DeWalt #1 Phillips 1" Insert Bit Tips

Why I keep a #1 Phillips insert bit at the ready

I reach for a #1 Phillips more often than I expect—cabinet hardware, outlet and switch plates, small electronics screws, and the occasional model railroad accessory all seem to use it. After months of mixed shop and site work, this DeWalt #1 Phillips insert bit has earned a permanent spot in my bit caddy because it does three things consistently well: it fits small Phillips heads cleanly, it resists chipping and rounding, and it plays nicely with a standard bit holder in tight spaces.

This is the short “insert” style bit (about an inch long) intended to live in a 1/4-inch hex bit holder. The snub-nose format gives you better control and a lower profile than a long power bit—handy behind hinges, under toe-kicks, and inside enclosures.

Fit and driving performance

Bit geometry matters most with #1 Phillips because small screws don’t leave much room for error. The tip on this bit is crisply ground and seats fully in #1 recesses without wobble. On #4–#6 screws in brass, zinc, and stainless, engagement is positive and cam-out is rare if you keep the driver aligned.

A few practical notes from use:
- On soft brass hinge screws, the bit’s clean tip helped prevent “chewing” the recess when starting by hand.
- On stainless sheet-metal screws, I felt less skating than with some bargain-bin bits—likely a combination of proper sizing and a crisp tip.
- In wafer-head electrical screws (typical for cover plates), the short bit plus holder kept the driver’s nose comfortably away from the wall, making alignment easier.

Phillips is designed to shed torque, and #1 heads do it sooner than #2. Technique still matters: pre-drill properly, use a clutch or low-speed setting, and let the bit do the centering before you apply torque. Do that, and this bit rewards you with smooth, predictable driving.

Durability and wear

Two things stand out about the build: the hardened core and the heat treatment. I can’t tear down the metallurgy, but the results show up in service life. After a couple hundred mixed fasteners—pine and poplar casework, sheet-metal brackets, and a small run of stainless pan-heads—the driving surfaces are still well-defined with no chips on the wings. The bit has some shiny wear on the black finish, but the edges remain crisp.

I intentionally abused it in a few ways:
- High-torque driver on a #6 screw into oak without waxing the threads—no tip fracture, just some audible cam-out when I pushed my luck.
- Off-axis driving in a pocket I couldn’t fully see—no twist at the neck, which is where inferior insert bits often snap.

It’s still an insert bit without a torsion zone, so there’s a limit to how much hammering and side load it will tolerate. But within reasonable use, the resistance to rounding and chipping is better than average.

Finish and corrosion resistance

The zinc phosphate finish is practical. It kills glare under shop lights, offers some corrosion resistance, and doesn’t feel slick in the bit holder. Mine has lived in a humid basement shop and on a few drizzly jobs; the finish shows standard rub marks but no rust blooms. If you toss bits into a damp pouch for weeks on end, any steel tool will complain, but this one holds up as well as I’d expect.

Impact driver compatibility

DeWalt calls it suitable for impact drivers, and I’ve used it in a 12V and 18V impact without drama. That said, #1 screws and impact pulses aren’t always a happy match. I treat it as “impact-capable” rather than “impact-optimized”:
- Keep speed low; most modern impacts allow a precision mode that works fine for #1 hardware.
- Use a good bit holder to avoid extra eccentricity.
- If you’re driving into hardwood or sheet metal, wax or pre-thread when possible.

Follow those steps and the bit will survive impact use while keeping small screw heads intact.

Bit holder and ergonomics

This is where the insert format shines. Paired with a magnetic bit holder:
- The short length improves control, especially when you start a screw one-handed.
- Swapping between tip types is fast if you keep a couple of inserts in your pocket organizer.
- In tight boxes and behind trim, the lower profile beats a 2-inch power bit.

Retention in the holder is positive; the hex tolerances feel snug, and there’s no rattle. The snub nose helps you get closer to the work without the bit flex you sometimes feel with longer shanks.

Marking and identification

A minor gripe: size markings on black phosphate bits can be hard to see. This one is marked, but in poor light “P1” isn’t immediately obvious. I dot-punched the shank for tactile ID, and that solved it. Color coding would be nice, but not a deal-breaker.

Use cases and technique

Where this bit excels:
- Cabinet and furniture hardware that uses #1 screws.
- Electrical cover plates and device screws that still spec #1.
- Small hobby builds and fixtures with #4–#6 Phillips fasteners.
- Tight clearances where a 1-inch insert in a stubby holder is the only way in.

Tips for best results:
- Match the screw head: a surprising number of “mystery” small screws are Pozidriv or JIS. If the fit feels mushy, stop and verify—you’ll protect both the screw and the bit.
- Let the bit seat fully before applying torque; a quick two-finger spin helps it find bottom.
- Use a clutch or impact precision mode to avoid overdriving small heads.

A note on length

You’ll occasionally see catalog entries that list this style as longer than it is. The insert I’m reviewing is the short, roughly 1-inch bit designed for use in a holder—not a 6-inch power bit. If you need reach, pick a dedicated power bit; if you need control and compactness, this insert is the right format.

Limitations

No tool is universal. A few boundaries to keep in mind:
- It’s not a torsion bit; if you routinely hammer #1 screws with a high-power impact, a torsion-style insert might give you a larger safety margin.
- It won’t save a mismatched screw; JIS and Pozidriv fasteners need their own tips.
- If you prefer extended reach without a separate holder, you’ll want a 2–3 inch power bit instead.

Value and alternatives

Sold singly, this bit is an easy add to a kit, especially if your current #1 is chewed up. Heavy users might prefer a multi-pack to spread wear and loss. In terms of performance, it lands above commodity insert bits thanks to better edge retention and a stronger core, even if it lacks the torsion zone you’ll see in premium impact lines.

Bottom line

The DeWalt #1 Phillips insert bit does the simple things right: clean fit, durable tip, and a compact format that makes small-fastener work less fussy. It’s been reliable across a mix of delicate and everyday tasks, and it holds up under reasonable impact use as long as you pair it with good technique.

Recommendation: I recommend this bit if you handle small Phillips screws and want a compact, durable insert for a standard bit holder. It’s a solid, no-drama choice for cabinet work, electrical punch lists, hobby projects, and any spot where a long power bit feels clumsy. If you primarily need extended reach or a torsion zone for heavy impact abuse, choose a longer torsion bit instead; otherwise, this insert belongs in your kit.