ribbed tip phillips bits

**Lynn** · #1 01-14-2022, 04:06 PM

Didn't know where to post this. Do we need a new category for tool? Was thinking technical and restoration, but not certain.

Back in the 80s I bought some Vermont American screwdriver phillips bits that had ribbed tips; little grooves cut into the tips that REALLY BIT, into the screws.

I am tired of every freaking bit I buy spinning out of the screw head. The problem is much exacerbated when I am pulling out a chinese screw where the head doesn't fit perfectly into a #2 bit.

I went to the Vermont American site and found two bits that have the ribs; one is the Dexter power bit, the other the Icebit power bit.

Vermont American was bought many years ago by Bosch, and now I believe most, if not all of their products are manufactured in China. Unlike some guys, I believe it is possible to make a quality product in China; it just isn't the norm. I try to stay away if I can.

I cannot find the Dexter bits anywhere. I have found a couple places to by the Icebit. Both have the grooves.

Anyone have any experience with either?

I posted this on the Garage Journal as well. Will report any results.

**njsteve** · #2 01-14-2022, 04:18 PM

Ribbed Tip Phillips Bits?

I was expecting something far more inappropriate

**MosportGreen66** · #3 01-14-2022, 04:30 PM

I just plugged this into a general eBay search and got a ton of hits. The packages even say "USA"... do you have a part #? I'd like to buy these too.

Thanks,
Dan

**Lynn** · #4 01-14-2022, 04:40 PM

different part numbers for how many to a package.

25 to a box #2 is part number 16045

VA site here: https://vermontamerican.com/products...er-power-bits/

The ad for Bosch bits on ebay SAYS "ribbed bit" but it doesn't say the tip is ribbed. I am not seeing the ribs in the pics.

**1967 4K** · #5 01-14-2022, 05:15 PM

McMaster Carr has them. Slip-Resistant Phillips Bits, many sizes listed.

**Lynn** · #6 01-14-2022, 06:19 PM

Also available at Wal-Mart, part number E1102XXRI-5PK

Pack of 5 and shipped free.

**Too Many Projects** · #7 01-14-2022, 06:54 PM

My local Grainger has them, but suggested another tip, this being the short version, which I prefer for better control.

Thanks, Lynn, for bringing this up, as I need more tips anyway and will pursue this one now...

https://www.grainger.com/product/ZEP...brItems_410Z39

**Lynn** · #8 01-14-2022, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njsteve

Ribbed Tip Phillips Bits?

I was expecting something far more inappropriate

You are a dirty dirty boy.

**Too Many Projects** · #9 01-14-2022, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njsteve

Ribbed Tip Phillips Bits?

I was expecting something far more inappropriate

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn

You are a dirty dirty boy.

You can buy the ribbed tips Steve was thinking of from vending machines in the Men's room at truck stops.

**Lynn** · #10 01-14-2022, 11:06 PM

Thanks for cracking the code on that one.

The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to njsteve For This Useful Post:
chevyman0429 (01-14-2022), L_e_e (01-15-2022)

The Following User Says Thank You to 1967 4K For This Useful Post:
Too Many Projects (01-14-2022)