We have learned that Milwaukee has decided to discontinue their new Shockwave Matrix Carbide screwdriver bits. They will continue to honor the lifetime tip warranties for the immediate future.
Shockwave 3.0 impact-rated screwdrivers bits and other impact accessories are NOT affected by this.
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In my opinion, this is unfortunate but not very surprising. Milwaukee’s Matrix Carbide fastening bits faced some difficulties from the start. When I first learned about the product line, I anticipated that there could be some breakage incidents with the Matrix Carbide bit holder, which is designed to only be used with screwdriver bits and not nut drivers or socket adapters. Would it be clear to users that there could be an increased chance of breakage if the Matrix Carbide bit holder was used with larger accessories?
What I didn’t realize was that most users would want to treat Matrix Carbide bits as general purpose do-everything impact-rated screwdriver bits. It seems that Milwaukee also didn’t anticipate this.
There are different types of drill bits for use in different materials, and the same is true for saw blades. So the same could be true about impact-rated screwdriver bits, right?
But here’s the problem. Milwaukee Matrix Carbide screwdriver bits are designed for superior wear resistance. Even though they’re supposed to be tougher than non-impact-rated bits, their high hardness doesn’t make them immune to breakage. Even though they’re rated for use in an impact driver, there’s increased chance of breakage when used in other applications, evidently hard joint-type fastening applications.
I’ve been arguing with an industry friend of mine about these bits for a couple of months now, and ended up seeing their side of things. Users are accustomed to being able to reach for a Phillips bit when they need to drive in Phillips head screws. Stray from that, and you’ll only disappoint users.
These bits have higher wear resistance and are said to last far longer in applications where bit wear is the failure mode. In other words, if you drive hundreds and thousands of fasteners in drywall, decking, and certain framing work and wear out your bits, these might be a good choice for you.
But how does a tool brand inform all other users that these bits are not well suited for general purpose use which might see hard-joint applications?
Some early testers experienced tip breakage. Okay, the bits were used in applications other than what Matrix Carbide accessories were designed for. So it’s then the user’s fault? To counter this, the burden would be on Milwaukee to better educate end users or potential buyers. But then how can they do that, with an asterisk on product packaging where it cautions against metal-on-hardwood or metal-on-metal fastening tasks where users could experience a higher chance of breakage?
After Milwaukee sent out added information, I posted about the matter, saying:
Milwaukee designed their Shockwave Matrix Carbide accessories for specific applications. Just like certain fasteners are appropriate for specific applications, Matrix Carbide is specifically designed for applications where bit wear is the common failure mode.
The same is also true for the Matrix Carbide bit holder. Using it with other accessories, such as a 1/2″ nut driver bit, is not advised.
Make no mistake, this isn’t a “one bit fits all” type of product line. For that, look to Shockwave 3.0, the next generation of Shockwave screwdriver bits and accessories.
I also said:
They’re going to have to contend with established user expectations. Users are accustomed to screwdriver bits being one-style-fits-all.
This isn’t the first time that a good-in-theory product experienced market difficulties. Craftsman’s AXS tool box system comes to mind as a good example. I think that tool storage system would sell and thrive far better today than it did more than a decade ago when it first launched.
Everyone, even tool brands, sometimes get things wrong. In this case, I think what happened is that Milwaukee’s expectations for how their Matrix Carbide bits would be used were too different from how end users believed the Matrix Carbide screwdrivers bits and accessories could be used.
Discontinuing the Matrix Carbide accessories lineup seems to be the safest move. Milwaukee could potentially adjust the metal alloy to reduce breakage, but that would diminish the benefits compared to standard Shockwave 3.0 screwdriver bits and accessories. Or, they could seek to adjust end users’ habits and expectations about how the bits could or should be used, but that seems like quite the challenge, maybe even an impossible one.
Or they could not do anything and risk growing dissatisfaction that might negatively influence public opinion about Shockwave accessories in general.
Knowing what I know about Matrix Carbide bits and their development, I would say that the technology and metallurgy are innovative. But, sometimes that’s not enough for a successful product.
Milwaukee has said:
As a solutions provider it is our job to continue developing new, innovative products that make you more productive. It is clear from the feedback we’ve received from users that our approach fell short of what was expected – both in performance and market positioning.
We are going to discontinue Shockwave™ Matrix Carbide and refocus our efforts on developing a solution that better satisfies the needs of users and lives up to our ‘Nothing but Heavy Duty’ promise. All other Shockwave™ Impact Duty driver bits in the market will be unaffected – this decision is only for Shockwave™ Matrix Carbide. We will continue to meet all Lifetime Tip Warranties on Shockwave™ Matrix Carbide for the immediate future.
Here’s some additional Q&A that you might find helpful:
Do you think you’ll rethink carbide in future bit products?
As we pursue new and innovative projects in the driving category we will look at all options.
Should we assume there will be a different version of this product in the future?
We are continuing to evaluate users’ needs and all potential product designs to determine our future product lineup.
What about 3rd Generation Shockwave Impact Duty Driver Bits? Are they still on the market?
Yes. We will continue to provide a full line of Shockwave Impact Duty driver bits.
What are Shockwave Driver Bits (in particular the new 3rd generation ones) good for?
Our Shockwave Impact Duty Driver Bits are designed to offer impact durability and improved wear resistance across a wide range of driving applications.
Can I return my Matrix Carbide Driver bits in for 3rd Generation Shockwave Impact Duty Driver Bits?
If a user breaks or wears out the Matrix Carbide Driver Bits and submits a warranty claim, we will happily fulfill the warranty with Shockwave Impact Duty driver bits if that is what they’d prefer.
Can I get my money back if I recently purchased these?
We will not be issuing refunds but will warranty the product if the user breaks or wears out any driver bits.
Is there another driver bit I can purchase?
We will continue to offer a full line of Shockwave Impact Duty Driver Bits.
How does this impact the lifetime warranty?
We will continue to honor the Lifetime Tip warranty
Jon
This happens even with the carbide tips on screwdrivers. It’s pretty easy to break the tips off of those. And that’s only by hand. I won’t buy the carbide tipped screwdrivers anymore.
Davida1
First, I think they had very confusing marketing in this particular line, eg. most people see “Shockwave” and probably never realized that it’s a different product line. Second it’s possible that they didn’t make it obvious that hard joints will break it (I never realized that) because didn’t want to sound like it’s an inferior product, ie. they’re trying to portray this as top of the line, and priced that way too,we can’t say it’s weak.
Matt J
Huh — I may just not have read closely, but all the stuff I watched/read on these talked about a lifetime warranty. I never really realized that it was only limited to the tip. It seems in the FAQ they went out of their way to emphasize that it was a lifetime TIP warranty only, and presumably does not cover breakage at other points.
Stuart
So far, I’ve only seen breakage examples of the tip, not the shaft.
John Brady
Broke two of them within a minute trying to put a metal screw into a pre-drilled metal post to hand a tool holder. Love the black shockwave ones, but had already determined wasn’t going to purchase these shiny ones again. Guess I was using them wrong. Didn’t bother trying to warranty, as closest retailer is an hour away and don’t feel like filling out paperwork for such a small dollar amount.
Stuart
To take advantage of the warranty you only need to photograph your broken bits and send that to Milwaukee customer service.
Adam spiller
If those matrix shockwave bite were any good, you should be able to use them for anything, not a Pacific job, I use the same impact bits, for putting all kinds of screws in, not different bits for different screws.
Nathan
few things – I figured it might fail mostly because of the lack of standards on the screws themselves. or you’d see more people reaming out screws because the harder tip doesn’t give and just cuts the screw.
Not surprised. They might could have said it was for specific applications only and as someone else suggested – not use the “Shockwave” branding. Had this maybe beem packaged as as drywall screw bit. Or something akin to that it might have helped.
glad it’s being tired and I have to give it to them for coming out up front on the issues and discontinuing the product for now. Don’t think it’s really a bad idea but I wonder if this is one of those cases where you just need a wear item.
Yes you could do even more tuning of a clutch mechanism, and might even develop and electronic feedback circuit to reduce the amount of cam out , or tip breaks, etc. Or you just accept the fact that a $.50 bit is disposable and it wears you move on.
Is there any sort of info that shows a different head style had less issues. I could see a hardened torx head working decently but being rather expensive.
Gordon
It seems like it was a bad idea to mark them as “impact rated”. It sounds like this bit was made for volume, like a drywall screw gun. It feels like impact guns are used for almost all general fastening tasks these days. So if this wasn’t intended to be a general purpose bit, then it shouldn’t be implied.
It looks like all the promo shots are using an M12 impact gun. That has a 1200inlbs torque rating. It’s possible that the bits are rated for impacts under a certain amount. That is going to be the problem with using marketing terms without ratings.
PETE
I JUST got back from homedepot. And thankfully i bought some makita gold bits instead.
Mike
Carbide is a hard but brittle metal how did they not know this carbide are great for drilling and saw blades but when you put that kind of pressure on them instead of bending they break
Stuart
The alloy isn’t carbide, but is specially formed and hardened to yield uniform distribution of carbide grains, resulting in a harder but tougher metal conpared to more traditional manufacturing processes. Traditional alloys of high hardness have larger grains which increase the potential for brittle fracture.
However, it seems that the energy transmitted during hard-joint fastening applications is still more than the Matrix Carbide bits can endure.
GEORGE MICHENER
back in the day,on specific heavy equipment parts i.e. king post pins on backhoes ,that was achieved by inductive heating/hardening of specific wear points. Instead of using 4140 alloy steel (tool steel) they use a softer alloy, then use induction hardening on the wear surfaces. That gives you the benefits of a more “flexible” pin and the surface hardness where its needed. Its not cheap and most machinist will replace the pins with the more inherently brittle 4140 . Newer machinery often uses cheaper methods also….they dont want things to last forever, and it was actually a bit on the overkill end of things when dealing with a 3″ pin
Lance
Looks like Milwaukee’s marketing team got too far ahead of its Engineers. To be honest, this product looked too good to be true right from the start.
As someone with a mechanical Engineering background, I’m always skeptical when a company advertises a breakthrough based on material science, especially steel. There are improvements made all the time, but they are most often evolutionary, not revolutionary.
Diego
Can’t even stand behind there horrible design.
Frank D
Labeling them as Shockwave Impact, improved yada yada and with just a different color metal was a fail.
JoeM
I’m glad I read this article. I saw “Milwaukee” “Shockwave” and “Discontinued” and couldn’t fathom a reason for them to be used in the same sentence, considering the rave reviews here, and all across the Internet, over Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Driver Bits. I’m a DeWALT guy, and I’ve ended up with tons of various versions of DeWALT bits to use up. I’ve never gone so far as to need a Milwaukee ANYTHING.
I was not aware, in the slightest, that they had diversified the Shockwave line to include subsets and versions. I’m glad that info is in the article, as I thought the world was ending, imploding, or losing its (Expletive Deleted) mind!
The What?
I called complete bullshit on these when they were first mentioned on here and damn it feels good to be right. It looks like their snake oil came back and bit them in the ass. Announced in May and discontinued in August. I bet they’re proud. And when have you ever seen a fastening bit that can only be used to drive screws into certain surfaces? I’ve never seen it. I don’t mean to be rude but to say that fastening bits are like saw blades makes absolutely no sense. I’ve never bought a set of fastening bits or nut drivers that were made to be used on only certain kinds of surfaces and fasteners. And I haven’t seen a bit tip holder that’s made for such applications either. Are you referring to drill bits and saw blades? Drill bits aren’t fastener drive bits. And I don’t see why the long explanation or any excuse for that matter deserves to be made for Milwaukee. Let’s not sugarcoat here. These are being discontinued because Milwaukee had no idea what they were doing and for no other reason other than they thought that they could get away with making some half-assed carbide bits. So what if they feel embarrassed for stepping in their own shit. Good. They earned it. They shouldn’t have tried to market garbage like it was gold. They’ve obviously shown that they don’t know anything about heat treatment, tempering, quenching, annealing, martensite, or anything related to the procedures used in making actual metal alloys. Obviously credibility means very little to Milwaukee. Here’s what I think. They either tried to make some 3d printed garbage powdered metal alloy bits or they sintered powdered carbide and some type of powdered steel mixture. I’m betting on the sintered mix.
Jim Felt
On the scale of Milwaukee’s overall hits v. misses this is pretty inconsequential.
Though I doubt the principal product manager and marcom guys aren’t in fairly deep doo-doo.
Toolfreak
If the bits had a very particular use, that should have been the focus of the branding, packaging, marketing, etc. from the start. You can’t sell your very-specific-use product alongside all the other general-use products and expect the consumer to do all the research to discover what particular case it’s supposed to be used for.
It’s fairly obvious that a set of bits marketed as being longer-lasting and having a lifetime warranty against breakage is just going to attract consumers who think that means the bits are stronger/tougher overall and they will just get free bits over and over when any break.
Also, it’s weird that I was just thinking about the Craftsman AXS boxes earlier today and they come up in a Toolguyd article, but I don’t think the comparison makes much sense. The AXS boxes were a gimmick, with a slightly more post-modern design, but plastic handles and trim, and a digital display for no reason but just to have one. Plus the optional neon lighting. They weren’t completely useless, but it was a mistake to build and market a tool storage unit based on cosmetics rather than functional improvements.
Chris
Milwaukee is usually the King of marketing, but they screwed the pooch with these… An absolute fail from the start
Eugene Young
I had several of these bits from short to long and none of them has broke on in used them in impact and screw gun on heavy jobs i get good results out of them
Kevin
I actually find the quality of screws don’t seem to be the same as they used to be. Stainless steel screws heads breaking off or maybe it’s because I am doing something wrong or because they are from Bunnings? I switched to buying them from a dedicated screw and bolt supplier and what a difference in quality. Yes, I always pre drill into hardwood.
I like using the Irwin bits and square head bits beat Philips head for torque hands down.
Bob
A philips bit that is too brittle. Fist full of fail on that one.
Expected from cheap imported bits with improper heat treat but not a supposedly top otier brand.
Oh well. I don’t think it will bankrupt them. But in my opinion this brand plays fast and loose with marketing. Looks like this one came back to bit them in the bum.
KK
I bought 8 years ago Made in USA drill bits, the manufacturer was ” Vermont American” Bosch owns the company. Every bit is marked Bosch USA. Steel very good, hard and tough, look like high quality alloyed tool steels that have been hardened.
You will not find the same good easily
Apparently Bosch stopped production and new ones come from China, very poor quality.
Bryan Patterson
Does anyone have any of these new and unopened? I collect old and discontinued tools. I would like to have some of these for my collection.
Tomonthebeach
For awhile there is looked like Milwuakee was going to replace Craftsman as the reliable everyday tool manufacturer. Then Lowes took over Craftsman, and they seem to be competing nicely with HD’s Milwaukee. What was a turnoff for me was Milwaukee saying they would honor their guarantee “for the immediate future.” How long is that, till the presidential elections?