Dewalt has launched a new 5pc bit holder key ring set, model DWAFHLDKC5, for easy carrying of 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits and accessories.
The bit holder set comes with 5 bit holder keychains plus a carabiner clip.
Dewalt color-coded the shafts of their bit holders.
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To me, the bit holders look very similar to the Dewalt MaxFit extensions (sold at Home Depot), just with shorter shanks. That’s not good or bad, just an observation.
Price: $20
Compared to Milwaukee
Milwaukee’s bit holders look more compact, and they’re less expensive too, at $15 for the set of 5 plus a carabiner.
Don’t let the lead time scare you – I ordered and received 2 packs before I knew it.
It’s good to have options, although I’m struggling to see any advantages in the longer holders and pricier Dewalt set.
There are also plenty of competing options at Amazon.
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If you need just one or two, I really like Vessel’s – see Vessel’s Awesome Mini Ball Grip Screwdriver Handle and Bit Carrier. More than that and they become cost prohibitive.
TomD
The Milwaukee looks a bit “grippier”. How well do they work as finger screwdrivers in a pinch?
Stuart
Not well. The Vessel ball is the only one that can work in this way.
S
The DeWalt also has hex shafts for the keychain area, so they could be used as an extension in a pinch, where most other models are holders only.
S
Interesting how the DeWalt and most other brands are pictured with the carabineer in it’s natural vertical orientation.
whereas the Milwaukee carabiner is pictured horizontal to give the impression that it’s larger/cleaner for better organization.
JH
the “Amazon” ones you speak of are temu/ali express level junk that break quickly
Klein also has one too hopefully these are all of better quality the vessel ones are so overpriced its not funny
Jeff
I’ve had my “junk” ones from Amazon for years and love them. That all still work perfectly.
Stuart
Thanks! I didn’t know Klein also had one.
The Japanese brands have the best ones, in my opinion, but they’re pricey.
Scott F
Is it coincidence this is launched one quarter after Milwaukee launched theirs?
Is this a sort of tool that production could be designed/implemented/enough quantity manufactured to launch in 3 months’ time, or did DeWalt find somebody else to manufacturer these? If I remember from the Milwaukee release post, there are not many competing/quality alternatives.
Kingsley
It looks cool, but actually how practical is it day to day and more importantly how painful could it be if you sit on it ?
Peter
I just got some and they are great imho especially compared to having to dig bits out of a pocket or bag.
Forgot the brand but it was talked about here before and is one step above the cheapest stuff and so far they work great.
They are on my tool belt and at my current deck build I am constantly going up ladders and scaffolds and never had one catch on to something.
Tdot77
I think you’re referring to the Ralier brand but holders right? Orange & black?
This brand seems to exclusively concentrate on ¼” driver bits and holders both semi-hard block type and the individual type referred to in this post so I believe they are very good at it although I haven’t tried them yet – definitely going to order some very soon though.
Stev
I don’t like them on ladders, always get hooked on the steps.
Maybe that’s just me
will
The dewalts have the shank exposed while the others look like you need to unscrew them to expose the 1/4″ shank. Thats just from photos, am i right? If I am I think id rather unscrew them to use them rather than dewalts exposed shank which needs to be taken off the ring to use.
Jared
That’s what I was looking at too. Interesting that Dewalt’s are essentially bit holders for impact drivers/drills except with a hole to attach them to a split ring.
On the one hand, that could be useful – you might simply remove one from your set and use it directly in your power tool. However, it also doesn’t seem practical since it’s awkward to remove things from split rings…
Frank D.
This looks like a rebrand … of something I have from a lettersoup amz brand.
Roger
So… Slow season in the R&D department of SBD?
You know… Dewalt has some really nice tools. I just started using the 20V belt sander, and DAM! It’s really nice to use. Smooth, not noisy, and does it’s job very well. It’s too bad they haven’t paid too much attention to pushing their tools more. Maybe even update some brushed to brushless? Cycling a new topodaline drill and impact every year gets a little monotonous.
The new multi-head 20v drill/driver is the most interesting item of the year. I kind of hope they can have some kind of expansion set for it later. (doubt)
But there’s this! A version of something that’s a… stocking-stuffer. It’s a cute design but it’s more of a pain and easier to just fish the bits out of pocket, or a magtray, or tool belt. The Elite (Flextorq) bits are great btw. If it works, then it works.
Brad
The one advantage of the DeWalt appears to be that you can remove the carabiner and ring and insert the bit holder itself into a power screwdriver to hold your standard driver bits. That doesn’t appear to be possible with the Milwaukee. Is that correct?
Stuart
You could be right, but be careful to avoid inventing features that haven’t been advertised or demonstrated via hands-on tests.
As mentioned in an earlier comment, Vessel is the only brand I know of with a dual-purpose bit holder.
Matt_T
The 1/4″ hex portion on these doesn’t look long enough to lock into a 1/4″ QC power chuck.
Also another unknown is whether these holders will work with insert bits. All the pictures show them with power bits…..
EBT
The Milwaukee has a screw-lock for the carabiner. This prevents accidental bumping and opening the carabiner to lose something. Many times my keys, also on a carabiner attached to my carpenter jeans hammer loop, were seconds away from keyring coming off.
I like the knurling on the Milwaukee holders too.
That said, having this clipped on my tool bags is more easily accessible than digging in the bits pouch or bin, for common bits.
But as it looks, I’d recommend any knurled/locking carabiner, and the Vessel versions.
MKY
Stuart –
“ It’s good to have options, although I’m struggling to see any advantages ***is*** the longer and pricier Dewalt set.”
Stuart
Thank you! *fixed*
ElectroAtletico
I’m already “committed” to the cheap Chinese knockoffs from Amazon. Don’t see myself changing “platform”.
Ron
Vessel bit holders made in CHINA. What!!! Look at the 2nd picture in the ad….this is disappointing
https://www.amazon.com/Vessel-QB-10B3K-Quick-Catcher-Holder/dp/B0CMQ764CT/
Daniel
I’ve thought about getting something like this, but I’ve got Bit Railers on all my Veto bags. I don’t see the advantage to the carabiner with bit holders.
I’ll likely stick to Bit Railers.
Hank H
Maybe I missed the comment but if no one noticed, Klein Tools launched theirs under the cover of night. Theyre at Lowes now both online and in my local store.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Klein-Tools-5-PC-Bit-Holding-Keychain/5015212567