A Little ‘Bit’ Better

If you’re a confirmed do-it-yourselfer, you undoubtedly rely on a screw (or impact) gun for many projects around the RV — and have a large assortment of bits to fit every type of fastener on earth. Heck, does anyone use a screwdriver any longer? I don’t, unless I’m tightening something that requires a precise touch. My collection of bits is vast — and since I live in a fifth wheel full-time, these small parts are always being misplaced. I know, most come in boxes that keep them together, but in typical fashion, the bits never get placed back where they belong. Shame on me!

Over the years, I purchased small parts boxes with separate slots to organize and store the bits, but that, too, required rummaging through the piles of bits to find the right one. While I believe in having a wide selection of tools that will be needed at some point, the truth be told that when it comes to maintaining an RV, I typically use only a select number bits over and over. So, when a delivery person bringing a new refrigerator showed up with nut drivers dangling from his belt, I was fascinated. Now, I’m not a stranger to tools; I gave my son a pair of four-box roll-aways filled with tools before heading on the road full-time — but I had never seen these holders.

The basic upgraded kit has six holders with key rings that go on a carabiner with a safety lock, which is the latest improvement in the product. You can opt for six-holders packaged in 1 to 10-piece kits. I ordered two kits at first and the next day after they were delivered, I ordered two more. It’s a “tool junky” thing.

These holders are designed to lock-in standard ¼-inch hex bits and can handle up to 3.3 pounds. To insert or remove a bit the collet is slid forward, releasing the mechanism. Once in place, the collet provides a secure hold on the bit, so it doesn’t fall out unintentionally. The holders and carabiner are made of aluminum, which is very light until you add the bits. It’s also possible to load the holders with frequently used drill bits with a ¼-inch hex base, but you’ll need to be careful not to cut yourself.

Most service people will likely hang the holders on their tool belt using the safety carabiner. I was more interested in organizing the bits and storing them in a place where they can be grabbed (found) quickly. That being the case, I wanted to hang them in the outside storage compartment without getting in the way, but still in plain sight without rummaging through boxes and bins.

All my bits are now organized by category (and based on previous experience with other projects). Now, when I need a certain type of bit, I simply grab the carabiner and take the holders to the job site.

I showed these bit holders to a few of my RVing friends who wasted no time ordering one or more kits. Now, if I can only find a new project.