Drill Bit Dilemma

[SchuLace]

I have a bit of a dilemma when it comes to drill bits larger than 3/8ths. Here is the back story.

I bought a set of hout drill bits and soon after my 1/2 drill gave up. I have a 3/8 Snap On that I really love. It has good power and is nice and light. I need to come up with something to use for bigger bits. My options are a new 1/2 drill, which will run me around $200 for the one I want, or a set of reduced shank drill bits that will work in my 3/8 drill. They will run me around $200 as well.

Pros of the bits, get to use my drill I already have, one less battery to worry about.

Pros of the drill, more power.

I am a homeowner and don't put my drills or bits through a ton of hard work. Generally my bigger bits are used on wood

What are everyone's thoughts?

 

[leg17]

Do you know anyone with a lathe, or do you know a machinist?
Perhaps they can turn down the shanks to 3/8" for you.

 

[justanengineer]

I'd just buy the 1/2" drill, but you could also look into putting a 1/2" drill chuck on the 3/8" drill.

 

[scissorman]

Quick and easy would be to replace the 3/8" chuck with a 1/2" chuck.

 

[newspeed]

Agree on replacing the chuck.

 

[larry_g]

You don't need a whole set of reduced shanks, do you? buy the couple of sizes you will use in reduced shank. Assuming your only going to 1/2"

lg
no neat sig line

 

[popparoach]

Quick and easy would be to replace the 3/8" chuck with a 1/2" chuck.

Agreed,25 or 30 bucks and done.

 

[gooseadrian]

Swapping the chucks is the best. But I have a set of drill bits at work and anything above 3/8 the shank is reduced to a 3/8 and that set goes up to 1/2. I use them all in a 1/2 inch drill.

 

[uart]

Another possibility if you're really only using sizes above 3/8" in wood is to get a reduced shank set of brad point drills. These are usually relatively cheap, and it gives you another option of drill bit selection. Brad points can be quite handy if you do a lot of work with wood.

Not recommending these ones specifically. But this type of thing.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/29-PC-HSS-H...RILLING-KIT-/281340862198?hash=item418138def6
or
http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Pc-Brad-...-1-2-2-Each-/201229550867?hash=item2eda374513

 

[Fender1325]

If youre doing heavier duty stuff like say spade bits through thick tough old wood then get a 1/2" drill. Stop messing around. Buy more tools! ;-)

 

[theoldwizard1]

If you are going to buy a new 1/2" drill, make certain it has triple gear reduction. The chuck will spin slower, but you want that for larger bits. Also it will have a LOT more torque !