Apex has come out with new impact-rated screwdriver bits and accessories (such as bit-holders). They sent over a sample pack a few months ago (thank you!), and I’ve been working in some time with them.
Now, if you’re not familiar with the Apex brand, there are a few things you should know. Apex is a USA-based brand, part of Apex Tool Group, that produces phenomenal quality screwdriver bits and accessories, or assembly manufacturing accessories, in their words. Their products are truly superb, and they’re made in the USA.
These new impact-rated fastening accessories are made in Taiwan.
Another thing to be aware of is that if you want to buy Apex fastening accessories, you’ll need to seek them out, meaning you won’t just come across them at the screwdriver bits or power tool accessories section at the local home center. Apex is an industrial market-focused brand. However, their products are reasonably priced, especially for the quality.
I have not yet made up my mind about how to recommend these new Apex impact-rated screwdriver bits, but there are some things I can tell you. First, they appear to be every bit as precise and well-made as Apex’s legendary 1/4″ hex bits and accessories. Second, they seem to be fairly durable, although I need more time and testing to be able to know exactly how well they last against construction industry brands.
The new Apex impact bits feature:
Full Body Design for greater strength and durability.
Optimized Tip Geometry for best fit.
Proprietary Heat Treatment to maximize bit life.
The 3″ magnetic bit holder, shown above, has a clip-ring that locks bits in place, but it’s not too strong so as to prevent hand removal of standard 1″ insert bits. The packaging card also says that it features a stainless steel design, for increased strength and durability.
How to Buy?
So, let’s say you want to try these out. The new made-in-Taiwan impact-rated bits have an AMB product number prefix. For example:
3″ Bit Holder: AMBH3-1
Phillips #2 2-inch power bit: AMB2PH2-1
Torx T25 1-inch insert bit 2-pack: AMB1TX25-2
It’s easier to shop by model number. There’s no list that I can find, but the model numbering code is easy to figure out.
If you want a 6″ bit holder, you’ll want to look for AMBH6-1 for a single unit pack. If you want say Phillips #1 2-inch power bits, that’s AMB2PH1. Torx T20 in 2-inch size? AMB2TX20. Phillips #2 in 1-inch size? AMB1PH2.
I am told that the new accessories will be available at regional and national distributors. If, like me, you don’t have a typical Apex distributor, you can find their accessories at Amazon and Zoro. For some sizes, you might have to buy a bulk pack.
As regular readers probably already know, I like to try new things. Based on that, and my pre-existing affinity for Apex screwdriver bits (although I regrettably only have a few in my toolbox right now), I’d say that yes I’d buy and try some of these new Apex impact-rated bits.
I can tell you for near certainty that I’ll be ordering a pack of Apex impact-rated T20 bits (25-pack via Amazon) before I run out of my current supply. I say “before I run out” because Amazon has a 1-3 month ETA, and Zoro’s estimate is 19 business days.
I think that it would be fair to summarize my current thoughts and impressions by saying that the new impact-rated bits, in my opinion, are worthy of their Apex branding.
Should you buy them? That’s something I never like to answer, but as mentioned I plan to buy some. If you’re curious, you can always buy a small 1- or 2-pack of your most commonly used bit style, and judge them for yourself.
Buy Now(via Amazon)
They’re also available at Zoro.
I don’t know of any bit assortments at the moment, but Amazon does have a listing for an Apex MRO impact-rated fastening set, which comes with a compact screwdriver handle, ratchet head, bit holder extension, and 1″ bit assortment, all stored in a clear-lid case.
The 45pc set, model AMK-45, is currently ~$54. I have not seen or tested this set firsthand, but it’s not a stretch to assume the impact-rated bits are the same.
Buy Now(45pc set via Amazon)
Thank you to Apex for providing us with review samples.
