DeWalt #1 Phillips 1" Insert Bit Tip

A compact bit that does small fasteners right

I reach for a #1 Phillips bit any time I’m dealing with small hardware—switch plates, cabinet latches, appliance trim, or hobby work with tiny screws that don’t forgive sloppy technique. The DeWalt #1 Phillips insert bit is the one I’ve been using lately, and after a mix of shop and onsite tasks, it’s earned a steady place in my bit holder.

Build and design

This is a 1-inch insert-style bit made from shock-resistant tool steel with a hardened finish. In practice, that translates to a crisp tip that resists rounding longer than bargain bits and a body that doesn’t snap when a screw binds unexpectedly. The geometry is clean and consistent, and the snub-nose profile sits deeper in the screw head than some of the longer, more tapered tips I’ve used. That “snub” shape matters more on #1 screws than you might think; small heads are easy to cam-out, and a short, square shoulder helps the bit register solidly.

Because it’s an insert bit, you’ll use it in a 1/4-inch hex bit holder. That’s not a drawback for me—insert bits keep overall length compact for tight spaces, and I like being able to swap in a sleeve or magnetic collar when needed.

Fit and engagement

The first thing I check with a #1 Phillips is how well it seats into the screw without rocking. With this bit, the fit is snug on common #1 screws, including brass cabinet hardware and stainless sheet-metal screws. The snub-nose design puts the tip in contact without excess taper, which reduces wobble and helps you keep the bit square. I noticed fewer “skates” across painted plates and soft metals compared to some generic bits I keep as backups.

There’s no native magnetization, so retention depends on your holder. With a decent magnetic holder, pickup is positive and the bit doesn’t chatter around under the collar.

Performance in different materials

I tested the bit across a handful of tasks:

• Driving brass #1 screws into predrilled hardwood trim: Using a drill/driver with the clutch set low (around 3–5 on my tool), the bit seated cleanly and didn’t chew up the heads. Light pressure, slow speed, and keeping square to the screw were the keys.
• Installing #1 stainless screws into thin sheet metal for an HVAC panel: Stainless can be unforgiving. The bit maintained its bite with minimal cam-out, and the short overall length (bit plus holder) helped inside the cabinet.
• Mounting plastic faceplates into soft pine: No issues at all. The tip’s crisp edges helped even with those shallow, slightly undersized cross slots you sometimes get on inexpensive hardware.
• Hobby projects with small fasteners: The bit’s short overall length is a win when working close-in on assemblies where a long power bit would bump into the work or frame.

In all cases, I stayed with a drill/driver rather than an impact driver. The steel is tough and labeled shock-resistant, but this isn’t marketed as an “impact-rated” torsion bit. For #1 screws, lower torque and controlled speed are both more important than percussive driving anyway.

Durability and wear

After several days of mixed use, the tip shows a bit of polish but no visible rounding or chipping. I purposely drove a few screws past snug to test the edges and didn’t see the typical “chewed blade” look you get from cheaper bits. That hardened finish seems to be doing its job. I also didn’t experience any twisting or hairline cracks near the hex—common failure modes when a small bit gets torqued too hard.

Of course, any Phillips bit is a consumable, especially at size #1. If you’re working in stainless frequently or dealing with mis-sized heads, expect wear. The good news is that the bite has stayed consistent longer than I expected at this price point.

Handling and visibility

Short insert bits keep your working length minimal, which helps with access. There’s a trade-off: depending on your holder, the collar can crowd your line of sight. For small screws, I prefer a slim, non-sleeved magnetic holder or a narrow quick-change holder so I can see the tip enter the slot. With that setup, I had no issues aligning the bit, even on hardware with shallow recesses.

In a right-angle attachment, this insert bit is ideal. The shorter stick-out reduces wobble and makes a tiny driver feel precise—useful inside cabinets and around appliances.

Where it fits in a kit

If you regularly deal with small hardware—electricians, cabinet installers, maintenance techs, and hobbyists in particular—this bit is a simple, dependable choice. It won’t replace longer power bits for deep recesses, and it isn’t meant for #2 screws (your everyday deck and construction fasteners). But for the small stuff that eats tips and strips heads, this is a go-to.

I also like to drop insert bits into a manual screwdriver handle with a 1/4-inch hex receiver. For precise work, a hand driver plus this bit gives excellent control without the bulk of a powered tool.

Limitations to consider

• Not impact-rated: While the steel is tough, this isn’t a torsion bit. Use a drill/driver and let the clutch protect both screw and bit.
• Requires a holder: That’s by design, but if you prefer longer, one-piece power bits, you’ll need a different style.
• Short reach: Great for tight spaces, not ideal for recessed fasteners behind deep trim or fixtures.
• Specialized size: #1 Phillips is essential for small fasteners, but it’s not a general-purpose bit. If you only keep one Phillips on hand, make it a #2 and add this as a complement.

None of these are flaws in execution—just realities of the format and size.

Tips for best results

• Use a low clutch setting and slow speed with #1 screws.
• Pre-drill and wax brass screws to avoid snapping and cam-out.
• Keep the bit square to the head; the snub-nose design rewards good alignment.
• Pair with a slim magnetic holder for better visibility.
• Retire the bit if you see rounding at the tip—fresh edges dramatically reduce damage to small fasteners.

Value and warranty

Individually, this bit is inexpensive, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee if you happen to get a dud. Realistically, bits are consumables, so I’d buy two and keep one in a right-angle kit and one in the main driver case. The longevity has been solid for me, and the consistent geometry is the main value: you get repeatable engagement on small screws without fuss.

The bottom line

The DeWalt #1 Phillips insert bit checks the boxes I care about for small fasteners: clean tip geometry, durable steel, and a compact profile that plays nicely with bit holders and right-angle attachments. It’s not flashy, and it doesn’t need to be. It simply grips small Phillips screws better than many generics and holds up over a realistic workload.

Recommendation: I recommend this bit for anyone who works regularly with #1 Phillips screws—electricians, cabinet and furniture installers, appliance techs, and hobbyists. It offers reliable engagement, good wear resistance, and a compact form that makes tight work easier. If you need extended reach or impact-rated torsion, look elsewhere, but for controlled driving with small hardware, this is exactly the kind of dependable, no-drama bit you want in your kit.