DeWalt MAXFIT ULTRA 50PC Screwdriving Set

Why this set ended up in my drill bag

Bit sets live a hard life in my shop. They get hammered by impact drivers, buried in sawdust, and expected to bite into every fastener without slipping. The MaxFit Ultra 50‑piece set has been riding along for a few months now, and it’s earned a permanent spot for one simple reason: it cuts down on stripped screws and broken bits better than most general-purpose kits at this price.

What’s in the kit and design notes

This is an impact‑rated, 1/4‑inch hex shank screwdriving set built around a torsion, anti‑snap design. Each bit has a narrowed “twist” section that flexes slightly under load, absorbing the abrupt torque pulses from an impact driver. In practice, that means fewer snapped shanks and fewer mushroomed tips.

A few small touches stand out:

• Precision‑machined tips: The fit on fastener heads is snug. I noticed less rocking in the screw recess, especially on Phillips and Torx, which translates to more control and less cam‑out.
• Laser‑engraved size marks: The markings are clean and easy to read out of the box. They haven’t rubbed off like inked labels often do, though they’re small on shorter bits (aging eyes will still want the case index).
• Magnetic ScrewLock holder: The included magnetic collar/holder is the unsung hero here. Slide the collar down over the screw head and it stabilizes the screw for one‑handed starts—particularly helpful with longer deck screws and overhead work.
• Compact case: The case is tidy, with a positive latch, and it connects to other compatible cases. Organization is better than most; bits aren’t rattling loose and sizes are grouped logically.

You’re getting an assortment geared toward day‑to‑day fastening with both drills and impact drivers. While the spec sheet lists a wide swath of material applications, remember these are screwdriving bits—not drill bits—so they shine when you’re driving fasteners into wood, light metals, plastic, and into anchors or pre‑drilled holes in masonry.

Performance and control

The primary test for any impact‑rated bit is how it handles high‑torque driving without shredding screw heads or detonating at the shank. I ran this set through:

• Framing screws and structural lags into SPF studs
• Torx and square deck screws into PT lumber
• Cabinet install with coarse‑thread screws into plywood carcasses and MDF backs
• Light electrical/HVAC work fastening sheet‑metal screws

Across those tasks, the MaxFit’s tip geometry is the star. With a properly sized bit, cam‑out was rare even when I got heavy‑handed on the trigger. The torsion zone soaked up the impact pulses well; I didn’t snap a shank, and the bits kept their shape longer than several house‑brand and budget kits I’ve burned through.

The ScrewLock holder deserves its own mention. It reduces wobble and “dancing” on screw heads, and the magnetic hold is strong enough to carry a 3‑inch screw into place on vertical starts. If you’ve ever tried to drive a long screw one‑handed while holding a workpiece with the other, this little accessory makes a difference.

Durability over time

No bit is immortal, but the MaxFit bits wear gracefully. After a steady mix of work, the most used sizes showed:

• Slight rounding on a heavily used PH2, but still serviceable
• Minor edge wear on a T25 after sinking composite deck screws with abrasive filler
• Square bits (SQ2) holding up particularly well in sheet metal and pocket screws

I didn’t experience tip chipping, which is a common failure mode on cheaper, overly hard bits. The torsion design seems to keep shock loads from traveling straight to the tip. If you primarily drive hardened or coated self‑tapping screws into steel, you’ll still see faster wear—that’s a tough duty cycle for any general‑purpose bit—but for carpentry and general install work, longevity is solid.

The laser‑etched size markings are still readable. They’re etched into the steel, not printed, so they survive cleaning and glove grime. The one caveat: small bits have small marks; the case index remains the quickest reference.

Case and organization

A bit set is only as useful as it is accessible. This case is compact enough to live in a drill bag and sturdy enough to survive drops. The molded rails hold bits securely without requiring a wrestling match to remove them. The hinge and latch are confident, not flimsy, and the connectable design is handy if you run multiple small cases—stacking driver bits with a matching drilling set keeps the bag tidy.

Inside, the layout groups common sizes together so you can work from left to right without hunting. I appreciate that duplicates of high‑use sizes are included; burning through a single PH2 mid‑project is a frustration you won’t have here.

Compatibility and use cases

• Drivers: Any drill/driver or impact driver with a 1/4‑inch hex chuck.
• Fasteners: Bread‑and‑butter Phillips, Torx, and square are well covered; slotted bits are present for legacy hardware.
• Materials: Best in wood, plastics, composites, and sheet metals. For masonry, you’ll be driving into anchors or pre‑drilled holes—these are not masonry drill bits.

If you’re a DIYer tackling furniture installs, shelving, light framing, or a deck, this set hits the sweet spot. Pros will appreciate the impact rating and torsion design for daily use, though specialty tasks (high‑volume steel self‑tappers, stainless fasteners, or tight clearance work) might warrant task‑specific bits.

Limitations

• Extreme duty in metal: Driving large volumes of hardened self‑tapping screws into steel will wear any general‑purpose bit quickly. These bits hold up, but they’re not a silver bullet for that niche.
• Short bit reach: As with most compact sets, a few longer 2‑inch and 3‑inch bits are included, but if you regularly reach past fixtures or into deep pockets, you’ll want to supplement with dedicated long bits or an extension.
• Magnet maintenance: The ScrewLock’s magnet attracts metal shavings over time. A quick tap or a swipe with a rag keeps it clean, but it’s worth noting.

Tips for best results

• Size matters: Match the exact bit to the fastener head. The precision tips shine when you do; they’ll punish you less for poor matches than cheap bits, but you’ll still wear them faster.
• Let the torsion work: Don’t lean on the trigger at full send from the start. Begin slow to seat the bit fully, then ramp into the drive. You’ll strip fewer screws and extend bit life.
• Use the collar: For one‑handed starts or long screws, slide the ScrewLock collar down to stabilize the screw head. It’s quicker than you think and prevents wobble‑induced cam‑out.
• Impact vs. drill: These are impact‑rated, but they’re equally at home in a drill/driver. If a screw is delicate or small, the drill’s clutch gives you more finesse.

Bottom line

The MaxFit set delivers what I want from an everyday screwdriving kit: precise tips that grip fasteners, a torsion design that holds up under impact abuse, and a case that doesn’t scatter bits across the floor every time I open it. The included magnetic ScrewLock adds genuine value beyond a pile of loose bits, and the laser‑etched size markings are a nice quality‑of‑life touch.

There are harder, more exotic bits out there for specialty work, and there are cheaper kits that will get you through a one‑off task. But as a balance of performance, durability, and organization for regular use, this set is easy to live with.

Recommendation: I recommend the MaxFit Ultra 50‑piece set to both DIYers and pros who need a reliable, impact‑rated assortment for everyday fastening. It reduces cam‑out, resists breakage better than bargain alternatives, and the case plus ScrewLock holder make real‑world work faster and cleaner. If your workload is heavy on hardened self‑tappers into steel or requires extra‑long reach, plan to add a few specialty bits—but keep this set as your go‑to for everything else.