Letter and number drill bit sets

[bobcatdan]

I'm looking to pick up separate letter and number drill bit sets. I already have a ton of fractional drill bits so not really thinking one of the big 115 piece sets. What brands do you guys like? From what I see I can get Norseman, Cleveland and Chicago Latrobe from a number of places. It seems as if late I haven't heard good about Norseman. Work supplies Cleveland HSS fractional bits and they ****. I know of Chicago Latrobe being a good name, but no experience with them. What do you likes and find to be an overall good drill brand in regard to these sizes.

 

[zmotorsports]

I have a full combination fraction, numerical and letter Norseman set that I have had for nearly 25 years now and can highly recommend it. I bought it from my Lawson rep and although I have had to replace a few here and there, the majority of them are still the same from the original purchase.

I drill a lot of holes and these get used a lot but I keep them sharpened so they are always at the ready and they hold their edge well.

 

[larry_g]

I have a full combination fraction, numerical and letter Norseman set that I have had for nearly 25 years now and can highly recommend it.

This is one of the problems I have with threads like this, "Mine are 25-40 years old and I recommend them". The good tools we bought many years ago may have no resemblance to what is sold today. Craftsman is a good example, once the standard for homeowners, they are now questionable in a lot of the lines, and downright garbage in some of there Christmas specials.

For me I go to the MSC catalog and buy the better lines and mostly in screw length bits. Most of my drilling is done with a drill press, mill, or lathe so that is a factor.

I won't recommend a brand since most of mine, like Mikes, are years old and not necessarily representative of what that brand sells today.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[zmotorsports]

This is one of the problems I have with threads like this, "Mine are 25-40 years old and I recommend them". The good tools we bought many years ago may have no resemblance to what is sold today. Craftsman is a good example, once the standard for homeowners, they are now questionable in a lot of the lines, and downright garbage in some of there Christmas specials.

For me I go to the MSC catalog and buy the better lines and mostly in screw length bits. Most of my drilling is done with a drill press, mill, or lathe so that is a factor.

I won't recommend a brand since most of mine, like Mikes, are years old and not necessarily representative of what that brand sells today.

lg
no neat sig line

Good point. That's one of the reasons when I do respond to things like this that I make sure to tie a timeframe in because I have noticed similar results on some items.

 

[DFB]

I had a chance to use some Norseman bits they were great...

I have had full sets of number and letter bits for years but in reality use only a few...mainly just the ones called out for tap sizes

 

[bobcatdan]

I had a chance to use some Norseman bits they were great...

I have had full sets of number and letter bits for years but in reality use only a few...mainly just the ones called out for tap sizes

Main reason I want them so I can be a little more precise than just using the closest fractional.

 

[LeeG]

I use the champion Brute bits from my local industrial supply house. If you just want them for tapping, consider a set like this. If you don’t need everything, just buy a Huot case and buy single bits to fill. Check local trade supply stores. I use Copper State Nut and Bolt out here. MSC direct and McMaster are also on my go-to list

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I have Norseman 135° split point sets (fractional, letter, and wire gauge) that I picked up last year and I have no complaints. I believe they are called "black and gold" series......for obvious reasons.

 

[WittHay]

I use Cle-Line mainly because individual sizes are available at the local tool stores

 

[fatfillup]

Triumph thunder drill bits. They make them for snap on.

 

[MushCreek]

I'll second the Triumph Thunderbits. If money were no object, I'd pony up for Guhring GT100 bits. I'm assuming that since you're talking about precision holes, that you're using them in a drill press, mill, or lathe. Some of the better bits are a little fragile for use in a hand-help drill.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Main reason I want them so I can be a little more precise than just using the closest fractional.

I would consider just getting the standard tapping sizes that you use. Buy a few different brands in your three or four most common sizes then decide if you need a set in the first place, and if you do, which brand is work best for you.


I generally purchase any USA made 135 bit and have no issues. Horseman, ctd, cleveland twist, all the usual suspects. Ebay can be your friend for singles, or if you need other tools checkout HJE as they sell norseman singles.