Driving

Driver Bits, Hex Keys and Driving Accessories

Driver bits, hex keys, nutsetters and 1/4" socket adapters are the tools that turn screws and bolts. Where the fastener has an internal drive recess (Phillips, Pozi, Hex, Torx, Square, Slot, security profiles), the driver bit engages the recess so torque can transfer from a powered driver or hand tool to the fastener. Where the fastener has an external head (hex head, hex nut), a nutsetter cup grips the head so the same 1/4" hex shank can drive it.

The range covers Alpha (Sheffield Group), Sutton Tools and Hobson Engineering branded bits across standard 1/4" hex shank insert and power lengths, security profiles (Post Hex, Post Torx, Snake Eye, Tri-Lobular), long-shank Allen keys, magnetic bit holders, depth-stop drywall bits, and 1/4" hex to square / hex socket adapters. All bits are alloy tool steel for shop-floor and on-site durability.

We've been supplying these online from Brisbane for over 15 years. With 25,000 stock lines and over 200 million pieces in stock, we carry one of the most comprehensive ranges of driver bits, hex keys, nutsetters and socket adapters available in Australia — from Phillips, Pozi, Hex, Torx, Square and Slot insert bits to security profiles (Post Hex, Post Torx, Snake Eye, Tri-Lobular), Allen keys, nutsetters, bit holders and 1/4" socket adapters. Save more as you buy more — we offer up to 13 price breaks plus 3 spend-tier discounts.

MATERIALS AND COATINGS

Alloy Tool Steel - the standard driver bit material. Alpha and Hobson bits use a proprietary S2-grade alloy tool steel heat-treated for a balance of hardness (so the tip doesn't deform under load) and toughness (so the bit doesn't snap under impact). Hardness sits typically around 60 HRC at the tip, lower in the shank to absorb shock. Most bits are supplied with a bright finish.

Alloy Tool Steel, Black Finish - the impact-rated and torsion-zone variant. The black oxide finish reduces glare and gives visual identification of the impact-rated grade. Inside, the steel is the same alloy but the tempering profile is tuned for higher fatigue resistance under repeated impact-driver hammer blows. Use these on driver bits that see constant impact-driver work.

Premium Quality Raw Material - select Alpha Torx bits use a higher-spec alloy than the standard run. Marginally tougher tip, longer service life on long screws and stainless self-tappers where cam-out and stripping are common failure modes.

Stainless Steel - used on a small number of stainless bit holders and accessories where the holder itself sees corrosion exposure. Largely non-magnetic in the annealed condition - which affects bit-holder magnetic retention. Specify carefully if magnetic bit pickup matters.

Zinc Silver Plated - used on Hobson long-shank Allen keys. Plate is decorative + modest corrosion protection; the underlying steel is alloy tool steel for durability.

HOW DRIVER BITS, KEYS AND NUTSETTERS ARE SIZED

Driver bit and key sizing follows the fastener recess they engage with, not a length:

Phillips Bits (PH): sized PH0, PH1, PH2, PH3, PH4 - increasing tip size to match the Phillips recess on the screw. PH2 is the most common across timber screws, self-tappers and machine screws. PH3 fits larger Coach screws. Match the bit to the screw's recess; an undersized PH bit slips and strips the cross.

Pozi Bits (PZ): sized PZ1, PZ2, PZ3. Pozidriv recess is visually similar to Phillips but has additional radial slots between the cross arms. A PZ2 bit fits a PZ2 recess; a PH bit in a PZ recess (or vice versa) will cam out under load.

Hex Bits / Allen Keys (HX): sized by AF dimension across flats (1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm and imperial 1/16" through 3/8"). The bit AF must match the recess AF exactly - 0.1mm undersize is enough to round out the socket on an installation tighten.

Torx Bits (T): sized T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30, T40, T45 etc. The number references the Torx standard, NOT a millimetre dimension. Torx tolerates higher torque than Phillips/Pozi at the same tip size because the load surfaces are perpendicular to the bit centreline.

Square Bits (SQ / Robertson): sized SQ0, SQ1, SQ2, SQ3. SQ2 is common on timber decking screws. The drive transfers torque cleanly with very little cam-out, which is why Robertson is preferred on deck and treated-timber work.

Slot Bits (SL): sized by tip width in mm or inches. Slot tips wear quickly under impact and are not recommended for impact-driver work.

Nutsetters: sized by AF across the cup, in metric (7mm, 8mm, 10mm, 13mm) and imperial (1/4", 5/16", 3/8", 7/16"). Drives external hex head fasteners.

Security bits (Post Hex, Post Torx, Snake Eye, Tri-Lobular): identical size numbering to their standard counterparts but with a recess for the central pin / additional anti-tamper feature. A standard Hex or Torx bit will NOT engage the security recess.

Bit length: Insert bits are 25mm (the common short-shank format). Power bits are 50mm, 65mm, 70mm, 75mm, 90mm or 116mm (the longer collated-Hilti format). Long lengths reach into recessed fasteners and through standoffs.

HOW TO MEASURE A DRIVER BIT

Three dimensions identify any driver bit, hex key or nutsetter:

1. Tip dimension - the number or letter that names the recess. Phillips (PH0-PH4), Pozi (PZ1-PZ3), Square / Robertson (SQ0-SQ3) and Torx (T8-T45) are sized by the standard's own scale (the number on the bit IS the size). Hex and Allen keys are sized by AF (across flats) dimension in mm or inches. Nutsetters are sized by hex cup AF - measure the fastener head with callipers, not the bit cup. Slot bits are sized by tip WIDTH across the blade. Security bits (Post Hex / Post Torx) use the same numbering as their standard counterparts but with a centre hole in the tip to clear the pin in the screw.

2. Shank - the bit's clamping end. 1/4 inch hex shank is the universal standard across cordless drivers, impact drivers and bit holders, so almost every bit in the range shares the same chuck fitting. Socket adapters convert 1/4 inch hex to 1/4 inch, 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch square drive for use with socket and impact wrench fittings.

3. Overall length - determines reach. The standard length options are: 25mm insert bits (the original short-shank format that fits a magnetic bit holder), 50mm to 90mm power bits (with a torsion zone in the shank to absorb impact-driver hammer blows), 100mm and 116mm long bits (for recessed fasteners and Hilti collated autofeed screw guns), and long-shank Allen keys for socket cap screws in deep counterbored holes.

Cross-check the tip dimension against the actual screw head before driving - an undersized PH or PZ bit in a larger recess cams out under load and strips the cross. Always match the bit size number to the number stamped on the screw head.

MAGNETISM ACROSS THE RANGE

Magnetism is a mixed property across the Driving range. Some bits, holders and nutsetters are magnetised at the tip; others are deliberately not. Both have legitimate trade applications:

Magnetised tools retain the fastener on the tip through alignment and engagement. They speed work in overhead, awkward or one-handed install scenarios - for example, hanging plasterboard above head height, working single-handed in an awkward roof cavity, or driving a self-tapper into a tight chassis space where there's no room for the second hand to steady the screw. Magnetic nutsetters and magnetic bit holders also reduce dropped fasteners in production lines.

Non-magnetised tools are the right choice when stray magnetism on the screw would cause downstream issues. Electronic PCB assembly, hard-drive disassembly and watchmaking are the obvious cases: a magnetised screw can pull fine ferrous debris into bearings or read-write heads and ruin the component. Magnetic-sensor proximity work, security-screen access and any electrical work where the fastener will sit near a Hall effect or reed sensor also call for non-magnetised tools.

Per-SKU value - because magnetism varies SKU-to-SKU across the range, confirm the magnetised / not-magnetised status for the specific bit, holder or nutsetter you are ordering by checking the specification table above (the dz_magnetised column). The product description on each SKU page also surfaces the value as a bold lead-in when the master record carries it.

A NOTE ON BIT WEAR

Driver bits are wear items. Even premium alloy-tool-steel bits dull, chip and crack under sustained impact use. Three rules to extend bit life: (1) match the bit size to the fastener recess exactly - the most common cause of bit failure is using an undersized bit in a larger recess, (2) apply firm axial pressure during driving so the bit stays fully seated in the recess (lift slightly and the bit will slip and cam out), (3) use impact-rated bits in impact drivers - standard bits will snap at the hex shank under impact loads.

Cam-out (bit slipping out of the recess under load) is the failure mode. It strips the fastener recess and wears the bit tip simultaneously. If you're seeing cam-out, the bit is either wrong-size or worn - replace it.

OUR RANGE

Phillips Bits - PH0 through PH4 cross-recess bits in 25mm insert and 50mm to 90mm power lengths. The most-used driver bit for general screw driving. Alpha (Sheffield Group), Sutton Tools and Hobson Engineering grades.

Pozi Bits - PZ1, PZ2, PZ3 Pozidriv bits. Visually similar to Phillips but with anti-cam-out radial ribs in the recess. Standard on European-made screws and many treated-timber assembly screws.

Hex Bits - Driver bits with a hex tip for internal-hex (Allen) socket cap screws. Sizes 1.5mm to 10mm metric and 1/16" to 3/8" imperial. Standard insert (25mm) and power (50mm+) lengths.

Torx Bits - T10 through T45 six-point star bits. Higher torque capacity than Phillips at the same tip size. Standard on automotive, electronic and high-spec self-tapping screws.

Square Bits - SQ0 to SQ3 Robertson square-drive bits. Industry-standard for timber decking screws and treated-pine construction. Minimal cam-out under load.

Slot Bits - Flat-blade slot bits in metric and imperial widths. For traditional slot-head fasteners; not recommended for impact-driver work.

Nutsetters - Magnetic-cup bits for driving external hex head fasteners (sheet metal screws, hex-head self-tappers, small hex nuts). 1/4" hex shank fits any standard driver chuck.

Allen Keys - Long-shank Hobson hex keys for installing internal-hex socket cap screws. Includes security (post hex) variants for tamper-resistant fasteners.

Post Hex Security Bits - Tamper-resistant hex bits with a recess for the central pin found on security socket cap screws. A standard hex bit will NOT engage; the pin blocks it.

Post Torx Security Bits - The security version of Torx. Recessed tip clears the central pin in tamper-resistant Torx fasteners.

Snake Eye Security Bits - Spanner-style two-pin security bit. Engages a Snake Eye / spanner recess. Used on coin-locked covers, two-hole security fasteners.

Tri-Lobular Security Bits - Three-lobe security recess. Niche tamper-resistant pattern; bit must match the fastener exactly.

Bit Holders - 1/4" hex shank bit holders with C-ring or magnetic retention. Extend reach and let you swap bits without re-chucking the driver.

Socket Adapters - 1/4" hex shank to 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" square drive. Lets you drive sockets from a hex-chuck powered driver. Common on plumbing and automotive work.

Drywall Bits - Phillips bit with a depth-stop sleeve. The sleeve disengages the bit once the screw head is flush with the plasterboard surface, preventing over-driving.

Autofeed Gun Bits - Alpha Phillips bits in the long 116mm format that fits Hilti collated autofeed screw guns. Sold in 4-packs for high-volume drywall and metal-stud work.

Need help choosing between impact-rated and standard bits, or sizing a bit to a fastener recess? Our Technical PDF's Library has selection guides and brand spec sheets. Prices include GST and free standard delivery anywhere in Australia.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How do I tell a Phillips bit from a Pozidriv bit?

Both use a cross-shaped recess but Pozi has four additional small radial ribs between the main arms and a blunter tip. A Phillips bit (PH) in a Pozi recess (PZ) cams out under torque; a Pozi bit in a Phillips recess rounds out the Phillips. Match the bit to the screw, not the other way round. PH2 and PZ2 sizes are the most commonly confused - look at the screw recess from above: cross only = Phillips; cross plus radial ticks = Pozi.

What size driver bit do I need for my fastener?

Look at the screw recess: the number stamped on the screw head (PH2, PZ2, T25, SQ2, HX5) IS the bit size. If no number is visible, match by trial-fit at the lowest size that engages the full recess without forcing - the bit should slide in by hand and seat at the bottom of the recess with no wobble. Force on the bit at install should hold the bit in the recess against gravity; if you have to push it in, it's undersized.

What's the difference between insert bits, power bits and long bits?

Insert bits are 25mm long - the original short-shank format that fits a magnetic bit holder. Power bits are 50mm, 65mm or 75mm long with a torsion zone in the shank to absorb impact-driver hammer blows. Long bits are 90mm, 100mm or 116mm for recessed fasteners and collated autofeed tools. Pick insert for general bench work, power for impact-driver use, long for awkward access.

Are these bits impact-driver rated?

Bits with a black-oxide finish are typically impact-rated - the alloy tool steel has been heat-treated for higher fatigue resistance under repeated impact blows. Bright-finish bits are standard non-impact and will snap at the hex shank under sustained impact use. If the listing description mentions 'impact rated' or 'torsion zone', use it on an impact driver. Standard bright bits are fine on hand drivers, drill / drivers and brushless drivers, but NOT impact drivers.

Why does my bit keep camming out of the screw?

Cam-out is the bit slipping radially out of the recess under torque. Three causes in order: (1) the bit is undersized for the recess (PH1 in a PH2 recess), (2) the bit is worn at the tip, (3) you're not applying enough axial pressure to keep the bit fully seated. Replace worn bits, match sizes exactly, lean into the drive. If the recess is already rounded, switch to a larger bit and apply slow torque to bite into the rounded recess.

What is a Pozi bit and where is it used?

Pozidriv (PZ) is a cross-recess developed in the 1960s to reduce cam-out on machine screws and self-tappers. It's standard on European-made screws (Spax, Reisser, Heco-Topix), most treated-timber assembly screws sold in Australia, and many kitchen / appliance hardware fasteners. Look for the four small radial ticks between the cross arms on the screw head.

How do I drive a security screw - what bit do I need?

Security drives recess a central pin that blocks a standard bit from seating. The bit you need depends on the recess: Post Hex (security Allen) takes a hex bit with a centre hole drilled into the tip; Post Torx (security Torx) takes a Torx bit with a centre hole; Snake Eye (two-hole spanner) takes a two-pin spanner bit; Tri-Lobular takes a three-lobe bit. Each security bit is shape-specific - a standard Hex bit will NOT engage a Post Hex screw. Match the screw drawing to the bit listing.

Can I use a 1/4" hex bit in a 1/2" socket impact wrench?

Not directly. You need a socket adapter that converts the impact wrench's 1/2" square drive to a 1/4" hex bit socket. Note: a 1/2" cordless impact wrench produces 400+ Nm of torque - far more than a standard 1/4" hex bit can survive. Use it only with impact-rated bits and never on small-tip bits (PH1, PZ1, T10 and below) - the bit will snap before the fastener moves.

Are nutsetters the same as sockets?

No. A nutsetter has a 1/4" hex shank (fits a hex-chuck driver) and a cup with a hex recess at the working end that grips the external hex head of a screw or nut. A socket has a 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" square drive socket at the back and a hex recess at the front. Nutsetters are for fast cordless driving of self-tappers and small hex-head fasteners; sockets are for higher-torque assembly with a ratchet or impact wrench.

Why does my impact bit have a black finish?

The black oxide finish is the visual marker for the impact-rated tempering profile. Inside, the alloy tool steel has been heat-treated with a softer torsion zone in the shank and a harder tip - the torsion zone absorbs each impact-driver hammer blow as a small twist, sparing the tip and the hex chuck end. Bright-finish bits don't have that torsion zone and will snap at the hex end after 50 to 200 impact blows.

What does an Allen key fit?

An Allen key (hex key) fits an internal-hex socket cap screw. The size is the AF (across flats) dimension of the hex - 1.5mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm in metric, or 1/16" through 3/8" imperial. The same size key fits Button Head Socket Screws, Countersunk Socket Screws and Grub Screws of that AF. Allen keys for Post Hex (security) fasteners are different - they have a centre hole drilled at the working tip.

How long do driver bits last?

Depends on the bit material, the fastener recess, the drive force and the operator. A bright-finish Phillips PH2 bit driven by hand into self-tappers might last hundreds of screws. The same bit on an impact driver snaps after 50 to 200 blows. A Torx bit driving stainless self-tappers under cordless impact can last 500+ screws because Torx tolerates higher torque than Phillips. Buying in 10-packs and rotating bits as they wear is the practical workflow.

WHY AUSTRALIA TRUSTS BOLT & NUT

With 15+ years selling fasteners and tooling online from Brisbane, we hold over 25,000 stock lines and 200 million pieces - 98.75% of online orders placed before 1pm leave same day. Save more as you buy more - we offer up to 13 price breaks plus 3 spend-tier discounts. Read our customer reviews or get in touch if you need help picking the right driver bit, hex key or accessory.