What LM flat bits do you use the most?

ineedone · **on:** October 08, 2015, 02:54:03 AM

I tried searching, but came up with nothing. I am looking to minimize my daily carry from everything to about 5-6 bits plus the factory PH/Flat bit in my wave.

What bits work best for everyone and which ones do you use most frequently?

I have already narrowed it down to one sleeve of mostly torx(can be used as hex in most cases)

Mextreme · **Reply #1 on:** October 08, 2015, 06:50:10 AM

Since you have the default flat/philips, the eye-glass/instrument bit and the big prybar non-bit driver, I would say you are set for flat drivers.
I'm carrying one of the cartridges in the bit-kit and am more than happy.
First I have eliminated all US bits since I'm in Europe and don't own a Harley or something

.
Since there are the ten slots in the holder and the bits are double sided I can carry all the Torx, most common EU hex and one double straight and one philips (the combo with the larges and smallest) and I feel I'm more than ready. Could probably narrow it but since the holder holds 10 bits......
How do you plan to carry the bits? Are you not using the holder?

hellsing · **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2015, 08:58:28 AM

As European, i mostly use flat, Phillips and torx driver on a single bit card.
The flat bits are a little too soft eand tend to bend under heavy torque.

hiraethus · **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2015, 09:40:36 AM

I use the metric hexes, PZ1, PZ2 and T25 Torx most. Not really a fan of the Leatherman bits though - they're soft, the smaller hex bits seem undersized and easy to round off, and the bigger ones don't inspire confidence when trying to loosen tight screws as they only engage on two points in the socket. Handy if that's all you've got, but I'd rather carry the Victorinox bit wrench.

Mextreme · **Reply #4 on:** October 08, 2015, 11:21:31 AM

Quote from: hiraethus on October 08, 2015, 09:40:36 AM

I use the metric hexes, PZ1, PZ2 and T25 Torx most. Not really a fan of the Leatherman bits though - they're soft, the smaller hex bits seem undersized and easy to round off, and the bigger ones don't inspire confidence when trying to loosen tight screws as they only engage on two points in the socket. Handy if that's all you've got, but I'd rather carry the Victorinox bit wrench.

I think they´re sized properly. The problem I see is when some manufacturers try to make "compromize" hex screws in order to not have to have provide one EU and one USA of a product so the screw head is supposed to work with both. Then a 2d/semi 3d version of the tool gets more trouble since it has less to grasp. Bad screws are also common on china made products.
My take on a multi-tool is that it so easy to carry that you have it on you when needed. It works in a pinch. Of course a complete bit-kit with a dedicated bit driver is better as a tool but the LM bit-kit cartridge is 4mm thick and can stay in a wallet or in the sheath without adding girth. I think it´s brilliant.
The victorinox wrench I rarely carry because it´s to big hazzle. The sheath feels like a brick that gets stuck everywhere, in the car, on clothes, tables. The Swiss Tool i carry only on its own.
I have also a bit extender to the LM that can work with normal bits but that rarely happens because if I have access to regular bits I normally also have a real driver or power tool.

Toolslinger · **Reply #5 on:** October 08, 2015, 12:43:02 PM

I only carry a single sleeve of bits if I'm carrying my Leatherman. My most used bits are Square Drive #1 and #2, Hex 4mm and the combo Philips/flat that comes with most of their tools. I carry Pozidrive 0-3 as I have some appliances and other devices that use them. Other than that, the extra spaces are bonus.

Of course, right now I'm carrying my Vic ratchet with standard 1/4" bit set.

shark_za · **Reply #6 on:** October 08, 2015, 01:07:30 PM

As I use it for knife maintenance as well as EDC I find the Philips/Flat and the T6/T8 bits are the two I carry in my Skelly. If I am going out on a bike of motorcycle I swap the Torx for 5mm Allen.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ineedone · **Reply #7 on:** October 08, 2015, 06:15:23 PM

Quote from: Mextreme on October 08, 2015, 06:50:10 AM

Since you have the default flat/philips, the eye-glass/instrument bit and the big prybar non-bit driver, I would say you are set for flat drivers.
I'm carrying one of the cartridges in the bit-kit and am more than happy.
First I have eliminated all US bits since I'm in Europe and don't own a Harley or something .
Since there are the ten slots in the holder and the bits are double sided I can carry all the Torx, most common EU hex and one double straight and one philips (the combo with the larges and smallest) and I feel I'm more than ready. Could probably narrow it but since the holder holds 10 bits......
How do you plan to carry the bits? Are you not using the holder?

This is pretty much where I'm at now. I was going to try and make a carrier out of instamorph. Great discussion seeing what works for everyone. This is mostly for quick repairs when I don't have all of my tools.

Rossko07 · **Reply #8 on:** October 09, 2015, 01:44:25 AM

The flat bit that comes standard with the wave is so darn close to being the same size as the large flat driver it's not funny.

I prefer to have the Phillips 1+2 bit and carry a small flat bit.

And I carry all metric Allen key bits as in my work they are used everywhere.

That's a must but I choose to carry the torx bits as well for the unexpected.

Mextreme · **Reply #9 on:** October 09, 2015, 04:29:35 AM

Quote from: Toolslinger on October 08, 2015, 12:43:02 PM

I only carry a single sleeve of bits if I'm carrying my Leatherman. My most used bits are Square Drive #1 and #2, Hex 4mm and the combo Philips/flat that comes with most of their tools. I carry Pozidrive 0-3 as I have some appliances and other devices that use them. Other than that, the extra spaces are bonus.

Of course, right now I'm carrying my Vic ratchet with standard 1/4" bit set.

Curious about the square bits. Are they that common in Canada? Where are they used? Construction, gear?

Toolslinger · **Reply #10 on:** October 09, 2015, 01:13:41 PM

Quote from: Mextreme on October 09, 2015, 04:29:35 AM

Quote from: Toolslinger on October 08, 2015, 12:43:02 PM
I only carry a single sleeve of bits if I'm carrying my Leatherman. My most used bits are Square Drive #1 and #2, Hex 4mm and the combo Philips/flat that comes with most of their tools. I carry Pozidrive 0-3 as I have some appliances and other devices that use them. Other than that, the extra spaces are bonus.

Of course, right now I'm carrying my Vic ratchet with standard 1/4" bit set.

Curious about the square bits. Are they that common in Canada? Where are they used? Construction, gear?

Square bits are very common (helps that they were invented by a Canadian https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/P._L._Robertson). They are used in everything from building framing to electrical outlets. They are everywhere in my home. I typically need a Square #2 more than any other bit. Second place is a tie between Philips 2 and Hex 4mm (lots of furniture use this size and not just Ikea).