Bit Set Test

May 2007

Even the most mundane of jobs on a car these days requires a much wider selection of screwdrivers to tackle the hex, torx and spline heads now used.

Bit sets, which cater for most of these fasteners, are a great way of keeping your toolkit up-to-date. but choosing the right one can be confusing, because makers have widely differing ideas on what their sets should contain.

So which brand has got it right? We took 10 top offerings into the workshop to find out which is best.

The key here was the range, as it's vital all the common automotive designs and sizes are covered. You need some way of turning them, and the smaller the ratchet is, the easier it is to work with in really tight spots.

We also checked durability by spinning the bits in several screw heads, looking for damage.

Cases are also important. Because there are dozens of different pieces, you need them to be held securely, and not rattling around. And last but not least, we took into account how much the sets cost.

Verdict

Draper's 40128 Best Buy caters for almost any size and configuration of screw imaginable. The comprehensive range of bits - and their durability - secured the top award.

Teng's Recommended BBX29 has fewer pieces, but it still covers most common sizes and styles. Its mini ratchet is perfect for tackling screws in difficult locations. Draper's 40127 takes the final podium place, thanks to superb durability and its massive selection of bits.

1. Draper 40128
2. Teng BBX29
3. Draper 40127

Top 3

1. Draper 40128
2. Teng BBX29
3. Draper 40127

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