The Bottom Line
I love it when a new woodworking tool or accessory (like the Bosch P2+R2 Combo Bit) hits the market and changes the game. The type of tool that makes one say, "I wish I'd thought of that."
Although it's "only a screwdriver bit," the Bosch P2+R2 Combo Bit is one such tool. This one bit can drive all three of the most popular non-standard screw head types (Phillips, Square-drive and the combination heads popular on deck screws) with equal ease. This eliminates the need for changing bits or having multiple drill setups.
The convenience of needing just one bit to drive all three of these screws is, in a word, brilliant.
Although it's "only a screwdriver bit," the Bosch P2+R2 Combo Bit is one such tool. This one bit can drive all three of the most popular non-standard screw head types (Phillips, Square-drive and the combination heads popular on deck screws) with equal ease. This eliminates the need for changing bits or having multiple drill setups.
The convenience of needing just one bit to drive all three of these screws is, in a word, brilliant.
Pros
- Drives all three main types of non-standard screws with one bit
- Eliminates need for changing bits or having multiple drill setups for various screws
- Available in insert bits, 1-1/2” and 2” lengths
Cons
- Doesn't handle heavy torque-driving applications well - tended to strip the screw
Description
- In my tests, the bit handled all three types of non-standard screws with ease
- Bit didn't show much wear, even after a considerable number of screws were driven
- When extra torque was needed to drive long deck screws, the Bosch P2+R2 tended to strip the screw more often than desired.
Guide Review - Bosch P2+R2 Combo Bit
The patented Bosch P2+R2 Combo bit (designed to drive P2, or Phillips head screws, and R2, a.k.a. square-drive screws) has a very unique shape, as shown in the image above. The rounded, four-pointed star design will fit Phillips head screws, and at the same time, insert securely into the square-drive heads. The blended edge of the tip allows the bit to sink deeply into larger Phillips head screws as well, eliminating the need to carry around multiple types of screwdriver tips for your drills.
The only knock I found on the P2+R2 Combo Bit was that, when I really needed to torque on a long deck screw to drive it home, the P2+R2 had a greater tendency to strip than the bits designed specifically for those screws. Fortunately, the occurrences were relatively far between, so it really didn't seem to be a major issue - just something to keep in mind.
The only knock I found on the P2+R2 Combo Bit was that, when I really needed to torque on a long deck screw to drive it home, the P2+R2 had a greater tendency to strip than the bits designed specifically for those screws. Fortunately, the occurrences were relatively far between, so it really didn't seem to be a major issue - just something to keep in mind.
