DeWalt 9 Pc. 1" Hex Bit Set

I reach for hex bits constantly—assembling flat-pack furniture, adjusting cabinet hardware, servicing a bike, or tightening the odd set screw on a fixture. After a few months with this 9-piece hex bit set in my drill/driver bag, I’ve come to appreciate the quiet advantages of a compact, consistent set that just works. It’s not flashy, but it’s dependable, which is exactly what I want from small consumables that often make or break a task.

Build and materials

The bits are made from S2 modified steel, a common choice for quality driver bits because it balances hardness with toughness. In practice, that means the tips resist rounding under torque, while the shank isn’t so brittle that it chips if you slip. All nine are the short 1-inch format, which keeps them compact in a bit holder and easy to control for delicate fasteners. The machining on the tips feels consistent across the set; tolerances appear tight and the corners are crisp.

Each bit slots cleanly into my standard bit holders and quick-change chucks. Engagement feels positive with minimal wobble, which matters when you’re trying to keep a small fastener square without cam-out. That consistency has been true across the set—no oddball bit that’s slightly loose or too tight.

Performance on real tasks

I ran this set through typical shop and household work. On furniture assembly, where hex fasteners are ubiquitous, the bits seated fully and transmitted torque without chewing up screw sockets—a frequent failure with softer, poorly cut bits. On a bike repair, I used lighter clutch settings on the drill/driver for stem and brake hardware, and the small hex sizes in the set handled the job without drama. In cabinetry, where you often find shallow set screws holding knobs and pulls, the short length provided good control and kept me close to the work.

What stood out most was the consistency of the fit. A snug feel reduces the tendency to cam out, even in fasteners that aren’t perfect from the factory. I’m picky about hex tips because once a socket is rounded, you’re in for a tedious extraction. These bits have held their edges well, and I haven’t had to toss any for rounding yet.

I avoided using them with an impact driver, sticking to a drill/driver and hand bit driver. While S2 steel is tough, short hex bits can be stressed by the repeated impacts of a hammer mechanism—especially on small fasteners. Used as intended, torque transfer felt predictable and controlled.

Durability and wear

After a steady mix of use, the tips show only light polishing and no chipping or twisting. The corners remain defined, which is what preserves bite in a hex socket. I’ve had cheaper bits develop a micro-bevel after a handful of fasteners, which quickly becomes a slip-and-strip cycle. That’s not happening here. The S2 modified steel seems to be heat-treated to a sweet spot for this form factor.

Even more importantly, none of the bits have snapped under load. On a stubborn fastener, the bit holder gave up before the bit did. That’s exactly how I want the failure mode to go.

Control and reach

The 1-inch format is a plus for control, especially on small work or when you’re trying to keep things square. The trade-off is reach. Recessed fasteners or deep pockets require an extension or longer bits. In my kit, that’s a non-issue because I keep a few 2-inch extensions around, but if you’re expecting these to replace longer hex drivers outright, you’ll bump into limitations.

One ergonomic note: short bits paired with a compact right-angle attachment make an excellent combo for tight spaces. The set’s uniform length makes it quick to swap sizes without recalibrating your reach.

Precision and fastener protection

Hex fasteners are unforgiving of slop. The crispness of these tips has preserved the sockets on my hardware, which is especially noticeable on smaller set screws and decorative hardware where material is softer or plating is thin. Once a bit starts to round at the corners, you feel a slight rock or “tilt” at the start of the drive. I haven’t felt that with this set. Engagement is confident and direct.

These are straight-cut hex tips, not ball-end. That’s expected for 1-inch driver bits, but it’s worth noting. If you need to drive at an angle, ball-end hex keys still have a place. For square-on driving with power tools or a bit driver, straight tips are the right choice.

Compatibility and workflow

The set plays nicely with standard bit holders, magnetic trays, and compact organizers. I appreciate that all nine pieces live in the same length class; it removes a variable when switching between sizes on repetitive work. For meticulous tasks, I’ll often swap the drill/driver for a small ratcheting bit driver to keep torque low. These bits translate well between the two without any “sticky” detents or poorly cut shanks.

Warranty and value

There’s a 90-day limited warranty. For bits—consumables in most shops—that’s reasonable, though not generous. The real value proposition comes down to tip longevity and consistency across the set. On both counts, this set has met my expectations. I haven’t had premature failures or out-of-tolerance pieces, which saves time and fasteners.

Where it shines and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Crisp, consistent tips that seat well and resist rounding
- Durable S2 modified steel that balances hardness and toughness
- Compact 1-inch format for control and tight spaces
- Reliable compatibility with standard bit holders and chucks

Trade-offs:
- Short length limits reach; plan on an extension for recessed fasteners
- Straight tips only; no off-axis driving like ball-end hex keys
- Warranty is short, though typical for bits

None of these are dealbreakers, but they’re practical considerations. If your work frequently involves deep recesses or angled access, supplement with longer or ball-end options. If most of your tasks are square-on with moderate torque, this set covers a lot of ground.

Tips for best results

• Size matters: match the bit exactly to the fastener to avoid rounding. If you feel play, back out and check the size.
• Seat the bit fully before applying torque, especially on smaller fasteners.
• Use a clutch or hand driver for delicate work; save high torque for larger hardware.
• Keep an extension in the kit to address reach issues without swapping to longer bits.
• Periodically inspect the tips; retire any bit that starts to lose its edge to protect your fasteners.

The bottom line

This 9-piece hex bit set has become a quiet staple in my kit. The combination of crisp tip geometry, durable S2 modified steel, and compact length hits the mark for day-to-day tasks. I value tools that don’t call attention to themselves by failing at the wrong moment, and that’s been my experience here: no slips, no premature wear, no surprises.

Recommendation: I recommend this set. It’s a reliable, compact option for anyone who needs a solid spread of hex sizes in a 1-inch format. The strengths—durability, precise fit, and easy compatibility—outweigh the predictable limitations of reach and the lack of ball-end capability. Pair it with a good bit holder and a short extension, and you’ll have a dependable solution for a wide range of hex fasteners without overthinking it.