We spotted new Dewalt Elite Series screwdriver bits at Lowe’s, and it looks like they’re available online and in stores.
I tried searching for the 30pc assortment (DWAFE30SET) and this pack of impact-rated Phillips #2 bits (DWAFE2PH2IR15), and neither come up in a Google search, suggesting it’s a new Lowe’s exclusive.
Taking a closer look at the packaging, Dewalt advertises that their bits drive “up to 2X more screws per bit vs Milwaukee.”
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The fine print in Lowe’s product description says:
Up to 2X more screws per bit vs MILWAUKEE* – Maximize productivity with overhauled Phillips #2 tip geometry
*Bit life while setting screws vs Milwaukee Shockwave PH2 screwdriving bits
Milwaukee has several generations of Shockwave screwdriver bits; it’s unclear which exact Milwaukee bits Dewalt is comparing their Elite Series bits to.
Dewalt makes different claims for the Torx bits included in the assortment:
Up to 2X better fitment vs MILWAUKEE* – Superior fitment and a secure hold on bits for T20, T25, and T30 fasteners
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*Screw engagement vs Milwaukee Shockwave® T20, T25, and T30 screwdriving bits
Again, it’s not clear which generation of Milwaukee Shockwave bits Dewalt is referring to, or how they qualify “2X better fitment.”
Dewalt also says that their Elite Series screwdriver Phillips #2 bits deliver 200X longer life compared to “standard” Dewalt Phillips #2 bits, which is the same as what they said about their older FlexTorq screwdriver bits.
It looks like Dewalt Elite Series bits – at least this style and size – are very similar to the FlexTorq bits that are sold at Lowe’s and elsewhere, but with added competitive claims against Milwaukee Shockwave.
If you pick up a pack, let us know what you think about the “overhauled Phillips #2 tip geometry.”
These Dewalt Elite bits look like they might be better – or maybe at least higher positioned – than the Dewalt MaxFit Ultra screwdriver bits that you can find at Home Depot.
The Dewalt bits at Lowe’s are longer (2-1/4″ vs 2″), have clearer size markings (let me know if you disagree), and are also cheaper – the Elite 15pc pack is $10 at Lowe’s, and the MaxFit Ultra 15pc pack is $13 at Home Depot.
Bonnie
I definitely prefer DeWalt’s MaxFit bits to Shockwave, though I didn’t like the FlexTorque line for whatever reason. The geometry didn’t seem to grip screws as well (I almost exclusively use Robertson so maybe the cross drives are better).
I don’t burn through bits as fast as pros though so my experience probably isn’t as relevant, and the life of a bit tends to be a matter of diminishing returns.
As for the other differences… Does anyone select a bit by looking at the side for a label and not just the tip? Length of a nominally 2″ bit also doesn’t really matter, and there’s a good chance it’s going in a sleeve unless I’m working in a constrained space, in which case I’m grabbing a 1″ bit or a right-angle.
Stuart
Bit markings might not make a difference with this size or style, but others are harder to tell apart, such as when selecting between close Torx or hex sizes.
Bonnie
One of the reasons I hate torx. To many similar sizes and branded subtypes.
Tom
I would use a torx over any other type of fastener on the market today. They do have many sizes but Philips has 3 common sizes and those drivers can be interchanged if you aren’t worried about stripping the heads.
I’d rather make a quick size check on my bit rather than screwing up the fastener any day!
Bonnie
Phillips should be nobodies preference.
Robertson #2 covers pretty much any size screw from 3/4” up to 4″.
Any larger and I’m reaching for an external hex head anyways. Stripped out too many of those GRK torx lags.
will
the slope of the bit seems narrower on the elites which to me would make the fit worse than the felxtorque and max fit which are much fatter than both the elite and lextorque.
Robert
I don’t get something. These “are built to last.” Yet they are all the same, PH2s, and 15 such bits, apparently identical in the pictured set. The only reason I can see for 15 identical bits is they break often, and you need to swap out for an unbroken bit from the pack. Or maybe, I guess, they got stolen or lost often. The impact sets I’ve bought before, Bosch, Makita, have a variety of bits.
Stuart
Assortments are a great value, but bulk packs are used when you go through boxes of the same fastener type. Bits do wear, break, or get misplaced.
TomD
I can recall the bits I’ve broken (on one hand?) but I’ve lost countless numbers.
fred
Bits are often regarded as consumables – especially in a production mode – or even when you’re doing rebuilding/refurbishment work. We did rebuild work for aircraft and military customers – and had procedures to only use certain bits for a limited number of cycles before replacing them – even if a cursory inspection looked good.
In our plumbing and remodeling business – our guys would have been aghast at the number of bits that we scrapped in the fabrication shop. They probably waited until they buggered up a screw head before changing out a bit.
Many home users – myself included – sometimes try to stretch bit life to the limit – and complain when the results are less than perfect. I guess – especially with cross point screws and bits – minor geometry and metallurgy differences between the screw head and driver bit all may work to conspire against us. Engagement fit is particularly important when driving brass screws – and I find myself hand driving and still fussing about with these to make sure the selected screwdriver tip fits perfectly.
S
There’s a fine line here. If you recall a few years ago, Milwaukee released an ‘indestructible’ new-age bit that made some really incredible claims on but life.
But the tests many ‘influencers’ used started to border on obscene. Driving 4 dozen 6″ lags.
And as soon as they had any failure, even at the very end of driving 4 dozen lags, they chalked it up to the entire brand failing.
Milwaukee ended up pulling the entire line due to the poor marketing.
All bits are metal, and all metals do wear and fatigue over time. It’s just a reality of this world.
Stuart
https://toolguyd.com/milwaukee-shockwave-matrix-carbide-impact-screwdriver-bits/
The bits were designed for applications where bit wear was the mode of failure. There was a disconnect between what the bits were designed for, and how they were being used – which wasn’t unreasonable but probably wasn’t accurately predicted.
In metallurgy, there’s a inverse relationship between toughness and hardness, or wear resistance. You will often see this in other types of materials too, such as plastics.
Too hard and wear resistant, and the material will be brittle. Too tough, and it’ll be too soft and wear too easily.
The Matrix Carbide bits were more wear resistant, but brittle. They were suitable for use with impact drivers in soft joint operations. In hard joint operations, which describes the torque to movement relationship of a fastener, the bits were snapping. They were designed more for soft joints where there’s a little more *give* when a fastener is fully driven.
MM
Yes, the application can have a huge affect on whether a specific tool or bit is better or worse than alternatives.
A great example is solid tungsten carbide drill bits for metalworking. If they are being used in a rigid setup where the feed rate can be carefully controlled–like a lathe, milling machine, industrial drill press, or similar–then they greatly outperform steel drill bits. However, they are brittle and do not tolerate misalignment or vibration. If you try and use one in a hand drill or with a flimsy fixture chances are you’ll accidentally break it before you’ve finished one hole.
Different tools for different jobs.
Nathan
Really wish you could get a set of torx bits in say 15 to 27 in 2 of each at one time. Or even just a one pack without all the extras and the crap I don’t need
Jim Felt
I think part of this reality is they make those bulky bit holding cases for both “our” utility and the retailer need for decent inventory (and theft mitigation) metrics.
Or: I’ve zero idea why..,
Stuart
You can absolutely buy Torx bit assortments, although typically with some compromises.
Nathan
I can buy some no name ones or I can buy some quality name ones but only 3 to 5 of one size. I should have added in 2 inch plus format.
I’d like a (yellow red blue ?) brand quality 2 inch bit in sizes t15 to 45 now that I think about it. 15 20 25 27 30 35 40 and 45. 2 inch or 2.5 inch length.
Skylar
Makita for T25, S2- Longest lasting/best fit.
GRK for T10, T15, T30, T40- Color identification saves so much time over the life of the bit it’s worth the cost.
Bosch P2R2 for Phillips- Try it; it’ll change your life.
Not specific on the other random screw head sizes.
I’m serious about the Bosch P2R2.
NoDak Farming
I haven’t had a chance to try GRK bits yet, but don’t doubt they are good. I like using Big Timber brand screws, and their T25 bit is the best bit that I’ve had an opportunity to use, when it comes to best fit. Snug fitting drive bits lead to longer life and better user experience in my opinion. I’ll have to check out the Makita bit that you mentioned though.
MatW
Is the Bosch P2R2 a cross between a Philips and a Robertson allowing you to use the same bit on either? If so how do you like it on both? Would be so much easier to use just that then having to switch out all the time
NoDak Farming
I was in a Lowe’s today and didn’t look at any Dewalt branded bits. Mostly because for the last few weeks they’ve had some Wiha bits steeply discounted. And they are organized in pocketable bit checks/bit organizers. I’ve bought enough now that I can start gifting them out. I can’t speak for their longevity. But they seem to have a fairly snug, precise fit in screw heads. And that’s mostly what I’m looking for.
Also picked up a rear handle 36 volt MetaboHPT circular saw for $99. $120 off from regular price. So I couldn’t resist.
RPD3
I’ve been stocking up on those same wiha bit sets. Great little set with sizes commonly used and I think I got a bunch of them for under $3. I haven’t used them a ton, but was trying to get some metal screws into heavy gauge steel studs (pre drilled) and kept camming out bad. I expected the bit to be destroyed and it was basically perfect
Nathan
Speaking of. I had a set of DeWalt maxfit bits years ago still have the Philips 2 ones and 2 of the mag collars. All the torx ones have vanished over the years but I liked the collar idea. They worked well held the screw well and didn’t cam out. The torx were great. Too. Shockwave v2 is good and so were Makita golds.
To agree with another comment I think I’ve maybe broke one bit as in broken and that was a tri wing. Usually I lose them. Hence the desire to only get one set of what I need and no extras. I don’t want but drives and another bit holder and 6 Philips and …..
Justin Latva
I’d give them a whirl. Although I got a couple of the MaxFit Ph2 bits and one broke on the second 2 1/2″ construction screw, the other broke about a week later. Very, very disappointed in that line.
Stuart
The last time I asked Dewalt, MaxFit bits are impact-compatible, but not ideal for impact use. FlexTorq and now Elite Series *should* perform better, at least to my understanding.
Bonnie
I’ve almost never used them in anything *but* an impact driver. Never had one break from it.
Roger
I just broke a PH2 bit this week from my FLEXTORQ set. This is my 4th broken PH2 bit. I bought that set about 10 years ago.
Maxfit is not for impacting but they can take impacting. Dewalt basic bits, the ones that have no color sleeve, are only for screwdriving.
That FLEXTORQ 3/8 socket adapter is VERY good.
What I want are PH3 bits in contractor packs.
CA
An honest question. Since JIS bits are superior to Phillips why haven’t all manufacturers adopted that technology? Is it a patent/money thing? Too much cost to change manufacturing equipment?
Bonnie
They already did. JIS no longer has an active separate certification, so these days JIS and ISO Phillips (ISO 8764) are the same thing. I think Vessel still sells a handful of screwdrivers to the old JIS spec, but these days any good Phillips/JIS bit is identical.
CA
Thanks good to know!