Benchmark Abrasives - USA Drill Bits?

[Terra Nova]

Anyone know if the Benchmark Abrasives USA drill bits are made by Viking-Norseman? I've been eyeing the 29 pc set at Zoro but a set popped up at Benchmark Abrasives with identical specs and looks. Even with 20% coupon at Zoro they are a fair bit cheaper at Benchmark.

https://benchmarkabrasives.com/products/usa-made-black-gold-drill-bit-set-29-piece?_pos=1&_sid=7957d5af9&_ss=r

https://www.zoro.com/viking-norseman-drill-29-pc-set-type-240-ub-135-degree-split-pt-magnum-jobber-drill-44150/i/G4563816/

 

[RoninB4]

a set popped up at Benchmark Abrasives with identical specs and looks.

-No they're not "identical specs". Not one mention of the Benchmark being made from HSS. The TiN coating, at that price, is also an indicator being made from inferior steel. Looks the same? That's where marketing hooks the novice on price point. The Norseman set at least states that they're HSS.

Even with 20% coupon at Zoro they are a fair bit cheaper at Benchmark.

-Priced far less often means some things are not equal, HSS is more expensive as a cutting tool material and for heat treating for a reason. Buy what you want but don't expect them to hold up well when drilling steel. Even states that they're suitable for drilling soft materials and "lite steel". Thought you may want to know the difference.

https://benchmarkabrasives.com/products/usa-made-black-gold-drill-bit-set-29-piece?_pos=1&_sid=7957d5af9&_ss=r

 

[tarbellb]

-No they're not "identical specs". Not one mention of the Benchmark being made from HSS. The TiN coating, at that price, is also an indicator being made from inferior steel. Looks the same? That's where marketing hooks the novice on price point. The Norseman set at least states that they're HSS.

-Priced far less often means some things are not equal, HSS is more expensive as a cutting tool material and for heat treating for a reason. Buy what you want but don't expect them to hold up well when drilling steel. Even states that they're suitable for drilling soft materials and "lite steel". Thought you may want to know the difference.

Lots of good points from Ronin

plus WTF is "lite steel"?

 

[dnschmidt]

Cheap never works on drill bits. Bite the bullet and buy the Norseman or Viking. Few things in life can piss you off more than a ****** drill bit.