwdrivers with hollow handles. They came with sets of Torx, Phillips, Hex and Plain bits that are stored inside the handles which can be sortd by color depending on type of bit. The most important thing to me is that this set of handles holds the bits by the use of magnetic chucks! They accept all of the 0.155" Maxtech hex bits. Maxtech 16521MX 32-Piece Precision Bit Set
I do not typically leave reviews; however, I felt the need to after seeing some of the negative ones for what I consider to be one of the best tools of its kind. I have been trying to replace the hard drive on my MacBook for nearly a month and after using different sets that did not have the appropriate screws (I needed 4 sizes, including a Phillips size 000), I'd managed to strip screws, damage parts, and ruin flimsier precision screw drivers.
But, with my replacement screws (thanks Apple Genius bar!) and this 32-piece precision bit set, I was able to get the entire job done in 10 minutes. The set is compact, clear, and sturdy.
Those who have given it poor reviews, above, likely did not use the "bit extender" piece - but, it is a key element. Simply slide the extender into the base and then load the bit into the extender. This is not an optional part of the process - it's just how the unit is designed. This design allows the screwdriver to take on many different lengths and allows a static piece (the extender) be the connector to the bits, as opposed to a clamp like other designs. This preserves the bits themselves and allows the unit to be ultra-compact.
After buying and either breaking or returning three other precision sets, I can highly recommend this set.
I disagree with some of the criticisms posted. For the price, one should not expect professional-use tools. This is for the occasional home user, and as such, the quality is good enough.
Perhaps, the absence of an instruction sheet is a flaw. Some have complained that the handle does not hold firmly enough the screw bits; in my opinion, the extension-shaft is to be used always. Which brings me to my criticism.
The screw-bit-socket has too large an external diameter for fine work. I have used this tool to tighten screws on my eyeglasses, and the collar of the socket gets in the way. For such small screwdrivers there is no need for a large torque, and the stem of the bits, and consequently the socket to receive them, could have been made much thinner. My other criticism is a minor one, this storage box could have been designed to receive the handle with the extension shaft inserted, rather than having to have to separate them store them.
Purchased a couple of these based upon the reviews here. I am surprised by the quality. The case is neat, holds the buts securely, and clearly shows the type and size. This is very helpful as some of these bit patterns are rather small. Here are a few facts that might not be clear:
1. These bits are made from 4 mm hex tool bar stock, not 1/4 inch bar stock that many are familiar with for similar tools. I thought this might be a problem, but I find the small bit sizes very appropriate for this format, and I prefer the smaller size.
2. A two-part driver handle is included in the set and fits nicely in the case. It consists of a handle and an extension. To use a tool, first insert the extension in the handle and tighten the knurled chuck. Fully extended, the handle is about 8 1/2 inches long. Fully collapsed it is just over 5 1/2 inches long.
3. The bits fit into the extension and are held there by a spring clip as a friction fit. This is very good as there is no magnetic action. One does not want to magnetize small parts. However, it does mean you have to push the bit in past its initial "stop" to get the friction to hold the bit in.
4. There are 3 bit trays in the set, and each can easily be lifted from the case and stood next to your work.
Another review talked about purchasing color-coded aluminum drivers from another source that fits the 4 mm driver format. I did this, and was most impressed with these tools also. The driver handle that comes with this set is quite adequate if you are ready to change bits as needed. The color coded handles are great if you perform frequent tasks that require say 3 or 4 torx drivers and you don't want to waste time changing bits.'
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