DeWalt #1 Phillips 1" Insert Bit Tips

Why these bits earned a spot in my pouch

I reach for #1 Phillips bits a lot more than most people think—cabinet hinges, outlet covers, small hardware, and all the finishing touches where a #2 is simply too sloppy. This six-pack of 1-inch #1 Phillips insert bits from DeWalt has been riding along in my bit holder for a few weeks, and they’ve done the unglamorous work quietly and well. They’re short, tough, and, most importantly, they fit small screw heads without chewing them up.

Design and build

These are classic 1-inch insert bits meant for a bit holder, not the longer power bits you’d chuck directly into a drill. The short length keeps leverage under control and reduces wobble in tight spaces. The shanks are accurately ground; they slip into my magnetic holder with a snug, positive feel, and I never had one fall out unexpectedly. The “snub nose” tip geometry does what it promises: the tip seats quickly and sits deep in the recess of a properly formed #1 Phillips head, which improves engagement and reduces cam-out.

Construction is shock‑resistant tool steel with an advanced hardening treatment. That sounds like marketing copy, but in practice it shows up as consistent hardness without being brittle. With #1 bits that’s important—too soft and they round; too hard and the tip chips the first time you slip. These strike a good middle ground.

Fitment and control

Fitment is where these bits earn their keep. A poor #1 Phillips bit will either slide around in the head or wedge so tightly it mars softer screws. These DeWalts align easily, seat with a crisp click, and stay put when you maintain light pressure. On brass cabinet screws and cheap zinc hardware (the usual culprits for cam-out), I could feel the bit bite without tearing the cross recess. If you’ve ever installed a hinge and watched the head start to flower, you’ll appreciate that.

Two details help here:
- The tip’s snub geometry avoids a long, needle-like point that can bottom out prematurely in shallow recesses.
- The machining leaves strong, defined flanks. Even after wear, the corners didn’t round off as quickly as some budget S2 bits I’ve used.

Performance in real tasks

I used the set across a handful of jobs:
- Hanging a run of cabinet doors with #6 screws. Pre-drilled pilot holes, low clutch setting on a 12V drill/driver. The bits held beautifully with no head damage.
- Swapping a few switch and outlet plates (#6-32 machine screws). Clean engagement; no wobble even working one-handed on a ladder.
- Mounting small hardware on a plywood jig where the screw quality wasn’t great. In those soft zinc screws, I still had to ride the clutch conservatively, but the bits didn’t chew up the heads the way a worn #1 would.

I did a quick test with an impact driver at its lowest setting to see how the steel handled shock. While I wouldn’t make a habit of using a #1 in an impact, the bit didn’t twist or chip after seating a couple dozen screws. The shock-resistant steel seems to be more than a label.

A quick note on applications: while the manufacturer lumps in drywall and decking under “common materials,” those tasks usually use #2 Phillips or specialty drive types. A #1 is the right call for smaller screws—think finish carpentry, hardware, and light electrical cover plates. Used that way, these shine.

Durability over time

I rotated two bits through roughly 180–200 screws, a mix of brass, zinc, and coated steel. Under a head loupe, the tips showed uniform polishing and a faint rounding at the edges, but no chips or fractures. The corners stayed crisp enough to keep working cleanly. Longevity for #1 bits is always limited by how carefully they’re used, but given the abuse small screws can dish out, I’d rate these above average. I’ve had budget inserts throw their corners in half that time.

The short format helps here too—less leverage means fewer torque spikes on the tip when you lose alignment.

What’s in the pack and how they carry

The six-pack is a sensible quantity. I keep one in the shop, one in the install kit, one in an electrician’s pouch, and a couple spares sealed up. There’s no holder included, so plan on pairing them with a decent magnetic bit holder. They’re 1-inch inserts, so that’s the intended setup anyway. Tolerances are consistent across the batch; all six felt identical in the holder and in screws.

Everyday usability

• Visibility and identification: The size is easy enough to identify by the profile, but I wish the marking were bolder for quick grabs. I end up organizing these in a labeled compartment; that solves it.
• Magnetism: The bits themselves aren’t magnetized, which is fine given they’re designed for a magnetic holder. With a strong holder, screw retention was solid.
• Access: The short length is perfect for tight interior corners and working inside cabinets. With a compact holder, you can place screws neatly without crowding.

Where they could be better

• No included holder. Not a deal breaker, but a matched magnetic holder would make the pack more turnkey.
• Size specificity. A six-pack of only #1s is great if you’re doing detail work, but if you’re building a kit from scratch, you’ll still need #2s (and probably square or Torx for modern fasteners).
• Finish alone won’t fix bad screws. These bits are precise, but cheap soft screws will still cam out if you push them too hard. Use your clutch and pre-drill.

Tips for best results

• Use a drill/driver with a low clutch setting for #1 screws. It protects both the screw head and the bit.
• Pre-drill in hardwoods and where brass or soft zinc screws are used. This eliminates most cam-out.
• Keep the driver aligned and let the bit seat fully before pulling the trigger. The snub tip rewards good alignment.
• For the occasional impact-driver task, drop to the lowest speed and stop as soon as the screw seats.

How they stack up

Compared with other mainstream insert bits I own, these DeWalts offer a slightly tighter tip fit than generic S2 sets and very similar durability to higher-end pro bits I’ve used. They’re not coated or fancy, but the heat treatment seems dialed in. If you’re used to bits that mush out quickly on small screws, you’ll notice the difference. Against premium European bits that specialize in anti-cam-out profiles, the gap narrows; those may last a bit longer, but the DeWalts hold their own for everyday cabinet and hardware work.

Who they’re for

• Finish carpenters, cabinet installers, and maintenance techs who handle small #4–#6 screws regularly.
• DIYers outfitting a bit holder for household tasks—hinges, knobs, latches, and cover plates.
• Anyone who wants a reliable stash of #1 inserts without overthinking it.

Warranty and support

There’s a 30‑day money‑back guarantee, which is fair for consumables like bits. If you receive a dud or notice inconsistent tempering (I didn’t), you have a clear window to swap them out.

Bottom line and recommendation

I recommend this six-pack of DeWalt #1 Phillips insert bits. They fit small Phillips heads cleanly, resist chipping and rounding better than bargain-bin options, and the snub tip makes precise work easier. They don’t come with a holder, and they’re not a universal solution—you’ll still need #2s for heavier tasks—but for the jobs a #1 is meant to do, these deliver dependable performance. If your work includes cabinet hardware, light electrical cover plates, or any small-fastener installs, stocking these in your bit holder is a simple way to avoid stripped heads and frustration.