RGuimont sent us a link to these diamond-tipped screwdriver bits. The diamond coating “roughs up” the surface of the bit helping it to hold tightly to the fastener — and helping you avoid slipping off the fastener and tearing up a prepared surface beneath.
According to Lee Valley, “the tips have a coating of fine diamond grit that increases friction between the driver and screw head to significantly reduce cam-out. Each bit is milled from chrome molybdenum vanadium tool steel, hardened to Rc57-59, and nickel-plated to resist corrosion.”
We’ve never used any of these, but considering that they start at around $3.20 each, we may have to give ‘em a go. They’re available in multiple sizes of slotted, Phillips, and POZIDRIV, and there’s a screw holder/driver available as well.
Diamond-Tipped Screwdriver Bits [Lee Valley]
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6 Responses to Diamond-Tipped Screwdriver Bits: No, This Is NOT Bling
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{ The hammer has not yet made it to their web site - but the new brake spring tool is listed for online purchase: http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/product/tabid/120/p-331257-dbst1058.aspx } – May 16, 8:00 PM
{ Too bad this only applies to Wilton vises, I have an ancient Massey Vise in the shop that was my grandfather's, reclaimed from the scrap... } – May 16, 6:29 PM
{ I grabbed one of these as soon as my tool guy showed it to me. "Kicks Ass" is not strong enough for how wonderful this... } – May 16, 6:00 PM
{ $$? } – May 16, 9:54 AM
{ would submmit idea on a gardening tool . i have not seen it anywhere } – May 16, 9:19 AM
Hmmm… for about $2.xx you can get Phillips ACR bits from Snap On….
I’ll bet that is the same coating as my diamond tipped tweezers I got for grooming my unibrow. It looks similar to the diamond grit honing plates I use for touching up carbide router bits.
if everyone would start using Robertson screws, we wouldn’t need any of this type of stuff….
paul b: At first I was surprised there were no Robertson bits, considering this is from Lee Valley. Then I realised that these bits are intended to reduce a problem that Robertsons do not have.
Seriously, anybody who isn’t using Robertsons (also known as square-drive) *needs* to try them:
http://www.mcfeelys.com/product/1200-FSL-SB/Special-1200-Sample-Assortment-with-Bits
I have a little dropper-bottle of this grit grip fluid, I can’t think of the name right now… It’s essentially a suspension of abrasive in light oil, which you apply to the screwdriver tip when you need it to resist stripping. Works like a charm, but it’s awkward and messy. I like the diamond idea.
I’ve tried the square drives, and hate them more than Phillips. Torx head leaves both in the dust however.