As I mentioned yesterday – Favorite Screwdriver and Impact Driver Bits? – I’ve been preparing for an upcoming head-to-head drill/driver test (and also a following impact driver test). In doing so, I picked up various power tool accessories, leading to a search for new bit holders to try out.
I know that Makita has been coming out with a new line of improved impact-rated screwdriver bits and accessories, called ImpactX, and came across them again when researching latest-generation bit holders.
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Umm… why are there two somewhat similar Makita ImpactX bit holders at the same price? The 2-3/8″ bit holders I were looking at were described nearly identically, and were priced exactly the same.
So what’s the difference?
I reached out to Makita USA, and they cleared things right away (thanks!).
On the left, a one-piece bit holder. On the right, a two-piece one. The one-piece is described as being made from stainless steel, and the two-piece of a specially optimized form of S2 steel.
- Magnetic bit retention
- C-clip retains 1″ bits in holders
There are 2 major differences:
Weight
The one-piece is slightly heavier than the two-piece. This is barely noticeable in the shorter insert bits, but with the longer insert bit holders the weight difference is noticeable to some.
When talking about 2-3/8″ bit holders, the weight difference comes out to be ~0.01 lbs (0.1 lbs vs. 0.09 lbs).
But when talking about 12″ bit holders, the weight difference is more substantial – 0.55 lbs for the one-piece bit holder vs. 0.28 lbs for the two-piece.
The one-piece 12″ bit holder is about double the weight of the two-piece 12″ bit holder, weighing more than a quarter pound heavier. And since that quarter pound is spread along nearly a foot in front of your tool, it will likely have a very different feel to it.
You can see that there’s a lot more mass, even when comparing the 6″ bit holders.
More mass and thickness can be a good thing, potentially making longer bit holders stiffer and less prone to bending or wobbling.
Shape and Lines
The one-piece has smoother lines than the two-piece. Some users believe that, when working in tight spaces, the one-piece has softer edges and therefore is easier to maneuver around multiple obstructions or tight spaces.
I can definitely see that. If working in tight spaces, the two-piece bit holders, especially the longer ones, might snag wires or other obstructions. But the thinner shaft might also make it easier to reach slightly wider angles than could be achieved with the longer one-piece bit holders.
It comes down to user preference. Makita says that both are engineered to withstand the hardest-hitting impact drivers, with superior construction and fitment for full-contact fastening applications.
Looking good Makita, looking good.
Price: $4.97 for the 2-3/8″ sizes, more for longer ones. For the 12″ bit holders, the one-piece costs a little more than 10% more ($18 and change vs. $16 and change).
The one- and two-piece bit holders are available in 2-3/8″, 3″, 6″, and 12″ sizes.
Buy Now(One-Piece Bit Holders via Amazon)
Buy Now(Two-Piece Bit Holders via Amazon)
Buy Now(via Home Depot)
Sizes and Model Numbers
| Size | One-Piece | Two-Piece |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3/8″ | A-96970 | A-96920 |
| 3″ | A-96992 | A-96942 |
| 6″ | A-97003 | A-96958 |
| 12″ | A-97019 | A-96964 |
First Thoughts
I like the option of being able to choose. *Thumbs Up* to Makita for giving us both options. Maybe we’ll see a locking bit holder next?
Which would you prefer?
I think that I’d gravitate to the 1-piece when it comes to the smaller sizes, and for the larger sizes I’m not quite sure what my preference is.
I recently picked up some Milwaukee Shockwave bit holders for $4 each. I wouldn’t hesitate to try these at $5 for the 2-3/8″ size.
firefly
I think I would prefer the one piece for the shorter version and the two piece for the longer version in most case. I know it’s the little thing but I am glad Makita is putting a lot of thought into it and giving us more choices.
On related/unrelated note, I am pretty happy with the Makita Impact Gold bits.
Nathan
are they both magnetic?
short I want the one piece I think. and I’ve never used a foot long bit holder so I don’t think I need one. But the 6 inch I would get in the 2 piece flavor – I think. at 6 inches though I have bought 6 inch bits.
Stuart
Yes, both styles are magnetic.
Rory
I think I would agree, the shorter 1 piece is probably preferable, but the long one I might go for the lighter 2 piece.
Anyone tried the Impact X bits yet? I was going to buy them, but opted instead for the new Bosch bits (still waiting on them to ship). I’m curious if they’re being positioned as the successor to the Impact Gold or more like the less expensive alternative?
Stuart
I’m not sure, but a sample pack is on the way.
Based on my experience with the new Bosch bits, I ordered some of the modular case assortments. I’ve not abused them too much yet, but they’re holding up well.
Rory
Nice, yeah I would be curious to see a comparison of Makita Gold vs Impact X. The Impact X line seems to be slightly less expensive, so not sure exactly how they’re trying to position it.
Jim Felt
Rory.
FYI. I received the “new” Bosch bits and plastic containers early last week. At the original price Amazon and Stuart listed them at.
Rory
Awesome, had a chance to test them yet? I missed the first early price, but grabbed a couple sets that were still in the $11-12 range before they all went up to $25-30+. Delivery estimate says sometime between Aug 17-23.
Noah
Do they have retaining rings, or is it magnetic only?
Stuart
Sorry – I was sure this was in the post, but I can’t find it anywhere – I must have inadvertently deleted the features.
The bit holders are both described to have embedded magnets and C-clips for clipping into the notches of 1″ insert bits.
Noah
Excellent. I’ll be giving them a spin.
Harry
So which one is better for your impact driver?
I mean people argue about impact sockets being made from chrome moly versus CR-V. What affect does a stainless steel shaft have on your impact driver if any?
I’ve a long one piece bit holder and it gathers dust in my tool cart because, I feel it’s too heavy. and reach for the two piece one all of the time. I need to move it out of my cart.
Stuart
They’re both impact-rated, and from what I can tell, they should perform similarly.
I haven’t seen impact socket discussions like that, but will try to seek some out.
I admit I’m surprised to see a stainless steel bit holder, but if properly designed and heat treated, there shouldn’t be any concerns.
Bill
I ordered the 50pc A-98348 set from Amazon and have been doing my best to abuse the 2″ T25 bit over the last few weeks driving various GRK R4’s and RSS’s and have been pleased with the durability and fit.
I don’t use bit holders often, usually only for fasteners that I don’t use regularly but the holder my set came with has worked well.
bobad
This is old, but I’m bumping it up because new locking holders may be out.
I like to use my drill for machine screws and drills with 1/4″ hex tips. Magnetic tips don’t cut it, and locking tips are either wobbly, expensive, or both. If I find one I like, I will buy about 10, that’s why price is important. Do you guys have any favorite locking tips, around 1-1/2 – 2-1/2″ long?
Many thanks!