Phillips Screwdriver Bits - PH1 25mm PH2 25mm and PH3 50mm - Pack of 10

Phillips screwdriver bits

Phillips drive remains one of the most widely used fastener systems in UK construction, joinery, and general trade work. These Phillips screwdriver bits cover the three sizes that account for the vast majority of PH-headed fasteners encountered on site: PH1 and PH2 at 25mm for standard fixing tasks, and PH3 at 50mm where a longer reach or heavier drive is needed. Supplied in packs of 10, these are stocked for volume use rather than occasional one-off jobs.

Why choose the Phillips screwdriver bits

• Three sizes, one range: PH1, PH2, and PH3 are ordered individually by size, so you stock exactly what your jobs require without paying for sizes you do not use.

• Pack of 10 per size: A single pack gives enough bits to keep multiple operatives running without constantly restocking. At this pack size, the cost per bit is well below what you would pay for smaller blister packs from a builders merchant.

• 25mm and 50mm lengths: PH1 and PH2 at 25mm cover the standard cordless drill and impact driver application. PH3 at 50mm is the correct length for heavier fixings where extra reach into the drive recess makes a practical difference.

• 1/4" hex shank: Compatible with every cordless drill, electric screwdriver, and magnetic bit holder on the market without adapters. Fits quick-release and standard chuck mechanisms equally.

• Hardened steel construction: The bits are hardened for extended tip life on repetitive fixing tasks, resisting the rounding and deformation that cheaper ungraded bits show after light use.

What's included

• 10 x Phillips screwdriver bits in your selected size and length: PH1 x 25mm, PH2 x 25mm, or PH3 x 50mm

 Specifications

Compatibility

Who is this for?

Phillips screwdriver bits are used by joiners, electricians, dryliners, shopfitters, and general site operatives who regularly work with PH-headed fasteners. PH2 is the most frequently used size across construction and fit-out trades. PH1 is standard in electrical and cabinetry work, and PH3 at 50mm suits heavier fixings and deeper countersunk applications. These are practical, everyday consumable bits for any trade professional who drives volume.

Typical applications

• Fixing drywall, plasterboard, and partition systems using PH2 cross-head screws

• Electrical installation work requiring PH1 for smaller terminal and enclosure fixings

• Joinery and shopfitting with PH2 wood screws across softwood and MDF

• Furniture and fixture assembly where PH1 and PH2 are the specified drive type

• General site maintenance tasks involving PH-headed machine and self-tapping screws

• PH3 x 50mm for heavier gauge fixings and applications requiring extra bit reach

How to use

1. Select the correct size: PH1 for small screws, PH2 for most standard construction screws, PH3 for heavy gauge fixings. Using the wrong size is the primary cause of cam-out and stripped heads.

2. Insert the 1/4" hex shank into your drill chuck or bit holder and ensure it is fully seated.

3. Align the bit squarely in the fastener recess before applying power. A skewed angle causes cam-out immediately.

4. Apply firm forward pressure as you drive. Phillips drive relies on consistent tip-to-recess contact: easing off pressure mid-drive allows the bit to ride out of the recess.

5. Set your drill's clutch correctly for the fastener and material. Over-driving damages the recess and the bit simultaneously.

6. Store unused bits in the pack to protect tip geometry between uses.

Safety

Wear safety glasses when using a cordless drill or electric screwdriver: bit fragments and fastener debris can be ejected if a bit fails or cams out under load. Secure workpieces before driving; drill torque on unsecured material can cause sudden movement. Do not use standard Phillips bits in an impact driver: they are not impact-rated and will snap or deform rapidly under rotational impulse loading.

Maintenance

Inspect the cross-head tip after heavy use. A worn Phillips tip shows rounding at the four wings of the cross profile: once this rounding is visible, the bit will cam out consistently and should be discarded. Bits are consumables at this pack size: replacing a worn bit costs a fraction of the time and frustration of stripping fastener heads on a job. Keep unused bits dry and stored in the original pack to prevent surface corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between PH1, PH2, and PH3 Phillips bits?

 PH refers to the Phillips drive size, with the number indicating the size of the cross-head profile. PH1 is the smallest of the three, used in smaller screws common in electrical, electronic, and cabinetry work. PH2 is the most widely used size across construction and general trade, covering the majority of wood screws, drywall screws, and machine screws. PH3 is a larger profile for heavier gauge fasteners, and at 50mm it also provides additional reach for countersunk or recessed applications.

Why does the PH3 bit come in 50mm rather than 25mm?

 PH3 is used with heavier, larger-headed fasteners that are typically driven deeper into the substrate. A 50mm bit provides the additional reach needed to engage the fastener fully without the drill chuck fouling the workpiece surface. PH1 and PH2 fasteners are generally shallower, so 25mm is the standard and sufficient length for those sizes.

Can I use these bits in an impact driver?

 These are standard Phillips bits, not impact-rated. Using them in an impact driver is not recommended: the rotational impulse loading that an impact driver delivers will cause standard bits to snap or deform significantly faster than they would in a rotary-only drill. For impact driver use, the correct choice is an impact-rated PH bit made from S2 or similar shock-resistant tool steel.

What is the difference between Phillips and Pozi drive?

Phillips and Pozi look similar but are not interchangeable. Phillips has a simple cross profile with tapered flanks designed to cam out under excess torque. Pozi (Pozidriv) has additional secondary recesses between the main cross arms and near-vertical flanks that resist cam-out under higher torque. Using a Phillips bit in a Pozi fastener, or vice versa, will strip the recess. Always match the bit to the fastener: look for the small dots or lines between the cross arms that indicate Pozi drive.

Why do Phillips bits strip fastener heads and what can I do about it?

Phillips drive was originally designed to cam out at a set torque, which was useful in automated assembly. In hand and power tool use, this means the bit rides out of the recess when pressure or alignment is not consistent. The most common causes are using the wrong size bit, applying insufficient forward pressure, and using a worn bit. Keeping the bit sharp, matching size correctly, and applying firm consistent pressure reduces stripping significantly.

How many fixings should I expect from a single bit before replacing it?

This depends on the material, screw size, and tool torque. In softwood with a correctly set clutch, a PH2 bit at this quality level will typically drive several hundred fixings before the tip shows noticeable wear. Hardwood, MDF, and high-torque applications will wear the tip faster. The practical rule on site is to inspect the tip visually: once the cross-head wings show rounding, replace the bit immediately rather than persisting and risking stripped heads.

What tools are these bits compatible with?

 The 1/4" hex shank is compatible with every cordless drill with a 1/4" hex chuck, every electric screwdriver with a 1/4" chuck or quick-release mechanism, and every magnetic bit holder designed for 1/4" hex bits. They are not compatible with SDS machines without a separate 1/4" hex adapter, and are not recommended for use in impact drivers.

Are these bits suitable for use with all Phillips-headed screws?

 Yes, provided the correct size is matched to the fastener. PH1 for screws with a small cross recess, PH2 for the majority of construction and joinery screws, and PH3 for heavy gauge fasteners. The bits are compatible with wood screws, self-tapping screws, machine screws, and drywall screws with a Phillips head. They are not designed for use with Pozi, Torx, or any other drive type.

Where can I order these bits and what are the delivery options?

 Phillips screwdriver bits are available to order directly from cmt.co.uk. CMT Group operates a fleet of over 100 vehicles covering 90% of the UK mainland, with next working day delivery on orders placed by 7pm online. For urgent site requirements, VIP dedicated delivery is available UK-wide, dispatched within 30 minutes on a dedicated vehicle. Trade accounts are welcome, and procurement teams can access agreed pricing and order directly through the EDGE portal.