Choosing the right screw bit is important when using a drill or electric screwdriver to drive screws. Screw bits, of course, are removable tips that fit into the chuck of a drill or electric screwdriver. The tip is shaped to match a specific type of drive types, such as Phillips and flathead.
After inserting a screw bit in the chuck of your preferred tool, you can place it over the screw. Activating the tool will turn the screw, allowing you to tighten the screw with a clockwise rotation or loosen it with a counterclockwise rotation. Some screw bits are classified as insert bits, however, whereas others are classified as power bits.
What Are Insert Bits?
Insert bits are short screw bits designed for use with a magnetic bit holder. Most measure about 1 inch long. To use them, you’ll need to a magnetic bit holder. You can insert the bit holder in your tool’s chuck, after which you can place a screw bit inside of it. The magnetic bit holder will secure the bit so that it only turns when you activate the tool.
What Are Power Bits?
Power bits are longer screw bits that don’t require a magnetic bit holder. They are available in many of the same drive types, and they share a similar appearance to insert bits. Power bits, though, are notably longer. They feature a shank and tip integrated into a single easy-to-use bit..
Differences Between Insert and Power Bits
One of the key differences between insert bits and power bits is their length. Power bits are longer than insert bits. A typical insert bit is about 1 inch long, whereas power bits often measure 2 to 3 inches long — sometimes even longer. With their long length, power bits are used in hard-to-reach areas. Even if an insert bit can’t reach a particular fastener, you may be able to use a power bit.
Insert bits rely heavily on the magnetic bit holder with which they are used. The holder essentially absorbs torque. And the more torque your tool applies, the greater the strain on the holder. If the holder is cheap or poorly made, it may deform under high-torque applications. Power bits don’t suffer from this problem because they don’t require the use of a magnetic bit holder.
Changing an insert bit is a breeze. You don’t have to loosen and re-tighten your tool’s chuck. Instead, you just need to pull the old insert bit out of the magnetic bit holder and push the new bit in place. If you’re installing screws with many different drive types, using insert bits can speed up the process thanks to their interchangeability.
