Apex Fasteners is a manufacturer of high quality bit inserts for the aviation industry with hundreds of sizes and styles to fit any job.
Apex Screwdriver Bit Guide
Apex® screwdriver bits are widely used in aerospace manufacturing, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and other demanding fastening applications. Business Aircraft Consumables (BAC) stocks a broad selection of Apex bits in the drive styles and configurations commonly used with aircraft and aerospace fasteners.
Selecting the correct screwdriver bit is important when working with aircraft fasteners. The bit must match the fastener recess, size, drive configuration, and application. Using the correct bit helps provide proper engagement, reduce the possibility of fastener damage, and improve consistency during installation and removal.
BAC carries Apex screwdriver bits in Phillips, Torq-Set®, Torx®, Tri-Wing®, Hi-Torque, Slotted, Socket Head, and B.N.A.E. Metric configurations. Many are available as 1/4-inch hex insert bits, while other configurations are available as power-drive or specialized aerospace versions.
Whether you are maintaining aircraft, supporting an MRO operation, manufacturing aerospace components, or sourcing replacement tooling, this guide can help you identify the Apex bit configuration that best matches your application.
Apex Screwdriver Bit Types
Apex manufactures screwdriver bits in a variety of drive styles designed for different fastener configurations. The table below provides a quick reference to the Apex bit types available from BAC, including their drive characteristics, common aerospace applications, and important considerations when selecting a bit.
Insert Bits vs. Power-Drive Bits
One of the most important considerations when selecting an Apex screwdriver bit is the drive configuration. Insert bits typically have a hex shank designed to fit into a compatible bit holder, while power-drive bits have a drive configuration intended for use with compatible powered or pneumatic tools.
The correct configuration depends on the tool being used and the requirements of the application. Before ordering a replacement bit, compare the shank or drive style, overall length, point or recess size, and fastener requirements.
What Is an ACR Screwdriver Bit?
Some Apex screwdriver bits are available with ACR® Anti-Camout Ribs. These ribs are designed to improve engagement between the bit and compatible fastener recesses. BAC carries ACR configurations for selected Apex Phillips, Torq-Set, and Tri-Wing bit families.
ACR bits should be selected when the fastener and application are designed for an ACR-compatible drive. Always verify the fastener requirements before substituting a standard bit with an ACR configuration.
How to Choose the Correct Apex Screwdriver Bit
Choosing an aerospace screwdriver bit involves more than matching the general shape of the fastener. Use the following checklist when selecting an Apex bit:
- Identify the fastener drive type. Determine whether the fastener uses Phillips, Torq-Set, Torx, Tri-Wing, Hi-Torque, Slotted, Socket Head, or B.N.A.E.
- Verify the size. Match the bit size or recess designation to the fastener manufacturer or applicable maintenance documentation.
- Check the drive configuration. Determine whether you need a hex insert, power-drive, or other specialized configuration.
- Confirm the overall length. Make sure the bit can reach the fastener while providing adequate clearance for the tool and surrounding aircraft structure.
- Consider ACR requirements. If the fastener is designed for an anti-camout configuration, select the appropriate Apex ACR bit.
- Verify SAE vs. metric dimensions. This is particularly important for socket head and B.N.A.E. applications.
- Follow the applicable aircraft maintenance documentation. Always use the fastener, tool, and torque requirements specified by the applicable aircraft or component maintenance documentation.
Why Apex Bits Are Used in Aerospace
Aerospace maintenance places demanding requirements on hand and power tools. Screwdriver bits must provide accurate engagement with specialized fasteners while holding up to repeated installation and removal. Apex offers a broad range of bit geometries suited to industrial and aerospace fastening applications.
BAC focuses on supplying aviation consumables and maintenance products to aircraft maintenance organizations, MRO facilities, aerospace manufacturers, and aviation professionals. Our Apex selection includes many of the screwdriver bit configurations commonly encountered in aircraft maintenance, with additional sizes and configurations available by special order.
Apex Screwdriver Bit FAQs
What screwdriver bits are used in aircraft maintenance?
Aircraft maintenance can require a wide variety of specialized screwdriver bits depending on the fasteners used. Common Apex configurations available from BAC include Phillips, Torq-Set, Torx, Tri-Wing, Hi-Torque, Slotted, Socket Head, and B.N.A.E. Metric bits.
What is the difference between an Apex insert bit and a power-drive bit?
An insert bit is designed to fit into a compatible bit holder, while a power-drive bit is designed for a compatible powered or pneumatic tool configuration. Always verify the required drive configuration before ordering.
What are Apex ACR bits?
Apex ACR bits feature Anti-Camout Ribs designed to provide additional engagement with compatible fasteners. BAC carries ACR versions of selected Apex bit families, including Phillips, Torq-Set, and Tri-Wing.
What are Torq-Set screwdriver bits used for?
Torq-Set screwdriver bits are used with Torq-Set fasteners and are particularly common in aerospace applications. BAC stocks Apex Torq-Set insert and power-drive configurations in multiple sizes.
What are Apex B.N.A.E. screwdriver bits?
Apex B.N.A.E. bits are metric screwdriver bit configurations designed for B.N.A.E. aerospace fasteners. They are used in aircraft and aerospace applications where the applicable fastener specification calls for a B.N.A.E. drive configuration.
Can BAC special order Apex screwdriver bits?
BAC stocks many common Apex screwdriver bit sizes and configurations, and additional Apex products may be available by special order. If you do not see the Apex part number or size you need, contact BAC for assistance.
Shop Apex Screwdriver Bits at BAC
Browse the complete Apex Screwdriver Bits selection at Business Aircraft Consumables. Shop by drive type, size, and configuration to find the bit required for your aircraft maintenance or aerospace application.
Looking for a specific Apex part number? Use the search on our website or contact BAC for assistance finding the correct Apex screwdriver bit for your application.