Metrics - where the hell are they??

[BikerDad]

no, I'm not talking about wrenches and sockets. Finding metric mechanic tools is as challenging as going to your nearest tool monger, be it a hardware store, big box, auto parts joint, Wally world, whatever.

No, I'm talking about finding metric drill bits, especially bits suitable for wood. I'm sure that they're easy to find outside of the US, but here in the States, not so much. 14mm Forstner? Easy enough to find on Amazon, as long as you're willing to take a flyer on some random Chinese maker.

And let's not get into small impact hex drivers in metric. At least those can be found locally, even if it is at Harbor Freight.

Anyhow, that's just a random rant. I know, I know. As a hobbyist, it's a First World Problem.

 

[driz]

Well for 13 and 14 the got ya covered at least. 1/2. 9/16. As for the rest[emoji38]


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[4xdog]

One can find metric drills (my local Menard's has a selection, even if not that large), but you're right, BikerDad, it's nowhere near what we can get in other tools.

The woodworking specialist shops will usually have a decent selection, including things like the brad point bits I like best for wood and plastic.

Most of the metric drill bits in my collection have come back with me from trips to Europe. My souvenirs are a bit esoteric...

Some of my favorites are from Tivoly. Here's one of their sets on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/TIVOLY-11901170047-Mixed-Drill-Screw/dp/B01240EEL4

 

[MushCreek]

I remember when a machine shop I worked at decided to convert over to metric. We paid out the nose for (quality) metric micrometers and gauge blocks, even though the entire rest of the world is metric. In fact, most of the tooling we bought was imported, yet we paid more for metric than inch.

 

[gungatim]

there are plenty of brad point wood bit sets in metric available, HF even has a decent set.

as for forstner and larger drills, I've never had a need for metric outside of drilling for euro-hinges, and those bits are available at any woodworking supply, which, granted, are few and far between these days, but my local woodcraft carries them...

 

[M635_Guy]

I was going to say Woodcraft too. Think specialty vs. big box.

 

[matt_i]

Fisch from Austria is a top brand in forstner. Top shelf quality of both the tool and the cut in sensitive materials like veneered ply. And...you guessed it an equivalent price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0034YV0S0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[RKA]

I have the same issue with router bits. Most metric tooling has to come from overseas.

Amazon has made it pretty easy to order from the UK or Germany and get the items shipped here. And more recently, they are showing those intl items when you search the US amazon site, so you can place the order from there.

Lee Valley is another source for some metric stuff.

Lastly, for small holes, a numbered drill set and a chart that shows you the fractional and metric dimensions can get you pretty close. But obviously that’s only helpful for a simple hole.

 

[bwringer]

I feel this pain.

I've ordered metric drill bits for tapping from McMaster-Carr. But absolutely nothing on the shelves anywhere. You can get "close enough" for some uses with a 1/64" index, but normally you're either overstressing your tap with a hole that's slightly small or reducing thread engagement with a hole that's too big.

On a related note, I wish it were easier to buy metric only sets of tools. If you want a fairly complete set for the trunk or whatever, half of everything available is inch **** dead weight.

You'd think the hardware stores would notice that the half-empty and desperately pawed-through metric bins are seeing far more action than the gleaming rows of untouched inch ****. I swear some places think their role is to act as a museum of neatly organized outdated inch fasteners rather than stocking and re-stocking the stuff that's actually selling.

 

[MattT]

I remember when a machine shop I worked at decided to convert over to metric. We paid out the nose for (quality) metric micrometers and gauge blocks, even though the entire rest of the world is metric. In fact, most of the tooling we bought was imported, yet we paid more for metric than inch.

You were lucky. First place I worked at that "went metric" hadn't budgetted anything for it. I had to fight just to get a few bucks to buy the guys calculators.

I've ordered metric drill bits for tapping from McMaster-Carr. But absolutely nothing on the shelves anywhere. You can get "close enough" for some uses with a 1/64" index, but normally you're either overstressing your tap with a hole that's slightly small or reducing thread engagement with a hole that's too big.

The correct number and letter drills for SAE tapping have never been easy to find on the shelf either. And if you have access to those you can get a heck of a lot closer than 1/64".

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Lee Valley

 

[MushCreek]

You were lucky. First place I worked at that "went metric" hadn't budgetted anything for it. I had to fight just to get a few bucks to buy the guys calculators.

Our shop was part of a huge world-wide company. They decided that the entire corporation must be fully metric within a year. Most of the product already was metric. We got 40 hours of training, plus all of the new metrology equipment. We had no problem meeting the deadline, but other facilities did, and they scrapped the whole program. I can't imagine what they flushed on that debacle. I still have the 25mm Mitutoyo micrometer that they gave to everyone.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I hit Amazon, and look for brands that COO out of the EU or Japan. Known brand names, none of this $12.99 "Chengzhoung Greatstar CE" brand.

I do have an advantage as well as we do go to Italy a lot (happens when you have a wallet emptier, AKA property, there), so when we hit town there I go to the local Ferramenta (hardware merchant) in town, and he either has it there (the local Ace hardware here has nothing on Signore Callisti there!) or will see if he can get it before we leave.

But yeah... Amazon can do it, you may have to drill way down to get around the cheap junk, but it's there.

 

[MFolks]

www.rockler.com, www.woodworker.com,www.ptreeusa.com, just a few