DeWalt Drive Bit Set (40 pc.)

Why I reached for this 40-piece bit set

I put the DeWalt 40-piece bit set to work over a long weekend of mixed tasks: hanging cabinets, swapping out a couple of door handles, assembling some storage racks, and running a batch of exterior Torx screws into treated lumber. I used both a compact drill/driver and a mid‑torque impact. After a few days of real use, I have a clear sense of where this set shines and where it can frustrate.

What you get and how it’s organized

This is an impact‑rated set built around DeWalt’s FLEXTORQ torsion zone design. The bits are made from shock‑resistant tool steel with a springy mid‑section that twists under load to absorb torque. That’s meant to reduce tip damage and cam‑out, and in practice it does help. The set focuses on the most common Phillips and Torx sizes in a mix of lengths, and it includes a quick‑change adapter so you can snap bits in and out of your drill or impact.

The hard case is compact and sturdy, about nine inches square and under two inches thick. It’s TOUGHCASE+ compatible, so it nests with other DeWalt cases and doesn’t explode in your bag. Inside, the bits are held securely and the layout makes sense—shorts to the front, longer bits to the side. Laser‑etched size markings on the shanks are easy to read in good light, and even when they get dusty you can still tell PH2 from PH3 without squinting.

One note up front: the set isn’t magnetic and there are no double‑ended bits. If you rely on magnetized tips to hold fasteners or you like the space efficiency of double‑ended profiles, plan to supplement.

Performance with an impact driver

I did most of my driving with a compact 18V impact. On cabinet work, the small Phillips bits seated positively in hardware screws and resisted cam‑out better than many standard bits. The optimized tip geometry helps; you can feel the bit “lock in” instead of skating. Where FLEXTORQ really earns its keep is with larger fasteners—think 3-inch wood screws or exterior Torx construction screws. The torsion zone soaked up hammering well, keeping tips intact and heads clean. After running a few dozen T25 deck screws into wet treated stock, the Torx tips still felt crisp.

On the Phillips side, I purposely drove and removed a bunch of stubborn 3-inch screws to test for wear. The primary PH2 showed mild rounding after a lot of abuse with the impact, but it never slipped catastrophically. In similar testing with more brittle bits, I’ve snapped tips or chewed screw heads; this set avoided both.

The hex shanks were consistently sized and sat tight in my impact’s collet and in the included holder. I didn’t experience wobble from out‑of‑tolerance hex flats, which is something that can sap confidence and strip heads, especially on small hardware.

The bit holder: secure, sometimes too secure

The included quick‑change adapter is a standard 1/4-inch hex bit holder with a spring clip that locks onto the bit’s groove. It grips firmly—perhaps a little too firmly. On day one, one of the short Phillips bits was stubborn to release. I had to work the sleeve back and forth a few times and give it a tiny drop of light oil before it started behaving. Even after that, it remains more grabby than the best holders I own.

A couple of cautions and tips:
- If a bit feels stuck, don’t yank on the exposed steel with pliers—you’ll scar it and risk weakening the bit. Work the sleeve fully rearward and give the bit a controlled pull. A drop of oil on the detent mechanism helps.
- The holder does not magnetize the bits. If you regularly work overhead or with tiny fasteners, add a magnetizing sleeve or use a separate magnetic holder you trust.

If you already have a favorite bit holder, swap it in. The bits themselves are the strength of this set; the included holder is serviceable but not a standout.

Durability after a few days of mixed tasks

After the weekend, the most-used bits (PH2 short, PH2 long, T25 short) show normal finish wear and minor rounding on the tips, but nothing alarming. No chips, no fractured tips, and no twisted shanks. The torsion zones have visible scuffing from the collet and holder but are structurally fine.

I did stress a long PH2 on some stubborn structural screws set in old hardwood. It warmed up and showed a whisper of rounding afterward—about what I expect from an impact bit in that context. The Torx bits held up best; Torx is always more forgiving, and the geometry here is excellent. If you drive a lot of Torx fasteners, this set is particularly strong.

Ergonomics and identification

Laser‑etched size markings are a small but real quality-of-life improvement. They’re still readable after grime and glove use, and the tidy case layout means you’re not fishing around for a lost T25 mid‑project. The hard case latches positively and doesn’t pop open in a bag. At about 1.25 pounds for the full kit, it’s easy to throw in a backpack or tool tote.

Compatibility and use cases

With 1/4-inch hex shanks across the board, these bits are at home in drills and impacts. The set coverage suits most carpentry, cabinet hardware, furniture assembly, and general maintenance tasks that rely on Phillips and Torx fasteners. If your work involves a lot of square/Robertson, Pozidriv, or specialty security Torx, you’ll need to supplement, as this kit stays focused on the basics.

Because there’s no built‑in magnetization, working overhead with short screws can be fiddly. I ended up using my own magnetic sleeve when installing wire clips on a ceiling—problem solved.

What could be better

• Bit holder behavior: The retention clip can feel overly aggressive, making bit changes slower than they should be. It’s workable, but there are smoother holders on the market. If this is a pain point for you, budget for a replacement holder.
• Non‑magnetic: Purists may prefer non‑magnetic bits for precision, but many tradespeople appreciate magnetization for general work. A magnetizing sleeve is a cheap fix, but it’s an extra step.
• No double‑ended options: Single‑ended bits are sturdier at the torsion zone, but double‑ended bits reduce case bulk and speed up swaps. This set favors durability over compactness.
• Warranty clarity: There’s no limited warranty listed for the set. If you end up with a defective holder or an outlier bit, your recourse is likely through the retailer.

Who will appreciate this set

• Impact driver users who value a true torsion‑zone bit that resists breakage and cam‑out.
• Carpenters and DIYers working primarily with Phillips and Torx fasteners.
• Anyone already invested in TOUGHCASE+ who wants a neat, stackable bit kit.

Less ideal for:
- Electricians and cabinet installers who depend on magnetized tips for one‑handed starts.
- Users who swap bits constantly and are picky about ultra‑smooth quick‑change holders.
- Folks who need broad profile coverage (square, Pozidriv, hex, security Torx).

Practical tips from the bench

• Add a magnetizing sleeve or keep a dedicated magnetic holder in the case for overhead work.
• If the holder is sticky, a drop of light oil on the sleeve mechanism and a few cycles usually help.
• Rotate your PH2 bits; save one “fresh” tip for delicate hardware and dedicate another to heavy structural screws.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 40‑piece bit set for anyone who wants a robust, impact‑ready kit with well‑cut Phillips and Torx tips and a genuinely effective torsion zone. The bits themselves perform well under impact loads, resist cam‑out, and show predictable, even wear. The case and laser etching make daily use easier, and the size coverage fits most common tasks.

That said, plan around two limitations: the included bit holder can be stubborn about releasing bits, and the set isn’t magnetic. Neither is a deal‑breaker—the first is solvable by swapping to your preferred holder, and the second by adding a magnetizing sleeve—but they’re worth knowing. If you prioritize smooth bit changes above all else or you must have factory‑magnetized tips, there are alternatives that will suit you better.

For general carpentry, remodeling, and shop work with an impact driver, this set earned a spot in my bag. The core value is in the bits, and on that front, they deliver.