Are Screwdriver Bits Universal? What Fits What
The short answer is mostly yes — almost all screwdriver bits use a standard 1/4″ (6.35mm) hex shank that fits any drill, impact driver, or bit holder from any brand. But “universal shank” doesn’t mean “universal bit.” You still need the right bit type and size for each screw, and there are a few compatibility details worth knowing. This page covers everything.
The 1/4″ Hex Shank Standard
Every major screwdriver bit manufacturer — Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Wera, Wiha, and all budget brands — uses the same 1/4″ hex shank. This means a DeWalt bit fits a Makita impact driver, a Wera bit fits a Ryobi drill, and a no-name bit from a bargain bin fits a Milwaukee M18. The shank is physically interchangeable across all brands and all driver types.
This applies to standard 25mm bits, longer 50mm/75mm/100mm/150mm bits, and specialist bits like nut setters and socket adapters. As long as the shank is 1/4″ hex, it fits.
What’s NOT Universal
While the shank is standardised, several things are not interchangeable:
Bit type must match the screw type. A Pozidriv bit only works in Pozidriv screws. A Phillips bit only works in Phillips screws. Torx in Torx. Hex in hex. They are not interchangeable, even if the sizes are similar. See our PZ vs PH guide for the most commonly confused pairing.
Bit size must match the screw size. A PZ2 bit doesn’t work properly in a PZ1 screw — it’s too big and won’t seat. A PZ1 in a PZ3 screw will strip it. Always match the number.
Impact-rated vs standard bits. Standard chrome vanadium bits should not be used in impact drivers — they’ll shatter. Impact bits (torsion bits) are designed for the hammering action and can be identified by their darker colour and torsion zone. See our impact driver bits guide for details.
Drill Chucks vs Impact Driver Chucks
A standard drill/driver has a three-jaw chuck that can grip both round-shank drill bits and hex-shank screwdriver bits. You can use any 1/4″ hex bit in a drill chuck, though it may not grip as firmly as a dedicated hex holder.
An impact driver has a 1/4″ hex collet that only accepts 1/4″ hex shanks — you cannot use round-shank drill bits directly (you’d need a hex-shank drill bit or a chuck adapter). All standard screwdriver bits fit an impact driver collet natively.
An impact wrench uses a 1/2″ square drive, not a 1/4″ hex. You need a square-to-hex adapter to use screwdriver bits in an impact wrench, which is rarely necessary or recommended.
Bit Holders and Magnetic Extensions
Magnetic bit holders are universal too — any 1/4″ hex bit holder accepts any 1/4″ hex bit. Bit holders extend the reach of a 25mm bit and hold it magnetically, which also magnetises the bit tip for holding screws. There are two main types:
Standard magnetic holder: A 60mm or 75mm extension with a magnet at the bit end. Simple and effective. The bit is held by friction and magnetism.
Quick-release holder: Has a sliding collar or ring that locks the bit in place. More secure than magnetic-only, especially in impact drivers where vibration can loosen bits. Wera’s Rapidaptor and Makita’s Ultra-Mag holders are among the best.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Makita bits in a DeWalt drill?
Yes. All screwdriver bits use the same 1/4″ hex shank regardless of brand. Makita bits fit DeWalt drills, DeWalt bits fit Milwaukee drivers, and so on. The brand only matters for quality and durability, not compatibility.
Do all screwdriver bits fit all drills?
All 1/4″ hex screwdriver bits fit all standard drills, drill/drivers, and impact drivers. The only exception is SDS drills (rotary hammers) which use a different chuck system — you’d need an SDS-to-hex adapter, but this isn’t a common or recommended combination.
Are impact bits compatible with normal drills?
Yes. Impact-rated bits work in standard drills — they’re just engineered to also survive the hammering action of an impact driver. There’s no downside to using impact bits in a standard drill. However, standard (non-impact) bits should not be used in impact drivers.
Do all screwdriver bits fit all bit holders?
Yes, as long as both the bit and the holder use the 1/4″ hex standard, which virtually all do. Brand doesn’t matter — a Wera bit fits a Makita holder and vice versa.
Best Universal Bit Sets
If you want a single set that covers every common screw type you’ll encounter in the UK, these are the sets we recommend. Each one uses the standard 1/4″ hex shank, so they’ll fit any drill or impact driver.
Wera Bit-Check 30 — Best All-Round Set
The Wera Bit-Check 30 includes PZ1, PZ2, PZ3, PH1, PH2, PH3, Torx (T10–T40), hex, and slotted bits in a compact holder. Wera’s BiTorsion technology gives each bit a softer mid-section that absorbs torque peaks, extending bit life significantly. This is the set to buy if you want one box that handles everything.
DeWalt DT71572 — Best Budget Option
DeWalt’s 45-piece set covers PZ, PH, Torx, hex, and slotted bits along with a magnetic bit holder and several nut drivers. It’s not impact-rated, but for general DIY and household tasks it’s excellent value. The tough case keeps everything organised and the bit quality is solid for the price.
For our full screw-to-bit matching reference, see which screwdriver bit for which screw.