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Impact Bits & Adaptors
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TIMCO Contact Adhesive, Rapid Setting Multi-Purpose Impact Resistant Adhesive - 250ml
- Pack quantity
- 1 Each
- Price
- £4.91Incl. VAT
Impact Bits and Adaptors for Impact Drivers and Drills
Using the wrong bit in an impact driver snaps it in seconds. Standard drill bits are not built for the high torque of an impact driver. Impact bits are toughened to take that force without breaking. Here you will find impact driver bits, adaptors, and bit sets for UK trade and DIY use. Products cover screwdriving, drilling, and socket driving tasks. All items are sized to fit standard impact drivers and combi drills used across the UK.
Why You Need Proper Impact Driver Bits and Adaptors
Impact drivers deliver high rotational torque in short bursts. This is called impact action. It drives screws faster than a standard drill. But it puts far more stress on the bit than normal screwdriving does.
Standard bits crack or snap under repeated impact action. Impact-rated bits are made from toughened steel. They flex slightly under impact instead of breaking. This makes them last much longer in an impact driver.
Adaptors let you use different bit types and socket sizes with your impact driver. An impact driver drill bit adaptor converts your driver to take round-shank drill bits. A hex to square adaptor lets you drive sockets directly. Having the right adaptor saves you switching tools on site.
Important: Always use impact-rated bits in an impact driver. Standard chrome vanadium bits are not designed for impact use. They can shatter and cause injury. Look for bits marked as impact-rated or torsion bits before buying.
Types of Impact Bits and Adaptors Available
This range covers all the main bit and adaptor types used with impact drivers across the UK. Here is a plain guide to each product type and what it is used for.
Impact Screwdriver Bits
Impact screwdriver bits are the most commonly used impact bits. They drive screws into wood, metal, and composite materials. Available in Phillips, Pozi, Torx, Hex, and Slotted drive types. Made from S2 or S3 steel for toughness under impact. Most are 25mm in length and fit standard 1/4 inch hex holders.
Impact Torsion Bits
Torsion bits have a flexible zone built into the bit shaft. This zone absorbs the impact shock instead of passing it to the tip. The tip lasts longer because it takes less direct stress. Torsion bits are the best choice for high-volume screwdriving tasks. They reduce cam-out and tip wear significantly.
Impact Bit Sets
An impact driver and bit set gives you a full range of bits in one pack. Sets typically include Phillips, Pozi, Torx, and Hex bits. Many sets also include an extension bar and a magnetic bit holder. A good impact driver bit set covers most screwdriving tasks on site. Sets are more cost-effective than buying individual bits one at a time.
Impact Driver Drill Bit Adaptors
An impact driver drill bit adaptor fits into the 1/4 inch hex chuck. It converts the driver to accept round-shank drill bits. This lets you use standard twist drill bits with your impact driver. Useful when you do not have a separate drill to hand on site. Available in keyless and keyed chuck styles.
Hex to Square Drive Adaptors
Hex to square adaptors fit into the 1/4 inch hex impact driver chuck. They convert the drive to a 1/4 inch or 3/8 inch square socket drive. This lets you use standard sockets directly with your impact driver. Ideal for nut and bolt work on site or in automotive tasks. Available in impact-rated steel for safe use at high torque.
Magnetic Bit Holders and Extensions
A magnetic bit holder holds the screw on the bit tip during driving. This gives you one-handed screw placement. Extension bars increase reach into deep recesses or awkward angles. Available in 60mm, 150mm, and longer lengths. Both are essential accessories for impact driver and bit set users.
Nut Setter Impact Bits
Nut setter bits fit hex nuts and drive them at high speed. They are used in roofing, decking, and structural timber work. Available in magnetic and non-magnetic styles. Magnetic nut setters hold the nut in place while you position it. Common sizes include 8mm, 10mm, 13mm, and 17mm hex.
Spade and Auger Bit Adaptors
Spade bit adaptors allow large spade bits to be used in impact drivers. They convert the hex chuck to accept round-shank spade bits. This is useful for fast hole drilling in timber frames and stud work. Always use a low-speed impact setting when using large spade bits.
Impact Bit Drive Types Explained
Impact bits come in several drive types. Each suits a different screw head. Using the wrong drive type damages the screw head and the bit tip.
| Drive Type | Screw Head | Common Use |
|---|---|---|
| Phillips (PH) | Cross-shaped recess | General woodscrews, drywall screws, sheet metal |
| Pozi (PZ) | Cross with extra points | Timber screws, decking screws, most UK trade screws |
| Torx (TX) | Six-pointed star shape | Structural screws, construction fixings, automotive |
| Hex (HX) | Internal hexagon recess | Machine screws, grub screws, furniture fixings |
| Slotted (SL) | Single flat slot | Older screws, electrical and terminal screws |
| Nut Setter | External hex nut or bolt head | Roofing screws, decking bolts, structural fixings |
PZ2 is the most commonly used impact bit size across UK building and joinery work. TX25 is widely used for structural screws and decking. Most impact driver and bit sets include both of these sizes as standard.
Tip: Pozi and Phillips bits look similar but are not the same. A PZ2 bit used in a PH2 screw will cause cam-out and strip the head. Always match the bit type exactly to the screw head recess.
Picking the Right Impact Bit for Your Task
The right bit depends on the screw type, the material, and how much torque you are using. Here is a simple task guide to help you decide.
Driving Timber Screws and Decking
Use a PZ2 or TX25 impact bit for most timber screws. A torsion bit reduces tip wear when driving hundreds of screws. A magnetic bit holder lets you place screws one-handed in timber.
Fitting Drywall and Plasterboard
Use a PH2 impact bit for drywall screws. A drywall dimpler bit controls depth and stops over-driving. Set your impact driver to a lower torque setting for plasterboard work.
Structural and Construction Work
Use TX25 or TX30 impact torsion bits for structural screws. These screws need high torque and a well-fitting bit tip. A torsion bit absorbs the extra stress and lasts far longer.
Driving Nuts and Bolts on Site
Use a hex to square drive adaptor with your impact driver. Fit the correct socket size onto the square drive. Always use an impact-rated socket for safety at high torque.
Drilling Holes with an Impact Driver
Fit an impact driver drill bit adaptor into the hex chuck. This lets you use standard twist drill bits. Ideal when you need to drill and drive without switching tools.
Roofing and Sheet Metal Work
Use a magnetic nut setter in the correct hex size for roofing screws. The magnet holds the screw while you position it overhead. A self-tapping screw bit in PH2 or TX is also commonly used in roofing.
Impact Bits vs Standard Drill Bits: Key Differences
Many people use standard bits in an impact driver without realising the risk. Here is a clear comparison of the two types.
Standard screwdriver bits are made from chrome vanadium steel. They are rigid and hard. They are designed for hand screwdrivers and standard drills. Under the repeated shock of an impact driver, they snap or shatter. This is a safety risk to the user and those nearby.
Impact-rated bits are made from S2 or S3 tool steel. They are harder and tougher than chrome vanadium. Torsion-style impact bits also have a flex zone in the shaft. This zone absorbs shock and stops the force reaching the tip. The result is a bit that lasts far longer and is much safer to use.
The difference in performance is significant on a busy site. One impact torsion bit can outlast ten standard bits under the same workload. The cost saving over time is clear.
Remember: Standard bits in an impact driver are a safety hazard. Always check the bit packaging before use. If it does not say impact-rated, do not use it in an impact driver.
Impact Bit Shank Sizes and Driver Compatibility
Most impact driver bits in the UK use a 1/4 inch hex shank. This is the standard shank size for impact drivers sold in the UK. It fits directly into the quick-release chuck of most impact drivers.
| Shank Type | Fits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/4 inch hex shank | Standard impact drivers | Most common UK impact driver shank size |
| Round shank (via adaptor) | Impact driver with drill adaptor fitted | Requires an impact driver drill bit adaptor |
| SDS plus shank | SDS plus hammer drills | Not for use in standard impact drivers |
| 1/2 inch square drive | Impact wrench | Used with impact sockets, not standard impact drivers |
| 3/8 inch square drive | Impact wrench or adaptor | Smaller socket drive, needs hex to square adaptor |
If you are unsure of your driver's chuck type, check the tool manual. Most UK cordless impact drivers use a 1/4 inch hex quick-release chuck as standard.
Get the Right Impact Bits and Adaptors for Your Driver
Use the filters above to narrow by bit type, drive size, and pack format. Check individual product pages for shank size, material rating, and compatible driver types before ordering.
Whether you need a full impact driver and bit set for site work, a single impact driver drill bit adaptor for drilling tasks, torsion bits for high-volume screwdriving, or a hex to square adaptor for socket use, this range covers the most-used impact bits and adaptors for trade and DIY across the UK.
For drill bits suited to wood, metal, and masonry, see our drill bits range. For screws and fixings used alongside impact bits, visit our wood screws section.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are impact bits and why are they different?
Impact bits are made from toughened steel rated for high-torque impact drivers. Standard bits are not designed for impact use and can snap or shatter. Impact bits flex under shock instead of breaking, making them safer and longer-lasting.
Can I use standard drill bits in an impact driver?
Not directly. You need an impact driver drill bit adaptor first. The adaptor fits into the 1/4 inch hex chuck and accepts round-shank drill bits. Even then, only use standard bits for light drilling at low speed in an impact driver.
What is an impact driver drill bit adaptor used for?
It converts your impact driver to accept round-shank drill bits. It fits into the standard 1/4 inch hex quick-release chuck. This is useful when you need to drill without switching to a separate drill.
What is included in a typical impact driver and bit set?
Most sets include Phillips, Pozi, Torx, and Hex impact bits. Many also include an extension bar, a magnetic bit holder, and nut setters. Sets are available in 20-piece, 30-piece, and larger options for trade use.
What is the difference between a torsion bit and a standard impact bit?
A torsion bit has a flexible zone in the shaft that absorbs impact shock. A standard impact bit is rigid throughout. Torsion bits last longer and reduce cam-out on high-volume screwdriving tasks.
What shank size do UK impact drivers use?
Most UK impact drivers use a 1/4 inch hex shank quick-release chuck. This is the standard size for impact bits and adaptors sold in the UK. Always check your tool's chuck size before ordering bits or adaptors.
Can I use an impact driver to drive sockets and nuts?
Yes, but you need a hex to square drive adaptor. This fits into the 1/4 inch hex chuck and gives you a square socket drive. Always use impact-rated sockets with an impact driver for safe use.
Which impact bit is best for timber screws in the UK?
PZ2 is the most widely used bit for timber screws in UK construction. TX25 is also common for structural and decking screws. A torsion-style PZ2 bit is the best all-round choice for high-volume timber work.
Related Drill and Driving Products
Impact bits are often used alongside other drilling and driving accessories. See our drill bits range for wood, metal, and masonry drilling.
For screws to use with your impact driver, visit our wood screws range.