DeWalt 37 Pc. Screwdriving Set with Tough Case

Why I put this 37‑piece set in my everyday bag

I tossed this DeWalt screwdriving set in my bag for a few weeks of mixed work—cabinet install, a handful of electrical plates and hardware swaps, and some light framing fixes. The short version: it’s a compact, thoughtfully organized assortment with a few standout pieces that make repetitive screwdriving more controlled. It’s not a heavy‑duty, impact‑rated kit, and it shouldn’t be treated like one, but within its lane it performs reliably.

Build and design

The bits are heat‑treated steel with precision‑ground tips and a standard 1/4‑inch hex shank. Most are short, snub‑nose insert bits that pair with the included magnetic drive guide. That compact geometry matters; in tight quarters (inside a cabinet carcass or behind a bracket) the short bits keep overall length down and reduce wobble.

The case is classic DeWalt “tough case” fare—rigid molded plastic with positive bit retention. I’ve had too many sets that shed a few bits every time I open them. Here, the retention bars are snug without being fingernail‑destroying. I could shake the case around in a backpack and nothing came loose.

What you actually get

The 37 pieces lean heavily into common fastening:

• Twenty Phillips bits
• Eight square (Robertson) bits
• Four slotted bits
• Two nut drivers
• Two power bits
• A magnetic drive guide
• The molded case

That spread covers the bulk of general carpentry, cabinet work, and light hardware installs. The square assortment is particularly useful for decking screws and pocket‑hole fasteners. Slotted is sparse but adequate for outlet plates and the occasional legacy fastener. If your work regularly involves Torx or hex socket screws, you’ll want to add a supplementary set—this kit doesn’t include those.

On the driver: how it handles

Matched to a standard drill/driver, the bits seat cleanly. The precision‑ground tips do their job; cam‑out was minimal when I kept the bit aligned and the clutch set appropriately. I intentionally drove a few dozen 2‑inch screws into pine and plywood, then backed them out, then repeated. Wear was visible but modest on the Phillips tips, with edges still crisp enough to hold without slipping.

The square bits felt strong and positive. Square drive tends to hide a multitude of sins in technique, but even when I was off‑axis in a corner, the bit didn’t chew the recess.

The nut drivers were handy for small hardware and light sheet‑metal screws. They aren’t a replacement for a dedicated nut‑driver set, but they saved a trip to the truck more than once.

The magnetic drive guide is the unsung hero

The heavy‑duty magnetic drive guide is the piece I used most. It essentially sleeves over the screw head, stabilizing it and keeping the bit aligned as you start the drive. For repetitive cabinet hardware or when you’re one‑handing a drill on a ladder, that extra control matters. It also reduces the temptation to “nibble” the trigger to keep the screw straight—less chatter, fewer stripped heads.

The magnet is strong enough to hold typical screws without constantly re‑grabbing. I liked the way the snub‑nose bits nest fully into the guide; the whole stack feels rigid rather than wobbly.

Durability and the limits of “standard‑duty”

This set isn’t rated for impact drivers, and that distinction shows up under abuse. To test the boundary, I ran a few stubborn structural screws with a compact impact driver. One Phillips bit twisted slightly at the edges after a couple of shock‑loads, and I chipped another trying to back out a corroded fastener. That’s not a knock on the set—it’s exactly what happens when you use standard bits for impact‑class torque and percussion.

Within proper use (drill/driver or hand driver, and even light impact if you’re gentle), the heat‑treated steel holds up fine. I’d call it a dependable, everyday assortment for common materials. For deck screws into hardwood or any heavy structural work, reach for impact‑rated bits and keep this kit for everything else.

Precision and feel

What stood out to me was the consistency. Cheap bit sets lose their edges fast; even minor rounding turns a task into a fight. After a week of common tasks, the tips here still felt crisp. The bit shanks are true, so there’s little runout when chucked in the drive guide. That mechanical confidence translates to fewer slips and a nicer finish—particularly important when you’re driving into prefinished cabinets or trim and can’t afford a skate mark.

Case and organization

Organization is straightforward. There’s a spot for every bit, and the layout makes sense: common Phillips up front, squares grouped, slotted off to the side, with the drive guide secured in its own slot. The case is compact enough to fit in a tool bag pocket without becoming a brick. I opened and closed it dozens of times; hinges and latch feel durable, with no flex or misalignment.

One small note: bit extraction is easy even with gloves. Some cases bury the bits; here, there’s enough clearance to pinch and pull without tools.

What I’d change

• More variety in sizes. The emphasis on multiples of the same Phillips sizes is practical for loss and wear, but I’d trade a duplicate for a less common size or two, or a basic Torx pair. As is, it’s a “most tasks” kit rather than an “all tasks” kit.
• A couple of longer power bits. The set includes two, which cover many needs, but another extended Phillips and square would expand reach without adding bulk.
• Clearer labeling in the case. While the layout is logical, printed size markings next to each slot would speed selection in low light.

None of these are deal‑breakers, but they’d push the set from very good to excellent.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and DIYers who want a reliable, compact screwdriving kit that covers 90% of household tasks.
• Pros who need a grab‑and‑go set for finish work, service calls, cabinet installs, and punch‑list days.
• Anyone who appreciates a solid magnetic drive guide and a case that doesn’t shed bits.

Who it isn’t for: tradespeople who do most of their driving with an impact on stubborn fasteners or in dense materials. You’ll want impact‑rated bits for that, and probably a set that includes Torx and hex socket coverage.

Practical tips from use

• Let the torque clutch do its job. Set it to avoid overdriving and cam‑out; your bits and screw heads will last longer.
• Use the drive guide for starts, even if you don’t think you need it. It dramatically reduces wobble and saves time across a day.
• Reserve this set for standard drill/driver work. Keep an impact‑rated assortment in the same bag and switch when the task calls for it.

Recommendation

I recommend this 37‑piece DeWalt set as a dependable, compact everyday kit for standard screwdriving tasks. The combination of snub‑nose bits, a legitimately useful magnetic drive guide, and a tough, well‑organized case makes it easy to keep in the bag and easy to use on site. The precision‑ground tips hold up well under proper use, and the selection covers the screws most of us encounter daily.

I wouldn’t use it as my only set if I routinely drive heavy fasteners with an impact driver or if Torx and hex are part of my daily workflow. But paired with an impact‑rated companion kit, this set shines in the majority of situations where control, compactness, and consistency matter. For that role, it’s an easy yes.