Who makes the best drill bits for drilling steel?

[espyking83]

And do they last long? Looking for a professional grade bit, tired of spending $7 every other day. I hear Norseman are great, is this true? Thanks!

 

[kenburkholz]

Usually, any good brand of U.S.A. made drill bits will be o.k., but don't forget there are several good imported offerings. If you want your drill bits to last, you need to use them correctly. When drilling steel, you need to lower your speed so the bit can do its work. You also need to lubricate the bit so it won't overheat. There are many products out there for drill lubrication, but you can use just about anything like motor oil. the thing you want to do is flood the drill, not just to lube it, the main purpose of the oil is to remove heat during the drilling process. If used incorrectly, you can ruin a high quality bit in one use. I have imported bits I have used for many years. A good place to see what is available, Is Mc Master Carr. com they carry a very complete selection of all types, and are great to work with. Ken.

 

[sasquatch12]

If you aren't in 100% right now, watch garage sales for USA made bits. Usually they go pretty cheap.
My favourite is "Butterfield", but i'm hearing lots of good reports about "Triumph" drills made i think in Wisconsin.

 

[techenthusiast]

What is everyone's opinion on the snapon thunderbit? They come from triumph and they are bronze and black oxide HSS. I know they are overpriced but without cost what is your opinion


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[oldtractors]

I like the Triumph Thunderbits. The ones I have are mechanic length and have flats on the shanks for drill chucks. You can get them at Enco for a pretty good deal.

 

[silentpoet]

I have a small Milwaukee drill bit set that I got at home depot. Has worked good on 3/16ish steel when I have used it. I have not used it enough to tell you how long it lasts though. But it works pretty well in my drill press.

 

[Flat-rate]

RMT,
http://www.rockymountaintwist.com/

I have few of these that were part of a GM recall, best metal bit I have ever used.

 

[FriendOfYours]

Any brand in Cobalt. Oiled properly and you can get a gazillion cuts out of them before they need sharpening

 

[jeffmoss26]

Precision Twist, Chicago-Latrobe, Cleveland, Norseman are all excellent.

 

[RCStocker]

Hansen

 

[papasmirf]

Find and use only cobalt bits and drill at 500-600 rpms max. And buy a drill doctor. Mine works well.


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[Farmall450]

Hansen, most US made ones. I believe Vermont American and Montana bits are both excellent, available at Menards and probably Farm & Fleet, and US made.

 

[A_Pmech]

The brand of the drill isn't nearly as important as the operator using it.

Pricing is much better if you buy drills by the pack.

 

[zkling]

The brand of the drill isn't nearly as important as the operator using it.

Pricing is much better if you buy drills by the pack.

As long as it is straight and of reasonable quality you can get it to cut good. What type of drilling are you doing? Size? Machine? Any coolant? Do you know how to sharpen bits? This can really save you some $.

 

[ishiboo]

Hansen, most US made ones. I believe Vermont American and Montana bits are both excellent, available at Menards and probably Farm & Fleet, and US made.

Vermont American (Bosch) bits are not made in the US, are they?

I bought a set of the Montana (made in Montana!) hex shank bits and they're well made and strong. Don't look fancy but they work well!

 

[peterbilr98]

the HF colbolts work good for the money i do have a set of norsman to

 

[Letsgobowhunting]

I like the Triumph Thunderbits. The ones I have are mechanic length and have flats on the shanks for drill chucks. You can get them at Enco for a pretty good deal.

Triumph flatted shank are really good, i typically use Hertel cobalt. I highly suggest cobalt over hss if you can afford it.

 

[czgunner]

This is something that MAC tools does well. My HSS Mac bits have a lifetime warranty.
My driver has replaced several broken bits for me.
They are okay, not in the same class as Norseman, but for work they're great. I don't worry if they break.

 

[MattPersman]

The Mac ones are lifetime warranty +1. I told the driver you offer me a lifetime drill bit I will buy it every time. They are average on quality.

 

[sberry]

It is a combination of education and experience. AP has it right, I got a pail full and don't know one brand for another, and I drill about 99.5 steel dry and by hand. Big holes are fewer and its too slow to fit everything to do machine drilling, I am done before someone has it clamped or its on a machine.

Battery drill is the ultimate thing they ever invented for drilling steel. I get a few small bits at the flea mkt from a vendor that gets them direct, cheap as imports but they are super good.
I am a maniac hole puncher and at a dollar I don't usually sharpen real small bits, they are stressed and worn I toss and next year score another dozen for punching pilot and on occasion he has grab bags of assorted for real cheap. I am scoring a sack next year, from about 5/16 to 7/16, 15 for 14$,,, ha, disposable.
Some of my bigger ones are more careful with and I need to do some sorting. Buy a couple of each in practical sizes, 1/4 and 17/64 and a dozen between 1/8 and 3/16 for pilots.

I pay a $ for small bits and bought a bag of 10 1/8 and 9/64 for a bit less, still got half of each. Its a rare day I don't drill a hole in steel. Very little production but one off installation and light fabrication.

 

[sberry]

ish,,,, Montana is where the flea vendor is from. Some of those guys do trade shows.

 

[oldtools]

Don't forget OSG

 

[Jay W]

Precision Twist, Chicago-Latrobe, Cleveland, Norseman are all excellent.

All excellent choices.

 

[Jay W]

Find and use only cobalt bits and drill at 500-600 rpms max. And buy a drill doctor. Mine works well.


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Way to general.

A 1/16" cobalt in mild steel will run about 3900 rpm.

A 1" in mild steel will run about 240 rpm.

 

[Gregg33]

Norseman are my preference. If you are limited to big box stores, the offshore DeWalts are good too. As others indicated, it is critical not to overheat the bit regardless of brand. Oil, the proper speed and even stopping briefly to let the bit cool will help your bits stay sharp longer.

 

[johndeereman]

I have great luck with fmt from fasenal a close second is rigid cobalt from hd