Power tool accessory bits are an interesting topic. These bits are always overlooked in the tool world. People tend to focus more on the actual tool than the bits. Let’s face it, a power tool is sexier to talk about than the bits. However, bits are where manufacturers clean house and make their money. Over the years drills and impacts have become more powerful and it’s been hard for bits to keep up with the power increase. Most bits just break so manufacturers have had to increase their attention to producing a better quality bit that will last with these new tools. So let’s jump into the Milwaukee Shockwave review.
Milwaukee Shockwave Review Overview
I could sit here all day long and tell you why one bit is better than another but when it comes down to it, how do we really know which one is better? A drill we can measure by torque. An impact we can measure by BPM. With bits, we really don’t have a way to tell who makes the best bits.
While I really can’t tell the difference between the main manufacturers such as Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita, I can say there is a huge difference from the main manufacturers to the no name manufacturers.
A while back I bought a no name from overstock.com and let me tell you did I ever get ripped off. Sure I saved some money but the bits were horrible. Most of them didn’t fit the screw and the rest broke right away. From that point on I told myself spending a couple extra dollars and getting a brand name is worth it.
So for me, I have it narrowed down to brand name bits that I use. I have to be honest now that I know I can trust a brand name I strictly look for price, variety, and case.
Milwaukee Shockwave Review Features
The middle part (Red) is the shock zone. This is where the bit tweaks and gives a little bit to help prevent cam-out.
The kit comes in a nice case with 50 different pieces.
1 compact magnetic bit holder, (1) 1/4 in. nut driver, (1) 5/16 in. nut driver, (1) 3/8 in. socket adapter, (2) double ended power bits, (1) PH1 insert bit, (3) PH2 insert bits, (1) PR2 insert bit, (2) PH3 insert bits, (1) SQ1 insert bit, (3) SQ2 insert bits, (1) SQ3 insert bit, (1) T15 insert bit, (2) T20 insert bits, (2) T25 insert bits, (1) T30 insert bit, (1) slotted #6 insert bit, (1) slotted #8 insert bit, (1) slotted #10 insert bit, (1) 1/8 in. hex insert bit, (1) 5/32 in. hex insert bit, (1) 3/16 in. hex insert bit, (1) 1/4 in. hex insert bit, (3) PH2 power bits, (1) PH3 power bit, (3) SQ2 power bits, (1) SQ3 power bit, (1) T15 power bit, (2) T20 power bits, (2) T25 power bits, (1) T30 power bit, (1) slotted #10 power bit, titanium red helix bits: 1/8 in., 5/32 in., 3/16 in., 1/4 in.
Milwaukee Shockwave Review Performance
Again, I can’t say the Milwaukee Shockwave are the best bits on the market. I know some people who love them and others who would rather go with another brand. For me, I like them. They seem to last a long time even under heavy use with my impact.
I love the fact that the #2 Phillips fits snug into the screw head which means I won’t cam out, plus the bit will last longer. In fact, no matter which bit we were using, they all had a great fit into the fastener head. While I love all the bits, in this case, I love the magnetic bit holder the best. The Milwaukee bit holder seems to be the strongest on the market.
The bits are easy to remove from the case and love the case set up as it’s easy to see and access them. The case locks in place so when you drop the case, it won’t break open and your bits end up laying all over the floor.
Milwaukee Shockwave Review Value
If you look around you can find bits for a wide range of prices. This 50 piece kit retails for about $30 at The Home Depot. For $30, it’s a great buy. These are impact rated which means they will last even under heavy use. The kit offers a large variety of bits.
Milwaukee Shockwave Final Thoughts
Bottom line Milwaukee makes some great bits. We love the variety and the price of these bits. While it’s hard to really tell who makes the best bits, these bits are worth the money and we think you get a great bang for the buck with the Milwaukee Shockwave.
Just saw them for 19.99 at HD 🙂
That’s a good deal.