DeWalt MAXFIT ULTRA 2 in Phillips #2, 2-pack

Why these PH2 bits earned a permanent spot in my impact driver

A Phillips #2 bit is the unsung hero of most jobsites and garages. I reach for one constantly—framing screws, cabinet hardware, outlet covers, decking, siding—you name it. After a few weeks of swapping in the MaxFit Ultra PH2 bits, I’ve come to appreciate how small design choices in a simple accessory can make a big difference in day-to-day use.

These are 2-inch, impact‑rated Phillips #2 bits with a 1/4" hex shank. DeWalt builds them around a torsion-impact design, a reinforced core intended to flex under load and resist snapping, and a precision-fit tip aimed at reducing cam-out. They’re also compatible with DeWalt’s magnetic ScrewLock sleeve and have laser-engraved size markings. On paper, that’s a familiar set of claims for premium bits. In practice, they live up to most of it.

Build and design

• Length and shank: At 2 inches, they offer more reach and better sightlines than 1-inch stubbies without feeling unwieldy. The 1/4" hex shank fits every quick-change chuck and bit holder in my rotation with a tight, rattle-free lockup.
• Torsion zone: The midsection has a distinct torsion profile. Under heavy impact loads, I can feel a slight give—just enough to diffuse peak torque spikes that typically chip tips or sheer cheaper bits.
• Tip geometry: The business end is cut cleanly with crisp lands. The point starts a touch shallow, which helps it seat quickly in typical PH2 heads without hunting around.
• Markings: The laser-engraved “PH2” is a small detail, but it’s clear and easy to spot, even after getting dusted with MDF and treated lumber.

One thing to note: these bits are “Magnetic ScrewLock compatible,” which is DeWalt’s way of saying the bits themselves aren’t magnetized. If you want magnetic hold on fasteners, pair them with a sleeve or magnetic holder. That’s not a knock—most pro-grade impact bits skip built-in magnets to avoid weakening the steel at the tip—but it’s worth knowing.

Driving performance

I put these PH2s through a fairly typical mix: 3-inch coated deck screws into pressure-treated lumber, cabinet install screws into birch ply, sheet metal screws into electrical boxes, and lighter-duty drywall and trim screws. I drove with both an 18V impact driver and a clutch-equipped drill.

• Bite and cam-out: The precision tip is the standout. It seats with a confident “click” in decent screws and resists walking out under load. I intentionally tried to induce cam-out by under-applying axial pressure in a few test runs. These held better than my mid-tier generics and on par with other premium torsion bits. With softer, cheap screws, nothing works miracles, but the bits still gave me a cleaner engagement than usual.
• Control and visibility: The extra length is more than just reach. I find 2-inch bits give me a clearer view of where the head sits relative to the surface, which helps when stopping flush on cabinet hinges or controlling depth on vinyl siding where overdriving can deform the panel. In tight corners around brackets and drawer slides, I could angle the driver body away from obstructions and still keep the tip aligned.
• Impact behavior: Under repeated impact pulses driving structural screws, I never felt the “glassiness” that precedes a fracture. The torsion section does its job—absorbing that snap when the screw bottoms out and keeping the tip planted. The transition from torsion zone to tip seems well hardened; I didn’t see the micro-chipping that shows up early on some cheaper bits.

Durability

Bits are consumables, but some last far longer than others. After a mix of hardwood, softwood, and light-gauge steel:

• The tip edges stayed surprisingly crisp. There’s normal polish on the faces from repeated engagement, but no rounding that affects grip.
• No twisting or corkscrewing in the torsion area despite a handful of abusive moments driving long screws without pilot holes.
• The shank retains a snug fit in quick-change chucks with no visible burrs.

I can’t speak to months of abuse yet, but early signs point to a good heat treat and a geometry that spreads shock through the bit instead of concentrating it at the narrowest cross-section.

Compatibility and workflow

• Quick-change systems: Rock-solid in standard bit holders and direct in impact chucks. No excessive play.
• Magnetic accessories: Paired with DeWalt’s ScrewLock sleeve, these bits become excellent for one-handed starts on longer screws. Without a sleeve, you’ll rely on technique; they won’t hold a screw magnetically on their own.
• Identification: The laser-engraved size made it easier to grab the right bit out of a mixed bin. No more squinting at rubbed-off paint markings.

The 2-pack approach makes sense for a high-traffic size like PH2. I kept one clipped in a bit holder and a backup in the pouch. With how often I use this size, having a duplicate means zero downtime if I drop one off a ladder or leave it in a client’s driveway.

Where they shine—and where they don’t

Strengths:
- Reduced cam-out thanks to a well-cut tip that seats positively in standard Phillips #2 screws.
- Torsion-impact design that actually curbs snap failures in an impact driver.
- Useful 2-inch length for visibility and reach without the wobble you can get from extensions.
- Clean, durable size marking and consistent fit in chucks and holders.

Trade-offs:
- Not magnetized out of the box; you’ll want a magnetic sleeve if you need that function.
- At 2 inches, they’re still too long for some ultra-tight recesses where a 1-inch stubby or right-angle attachment is the only answer.
- PH2 only. If you need a broader range (PH1, PH3, square, Torx), you’ll want a set.
- No warranty coverage. That’s typical for bits, but it’s explicitly noted here.

Tips for best results

• Let the bit seat fully before pulling the trigger, especially on painted or plated screw heads that can be slick.
• Keep axial pressure up in the first second of the drive, then let the impact pulses do the work.
• Match your clutch setting on a drill and avoid over-speeding into metal; the precision tip is tough, but heat and chatter will wear any bit prematurely.
• Use a magnetic sleeve for overhead work or long screws; it complements these bits nicely.

Longevity compared to typical bits

Compared to the generic PH2s that come in bulk contractor packs, these hold their tip geometry longer and are much more forgiving in an impact driver. Against other premium torsion bits from the big names, performance is in the same tier: strong tip retention, a torsion zone that flexes rather than fails, and a consistently cut profile that actually reduces cam-out. I noticed fewer “skate-outs” on cabinet screws and cleaner removal of old screws without chewing the head.

Final thoughts and recommendation

A good PH2 bit should almost disappear into your workflow: seat cleanly, drive fasteners without drama, and survive the occasional abuse that field work throws at it. These MaxFit Ultra PH2 bits check those boxes. The precision tip gives you a confident bite, the torsion core takes the sting out of impact pulses, and the 2-inch length improves both reach and visibility. Even small touches like the laser-engraved size marking help when you’re juggling multiple bits in a pouch.

They aren’t magnetized and there’s no warranty, but those are standard trade-offs in this category. More importantly, they perform where it counts—consistent engagement and durable tips under real-world loads.

Recommendation: I recommend these for anyone who drives PH2 screws with any regularity, especially if you use an impact driver. If you’re assembling a full bit kit from scratch, you’ll still need other sizes, but as a reliable, easy-to-grab pair for everyday fastening, this 2-inch PH2 set is exactly what I want in my drill or impact holster.