Question 1

What's the difference between Phillips and Pozidriv bits — can I use them interchangeably?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Are standard screwdriver bits safe to use in an impact driver?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What size screwdriver bit do I need for most jobs around the house?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

Why do my screwdriver bits wear out so quickly?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

Is it worth buying a 40-piece bit set, or should I buy individual bits?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What does 'cam-out' mean and how do I avoid it?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Should I avoid very cheap screwdriver bit sets sold online?

Accepted Answer

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.

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