I'm always using my drill press and I'm always running to the hardware store to get a bit. I buy HSS bits because I have a Drill Dr. I drill everything including wood, aluminum, metal, polycarbonate, drywall, plastic, etc... I've been very disappointed with the quality of the Irwin and Blu-mol bits I've bought locally. I've seen several brands mentioned on this board such as Bosch, Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland Twist, Greenfield, New England Twist, PTD and Triumph to name a few. I need a large set from wire gauge to at least 1/2" (preferably 1"). Can I please get some brand reviews and good places to purchase them.
Buying drill bit sets by brand
- Thread starter rdagger
- Start date
Hanson makes a good drill bit.......You'll have to go to a real hardware store and stay away from HD, Lowes, and Menards for top quality. Also try,
www.mcmaster.com
www.mcmaster.com
REFLEXX
Well-known member
The best by far (from years of experience) are the PTD (Precision Twist Drill Co.) sets. I have all three sets Number, Letter and Fraction in "stubby" length, 135 degree, split point. Use them daily. They're certainly not cheap, but worth it.
Uncle Buck
Banned
Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland Twist and Greenfield. You have already named the best brands, now just start shopping, MSC, Travers etc.. I think one of these is probably about as good as the other, as far as I know all are excellent brands. Good luck Herb
kartracer55
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 21, 2005
- Messages
- 5,317
You can get the Letter number wire guage sets from MSC. IF you have thier catalog they have a few pages dedicated specifically to these sets but if you go on thier site, you can look up the sets. They have sets in different materials and coatings. I can get chicago latrobe cobalt bits "locally" so thats what I tend to buy although I do have centerdrills by cleavland and they are excellent... still very sharp and Ive drilled quite a bit with some of them.
I have a bunch of bits from companies that I dont think are around anymore (standard, National) but if you find a N.O.S. set somewhere I wouldnt hesitate to pick these up, Ive never sharpened anyof those and they are regular HSS bits.
Jim
I have a bunch of bits from companies that I dont think are around anymore (standard, National) but if you find a N.O.S. set somewhere I wouldnt hesitate to pick these up, Ive never sharpened anyof those and they are regular HSS bits.
Jim
jbilbo
Well-known member
Good timing on this topic. I'm about to start shopping for some new bits.
A few people at work have been getting Cronatron drill bits. Some guy came there one day gave us a demo of the bits. He asked for a bolt so we found a grade eight 3/4 in bolt. He drilled through it without the bit walking and he didn't center punch it. After he was done he started running the drill back and forth till he cut the bolt in half. All this without cutting oil. It was a 3/32 bit.
oldskewl61
Well-known member
where can i get these Cronatron bits at?pm me pleaz
jbilbo
Well-known member
More info please on those Cronatron bits!
Bradley Miller
Well-known member
Are these the Cronatron bits?
http://www2.cronatronwelding.com/cr...45dc9cad92fcc0a686256e540068f19a?OpenDocument
http://www2.cronatronwelding.com/cr...45dc9cad92fcc0a686256e540068f19a?OpenDocument
Bradley Miller said:
Yeah thats them. They seem to be holding up good for the guys that bought some. One guy drilled through a head bolt stud today with one. No oil and he said you can't tell the bit was ever used. I might try some out next time I need to replace a drill bit.
The Cronatron website ***** but I eventually found the link although there is no price:
29 Pc Prime-Cut Asst In Ac5 Drillbit Index 1/16 To 1/2 By 64ths
29 Pc Prime-Cut Asst In Ac5 Drillbit Index 1/16 To 1/2 By 64ths
Bradley Miller
Well-known member
rdagger said:
Too rich for my blood
: 2355 - 29 peice set - $212.83
2352 - 15 peice starter set - $131.83
If I was professional or something, I'd probably go for them, as I've cussed/broke enough cheap bits. I cringe though at cobalt bit pricing.
89vert
Well-known member
You'd be hard pressed to do better than Precision Twist or Triumph ..IMHO...
gmasterman
Active member
I've used the Chronatron bits before. Man they worked fantastic for me. They went through 1/2" stainless like regular bits go through wood! Don't know what the difference is but they were eons better than the brand new other bits in the shop. Wish I could afford to buy my own