Drill Bits

[robstock]

As Phil said, it's how you use them has a lot to do with it, and I would like to add another critical point. If you don't know how to sharpen them for goodness sakes buy a good sharpener. I can't believe how many bits I've seen wreck because they kept trying to drill with a dull bit and burnt it up. I was lucky I learned freehand drill bits sharpening in college 66 years ago and I've never forgotten how. Had a tough instructor. When you get down to the wire size I have quite a bit of problem but I don't use them much.
Squint

I do not know how to sharpen them by hand and plan to get a sharpener.

 

[IanH]

Thanks for the advice. Amazon has a Chicago wire set on sale right now that is 1-60. They are 118 degree conventional point which brings my next question. Does the point make a difference?

Yes. 118 is a more "universal material" grind than the 135 as it is more pointy. The 135 will hold an edge better in harder materials and resist rolling the edge under high thrust pressure. The 135s typically need a very rigid fixture for best results (milling machine or lathe) and will require the point to be split if there is no pilot hole.

 

[IanH]

I do not know how to sharpen them by hand and plan to get a sharpener.

utoob is your friend. If you don't know how to sharpen them by hand, the sharpening machines might confuse you even more.

 

[rkg1]

MSC or WW Granger they aren't cheap but you get what you pay for.

 

[Steve Lupcho]

I shop at a local tool store, the good stuff is usually black and gold.

 

[ZUG]

Thanks for the advice. Amazon has a Chicago wire set on sale right now that is 1-60. They are 118 degree conventional point which brings my next question. Does the point make a difference?

It depends on the material you are drilling. The 118 degree drills are fine for most applications. Like I said above a Drill Doctor is your friend and the deluxe model can do different point angles along with doing split point geometry and larger size drill bits.

 

[Colonial Boy]

PS- keep quiet about a drill doctor if you get one. Everyone wants to borrow it. Just offer to sharpen drills and say you did it freehand, you will be a legend!

I’m glad that some of my friends are unlikely to read that.

 

[Rebel bull]

As Phil said, it's how you use them has a lot to do with it, and I would like to add another critical point. If you don't know how to sharpen them for goodness sakes buy a good sharpener. I can't believe how many bits I've seen wreck because they kept trying to drill with a dull bit and burnt it up. I was lucky I learned freehand drill bits sharpening in college 66 years ago and I've never forgotten how. Had a tough instructor. When you get down to the wire size I have quite a bit of problem but I don't use them much.
Squint

the inability to see to sharpen is why I don't bother trying to sharpen anything smaller then .312" just keep a pack of 6-12 depending on size

 

[Notchy Bob]

I am fortunate in having inherited full indexes of fractional, number gauge, and letter gauge bits from my dad. When replacement bits are needed, I order them from Brownell’s gunsmith supply. I’ve never had a problem with Brownell’s bits, although I will say I’m just a hobbyist and not a professional.

However, in today’s world, it’s beginning to look as if I need a set of metric bits as well as some metric taps and dies. I will read through the excellent suggestions above before ordering.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[Billy Boy]

Quality of the drill bits are not as critical as the use of them, speed and feed has a greater effect on the accuracy of the hole being drilled and the life of the bit.

Also invest in a quality set of center or spotting drills, they will make all twist drills work longer, better.

 

[Rich44]

However, in today’s world, it’s beginning to look as if I need a set of metric bits as well as some metric taps and dies. I will read through the excellent suggestions above before ordering.

Yes, And you might as well throw in a small assortment of Left Hand Drill bits. They can be so handy when the world is treating you rough.

 

[Old-Duckman]

I don’t have a Drill Doctor but you guys got me interested. Searched for them and would want the top of the line, 750X, but why the discrepancy in price? Retail seems to be like $150 but other places are selling them for around $70 give or take.

I’m always concerned about counterfeit goods anymore. I’ve read many reviews on Amazon where buyers report that they got counterfeit products. I didn’t read any reviews on Amazon about this item but just speaking in general, just to be clear.

 

[Encore50Cal]

I have been an aircraft mechanic for over 45 years and I always buy my bits from Pan American Tool. They are carbide bits for a fairly good price.

 

[FlinterNick]

Wondering what are recommendations for quality drill bits.

NOT from amazon

I get my drill bits from grainger, usually are CLE, jobber length and if available square shaft.

 

[Steve Lupcho]

Yes, And you might as well throw in a small assortment of Left Hand Drill bits. They can be so handy when the world is treating you rough.

The first time I used a set of left hand drill bits in front of my grandson, who is left-handed, said "Grampa, they make grill bits just for me?!!".
Well anyway, left hand drill bits have saved my butt more than once.

 

[Notchy Bob]

I’m always concerned about counterfeit goods anymore. I’ve read many reviews on Amazon where buyers report that they got counterfeit products. I didn’t read any reviews on Amazon about this item but just speaking in general, just to be clear.

Your concern is realistic. I had two issues like that from Amazon in the past year. One was a particular model of NEBO flashlight. Amazon had it for a very good price, so I ordered two. When they arrived, they were NEBO lights, but of a different and much cheaper model. The other time was an order for multiple sets of a very specific type of HP toner cartridges for my HP printer. What I received were some kind of Chinese knock-off junk that were not even close to what I needed. It felt like a “bait and switch” situation. Fortunately, Amazon does have a good system for processing returns.

I’m also annoyed by the fact that any order for more than one item always seems to come in one piece at a time, in different shipments on different days. Amazon is not the only seller to do this, but they nearly always do it.

Amazon is the “go-to” vendor for a lot of people, including my wife. For me, it is a last resort. I am not rich by any means, but I’m willing to spend a little extra to ensure that I’ll get what I’ve ordered, and to support the muzzleloading, shooting, and tool specialists who support our hobby.

Best regards,

Notchy Bob

 

[IanH]

NOT from amazon

I get my drill bits from grainger, usually are CLE, jobber length and if available square shaft.

Amazon is an outlet for Cleveland, Chicago Latrobe, and many other quality brands as well as mountains of junk and counterfeit items. Grainger breaks it off in your A$$ on both price and freight, especially if you don't have a business account.

If you really wanted to be Mr. Superior Knowledge and Advice you could recommend buying through Grainger's sister company, Imperial Supplies, where you can talk with live sales reps and get your prices....and freight....significantly reduced.

Drill Doctors at below retail price are probably "refurbished" (returns that still mostly work and have most of their pieces).

The 750X is a big improvement over the original but don't be fooled into thinking it performs as advertised. The split point feature is poor at best and only works on a narrow range of bit sizes. Even then, it leaves much to be desired so I split mine by hand. The ability to sharpen different angles and adjust predictably for different helical twist rates is nice but expect a big learning curve to using the machine.

 

[FlinterNick]

Amazon is an outlet for Cleveland, Chicago Latrobe, and many other quality brands as well as mountains of junk and counterfeit items. Grainger breaks it off in your A$$ on both price and freight, especially if you don't have a business account.

If you really wanted to be Mr. Superior Knowledge and Advice you could recommend buying through Grainger's sister company, Imperial Supplies, where you can talk with live sales reps and get your prices....and freight....significantly reduced.

Drill Doctors at below retail price are probably "refurbished" (returns that still mostly work and have most of their pieces).

The 750X is a big improvement over the original but don't be fooled into thinking it performs as advertised. The split point feature is poor at best and only works on a narrow range of bit sizes. Even then, it leaves much to be desired so I split mine by hand. The ability to sharpen different angles and adjust predictably for different helical twist rates is nice but expect a big learning curve to using the machine.

I go to the grainger store. I offered no knowledge, the mo question was where do your quality drill bits from. I cited brand CLE. Grainger is my choice, they have what I need when I need it, I’ve returned anything.

 

[IanH]

I go to the grainger store. I offered no knowledge, the mo question was where do your quality drill bits from. I cited brand CLE.

You wrote "NOT from Amazon", which is just an ignorant thing to say since many quality brands, as mentioned, can be purchased there at very good prices. Maybe YOU choose not to buy your drills there, but that doesn't mean it might not happen to be the best place for someone else, who has a prime account, to buy high quality drills.

 

[FlinterNick]

You wrote "NOT from Amazon", which is just an ignorant thing to say since many quality brands, as mentioned, can be purchased there at very good prices. Maybe YOU choose not to buy your drills there, but that doesn't mean it might not happen to be the best place for someone else, who has a prime account, to buy high quality drills.

The mo question was asking for advice, i offered it.

Do not buy your drill bits or taps or dies from amazon, they will screw up your order most of the time.

Grainger you get what you need, McMaster, even tru-value is a better choice.

If you order a metric bit, you’ll get imperial, if you order a two fluted tap you’ll get a four fluted tap etc etc. and thats not even counting the times you often get used drill bits that were previously Returned and marked as new.

NOT AMAZON NOT AMAZON.

Be well.