Originally I bought a Dewalt bit set and they have their own magnetic sleeve that goes over bits to magnetize them. It works well but because it's a sleeve if the bit is in an extension the sleeve cannot be used as there is not enough space to slide down.
Next I bought a makita holder which is like a little extension but claims to magnetize bits.
Finally I bought a new set of bits by Milwaukee on discount which includes a similar little extension that claims to magnetize bits.
Milwaukee extension + Milwaukee bits = pleasure to use works great.
Makita extension + Milwaukee or Dewalt bits = does literally NOTHING.
Milwaukee extension + Dewalt bits = works ok not great.
So what I don't get is are there different types of magnets and alloys that each company uses?
Is Makita intended to work with Makita bits?
Why does combining Milwaukee/Dewalt produces worse hold.
Best Answer
I have bits from Bosch, Makita and DeWalt but also many cheap ones.
They all fit into various holders from the above names as well as some no-name ones.
The magnetic hold is different on all holders - some are strong and will hold suitable screws while others “just” manage to hold the bit.