Best Screwdriver Bit Set UK: Impact-Rated Bits for Trade
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Bits are the cheapest part of a cordless kit and the part that fails first. A cheap bit in an impact driver will round off, snap or cam out within a few dozen screws, and a stripped screw head costs far more in time than a decent set costs in money.
The bit sets in this guide are all rated for impact drivers and are available on Amazon UK at the time of writing. They range from about £13 to £57, and the right one for you depends on how hard you work them and which screw heads you drive most.
We have picked six that cover the usual trade needs: Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, hex and slotted, in lengths that suit most fixings.
Quick Verdict
For the best all-round value, the Makita Impact Black 33-piece set at about £20 has more than 2,500 reviews on Amazon UK and covers the bits most trades need. The DeWalt FlexTorq 37-piece set at the same price is the pick if you want a more flexible shank for impact drivers.
If you want the best bits money can buy, the Wera Impaktor set is the benchmark, and the Milwaukee Shockwave is the toughest option from the power tool brands.
The Best Impact Bit Sets for UK Trade
Best Value: Makita Impact Black 33-Piece Set (B-66896)
Makita’s Impact Black range is built for impact drivers, with a torsion zone designed to absorb the shock of the impact and a black oxide coating for durability. The 33-piece set contains a mix of Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, hex and slotted bits, and a bit holder, in a compact case.
At about £20 and with more than 2,500 reviews on Amazon UK it is the sensible set to buy for most trades. It is not the longest-lasting bit on the market, but it is cheap enough that replacing it is not a worry.
- Magnetic
- 1 each screw guide holder and bit holder
- 3 x magnetic nutsetter; 6mm, 8mm and 10mm
- 6 x 1/4" HSS twist drills; 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm and 5mm
- 16 x 25mm screw bits and 6 x 50mm screw bits
Best for Impact Drivers: DeWalt FlexTorq 37-Piece Set
The DeWalt Extreme FlexTorq set has 37 pieces, including a mixture of Phillips, Pozidriv, Torx, hex and slotted bits, plus a magnetic bit holder. The FlexTorq design has a flexible zone in the shank that absorbs some of the shock, which reduces breakage in an impact driver.
At about £20 it costs the same as the Makita set and has nearly 2,000 reviews on Amazon UK. If you are a DeWalt user, it fits in a TSTAK system and is a natural choice.
- TOUGHCASE+ STACKABLE CASE SYSTEM: Enables effortless organisation and transport by securely locking cases together, allowing multiple accessory sets to be stacked and carried with ease.
- MODULAR DESIGN FOR FLEXIBILITY: Allows flexible arrangement by connecting and stacking cases, perfectly fitting with small, medium, and large ToughCases, and integrating with the TSTAK Caddy for tailored storage solutions.
- TSTAK COMPATIBILITY: Enables all accessory sets to be held in one place, connecting seamlessly via the TSTAK Caddy and large ToughCase for streamlined, secure storage.
- CLEAR LID FOR INSTANT ACCESS: Transparent lid provides quick and easy identification of bits, ensuring efficient bit selection and reducing downtime on the job.
- Compatible with: DCF887NT-XJ
Best Small Set: DeWalt Impact Torsion 14-Piece Set
Sometimes you only need a handful of bits in a pouch. The DeWalt Impact Torsion 14-piece set covers the usual Phillips, Pozidriv and Torx sizes in a small case, and it costs about £13.
With more than 3,000 reviews on Amazon UK it is a popular choice for a small tool bag, and is a good back-up set for the van.
- Ideal for use with impact drivers and wide range of screwdriving applications
- Magnetic drive guides x2 (compact & longer version)
- Comes in a small case for easy and robust storage
- Allows optimum bit flex for maximum life in Impact/High Torque applications
- Contains: 25mm: PH1, PH2, PH3, PZ1, PZ2x3, PZ3, SL6, T20, T25, T30
Toughest Power Tool Brand Set: Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty
Milwaukee’s Shockwave bits are known for their durability, and this impact duty set includes Torx, Pozidriv, Phillips and hex bits in a robust case. At about £40 it costs twice as much as the Makita and DeWalt sets, and it has more than 440 reviews on Amazon UK.
If you drive a lot of structural screws, or you are fed up with bits snapping, it is worth the extra. Milwaukee bits are a favourite for decking, framing and heavy fixing.
- Shockwave screwdriving bits
- Country of origin: China
- Manufacturer: Milwaukee
- Item weight: 430 g
Best Premium Set: Wera Impaktor 30-Piece Set
Wera’s Impaktor bits are among the best in the world, and they are made to last. The Impaktor range uses a diamond coating on the tip and a torsion zone for shock absorption, and the bits grip a screw head far more securely than a standard bit.
The 30-piece set costs about £57, which is a lot more than the others, but with more than 2,200 reviews on Amazon UK it has proved itself. If you work with screws all day, a Wera set will last for much longer, and the better grip means fewer stripped heads.
- Upright positionable, multi-component Bit-Check
- Impaktor technology for above-average service life
- Particularly suitable for use with customary impact drivers
- Diamond coating for a secure fit in the screw, literally bites into the screwhead to prevent cam-out
- Holder with ring magnet for holding longer and heavier screws
Best Mid-Range Alternative: Irwin Impact Pro Performance 33-Piece Set
The Irwin Impact Pro Performance range is a good middle option, with a bit design that is made to fit tightly in the screw head and resist cam-out. The 33-piece set costs about £21, and it has a reasonable number of reviews on Amazon UK.
It is worth a look if you want something between the budget sets and the premium options.
- Visible - for easy viewing of contents
- Stackable - for convenient travel and storage
- Accessible - for customizable kits
- Optimized tip geometry for durability
- CNC machined with optimized torsion zone for long life
At a Glance: Impact Bit Sets Compared
| Set | Pieces | Approx. Price | Best For |
| Makita Impact Black B-66896 | 33 | £20 | All-round value |
| DeWalt FlexTorq DT70731T | 37 | £20 | Impact drivers, DeWalt users |
| DeWalt Torsion DT70512T | 14 | £13 | Small tool bag set |
| Milwaukee Shockwave Impact Duty | Impact duty | £40 | Heavy use |
| Wera Impaktor 57690 | 30 | £57 | Premium grip and life |
| Irwin Impact Pro Performance | 33 | £21 | Mid-range alternative |
Buyer’s Guide: What Actually Matters
Impact rated
Impact drivers hit harder than a drill, and a standard screwdriver bit will not last. Look for bits marked as impact rated, with a torsion zone in the shank to absorb the shock. They are cheaper than the cost of replacing snapped standard bits.
Match the bit to the screw
Most of the rounded screw heads you see are the result of the wrong bit. Pozidriv and Phillips look similar, but they are not the same, and using a Phillips bit in a Pozidriv screw will cam out. Buy a set with both, and use the right one.
Bit length
25mm bits are the standard for most work. Longer bits (50mm and above) reach into recessed fixings and are good for screwing through brackets or into hard-to-reach places. A set with both is useful.
Magnetic bit holder
A magnetic holder keeps the screw on the bit, which saves time and frustration. Most sets include one, but you should check.
Replace worn bits
A worn bit will damage screw heads and slip. When the tip looks rounded or shiny, replace it. A set of cheap bits is better than a damaged screw.
FAQs
Do I need impact-rated bits for an impact driver?
Yes. Standard bits are brittle and can shatter under the force of an impact driver, which is dangerous. Impact-rated bits are designed to flex slightly and absorb the shock.
What is the difference between Phillips and Pozidriv?
Pozidriv has extra small marks between the main slots, and the tip is a different shape. Using a Phillips bit in a Pozidriv screw will cause the bit to cam out and damage the head.
Are expensive bits worth it?
For daily use, yes. A premium bit like Wera’s will last longer, grip better and strip fewer screws. For occasional use, a budget set is fine.
How long do impact bits last?
It depends on how hard you work them and the screws you drive. A good bit can last for thousands of screws, while a cheap one might last for a few hundred.
What size bits do I need?
PZ2 is the most common for general building and decking, and PH2 for plasterboard screws. Torx T20 and T25 are common for decking and construction screws, so keep a set with all of these.
Final Word
For most trades, the Makita Impact Black 33-piece set or the DeWalt FlexTorq 37-piece set will do the job, and they cost about the same as a few cups of coffee. If you drive thousands of screws a week, spend more on Milwaukee Shockwave or Wera Impaktor bits, because the extra grip and lifespan will repay the cost.
Keep a spare set in the van, bin worn bits, and use the right bit for the screw. It will save time and damaged screws.
