Drill & Screwdriver Accessories - Other

Ultimate Guide to Drill & Screwdriver Accessories: Where to Buy and What to Choose

Why the right drill and screwdriver accessories matter

Think of your drill and screwdriver accessories as the secret sauce that turns a good tool into a great one. The right bit or attachment can shave minutes off a job, prevent stripped screws, and keep your project looking like a pro did it. Whether you’re tightening a loose cabinet hinge or carving out a precise hole for a dowel, accessories like impact-ready bits, carbide burs, and specialty brushes make the difference between frustration and smooth progress.

Top stores to shop for drill and screwdriver accessories in the US

When you’re ready to buy, the store you choose affects selection, price, and convenience. Big-box chains, hardware co-ops, online marketplaces, and discount tool sellers each have strengths. Below I break down where to shop and why you might prefer one over another, based on stock variety, price, and suitable accessories for common jobs.

Walmart: wide selection for everyday buyers

Walmart is a solid go-to for basic to mid-range accessories. You’ll find everything from impact-ready bits to cleaning brush kits. For instance, options like a 50-piece Star Hex T20 impact-ready set make tackling multiple screw types simple, and cleaning brush sets designed for auto and home detail work are great for keeping vents and wheels residue-free. Walmart often stocks specialty items like carbide bur sets and replacement thumbscrews if you need a niche part quickly without a long wait.

The Home Depot: pro-grade choices and everyday value

Home Depot tends to cater to both DIYers and professionals. They carry extensive drill and screwdriver accessory lines—high-speed steel bits, cobalt sets, shock-resistant impact bits, and shovel-deep assortments of driver bits. If precision end mills or larger boring heads are on your list, Home Depot is a smart stop for both name-brand options and jobsite-grade house brands with reliable warranties.

Lowe’s: balanced selection and in-store help

Lowe’s matches Home Depot on variety but adds an emphasis on in-store assistance. Staff can suggest the right bit geometry for your material, whether you’re drilling through hardwood or masonry. Lowe’s typically stocks accessory sets and specialized items like carbide burs and countersink kits, and you’ll often find kits that bundle drill bits and screwdriver bits to save money.

Ace Hardware: local, specialized, and convenience-focused

Ace Hardware shops are neighborhood-friendly and great for quick fixes and small specialty parts. If you need a replacement thumbscrew or a small carbide burr right away, Ace is often faster than driving to a big box store. Independent locations sometimes carry niche brands or higher-end accessories a bit off the beaten path, and the staff knowledge is a plus when you’re troubleshooting an oddball fit or thread.

Harbor Freight: budget buys and hard-to-find bargain kits

When price is king, Harbor Freight is worth a look. They carry low-cost sets of driver bits, drill bits, and accessory bundles that can be perfect for occasional tasks. While quality varies, Harbor Freight is ideal for tools you’ll rarely use and disposable items like cleaning brush kits or trial packs of carbide burrs. Just remember: for intense daily use, upgrade to a tougher brand.

Amazon: massive selection, fast shipping, and reviews

Amazon excels at variety and convenience. You can find everything from 2-inch carbon steel boring heads with R8 shanks to 15-pack replacement thumbscrews and read dozens—or hundreds—of buyer reviews. Fast shipping and easy returns make experimenting with a new accessory painless. If you’re hunting for a specific size like a 9/16" end mill with a 1 1/8" cut length, Amazon’s search filters can help you find exactly that without visiting multiple stores.

Essential accessories every DIYer should own

Not all accessories are created equal. For a practical starter kit, aim for these categories: a comprehensive driver bit set with impact-ready bits, multiple drill bit materials (HSS and carbide), a small carbide burr set for shaping and grinding, a selection of sanding and polishing attachments, and cleaning brushes for maintenance. These cover most household and light trade tasks and keep projects moving without constant store runs.

Driver bit sets and impact-ready bits

Impact-ready bits are a must if you use an impact driver. They’re usually labeled as such and designed to absorb shock without snapping. A 50-piece T20 Star Hex and assorted driver set covers plenty of screw types and lengths, and having a dedicated set for your impact driver prevents damage and reduces the chance of rounded fasteners.

Drill bits: HSS, carbide, and specialty types

High-speed steel (HSS) bits are great for wood and general metal work. Carbide-tipped bits outperform HSS when you’re cutting masonry or abrasive materials. For precision routing or milling tasks, small end mills—like a 9/16" diameter HSS end mill with a 1 1/8" cut length—give cleaner cuts and longer life than a standard twist bit when used appropriately.

Carbide burs and rotary tools

Carbide bur sets are the go-to for shaping, grinding, and removing material quickly. A double-cut 1/4" carbide bur set gives aggressive cutting and long wear, ideal for metal, fiberglass, or hardwood. These burs pair well with a rotary tool or die grinder for detail work and are excellent for cleaning up welds or shaping recesses.

Cleaning brushes and detailing kits

Cleaning brush kits are surprisingly useful beyond car detailing. Small bristle brushes clean out drill chuck debris, vents, and tight spaces like rims or air holes. A compact cleaning brush set designed for automotives often doubles for household maintenance: think air vents, window tracks, and electronics cases. They’re a small investment that keeps tools and projects cleaner.

Specialty items worth considering

Not every accessory is for everyone, but some specialty tools are real time-savers. Boring heads, thumbscrew replacement packs, and custom-shaped carbide burrs tackle niche tasks that regular bits can’t handle. If you work on machinery or appliances, having a 15-pack of replacement thumbscrews or a set of 2-inch carbon steel boring heads can save repair time.

Boring heads and drill bit holders

Boring heads are used for precise diameter adjustments and larger holes. Sets that include R8 shank adapters and 2-inch bored lengths let you work on woodworking and metal projects needing tight tolerances. These are more common in machine shops, but useful in a home shop if you’re turning out a lot of parts that need repeatable accuracy.

Replacement parts and small fasteners

Replacement thumbscrews and small fasteners are lifesavers when maintaining appliances or commercial equipment. Buying a 15-pack of a common thumbscrew saves downtime and keeps things running. Small parts often vanish at the worst times—having a stash prevents project delays and keeps your toolbox feeling like a small parts store.

How to choose the right accessory for the job

Picking the right accessory is about matching material, geometry, and speed. Ask yourself: what am I drilling or driving into—wood, steel, concrete, or plastic? What diameter and depth do I need? Will I use an impact driver or a cordless drill? Answering these helps you choose the right bit material (HSS vs. carbide), the right tip geometry, and whether you should invest in a more durable or specialized accessory.

Match material to bit or burr type

Softwood and plastic can take standard HSS bits, while hardwood and steel do better with cobalt or titanium-coated bits. Masonry needs carbide-tipped bits. For grinding or shaping, use carbide burs rather than steel to avoid rapid wear. Always check recommended speeds on the accessory packaging—some small cutters need higher RPMs while larger bits must run slower to avoid burning the material.

Consider shank type and fit

Shank size and type matter—1/4" hex shanks are common for quick-change systems, while round shanks fit standard chucks. For heavy-duty tasks, an R8 or larger shank on a boring head or milling chuck ensures stability. Make sure the accessory matches your tool’s chuck or collet system to prevent slippage and broken bits.

Maintenance, storage, and extending accessory life

Take care of your accessories and they’ll last longer. Clean bits and burs after use, keep them dry, and store them in labeled organizers to avoid dulling. For example, brushes should be rinsed and dried, carbide burs stored in foam or plastic cases, and driver bits kept in a magnetic bit holder. Simple habits stretch tool life and keep your projects precise.

Sharpen and replace when needed

Sharpening bits and burs is often cheaper than buying new ones if you have the right tools and skill. But for small carbide pieces, replacement is usually more practical. Know the cost trade-off: some items like cheap driver bits are almost disposable while high-end cobalt bits are worth sharpening.

Safety tips when using drill and screwdriver accessories

Accessories amplify your drill’s power, so safety goes up a notch. Always wear eye protection and gloves when grinding or using carbide burs. Clamp your workpiece to prevent grabbing, and set drill speed appropriate for the material. Remember that small accessories can accelerate wear on your tools—inspect bits for damage before using them to prevent breakage and injury.

Use the right speed and pressure

Too much pressure or too slow a speed can chatter and break bits; too fast can overheat and dull them. For wood, moderate speed and steady pressure work best; for metal, slower speed with steady coolant or lubricant helps extend bit life. Carbide tools often require higher speeds but less feed pressure. Read the accessory guidelines and do a quick test on scrap material.

Finding the best deals and when to splurge

Where to save and where to invest? Buy cheap driver bits and test brushes cheaply, but splurge on high-quality impact-ready bits and specialized cutting tools you’ll use daily. Look for seasonal sales at big-box stores, clearance racks at Harbor Freight, and review-driven buys on Amazon. A well-chosen set can replace dozens of single bits and save money over time.

Bundle buys vs. single high-quality pieces

Bundles are great for filling a toolbox fast. If you only need one high-performance bit or a precise boring head, buy it individually. Bundles make great starter kits, but keep an eye on the included quality—sometimes a single premium bit outperforms an entire cheap set.

Quick checklist before your next purchase

Before you buy, ask: Do I have the right shank size? Will this bit work with my impact driver? Is the material compatible with my project? How often will I use this accessory? Answering these saves returns and wasted money. Also, check for warranty or replacements if you’re buying for critical or daily use scenarios.

Final buying tips

Compare prices across Walmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Harbor Freight, and online marketplaces. Read reviews, check dimensions in inches, and look for impact-rated labels if you use a driver. A little homework before checkout means fewer trips back to the store and more time getting things done.

Conclusion

Picking the right drill and screwdriver accessories transforms how efficiently you work and how tidy your results look. From everyday buys at Walmart to pro-grade bits at Home Depot and specialty parts found online, there’s a perfect mix of tools for every budget and need. Keep material compatibility, shank fit, and usage frequency in mind, and don’t forget simple maintenance—clean, store, and inspect. With the right choices, your toolbox will feel like a well-oiled machine ready for any job.