How are screwdriver bits manufactured?

3rd March 2020

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	How are screwdriver bits manufactured?


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			Screwdriver bits are either forged or machined. Each have their own particular set of characteristics.

			Forged bits
			Forged screwdriver bits are made by heating up the metal and hammering it into shape.

			Applications Forged bits are stronger than machined, and so they can drive screws into hard as well as soft materials.

			Characteristics Forged bits are made without interrupting the grain structure of the metal, and so they tend to be much stronger than machined bits. Forged bits wear down and round at the end over time rather than shatter like machined bits.

			They are less expensive to produce and therefore cheaper to buy.

			Machined bits
			Machined screwdriver bits are made by cutting the metal into shape.

			Applications Machined bits are not as strong as forged bits and so they are more effective at driving screws into softer materials.

			Characteristics Machined screwdriver bits are made by interrupting the grain of the metal and so they are quite brittle, and can shatter in hard screw-driving applications.

			Compared to forged bits, they are more expensive to produce and therefore costlier to purchase.

			Machined bits are made by shaping the metal and so they are often produced when specific dimensions or intricate designs are required.

			Specialist treatments
			Tempered screwdriver bits During the manufacturing process, most screwdriver bits are hardened to prevent them being worn down when used. This is done by subjecting them to extremely high temperatures before plunging them into cold water.

			Screwdriver bits that have been tempered have been subjected to a second heating process known as tempering, which involves heating up the bit before allowing it to cool slowly. Manufacturers of tempered screwdriver bits claim they offer increased toughness and hardness.

			Frozen / ice-bit screwdriver bits During the manufacturing process, some screwdriver bits are cryogenically frozen (subjected to extremely low temperatures, generally below -150°C.) Manufacturers of frozen screwdriver bits claim they offer increased strength and extended bit life.

			Coatings
			Titanium-coated bits Some screwdriver bits are coated with a special layer, usually titanium or diamond. Manufacturers of titanium-coated screwdriver bits claim they offer increased resistance against the bit becoming worn down over time.