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Milwaukee has announced a new line of ultra-durable impact-rated screwdrivers bits, Shockwave Matrix Carbide.

Driving up to 2800 more screws than other premium driver bits in testing, Shockwave Matrix Carbide is the new industry benchmark. Advertisement

They say that the new bits can drive up to 2800 more screws than competing bits.

What’s New About Them?

Through the disruptive engineering methods and new-to-world innovation in Shockwave Matrix Carbide bits, users no longer have to sacrifice wear resistance to gain impact durability. The combination of proprietary Matrix Carbide Steel and optimized Shockzone technology deliver extreme wear resistance while still being able to absorb the peak torque of an impact driver.

Translation: the new bits are made from a fancy new steel alloy and feature an optimized torsion zone.

Shockwave Matrix Carbide Introduction Schedule

The new Milwaukee Shockwave Matrix Carbide screwdriver bits will be available in a variety of bit lengths and kit configurations, with Phillips, Square, and Torx tip styles. There will be both 2″ power bits, and 1″ insert bits.

April 2019: Phillips #1, 2, 3; 3″ magnetic bit holder

October 2019: Square #1, #2, #3; Torx T20, T25

Shockwave Matrix Carbide Benefits

Milwaukee says that the “extreme wear resistance” will be most valuable in highly repetitive tasks where thousands of screws are driven, and bits tend to cam-out or wear. Applications include steel stud framing, drywalling, decking, and pre-fabrication.

Lifetime Tip Warranty?

Press materials say:

This revolutionary advancement in driver bit technology is backed with a Lifetime Tip Warranty ensuring users that they will continue to be able to drive fasteners long after all other bits have failed.

We don’t yet know what this means, exactly. Does it mean that when you buy a bit you can expect it to last for life? Or does lifetime mean the life of the bits?

Updates to Shockwave

Press materials also discussed changes being made to the existing Shockwave lineup.

The upgraded line was engineered to extend bit life with a Custom Alloy76 Steel for up to 50X more life, and will feature a new Wear Guard Tip to protect the fit over the life of the bit. An optimized Shockzone also absorbs peak torque and prevents breaking.

In other words, other Shockwave bit sizes and styles will be improved upon as well. The next-generation Shockwave screwdriver bits will be launching in Spring 2019.

First Thoughts

Longer-lasting bits? Sure!

We’re waiting on pricing and availability information (not their fault, I asked after business hours), but I think it’s safe to assume that the new Shockwave Matrix Carbide bits will be pricier than the typical Shockwave bits. If they last as long as press materials suggest, the premium will be worth it for heavy users.

How much longer will they last compared to Shockwave bits? Is the longevity to cost premium ratio at least 1:1?

What exactly is it made from? They say “proprietary Matrix Carbide Steel,” but that can describe most tool steels. What’s so special about the new alloy that it can be harder and more wear resistant without being prone to breakage?

Depending on the price, would you buy these new bits?

What questions do you have?

We’ll follow up once we know a little more.