If you have never used a rapid load holder when using your drill, then we know you will find these to be of great use if you decide to buy one. One of the biggest pains in the neck is having to change drill bits and other accessories when doing jobs. It can be annoying and worst of all it can eat up your time.
The keyless chuck was a great invention as that greatly reduced the changing of bits etc. It also meant you didn't have to worry about losing your chuck key. Then along came these rapid load sets and that has made this changing process even quicker.
The most important feature is ultimately the strength of the magnet and that the bit holder locks into place. There are plenty of cheap rapid load/quick change products out there, and our advice is give them a miss as they will frustrate the life out of you.
These are not an expensive buy so pay that little bit extra for the best brands.
Rapid Load Holder from Dewalt
You can use a set like the ones pictured to the right from Dewalt on any 3/8" or 1/2" chuck drills.
These rapid load sets carry a number of different accessories, and you normally get these in the handy small fold over cases.
The one shown holds onto the screws tight and never drops thanks to the magnetic bit holder. The Rapid Load feature makes it easy for accessory change. The tool accepts screwdriver bit tips and has a 1/4" hex shank accessory.
Each set will contain the most commonly used sizes which of course makes perfect sense.
You get a main "hex" holder which prevents any risk of slipping and then a set of drill bits and driver bits. Changing is easy as you simply take one drill bit out of the attachment and pop another one in.
They are then held their with a ball/groove system that is pressure activated. It is a clever and highly effective technology.
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What is a rapid load holder?
A rapid load holder is an attachment you can put into the chuck of your drill, drill/driver or impact driver and makes the changing of drill bits and screwdriver bits extremely fast and effortless. Check out the video below to see exactly what we mean.
The main reason people buy this is because you can quickly swap between drilling a pilot hole and then using a screwdriver bit to drive a screw home. The rapid load holder makes this faster than lightening.
What types of rapid load holders are available?
You can simply buy the "rapid load holder" as a stand alone product if you already own some hex shank accessories such as driver and drill bits. The important thing to note is that you do need to have the hex shank accessories in the first place.
If you don't have these, then you will need to buy a set, like the one shown above that includes the holder and comes with a range of accessories. You can buy these with just drill bits, driver bits or more commonly with a combination of drill and driver bits.
Some people refer to these as quick release holders, quick change bit holders or one touch bit holders.
Who makes rapid load holders or quick change holders?
Most of the leading tool brands have some type of these. They include Dewalt, Makita, Bosch, Wera etc. With this type of accessory I would always stick to one of the major brands as the cheaper alternatives just arent good enough quality. for everyday use
What are the benefits of rapid load holders?
These are really all about speed, and having the capability of being able to change accessories quickly. The hex shanking locking system also then helps prevent bits from slipping, and that is always a very good thing. Typically these types of holders will fit any 3/8" or 1/2" drills. (corded or cordless) and also impact drivers.
They are certainly something that any contractor should consider buying, though we would also recommend these to any serious DIY person who likes to do work around the home.
Best Selling Rapid Bit Holder
Throw this handy little gadget into your tool box and save yourself a world of pain and save yourself a great deal of time.
Around £10 and from the Wera brand, this is a 1/4" impact quick change bit that is ideal for impact drivers and also works great on drills and drill/drivers
It is around 2.5" long (6 cm) so a good size
You push the bit in and then pull down the sleeve of the collar to release the bit
It does take two hands but even with that it is still so much quicker than putting them in and out of a chuck.
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Hopefully you are better informed about rapid load holders. They are clever gadgets that can save you a lot of time. We would recommend that you always use one of these bits in your cordless drill or Impact driver, I wouldn't be without one.