Expecting too much from a cordless combi drill?

[Sprogginz]

Are you using a bit holder or have you just put the bit straight in the chuck?

With the bit in the chuck very small movements of the drill have a proportionately bigger effect on the angle the bit meets the screw at. Use a bit holder. Or even better for beginner purposes get some 150mm bits. The extra length will make it much easier for you.

I've been using a magnetic holder. Thanks.

 

[Sprogginz]

I've been using Dewalt bits for general DIY jobs...

http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-pozi-screwdriver-bit-box-pz-2-x-25mm-pk25/99783[/QUOTE]

I was looking at those and the more expensive Wera ones but now thinking of getting this which looks like it includes the ones you have recommended from DeWalt:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dt71563-qz-combination-drill-bit-set-100-pieces/13266

Everyone’s advice has made me realise that my drill bits are probably rubbish as well and possibly why I was struggling to drill a section of a brick wall.

I’m also wondering if it’s worth paying a bit more and get this from Makita instead?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-p-67832-101-piece-accessory-set/96659

Not sure if they’re the best value but hopefully I won’t need to buy anything else!

Appreciate it if you let me know what you think.

Thanks.

 

[Sprogginz]

Just use these, no more problems

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Scr.../Torx-Fast+Multi+Purpose+Screw/p63292[/QUOTE]

I'm really going to show my ignorance here! I was wondering what exactly those bits were for. What's the difference between those and Pozi bits or when are you supposed to use those instead of Pozi?

Just had a look at the bit I was using and I'm embarrassed to say it was a Phillips!

 

[big-all]

dont be embarraced i know many a tradesman who wont be told and blame the screws
torxs are just another solution but at a very expensive price per screw
just get yourself pz2 bits they will cover most wood screw sizes
no6/7/8/10 and 3mm/3.5/4/4.5/5mm screws use pz2
no4 use a pz1 and no12s and 6mm use a pz3 bit

 

[Dave54]

Just use these, no more problems

http://www.toolstation.com/shop/Scr.../Torx-Fast+Multi+Purpose+Screw/p63292[/QUOTE]

I'm really going to show my ignorance here! I was wondering what exactly those bits were for. What's the difference between those and Pozi bits or when are you supposed to use those instead of Pozi?

Just had a look at the bit I was using and I'm embarrassed to say it was a Phillips!

They're a "Torx" head, they work like a star shaped allen key for want of a better description. The screw will stay on the bit to locate it, and it won't "cam out" like a pozi will. Good, but as already said, expensive and a PIA if you haven't got the right bit and need to take them out of someone else's work.
Sprogginz, those sets are OK, but you always end up buying stuff you don't use. Up to you of course.
Personally I have a couple of the "lock in" type bitholders, where you pull the sleeve back to take the bit out. Saves leaving the bit with the screw. I bought a pack of "gold" decent branded (can't remember) pz 2 bits ages ago, and I've got a couple of those little multi bit sets in bungy boxes. Cheap, and they cover the rest for me for the occasional one off use. One of them came with a little bit ratchet handle like in a socket set, and that is useful on occasion. I get masonry drills as I need them generally.
I will say that I've never been out on site driving hardened twinfasts all day though.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I will say that I've never been out on site driving hardened twinfasts all day though.

That's when you really need something like the Wera Diamond bits. And if you are payig something like £3 a pop for your bits yoe tend to make sure that you have the right bit in the driver! On a good job with decent screws you can get eight to ten days out of a bit on an impact driver - on a bad one it's two to three days. Still better than two to three hours of the average deWalt or Stanley bit, though

 

[cajar]

I've been using Dewalt bits for general DIY jobs...

http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-pozi-screwdriver-bit-box-pz-2-x-25mm-pk25/99783[/QUOTE]

I was looking at those and the more expensive Wera ones but now thinking of getting this which looks like it includes the ones you have recommended from DeWalt:

http://www.screwfix.com/p/dewalt-dt71563-qz-combination-drill-bit-set-100-pieces/13266

Everyone’s advice has made me realise that my drill bits are probably rubbish as well and possibly why I was struggling to drill a section of a brick wall.

I’m also wondering if it’s worth paying a bit more and get this from Makita instead?

http://www.screwfix.com/p/makita-p-67832-101-piece-accessory-set/96659

Not sure if they’re the best value but hopefully I won’t need to buy anything else!

Appreciate it if you let me know what you think.

Thanks.

I have the makita accessory set you linked as well as a tic tack box of pozi's in my van. If you want something that will serve you well, make the job easier and last a long time, buy the wera kit I linked - there is simply no comparison in quality. I saved lots of money and frustration since I started using them. You can buy individual wera bits for about £2 each and they last for a very long time compared to the tic tack box. The biggest cost is the bit holder, but this does an excellent job in holding the bits secure so they dont stay on the screwhead when you take the drill away, as well as reducing wear on the bits themselves.

 

[Dave54]

Like a lot of things in life that makes those bits a bargain at £3 each if they last that long. I'd guess the ones I have are like the Stanley or Dewalt ones. I'll get some of those Wera next time. A few of them will see me out!

 

[alan333]

I find the DeWalt stuff is more than capable for a general DIYer. If you don't have a decent set of drills or screwdriver bits then go for one of the sets like you linked to - there'll be stuff in it you'll never use but it's a great starting point. If you only need pozi bits then, again, the DeWalt ones will do fine.

Don't get me wrong, if I was using the bits all day every day I'd look at it differently. But a pack of DeWalt bits will see you through a good few big DIY jobs.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

if I was using the bits all day every day I'd look at it differently. But a pack of DeWalt bits will see you through a good few big DIY jobs.

I'm not disagreeing with that. Just pointing out that there are different qualities out there

 

[alan333]

if I was using the bits all day every day I'd look at it differently. But a pack of DeWalt bits will see you through a good few big DIY jobs.

I'm not disagreeing with that. Just pointing out that there are different qualities out there

Sorry JobAndKnock I had no intent to disagree with you, just pointing out that the six quid box of bits would probably do a DIYer. Apologies for any offence caused