I was using the wrong screwdriver bit for stripping screws for like 5 years

So I kept stripping out Phillips head screws on deck boards and cabinet hinges, and I just figured it was cheap screws or I was pushing too hard. Then a buddy at work stopped me and pointed out I was using a #2 bit on screws that needed a #1. I swapped bits on a stubborn gate hinge last weekend in Portland and it grabbed perfectly first try. The difference is basically just a millimeter or two on the tip but it changes everything about how the bit seats. Has anyone else dealt with stripping issues only to realize it was the bit size all along?

2 comments

2 Comments

anna98319d ago

Started using a #1 bit on some cabinet pulls I kept mangling and it was night and day how clean the grab felt. A buddy told me to check the bit size first before blaming the hardware, honestly saved me a lot of headaches. Once you switch to the right size your driver bites way better and you dont have to crank down so hard.

fiona_lane19d ago

Totally agree @anna983, right bit size makes everything grab cleaner and spares your knuckles from slipping.