Maxtech 16521MX 32-Piece Precision Bit Set Review. ...
"Best I've seen but it has some factors to consider and to be aware of." 2009-08-05
By Serious Toolster Artifacer (Norhern Vermont, Vermont)
This Maxtech 30-piece set has the best bit assortment that I have seen. I had several sets before ordering and purchased another set as well at the time that I purchased the Maxtech. The set does not mention what I have found on my own but mention it here to let you know. When I first received it I was extremely impressed by the quality of the bits. They are all manufactured from a 0.155" steel hex stock. I wish I knew of a handle that would accept this size hex bit that held the bits in place magnetically rather than a clip style. I have used Brownell's Gunsmith's full size hex Magna Bits for years and have several extra Magnetic handles and truly love this style. Back to my main point. Upon receiving I assumed that the handle alone would just accept the bits. When I went to install a bit directly into the handle the bit just fell into the handle clear out of sight. I just thought that this was the way to use the bits and just tried to really clamp down on the bits to keep them from falling. Problem is, the collets in the handle are just plastic with a metal outer tightening collar. The outer collar is the only thing that is metal and I kept loosing the bits as the light force used in tightening and loosening fasteners would just keep pushing the bits back inside of the handle. This morning I was just playing around with the set. I had not tried using the extension. But I found that once the extension was inserted I found that it was really an integral part of the set and why the handle is hollow. The extension is accepted at full depth to be pushed way down into the handle. You can extend it out any length that you desire. But pushed way in, it becomes the final piece in the puzzle. With this extension inserted you have a clip tip with a firm socket into which the bits, once inserted, are firmly held into place without any chance of them loosening and falling in deeper. Once I discovered this little bit of information my opinion of this set increased dramatically. This should be pointed out more clearly in the main description. Also the bits are held in the case by three trays that are completely removable from the main case which is very handy. The bits are clipped firmly in place. I would rather see these trays held into the case being able to just tilt forward with the "option" to remove them if you desire. All in all, with this bit of information known, I would give this set a 5-Star Rating. I hope this is useful.
UPDATE 7/3/009: Shortly after writing this I found a link on Amazon to 'widgetsupply.com'. They had a set of four color-coded aluminum micro screwdrivers with hollow handles. They came with sets of Torx, Phillips, Hex and Plain bits that are stored inside the handles which can be sortd by color depending on type of bit. The most important thing to me is that this set of handles holds the bits by the use of magnetic chucks! They accept all of the 0.155" Maxtech hex bits.
"Good Price Good Product" 2008-12-15
By Michael-Paul Argenziano
Plastic handle causes the bits to slip down into the handle. Using the extension as a work around solves that problem. Otherwise the bits are pretty tough. A great selection for the price. Find myself taking apart everything just to test out the bits.
"Fantastic when used as directed" 2009-11-18
By Yoav Lurie (Washington, DC)
I do not typically leave reviews; however, I felt the need to after seeing some of the negative ones for what I consider to be one of the best tools of its kind. I have been trying to replace the hard drive on my MacBook for nearly a month and after using different sets that did not have the appropriate screws (I needed 4 sizes, including a Phillips size 000), I'd managed to strip screws, damage parts, and ruin flimsier precision screw drivers.
But, with my replacement screws (thanks Apple Genius bar!) and this 32-piece precision bit set, I was able to get the entire job done in 10 minutes. The set is compact, clear, and sturdy.
Those who have given it poor reviews, above, likely did not use the "bit extender" piece - but, it is a key element. Simply slide the extender into the base and then load the bit into the extender. This is not an optional part of the process - it's just how the unit is designed. This design allows the screwdriver to take on many different lengths and allows a static piece (the extender) be the connector to the bits, as opposed to a clamp like other designs. This preserves the bits themselves and allows the unit to be ultra-compact.
After buying and either breaking or returning three other precision sets, I can highly recommend this set.
"Nifty Seldom-Used item." 2008-11-02
By Gary Peterson (San Diego, California USA)
Here's a nifty little inexpensive item that I will very seldom use. Everyone has need of screwdrivers from time to time and almost everyone has a small collection of screwdrivers that work, more or less, some of the time. A major problem of mine has been with really small screws on appliances, electronic items and things of that sort. Conventional screwdrivers are generally useless. Then there are those strange specialized screws that are neither slot head nor phillips head. Boy, can they be a headache. When the problem becomes great enough, then a lot of time is spent (wasted) in Home Depot and other such stores seeking out possible solutions. Ten or twenty dollars can go by real easily, not to mention the time and gas money, just for the removal of one or two fastening devices..
This nifty little screwdriver set has 32 bits, some of which I didn't even know existed and will probably never use in my lifetime. Oh well, if the problem ever comes up I've possibly got the solution. I've used the set on a few items so far and it works real well. Keep in mind that I'm not a professional "fixer." I'm just a homeowner who has occasional use for such a set. When I need it, it's invaluable. I'm very pleased to store it away in my garage tool area. I anticipate it will save a lot of time and effort and trips to Home Depot.
Gary Peterson
"Maxtech 16521MX 32-Piece Precision Bit Set" 2009-07-06
By Sanjeev Pant
I was having problems with my Motorola cell phone which I had bought through Amazon. The phone didn't come with any warranty, so I thought of taking it apart to see if maybe some of its screws were loose which could be tightened, just like in my head. The phone was put together with Torx screws, and that is why I bought this bit set. It worked fine to get the screws off. I took the advice of one of the reviewers and used the extension bar as the Torx bit holder instead of just the handle by itself. You just have to insert the extension bar inside the handle and screw the nut tight to hold the extension bar firmly, and then insert the appropriate Torx bit in the extension bar. Never had a problem with the extension bar slipping inside the handle or the bits slipping on the screws. The handle is plastic, and definitely not for heavy-duty work.
An excellent product. Gets the job done. And is available for a price that is hard to beat.
By Serious Toolster Artifacer (Norhern Vermont, Vermont)
This Maxtech 30-piece set has the best bit assortment that I have seen. I had several sets before ordering and purchased another set as well at the time that I purchased the Maxtech. The set does not mention what I have found on my own but mention it here to let you know. When I first received it I was extremely impressed by the quality of the bits. They are all manufactured from a 0.155" steel hex stock. I wish I knew of a handle that would accept this size hex bit that held the bits in place magnetically rather than a clip style. I have used Brownell's Gunsmith's full size hex Magna Bits for years and have several extra Magnetic handles and truly love this style. Back to my main point. Upon receiving I assumed that the handle alone would just accept the bits. When I went to install a bit directly into the handle the bit just fell into the handle clear out of sight. I just thought that this was the way to use the bits and just tried to really clamp down on the bits to keep them from falling. Problem is, the collets in the handle are just plastic with a metal outer tightening collar. The outer collar is the only thing that is metal and I kept loosing the bits as the light force used in tightening and loosening fasteners would just keep pushing the bits back inside of the handle. This morning I was just playing around with the set. I had not tried using the extension. But I found that once the extension was inserted I found that it was really an integral part of the set and why the handle is hollow. The extension is accepted at full depth to be pushed way down into the handle. You can extend it out any length that you desire. But pushed way in, it becomes the final piece in the puzzle. With this extension inserted you have a clip tip with a firm socket into which the bits, once inserted, are firmly held into place without any chance of them loosening and falling in deeper. Once I discovered this little bit of information my opinion of this set increased dramatically. This should be pointed out more clearly in the main description. Also the bits are held in the case by three trays that are completely removable from the main case which is very handy. The bits are clipped firmly in place. I would rather see these trays held into the case being able to just tilt forward with the "option" to remove them if you desire. All in all, with this bit of information known, I would give this set a 5-Star Rating. I hope this is useful.
UPDATE 7/3/009: Shortly after writing this I found a link on Amazon to 'widgetsupply.com'. They had a set of four color-coded aluminum micro screwdrivers with hollow handles. They came with sets of Torx, Phillips, Hex and Plain bits that are stored inside the handles which can be sortd by color depending on type of bit. The most important thing to me is that this set of handles holds the bits by the use of magnetic chucks! They accept all of the 0.155" Maxtech hex bits.
By Michael-Paul Argenziano
Plastic handle causes the bits to slip down into the handle. Using the extension as a work around solves that problem. Otherwise the bits are pretty tough. A great selection for the price. Find myself taking apart everything just to test out the bits.
By Yoav Lurie (Washington, DC)
I do not typically leave reviews; however, I felt the need to after seeing some of the negative ones for what I consider to be one of the best tools of its kind. I have been trying to replace the hard drive on my MacBook for nearly a month and after using different sets that did not have the appropriate screws (I needed 4 sizes, including a Phillips size 000), I'd managed to strip screws, damage parts, and ruin flimsier precision screw drivers.
But, with my replacement screws (thanks Apple Genius bar!) and this 32-piece precision bit set, I was able to get the entire job done in 10 minutes. The set is compact, clear, and sturdy.
Those who have given it poor reviews, above, likely did not use the "bit extender" piece - but, it is a key element. Simply slide the extender into the base and then load the bit into the extender. This is not an optional part of the process - it's just how the unit is designed. This design allows the screwdriver to take on many different lengths and allows a static piece (the extender) be the connector to the bits, as opposed to a clamp like other designs. This preserves the bits themselves and allows the unit to be ultra-compact.
After buying and either breaking or returning three other precision sets, I can highly recommend this set.
By Gary Peterson (San Diego, California USA)
Here's a nifty little inexpensive item that I will very seldom use. Everyone has need of screwdrivers from time to time and almost everyone has a small collection of screwdrivers that work, more or less, some of the time. A major problem of mine has been with really small screws on appliances, electronic items and things of that sort. Conventional screwdrivers are generally useless. Then there are those strange specialized screws that are neither slot head nor phillips head. Boy, can they be a headache. When the problem becomes great enough, then a lot of time is spent (wasted) in Home Depot and other such stores seeking out possible solutions. Ten or twenty dollars can go by real easily, not to mention the time and gas money, just for the removal of one or two fastening devices..
This nifty little screwdriver set has 32 bits, some of which I didn't even know existed and will probably never use in my lifetime. Oh well, if the problem ever comes up I've possibly got the solution. I've used the set on a few items so far and it works real well. Keep in mind that I'm not a professional "fixer." I'm just a homeowner who has occasional use for such a set. When I need it, it's invaluable. I'm very pleased to store it away in my garage tool area. I anticipate it will save a lot of time and effort and trips to Home Depot.
Gary Peterson
By Sanjeev Pant
I was having problems with my Motorola cell phone which I had bought through Amazon. The phone didn't come with any warranty, so I thought of taking it apart to see if maybe some of its screws were loose which could be tightened, just like in my head. The phone was put together with Torx screws, and that is why I bought this bit set. It worked fine to get the screws off. I took the advice of one of the reviewers and used the extension bar as the Torx bit holder instead of just the handle by itself. You just have to insert the extension bar inside the handle and screw the nut tight to hold the extension bar firmly, and then insert the appropriate Torx bit in the extension bar. Never had a problem with the extension bar slipping inside the handle or the bits slipping on the screws. The handle is plastic, and definitely not for heavy-duty work.
An excellent product. Gets the job done. And is available for a price that is hard to beat.
