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MAGNA-TIP® STANDARD BITS Reviews & Ratings

With Brownells MAGNA-TIP screwdriver, it is now possible for the gunsmith and firearms hobbyist to have a close fit in most any gun screw he will encounter - and darn near everything around the house and garage too.DESIGN OF BITSThe TRUE hollow-ground bit transmits all the energy of twist (torque) evenly and smoothly, up the shank of the bit. Not only does hollow grinding permit this power transfer, it also gives complete metal-to-metal contact between the tip of the bit and the entire screw slot. Thus, maximum power can be exerted as in a finely tapered gun spring.So-called "hollow-ground" screwdrivers which have been dubbed off square, result in all torque pressures concentrating at the square edge of the grind along the tip. As every gunsmith knows, such a flaw in a spring results in breakage! Standard, straight-tapered screwdrivers deliver all torque pressures to the fine edge of the screw slot. PLUS, being tapered, the laws of simple physics force the bit OUT of the slot.The complete sets include eleven bits for slotted screws, #1, #2 and #3 Phillips bits, plus ten hex bits for socket head screws.PERFECT FITYou can get even more versatility, and an absolutely perfect bit-to-screw-slot fit by buying extra bits and grinding them to an exact fit using the special Shaping Stone shown on this page.MATERIALS USEDThe bits used in the Brownells MAGNA-TIP screwdrivers are manufactured expressly for heavy industry. They are used in high-speed, production, impact-power drivers for setting screws in mass production applications. They HAVE to be built with the right combination of hardness and durability to give maximum strength and wear!

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5 Stars

27%

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Stars

67%

Reviews Summary

Customers express disappointment in the MAGNA-TIP® STANDARD BITS, specifically highlighting the frequent breakage of smaller bits under minimal pressure. While some appreciate the larger bits' durability, many report failures on initial uses, leading to frustration and doubts about their quality and value. Overall, these bits struggle to meet customer expectations.

What Reviewers Are Saying

Bit Durability

75%

Many reviewers highlight concerns regarding the durability of the smaller bits, reporting frequent breakage even under low torque. This has led to growing frustrations and disappointment among users who expected better from the product, as highlighted by multiple accounts of failure after minimal use.

Quality Control Issues

65%

Several customers noted that the bits appear to be made from poor-quality materials, leading them to fail quickly. Reviewers suggest that the manufacturing process may leave the bits too brittle, resulting in a lack of reliability that contrasts sharply with their expectations from a reputable brand.

Customer Expectations

60%

Reviewers express a mixture of initial hope and disappointment, having invested in what they believed to be high-quality products. The frequent failures of the bits contribute to dissatisfaction, indicating a disconnect between customer expectations and actual product performance.

Product Investment Concerns

55%

Many users feel that the price of the MAGNA-TIP® bits does not correspond with the quality experienced, especially after witnessing failures after minimal usage. This concern raises questions about the overall value of the product.

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Magna tips

I ordered backup tips for my gun care kit. I have never had to replace one of these well made tips, but I know it’s just a matter of time before I lose one or bugger it up somehow. Now I don’t have to put my gunsmithing project on hold waiting for a replacement tip to arrive.

Would you recommend this? Yes, I would recommend to a friend

by WAYNE OLSEN on December 15, 2025

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The best

Magna tip bits are the only ones tough enough with guns work and come in any size needed.

The more you know

You can't Bubba shadetree mechanic tiny bits or they will snap. Use an L wrench for stuck bolts. I've used my super set for years no issues.

worked well for years!!

This 1/16 Allen wrench has worked for years in my busy shop. It never did break but knowing that a 1/16 tool has limitations helps to preserve them. I had to replace mine due to loss not failure. When loosening a set screw, if it seemed tight I would break it loose with a standard "L" shaped wrench first. Small set and hex head screws are easy to round the socket in so knowing how much force you can apply is important. For stubborn screws apply a little heat and penetrating oil first and most problem screws will back out easily.

Magna-tip 5/64" Allen

Be gentel with it and have more than one becuse they snap off with as little as 15 in/lbs torque. And getting the broken tip out of the screw socket is something you don't want to deal with if you're trying to make money on a repair job.

The 1/16" hex magnatip sucks big time

Looks like I am the 10th person to leave a negative review of this item. Mine snapped with well under 20 inch pounds. The residue is so hard and brittle that cobalt drills will not touch it. I had to buy a new limb bolt for my bow as the one I had is now unusable. Brownells really needs to address this!

Two Use Bit

I tightened one 8/32 screw on a Midwest industries PTR 91 handguard to 30" lbs. per instructions and started to tighten the second one and snap! I guess I should have checked the reviews. It's too bad, cause the torque wrench I picked up from Brownells seems to work well. Perhaps only the small bits are poor quality as the larger ones I used have survived. They may fail earlier than they should as well. Who knows. Would not recommend.

Breaks too easily

As others have said this bit breaks too easily, mine sheared off with literally two fingers on the driver handle while installing a set screw.

Love the magna tip set, but this bit...

I have the Magna tip super set and love it. However, today I needed to move a sight so this was the first time using the bit 185-0/522 or H5221X. The tip snapped right off after tightening the set screw. Maybe 12-15 inch lbs. Pretty disappointing coming from such a hefty investment in a gun only bit set. I don't recall a warranty but I feel there should be. Guess, I'll order a couple as spares.

BREAKS

I purchased the master set of screwdrivers and have had good luck with them but this 1/16" hex head bit broke easily with very little pressure as it was being used.