I’m prepping for a head-to-head comparison between Harbor Freight’s new 20V Max Hercules cordless drill/driver, and Dewalt’s DCD777 20V Max brushless cordless drill/driver. Both are usually on sale for $99, and so that’s the com
Because if I’m doing a direct comparison, I need all new power tool accessories and at least 2 of everything. I visited my nearest Home Depot to pick up some needed drill bit, screwdriver bits, bit holders, nutdriver bits, and impact sockets.
I have an impact driver comparison on my to-do list. I don’t really buy non-impact driver bits anymore. I will sometimes, but generally only for hand tools.
If it goes in a drill, 9 times out of 10 it’s an impact-rated bit. It’s easier than keeping non-impact and impact bits on hand.
When I got back and started putting my purchases away, I realized something. I have a very strong preference for Milwaukee Shockwave impact-rated bits. I even bought some Shockwave RedHelix drill bits.
I can’t tell you if Milwaukee’s bits are best. But in my experience, they hold up well and are reasonably priced.
Some of their small accessory packs aren’t the best value – I paid $4 for just (2) T20 power bits, but it’s what I found in-store. Insert bits would have been more economical, but I wanted longer power bits and don’t need a lot.
I like Bosch’s newly designed impact driver bits too – and ordered a couple more packs online. But it’ll take time before it arrives, and I need to get the drill testing started ASAP.
I’ll have a separate post about what I bought for testing and why, but wanted to share my realization of how much appeal I saw in the Milwaukee Shockwave accessories.
- Drill bits: Milwaukee Shockwave (although I’m generally not a fan of hex-shanked drill bits)
- Spade bits: Bosch
- Auger bits: Bosch
- Nut driver assortment: Milwaukee Shockwave
- Nut driver power bits: Milwaukee Shockwave
- Sockets: Milwaukee Shockwave and Makita
- Phillips power bits: Dewalt MaxFit
- Torx power bits: Milwaukee Shockwave
- Bit Holders: Milwaukee Shockwave
I also bought a set of Shockwave drill bits and a Shockwave screwdriver bit set for the DIYer tool kit guide I’m working on.
Whenever I go on a tool or supply run at Home Depot, I end up coming up with a lot of Milwaukee Red. Part of that is because of Home Depot’s tool brand partnerships and relationships. I like Bosch and Dewalt accessories, but I have quicker and easier access to a wider selection of Milwaukee Shockwave accessories.
And these more recent generation of Milwaukee Shockwave accessories? I’m not finding much to complain about.
Do you have a favorite go-to brand of screwdriver and impact driver bits?