Drill Bit Set

[Wolverine]

I want to purchase one large drill bit set. Drill bits for wood, metal, plastic, drywall, etc. I shamelessly admit that I do NOT know the differences/advantages of Cobalt bits vs. Zironium Nitride bits vs. 'industrial grade' bits, etc.


What do you recommend for long lasting all around use? Preferably ones that won't rust living out in my garage.


Is there a large set by a certain manufacturer that I should check out?


All input is much appreciated!

 

[TOMWELDS]

For a good assortment of drill bits, try Travers tool co. in Flushing, N.Y.
As for quality, the more they cost, the better they are. I just got good at sharpening them...HA

 

[Luckydevil]

I've had pretty good luck with the Dewalt sets that come in the yellow plastic boxes at home depot. They cost about $25 and have lasted me a long *** time. I use them on plastic, metal, and wood.

 

[bmwpower]

You probably find that one set won't give you everything you might want...

Cobalt bits tend to be more "fragile" but cut metal really well (even harder metals), you just can't lean on them too much. Cutting oil helps, too. I've had success using Irwin cobalt bits.

I've used titanium coated bits for most stuff. They're good on wood and metal (as long as it's not hardened). They wear a lot better than normal uncoated bits.

Haven't had any experience with ziconium or industrial bits.

 

[Wolverine]

I was looking at this 29-piece Zirconium set from Sears. 1/16 thru 1/2 inch in 1/64 increments. However, I'm not really sure if I need 1/64 inch increments?????


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...s&vertical=TOOL&pid=00967029000&bidsite=CRAFT

 

[bmwpower]

I've had pretty good luck with the Dewalt sets that come in the yellow plastic boxes at home depot. They cost about $25 and have lasted me a long *** time. I use them on plastic, metal, and wood.

Wolverine,

Note the tip on these bits. These are similar to the tip you'd see on a titanium coated bit (which these might be). They're helpful for keeping the bit from "walking", but not the best for harder metals. Cobalt bits will not have this type of tip, but will have a "v" shaped tip.

 

[bmwpower]

I was looking at this 29-piece Zirconium set from Sears. 1/16 thru 1/2 inch in 1/64 increments. However, I'm not really sure if I need 1/64 inch increments?????


http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...s&vertical=TOOL&pid=00967029000&bidsite=CRAFT

If you plan on tapping holes, you might. I've seen a lot of taps that require odd sized bits.

That set looks pretty decent. I believe the zirconium would give you similar performance to titanium.

Whatever set you buy, I would make sure you can buy replacement bits incase you break one, which does happen from time to time.

 

[Wolverine]

Great point! (pun intended)

 

[eschoendorff]

I got this set at a Harbor Freight store. So far, they are my favorite set for all-around work. Oh, and they didn't break the bank, either.

 

[kartracer55]

What you will need all depends on what you will be usign them for.

All bits are going to rust eventually, I drill mainly metal with mine, so there is aways some cutting oil residue on them.

There are many different options available to you

Lets start with Material they are made with..
1. HSS (highspeed steel)
2. Hss coated in TiN(titanium Nitride, TiAN, TiACN, etc.)
3. M-42 Cobalt steel

Generally, HSS bits are softer than cobalt or coated HSS bits. The Coating on bits, such as Titanium Nitride bits is harder than cobalt bits which are uncoated, however Once this coating is worn off on the cutting edge, or you stick the bit in a drill doctor, you are left with a plain old HSS cutting edge, and only the flutes are coated.

There are different points available as well, But generally the 2 big ones are 118 degree and 135 degree. 118 degree is very general point, great for when you are using a drill press or you already have a pilot hole. bits with a 135 degree point claim not to need a pilot hole/center punch, but I usualy drill one anyway.

For steel, Id say Go with either Cobalt of coated bits, and either point. You arnt going to get away without a centerpunch. If its mainly going to be wood or sheetrock and only a hole in metal once or twice, Save some cash and get a good set of plain HSS bits.


As for the dewalts somebody posted, they are offered in both cobalt and TiN coated.

I havbe had good luck with dewalt, but for tapping, i have had to buy many individual bits of oddbal sizes.

The brands I like are...

Dewalt,
chicago latrobe ($$$$$)
hanson/irwin
bosch
Blu-mol
cleaveland twist ($$$$$)


I have a set of plain old black oxide coated hss bits from craftsman that i only drill wood with, and they work well for that.

PM me if youd like to know more or if you want any opinions

hope this helps.

Jim

 

[Wolverine]

Thanks for the reply Jim. As usual, very informative.