Black & Decker Screwdriver Bit Set, 42-Piece

I reached for the 42-piece set halfway through assembling a flat-pack side table, after the furniture-supplied bit chewed its own edges and started camming out. Swapping to this kit’s PH2 with the magnetic drive guide turned a frustrating stall into a quick finish. Since then, I’ve kept the set in my drill bag and it’s become my default grab for everyday fastening around the house.

What you get

This is a straightforward, homeowner-friendly assortment built around the fasteners you meet most often. You’re covered for Phillips (PH1–PH3), slotted in several widths, Torx/star from T10 to T25, square/Robertson (SQ1–SQ3), and a few common hex/Allen sizes (5/32, 3/16, 1/4). There are multiple duplicates of high-use sizes—most notably PH2—so you’re not stuck if one walks off or gets chewed up. All the bits use a standard 1/4-inch hex shank, so they drop into any quick-change chuck or bit holder.

A magnetic drive guide is included and, in daily use, it matters more than I expected. It sleeves over 1-inch insert bits and supports the screw shank while the magnet grabs the head. That simple addition cuts down on wobble, which helps you start screws one-handed and saves dropped hardware when you’re up on a ladder.

Everything lives in a compact case with a clear lid. At 7.8 by 5.8 by 1.6 inches and about 0.8 lb, it fits easily in a drill bag or a kitchen drawer. The clear lid is more useful than it sounds—one glance tells you if the PH2s or T25s are back where they belong before you head to a job.

In use: common household tasks

I used this set across a weekend of typical chores and light projects:

• Furniture assembly: PH2 and the hex bits handled cam locks, confirmat screws, and barrel bolts without drama. The drive guide kept long screws straight when I was working on awkward angles.
• Door hardware and cabinet work: T20/T25 bits fit snugly in modern Torx fasteners on hinges and drawer slides. The fit felt positive; as long as I seated the bit fully, cam-out wasn’t an issue.
• Electrical plates and fixtures: The slotted assortment covered legacy screws, while PH1/PH2 did the rest. I don’t love driving slotted fasteners with a drill, but for low-torque tasks the bits were fine.
• Outdoor odds and ends: SQ2 and T25 bits worked with a mix of deck and fencing screws. I’m not using this set to install a new deck, but for replacing a few boards or tightening hardware, it’s exactly what I want on hand.

Across these jobs, the bit fit was consistent—no slop in the fastener heads, and no surprises with undersized or sloppy machining. After a couple dozen screws, the most-used PH2 showed a hint of edge polishing, which is normal for homeowner-grade bits. Nothing rounded over or snapped, and I wouldn’t hesitate to keep using the same bit for plenty more light-duty work.

The magnetic drive guide matters

If you’ve never used a guided sleeve, it’s not a gimmick. The magnet holds the fastener while the sleeve provides a little lateral support, reducing wobble with 1-inch insert bits. It’s especially useful for longer screws, soft woods where cam-out chews fibers, and overhead work where you don’t have a spare hand. The magnet is strong enough to keep a screw attached during a careful reach; it won’t hold a big construction screw upside down through a shimmy, but it’s more than adequate for household tasks.

Two caveats: oversized wafer-head or decorative screws sometimes won’t fit inside the sleeve, and the guide adds length. In really tight spaces, I swap back to a regular bit holder.

Organization and portability

The case does its job: bits press into molded slots firmly enough that they stay put in a bag, and the latch hasn’t popped open on me in transit. The clear lid lets me inventory quickly. I’d love printed size labels beside every slot for teaching new DIYers, but the grouping is logical—Phillips together, Torx together, and so on—so it doesn’t slow me down.

It’s also small enough to live wherever you do quick fixes. Mine often rides with a compact drill/driver and a set of pilot drills, and that trio knocks out 90% of household tasks without a trip back to the toolbox.

Where it shines—and where it doesn’t

Strengths:
- Coverage of real-world sizes: The range from PH1–PH3, T10–T25, and SQ1–SQ3 hits the screws you’ll see most often in furniture, hardware, and light carpentry.
- Duplicates of workhorse bits: Extra PH2s are a quiet but smart inclusion.
- Magnetic drive guide: Genuinely improves control and reduces dropped screws.
- Compact, clear-lid case: Easy to grab, easy to audit.

Limitations:
- Specialty fasteners: No security Torx, Pozidriv, JIS, micro bits, or T30. If your work involves appliances, bikes, or European cabinetry, you may want a specialty set.
- Heavy-duty demands: For structural screws, repetitive production work, or frequent impact-driver use, pro-grade or impact-rated bits will last longer. This set is capable, but it’s not built as a consumable for a jobsite crew.
- Pilot holes and sockets: This assortment is focused on driver tips. If you’re starting screws in hardwoods or need nut drivers, plan to supplement with a few hex-shank drill bits and a small socket adapter.

None of these are deal-breakers for the target audience. They simply define what this set is best at: everyday fastening with common screws.

Compatibility and handling

I used the bits in a compact 12V drill/driver and a manual ratcheting screwdriver. The standard 1/4-inch hex shanks lock into both. In the drill, the short insert bits keep the overall length manageable; with the drive guide installed, you gain the control of a longer bit without swapping tools. In a hand driver, the bits seat securely without wobble.

One tip: seat Torx and square bits fully before applying torque. Their advantage is great bite, but only if they’re fully home. The magnetic guide helps align the screw; I often pinch the sleeve lightly to keep everything straight as I start the drive.

Durability and maintenance

No bit is immortal. The PH2s and T25s will see the most wear in any kit. I drove a couple dozen screws per size and saw normal polishing on the edges, but no chipping. If you’re working with case-hardened screws or repeatedly using an impact driver, you’ll wear these out faster than premium impact-rated bits. For household use—assembling furniture, hanging shelves, swapping hardware—they hold up well, and the duplicates buy you a lot of runway.

Wipe the bits clean when you’re done; pitch any that show significant rounding before they start damaging screw heads. Keep the case closed—shop dust and loose bits don’t mix.

Value

At around $26.99, the price is fair for what you get: a sensible selection, duplicates of the high-demand sizes, a genuinely helpful magnetic guide, and a compact case you’ll actually carry. You can find larger assortments with more exotic sizes, but they often sprawl in oversized cases or skip the duplicates that matter day to day. As a general-purpose companion to a drill/driver, this balances coverage and portability well.

Who it’s for

• Homeowners and renters who want one compact kit to cover most household screws.
• DIYers tackling furniture assembly, shelving, hardware swaps, and light carpentry.
• Pros who want a glovebox or bag backup with the common bits and a reliable guide.

If your work leans toward heavy exterior construction, automotive, or specialty fasteners, consider adding an impact-rated set and a security bit kit alongside this one.

Recommendation

I recommend the 42-piece set for anyone who needs a compact, dependable driver assortment for everyday tasks. It hits the right sizes, includes extra PH2s where it counts, and the magnetic drive guide genuinely improves control. The clear-lid case makes it easy to keep organized and toss in a drill bag. It’s not a specialist’s kit—and it doesn’t try to be—but for household and general DIY work, it’s exactly the simple, well-thought-out set I want within reach.