Wera’s Rapidaptor universal 1/4″ hex bit holder might just be the best such bit holder that I’ve ever come across. The Rapidaptor securely holds insert and power bits without any wobble at all, is self-locking, and features an easy-change unlocking mechanism.
A common complaint about ordinary bit holders is that there is always a degree of slop that causes the bits to shift within the holders. Thankfully, this is not the case with the rock-solid Rapidaptor – it almost feels as if inserted bits and the holder are of a single construction!
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Rapidaptors are available from industrial suppliers in various sizes with or without magnets. The one I have been using is the 889/4/1 K universal holder that is available for $11.66 from Amazon, and thus far it’s the best bit holder I’ve ever used.
Wera Rapidaptor Universal Bit Holder via Amazon
Product Info via Wera
uthscsaedu says
Mar 24, 2010 at 12:09 amCan you elaborate on the mechanism? I assume you pull the black sleeve back (or forward). When you do, does it stay there, or is it spring loaded (and return to position)?
You also said “insert” and “power” bits. Is the “power” bit the kind that has the groove in the end (like pictured above)?
Stuart says
Mar 24, 2010 at 9:17 pmThat is correct. You slide the sleeve forward to insert and remove bits, and slide it back to lock them in. The sleeve is not spring loaded.
Power bits are 2″ bits that can typically be used as-is in 1/4″ hex chucks and standard drill chucks, and yes they typically have a groove as pictured above.
The Rapidaptor does not hold power bits as securely as it does insert bits because the groove in their shanks allow for a slight sliding motion, but the grip is still sufficiently tight and secure with no side to side wobble.
uthscsaedu says
Mar 24, 2010 at 11:42 pmBased on the description I think I have a similar Craftsman bit holder. I “click” the sleeve forward to release the bit.
I like that feature because in one motion you unlock and release the bit with the same hand.
After you insert the bit you “click” the sleeve in the same direction.
I thought if it were spring-loaded, you would need two hands – one to hold the sleeve, and one to hold the bit.
Stuart says
Mar 25, 2010 at 12:48 amSpring loaded holders, such as those on 1/4″ hex drill/drivers and impact drivers can usually be opened with one hand.
By no means is the Rapidaptor the only adapter/bit holder of its kind, it’s just my favorite of the bunch and is pretty reasonably priced.
Jonah says
Mar 25, 2010 at 12:11 pmThe Rapidaptor does not require the sleeve to be pulled back in order to lock in the bit – With the sleeve forward you simply press in the new bit and it locks automatically. Maybe I have a newer version? (Just arrived last week)
I have some Dewalt, Ryobi, Craftsman bit holders but they are all being replaced by these Rapidaptors. Love these things!
Jonah says
Mar 25, 2010 at 12:15 pmI should also mention that when you slide the sleeve forward, it does not shoot the bit across the garage or let it fall in between the cylinders of the motor you are working on 🙂
Stuart says
Mar 25, 2010 at 1:04 pmJonah, you are correct, the collar slides back automatically when a bit is fully inserted into the holder. Thank you for the correction/clarification!
The holder is not spring-loaded, but is magnetic (there are magnet-less options available), and like you I appreciate that the bits aren’t catapulted out away from a tool when the holder is unlocked.
Joe Mamma says
Aug 23, 2010 at 10:20 amDoes anyone know what the differences are between the 889/4/1 K that was reviewed, and the other Rapidaptors like 888/4/1 K and the 897/4 R BiTorsion? I went to the Wera website and it’s not clear to me. Thanks.
Stuart says
Aug 23, 2010 at 12:06 pmI am fairly certain that the 897/4 R Rapidaptor is 3″ long instead of 2″ as with the 889/4/1 K, and the 888/4/1 K lacks the magnet of the 889/4/1 K.
In other words 889 = 2″ with magnet, 888 = 2″ without magnet, 897 = 3″ without magnet.