Bosch 47-Piece High-Carbon Steel Hex Shank Screwdriver Bit Set

A week with the Bosch 47‑piece bit set

I tossed the Bosch 47‑piece bit set into my drill bag for a week of mixed tasks: hanging shelves, assembling cabinets, installing brackets in a garage, and driving hex‑head fasteners into masonry anchors. By Sunday, a few things were clear. The selection is well thought out for everyday fastening, the duplicates in the common sizes are actually useful, and the bits themselves hold their shape better than many generic sets I’ve used. It’s not a do‑everything kit, but it’s a solid general‑purpose companion for a drill/driver.

What you actually get

Bosch leans into the sizes you’ll use most. The set includes:

• 1" insert bits in Phillips (P1, P2, P3), square/Robertson (R1, R2, R3), Torx (T15, T20, T25), and slotted (SL6‑8, SL8‑10, SL10‑12).
• A generous pile of duplicates: twelve P2 and ten R2 in 1" length, plus six P2 and four R2 in 2" power‑bit length. That’s the right call for jobsite realities where P2 and R2 dominate.
• Two magnetic nutsetters (1/4", 5/16") and a magnetic bit holder.

Noticeably absent are hex/Allen bits and larger Torx sizes like T30. If you routinely install structural screws or furniture hardware with hex sockets, you’ll want a supplemental pack. The set is stored in a compact, latching case (about 8.75" x 8" x 1.5", 1.22 lbs) that drops easily into a tool bag without hogging space.

Build quality and tip fit

Bosch calls out high‑carbon tool steel that’s fully hardened and tempered, with precision‑formed tips. On the screwdriver‑bit spectrum, these feel on the harder side—less torsional flex than some impact‑rated S2 bits, but with a crisp tip form. In practice:

• Phillips P2: The fit in common deck and construction screws was snug, with less “wobble” than cheaper bits. Cam‑out was rare unless I got lazy with alignment.
• Square R2: Positive engagement, especially helpful on cabinetry hardware and exterior screws. The square bits are cleanly machined and resisted rounding in tight grain.
• Torx T25: Smooth engagement with exterior structural screws; again, a nice tight fit.
• Slotted: They’re here if you need them, and they’re decent, but they’re not a reason to buy the set.

Edges stayed crisp after a weekend that included framing screws, cabinet hardware, and light metal screws. Under a drill/driver’s clutch, I didn’t see chipping or mushrooming at the tips, which is where bargain bits usually give up first.

In the drill, and why the hex shank matters

All bits use a hex shank that seats cleanly in standard three‑jaw chucks as well as quick‑change hex chucks. In a three‑jaw drill the flats help prevent slippage at higher torque, and in a hex chuck they pop in and out cleanly without binding. The included magnetic bit holder has firm retention—bits don’t fall out with a flick—and it kept 1" inserts steady enough for overhead work.

The mix of 1" insert bits and 2" power bits is more than just about reach. The longer 2" P2 and R2 provide a better line of sight when you’re trying to start fasteners in brackets or cabinetry without scuffing the finish with a chuck nose. I leaned on the 2" P2 for most hardware installs and saved the shorter inserts for tight quarters.

Durability in real tasks

Across the week I drove roughly:

• 150 P2 deck and construction screws (wood framing, plywood, and ledger blocking),
• 60 R2 screws (cabinet carcases and drawer slides),
• 30 T25 exterior screws,
• A handful of hex‑head screws and Tapcon‑style anchors using the nutsetters.

I used a compact drill/driver for most work and an impact driver sparingly for the masonry anchors. The bits took the drill’s torque without drama. On the impact, they survived light duty, but I wouldn’t call this an impact‑rated set. There’s no torsion zone, and the harder steel that keeps tips sharp doesn’t like repeated hammering. If your primary driver is an impact, you’ll get more life from an impact‑rated line and keep this Bosch set for drill/driver duty.

After the week, one of the P2 bits showed light surface scuffing but no rounding. The R2s still seated confidently with no slip. The Torx T25 looked nearly new. That aligns with what I felt during the work—less cam‑out and less need to bear down to keep engagement.

Versatility across materials

The set is pitched for wood, metal, and masonry fastening, and that framing makes sense. For masonry you’ll still need proper masonry drill bits for holes; this set handles the driving side. The nutsetters are magnetic and did fine with 1/4" and 5/16" hex heads—think small Tapcons, self‑tapping sheet‑metal screws, and light framing brackets. I’d add a 3/8" nutsetter to your bag if you frequently drive lag screws; it’s not included here.

In wood, the tight tip fit helps prevent marring around the fastener head. In sheet metal, the square and Torx bits stayed put without chewing the recess, which is usually where poor bits betray themselves.

Case and organization

The case is compact and sturdy enough for daily toss‑in‑the‑bag use. Bits are laid out by type, and the duplicates of P2 and R2 are grouped where you can grab and go. The retention is firm but not so tight you’re wrestling bits out with pliers. I appreciate that the most common sizes appear in multiple slots—you don’t need to baby a single P2 all day or stop to fish one from a magnetic tray when it drops off a lift.

If you work out of a backpack or a crowded cart, the low profile is welcome. It slides neatly into side pockets and doesn’t try to open itself; the latch stayed secure.

What’s missing and who should care

• No hex/Allen bits: If you assemble furniture, install set‑screw hardware, or work on machinery, you’ll need a hex bit add‑on.
• Limited Torx: T15/T20/T25 cover many interior and exterior screws, but T30 is common in structural applications and isn’t here.
• Only two nutsetters: 1/4" and 5/16" are the workhorses, but 3/8" is a frequent need for larger fasteners.
• Not impact‑rated: You can get away with occasional impact use, but if an impact driver is your everyday tool, look for an impact‑rated set and keep this one for your drill/driver.

None of these are deal breakers for general carpentry, cabinetry, and light mechanical work. They’re simply boundaries of what this kit is meant to be: a well‑made generalist.

How it stacks up

Compared to impact‑rated sets (Milwaukee Shockwave, DeWalt MaxFit), the Bosch bits feel harder at the tip and resist wear nicely under a drill/driver. Those competing impact lines often include torsion zones and a broader mix of Torx and hex sizes, making them better for constant impact hammering. Where the Bosch wins is organization, the sheer number of P2 and R2 duplicates, and consistent tip fit that reduces cam‑out. For a homeowner or a pro who favors a drill/driver for precision work, that’s a sensible trade‑off.

Practical tips from use

• Use the 2" power bits for finish‑adjacent work to keep the chuck off surfaces.
• Set the clutch conservatively in hardwoods to protect both the bit and the screw head.
• Add a 3/8" nutsetter and a small hex‑bit kit to round out the coverage.
• Keep a spare P2 and R2 in your pocket; the duplicates are there so you don’t lose time if one walks off.

Recommendation

I recommend the Bosch 47‑piece bit set for anyone who primarily uses a drill/driver and wants a dependable, organized kit that nails the everyday sizes. The hardened tips held up across wood, light metal, and masonry anchor work with noticeably less cam‑out, and the smart inclusion of multiple P2 and R2 bits matches real‑world use. If you live on an impact driver or need a broader spread of Torx and hex sizes, pair this with an impact‑rated assortment or look to a more specialized kit. For general fastening, though, this set earns a spot in the bag and does exactly what it promises with minimal fuss.