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How are screwdriver bits manufactured?

How are screwdriver bits manufactured?

Shop for Screwdriver bits

Man checking dials Screwdriver bits are either forged or machined. Each have their own particular set of characteristics.

Forged bits

Hammering heated metal Forged screwdriver bits are made by heating up the metal and hammering it into shape.
oak and metal with screws

Applications

Forged bits are stronger than machined, and so they can drive screws into hard as well as soft materials.

Screwdriver bit end

Characteristics

Forged bits are made without interrupting the grain structure of the metal, and so they tend to be much stronger than machined bits.

Forged bits wear down and round at the end over time rather than shatter like machined bits.

Piggy bank They are less expensive to produce and therefore cheaper to buy.

Machined bits

Machined screwdriver bits Machined screwdriver bits are made by cutting the metal into shape.
Pine and cedar with screws

Applications

Machined bits are not as strong as forged bits and so they are more effective at driving screws into softer materials.

Shattered screwdriver bit

Characteristics

Machined screwdriver bits are made by interrupting the grain of the metal and so they are quite brittle, and can shatter in hard screw-driving applications.

Price tag Compared to forged bits, they are more expensive to produce and therefore costlier to purchase.
Diamond coated screwdriver bit Machined bits are made by shaping the metal and so they are often produced when specific dimensions or intricate designs are required.

Specialist treatments

Tempered power bit

Tempered screwdriver bits

During the manufacturing process, most screwdriver bits are hardened to prevent them being worn down when used.

This is done by subjecting them to extremely high temperatures before plunging them into cold water.

Hot screwdriver bit Screwdriver bits that have been tempered have been subjected to a second heating process known as tempering, which involves heating up the bit before allowing it to cool slowly.

Manufacturers of tempered screwdriver bits claim they offer increased toughness and hardness.

Frozen / ice-bit screwdriver bit

Frozen / ice-bit screwdriver bits

During the manufacturing process, some screwdriver bits are cryogenically frozen (subjected to extremely low temperatures, generally below -150°C.)

Manufacturers of frozen screwdriver bits claim they offer increased strength and extended bit life.

Coatings

Titanium coated screwdriver bit

Titanium-coated bits

Some screwdriver bits are coated with a special layer, usually titanium or diamond.

Manufacturers of titanium-coated screwdriver bits claim they offer increased resistance against the bit becoming worn down over time.

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