Screwdriver Bits Price Comparison
Compare 1,086 screwdriver bits from Wera, Draper, Bosch & more. Find the best price across top UK retailers, from 1 £ to 55 £.
Screwdriver Bits price comparison UK
Screwdriver bits are one of those purchases that looks trivially simple — until you strip a screw head on a critical job and realise the cheap set you grabbed from a discount bin wasn't up to the task. Our catalogue covers 1,086 products, ranging from individual Phillips bits at 1 £ to professional-grade sets pushing 55 £, and the spread tells you a lot about how seriously different buyers take their toolkits.
Draper Tools dominates sheer volume here, with over 250 references at an accessible average price point — solid everyday bits that suit the DIY drawer or a tradesperson's van kit. Wera sits at the other end of the spectrum: fewer SKUs, but a noticeably higher average price that reflects their precision-machined tolerances and the kind of cam-out resistance that makes a real difference when you're driving dozens of screws a day. If you're comparing the two, the price gap is real, but so is the performance gap on demanding work.
Bosch and DeWALT pitch themselves squarely at power-tool users — their bits are engineered to handle the repeated impact of a drill-driver or impact driver without shattering. Makita bits follow the same logic, and they pair naturally with Makita cordless tools, though the 6.35mm (¼") shank standard means cross-brand compatibility is rarely an issue. For budget-conscious buyers, Yato offers a surprisingly broad range at prices that sit around 2 £, making them worth a look for occasional use or stocking up on commonly lost sizes.
One thing worth noting: the profile type matters far more than most buyers appreciate. Phillips and Pozidriv look almost identical but are not interchangeable — using a Phillips bit on a Pozidriv screw (or vice versa) is one of the most common causes of cam-out and rounded heads. If you work on European-assembled furniture or appliances, Pozidriv (PZ2 in particular) is almost certainly what you need. Torx profiles have become increasingly common in automotive and electronics work, and Wiha and Gedore both offer excellent Torx sets worth comparing on price. You'll find related accessories like nut driver bits and manual screwdrivers in our catalogue if you're building out a complete toolkit.
Magnétisation is another underrated feature — a strongly magnetised bit holds the screw on the tip, which is genuinely useful when working overhead or in tight spaces. Most mid-range and premium bits include this as standard; at the very bottom of the price range, it's often absent. For anyone using an mechanics tool set professionally, investing a little more in chrome-vanadium steel bits with proper hardening treatment pays for itself quickly in reduced replacement costs.
How to Choose the Right Screwdriver Bits
Most stripped screw heads aren't caused by poor technique — they're caused by the wrong bit. With 1,086 options in our catalogue spanning everything from single replacement bits to 40-piece professional sets, the choice can feel overwhelming. Here's what actually matters, in order of importance.
Profile type: get this wrong and nothing else matters
Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, Slotted, Hex, Square — each profile is engineered for a specific screw head, and substituting one for another is the fastest route to a rounded, unusable fastener. Phillips (#2) is the default for most UK-sold power tools and general hardware. Pozidriv (PZ2) dominates flat-pack furniture and many European appliances — it has four additional shallow ribs that prevent cam-out. Torx (T25, T30) is increasingly standard in automotive work and electronics. If you're buying a kit, make sure it covers the profiles you actually use rather than padding out with obscure sizes you'll never touch.
Shank diameter and tool compatibility
The vast majority of screwdriver bits use a 6.35mm (¼") hex shank — this is the universal standard compatible with drill-drivers, impact drivers, and bit holders. Some heavy-duty bits use 8mm or 10mm shanks for higher torque applications. Before buying, check your tool's chuck or bit holder accepts the shank size. Mixing standards causes slippage and accelerates wear on both the bit and the chuck.
Steel grade and hardening treatment
Budget bits are often made from basic carbon steel with minimal heat treatment — they'll work for light use but deform or snap under sustained torque. Chrome-vanadium (CrV) steel is the benchmark for quality: it combines hardness with enough flexibility to absorb torsional stress without fracturing. Titanium-coated bits add surface hardness and corrosion resistance. If you're using an impact driver, look specifically for bits labelled as impact-rated — standard bits can shatter under the repeated shock loads these tools generate.
Bit length and access requirements
Standard bits are 25mm long, which suits most bit holders and drill-drivers. For recessed fixings or deep countersinks, 50mm or 75mm bits give you the reach without needing an extension. Very long bits (100mm+) reduce torque precision and are best reserved for specific access problems. If you're working in confined spaces — inside cabinets, behind panels — a short 25mm bit in a right-angle adapter is often more practical than a long bit.
Individual bits vs. sets: what's actually worth buying
Single bits from 1 £ make sense as replacements for a specific worn size. Sets from 3 £ upwards offer better value if you need coverage across multiple profiles. The key question is quality consistency — a 40-piece set at a very low price often includes filler sizes made to a lower standard than the headline sizes. Wera and Wiha sets tend to maintain consistent quality across every bit; some budget sets cut corners on the less common profiles. If you only ever use PZ2 and T25, two quality individual bits will outperform a cheap 40-piece set every time.
Magnetisation: small feature, big practical difference
A magnetised bit holds the screw on the tip during positioning — essential for overhead work, tight spaces, or any situation where dropping a screw means losing it. Most bits from mid-range brands upwards include this. At the very bottom of the price range it's often absent or weak. Some bits offer adjustable magnetisation via a separate magnetiser tool, which gives you flexibility when working near sensitive electronics where strong magnetic fields are undesirable.
- Stock up and replace (From 1 £ to 2 £) : Individual bits and very small sets. Draper Tools and Yato dominate this range. Fine for replacing a single worn bit or stocking a basic toolkit, but don't expect impact-rated performance or premium steel. Yato's single bits offer decent value for occasional use.
- The practical sweet spot (From 2 £ to 3 £) : Where most DIYers and light tradespeople should be shopping. Draper Tools multi-packs and Bosch starter sets sit here. You get CrV steel, reasonable magnetisation, and enough variety to cover most jobs without paying for professional-grade tolerances you may not need.
- Serious toolkit territory (From 3 £ to 10 £) : Larger sets from Bosch, DeWALT, and Makita, plus entry-level Wera and Wiha. Impact-rated bits become standard at this level. Makita and DeWALT sets are particularly well-suited to power-tool users who drive screws daily. Worth comparing prices carefully — John Lewis and Currys often price these differently.
- Professional and specialist (Over 10 £) : Wera, Wiha, Gedore, and KS Tools comprehensive sets. Precision-machined tolerances, full profile coverage, and the kind of build quality that survives years of daily professional use. The price is justified for tradespeople; for occasional home use, it's probably more than you need.
Top products
- Metabo 626721000 screwdriver bit 29 pc(s) (Metabo) : A well-rounded 29-piece set from a brand better known for power tools — the bits are impact-rated and CrV steel throughout, making this a strong choice for drill-driver users. Not the cheapest 29-piece option, but the quality consistency across the set is noticeably better than budget alternatives.
- Draper Tools 33322 screwdriver bit 40 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : The most comprehensive Draper set in the top listings — 40 pieces covering a broad range of profiles. Good value for a home workshop that needs variety. That said, not all 40 bits are equal in quality; the common sizes perform well, the obscure ones are there to pad the count.
- Draper Tools 43613 screwdriver bit 7 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : Seven well-chosen bits covering the profiles most DIYers actually use — this is the set we'd recommend over a bloated 40-piece kit for anyone who doesn't need specialist sizes. Compact, practical, and priced sensibly. The best starting point in the Draper range.
- Draper Tools 82406 screwdriver bit 33 pc(s) (Draper Tools) : 33 pieces at a price that undercuts most comparable sets — genuinely good value if you need broad coverage on a tight budget. The trade-off is that this is clearly a general-purpose set rather than a precision one; fine for wood screws and household fixings, less impressive on fine electronics work.
- Yato YT-78147 screwdriver bit (Yato) : The cheapest entry in the top listings and a fair representative of what Yato does well — affordable single bits for replacing a specific worn size without buying a full set. Don't expect premium steel, but for light to moderate use it does the job. Stock up on your most-used profiles rather than buying one at a time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Phillips and Pozidriv bits — can I use them interchangeably?
No — Phillips and Pozidriv are not interchangeable, and using the wrong one is the most common cause of stripped screw heads. Pozidriv screws have four additional shallow ribs between the main cross slots; a Phillips bit will fit loosely and cam out under load. Check the screw head carefully: Pozidriv screws often have a small 'PZ' marking or the extra ribs are visible. When in doubt, PZ2 is the correct choice for most flat-pack furniture and European appliances sold in the UK.
Are standard screwdriver bits safe to use in an impact driver?
Standard bits are not designed for impact drivers and can shatter under the repeated shock loads these tools generate. Impact drivers apply rotational impacts rather than continuous torque, which stresses the bit differently. Look for bits explicitly labelled as 'impact-rated' or 'torsion bits' — these are made from more flexible steel that absorbs shock rather than fracturing. Wera, Bosch, and DeWALT all offer dedicated impact-rated ranges worth comparing on price.
What size screwdriver bit do I need for most jobs around the house?
PZ2 (Pozidriv No. 2) covers the vast majority of household screws — wood screws, chipboard screws, and most flat-pack fixings. A PH2 (Phillips No. 2) handles most electrical fittings and imported hardware. Add a T25 Torx for appliances and a flat 5mm slotted bit, and you've covered roughly 90% of domestic tasks. A 7-piece set in this range typically costs around 2 £ and is far more useful than a 40-piece set full of sizes you'll never use.
Why do my screwdriver bits wear out so quickly?
Premature wear is almost always down to using the wrong profile (causing cam-out that damages the tip), using standard bits in an impact driver, or buying bits made from low-grade steel without proper hardening. Chrome-vanadium steel with a proper heat treatment lasts significantly longer than basic carbon steel. If you're going through bits quickly, upgrading to a mid-range Wera or Bosch set — even at a higher upfront cost — will almost certainly save money over time.
Is it worth buying a 40-piece bit set, or should I buy individual bits?
It depends entirely on the quality consistency of the set. A 40-piece set from a reputable brand like Draper Tools or Bosch offers genuine value if you need broad coverage. However, many cheap large sets include filler sizes made to a lower standard than the headline bits — you end up with 35 bits you never use and 5 that wear out quickly. If you have specific, regular needs, two or three quality individual bits will outperform a budget mega-set every time. Sets become worthwhile when you genuinely need the variety.
What does 'cam-out' mean and how do I avoid it?
Cam-out is when the bit slips out of the screw head under load, typically rounding the recess and making the screw very difficult to remove. It's caused by using the wrong profile, a worn bit, or applying too much speed without enough downward pressure. To avoid it: match the profile precisely (especially Phillips vs. Pozidriv), keep bits sharp and replace them when worn, and use firm downward pressure when driving. Pozidriv and Torx profiles are inherently more cam-out resistant than Phillips by design.
Should I avoid very cheap screwdriver bit sets sold online?
Treat no-brand or unbranded sets under 1 £ with caution — the steel quality is often unverifiable, tolerances can be loose enough to cause cam-out even on new screws, and magnetisation is frequently absent. For occasional light use they may suffice, but for any regular work they'll cost more in replacement and damaged screws than a decent Draper or Yato set. Stick to known brands with clear steel specifications, even at the budget end of the market.