Good drill bits?
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 788
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From: Hendersonville, TN
Good drill bits?
Any recommendations on drill bits? I want some that cut great, last forever, and don't cost anything. Seriously, though, anybody want to recommend some that are a good value. I'd prefer something meant for hard materials, as I mostly end up using them to drill out broken bolts. It seems like even the more expensive ones that I find these days don't cut or hold up for crap. Have they all gotten bad, or do I just need to spend the bucks at a specialty supplier?
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,616
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From: Sapulpa OK
You get what you pay for with drill bits. The cheap ones do not last long and they break on you then you have real troubles. The nitride coated drills seem to keep their sharpness longer but when you sharpen them you grind through the coating and then you have a regular bit. Anyway I wouldn't skimp here.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,464
Likes: 103
From: Staten Island, NY
You get what you pay for. Made in China, India, etc. are crap made from unknown scrap steel (think crushed toyotas). If you want a set that will last years and take the abuse then go for a brand name set like Chicago Latrobe or Cleveland Twist Drill. Buy a set of split-point, cobalt bits. A set of drills from 1/16 to 1/2 by sixteenths will run between $150 to $200. If you learn how to sharpen drill bits properly on a grinder or break down and buy a decent drill bit sharpener you'll rarely need to replace a drill. If that's a little too rich for you, stick with the brand name but go for HSS (high speed steel). They're about half the cost but don't stand up as well to high heat or abrasive material.
Another alternative is to buy just the most common sizes that you use in a quality bit. Just add additional sizes as you need them. But above all, practice sharpening on a grinder - that's a good use for the cheap bits - training material.
Another alternative is to buy just the most common sizes that you use in a quality bit. Just add additional sizes as you need them. But above all, practice sharpening on a grinder - that's a good use for the cheap bits - training material.
Tuned
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 489
Likes: 2
From: Between Shelby / Avoca Ia
It's not the bit that makes a difference, it's the drill speed. You can use cheap steal bits to drill in most anything if you slow the drill down and keep the bit cool. Cobalt bits are only as good as the drill that they are in. You can ruin an expensive bit by spinning it too fast and getting it hot just as quick as a cheap bit.
For value, I would get a set of Irwin or Craftsman Cobalt bits for drilling out bolts. Also, look at left handed bits, as they will work the broken bolt loose as you drill.
For value, I would get a set of Irwin or Craftsman Cobalt bits for drilling out bolts. Also, look at left handed bits, as they will work the broken bolt loose as you drill.
Senior User
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 193
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From: Charleston Illinois
I've never had a complete set. Just a bunch of mismatched bits that I picked up over the years. Most drill bits seem to be usable as long as you keep the speed right as sugested earlier.
Check flea markets auctions and yard sales. Once you learn to sharpen them, you'll find that people are almost willing to give the dull ones away. I got a whole coffee can full of 'em from my neighbor for free. Before long you'll have more bits than you want to store. It's really only the tiny ones that you'll need to buy new. most people don't break the large bits, but the little ones don't have a chance.
I rarely find one that just wont stay sharp and when I do I have little enough money in it that I can just toss it in the scrap bin. I sometimes find some that are too hard but if they don't break too badly you can take some of the temper out of them. Nothing like breaking a bit off in a chunk of metal. It ruins the whole day.
Check flea markets auctions and yard sales. Once you learn to sharpen them, you'll find that people are almost willing to give the dull ones away. I got a whole coffee can full of 'em from my neighbor for free. Before long you'll have more bits than you want to store. It's really only the tiny ones that you'll need to buy new. most people don't break the large bits, but the little ones don't have a chance.
I rarely find one that just wont stay sharp and when I do I have little enough money in it that I can just toss it in the scrap bin. I sometimes find some that are too hard but if they don't break too badly you can take some of the temper out of them. Nothing like breaking a bit off in a chunk of metal. It ruins the whole day.
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Hendersonville, TN
The best set I ever had were Matco cobalts. Got some Snap-on titaniums once that were good, but more expensive. Couldn't see that they were that much better than the Matco. I don't know who made either of them for the tool companies. Looking for something of similar quality for hopefully less money by sourcing directly. Guess I should have been a little more clear. Thanks for the tip on Irwin. I'll give 'em a try.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,413
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From: cape may county NJ
I had a company around here That used to supply all are Hardware called Lawson and there drill bits are the best I have ever used.What sold me was the salesman took a 3/8" bolt and without a center punch drilled right through it and then took the drill and pushed it to the side and cut the bolt in half.They were a little pricey but most of what I have has held up for almost twenty years.We used these in a rental repair shop I used to run and every half wit used them and they really held up,the left hand bits are the best thing next to sliced bread.Since I opened my shop 10 yrs ago I have not seen a salesman for Lawson and don't know if they were country wide but I could use some replacements.I have tried a lot of brands but nothing can compare.
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Postmaster
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: Bossier City, LA
I have been a machinist off an on since 92, went to a Homier tool sale about 2 years ago and they had cobalt drill sets for like $10, it has been the best set of bits I ever have owned, including Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland, Triumph, or Irwin.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 62
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From: Fredericksburg, Va
I believe that you do get what you pay for, but said before the speed and pressure is a major factor, there is a book, by Thomas J. Glover. Pocket reference, I have to say it is a great book, almost every thing is in it. It does have a page or 2 on drill bits and RPM chart in reference to material to be drilled. I good guage to use is watch the material and the bit, you should have a large or continus curl of material comming out of the hole if you are applying the correct pressure and RPM. I do alot of drilling and fab work on site and alot of my guys think that having the drill on 3rd gear is faster, wrong, each material and bit have its own sweet spot and not always if ever faster the better.
Andrew
Andrew
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Fredericksburg, Va
yes very important, make sure that you check on how the cutting oil, or lube may affect paint, finish, ect. Yes very important if you can use it, makes the job easier and bits last longer.
