The Complete Handbook of Drill & Screwdriver Accessories

It's a solid reference, but I was expecting a bit more on brand comparisons. The author keeps a neutral tone, which is good, but it means you don't get a clear 'just buy this one' answer. I still learned a lot about point angles and why my old wood bits were so lousy. The chapter on maintenance saved me from buying new countersinks. Overall, a useful desk reference, but not what I'd call a page-turner.

I'm a cabinetmaker and usually rely on a few trusted brands. This book made me rethink my bit storage and setup. The explanation of torque vs. drill speed on different materials was practical, and I've already switched to brad point bits for my finish work. The section on chucks and shanks is a bit dry, but worth it. I took away one star because I wish it had more photos of the bit types, the text descriptions are good but visuals would help.

Decent primer, though it felt a bit basic in the first chapters if you've been doing this for a while. I liked the sections on cost-per-hole, it makes you realize the cheap sets are a false economy. The troubleshooting section for a stripped screw was helpful, but the advice on 'just use a new bit' is not always realistic when you're in a bind. It's well-written, but I'm not sure it's a definitive handbook, more like a solid manual.

The blurb promised no marketing fluff and it delivered. Very dry, technical, and to the point. I'm a facilities manager and found the parts on choosing between masonry and impact bits quite useful, as well as the specs for impact-rated drivers. The future trends part was interesting, especially the bit about battery platforms. I'd have liked to see more table data on speeds and feed rates, though. It's a reference, not a story, and it does the job.

It's fine, but I've found most of this information scattered across forums and YouTube for free. The writing is organized and factual, don't get me wrong. The practical examples helped clarify things. I just think for the price, I wanted more hard data, maybe a full appendix on drill bit sizes vs. anchor sizes. It's a good place to start, but I can't say it's the 'Complete Handbook' the title claims.

This helped me decide to switch to hex shank bits for my drill/driver, which has cut down on the chuck slipping. The chapter on maintenance was clear and I successfully sharpened my old spade bits with a file after reading it. It's a bit repetitive in places, but it covers the subject thoroughly. I'd recommend it to apprentices or someone new to serious work. A little too much time spent on business strategies near the end, but easy to skip.

As someone who installs hardware and cabinetry, I rarely think about the bit unless it breaks. This book made me realize how much time I was losing to standard twist bits in wood. The sections on driver recess geometry and clutch settings visibly improved my finish work quality in a week. I docked a star because the final chapter on trends feels a little speculative and less 'handbook' like the rest. Still, it's earned a permanent spot in my shop for reference.