Montana Brand Tools

[jeepkj02]

Has anyone used Montana Brand Drill bits? The bits are titanium coated with a quick shank, that you can change between a screw bit and a drill bit with out having to "unchuck" your drill. They also have other creative tools, like plug cutters, where when you countersink a bolt/screw you can make a plug and fill the hole.

They are Made in the USA. In Montana.

Thinking about this set.

http://www.montanabrandtools.com/pageID/124/CategoryID/157/Products.aspx

 

[eschoendorff]

Those look just like the sets that Sears used to sell a while back.

In my experience, with those types of tools, the cheap ones works just as well as the more expensive ones. YMMV.

 

[jeepkj02]

I've had two sets of cheap drill bits that break constantly. I just want a good quality set that will last me a lifetime.

 

[eschoendorff]

I've had two sets of cheap drill bits that break constantly. I just want a good quality set that will last me a lifetime.

Then you probably should consider a set of traditional drills, not these quick release ones. I have had USA, Chaiwanse, and others. They all seem to hold up about the same, meaning that I (personally) have not seen an appreciable difference in quality among any of them.

If you do a search, you should be able to come up with a bunch of info on traditional drill that WILL last you a lifetime.

 

[seetherfiend]

Theu are very good. I use them a lot. You won't be dissappointed.

 

[speed bump]

Never really bought any of the tools they made but they came up with the QR system that Craftsman pushed a couple of years ago until Sears moved those tools overseas. They have a plant somewhere up in the Flathead if I remember correctly.

As far as keeping drill bits for a lifetime the only way I see doing that is to rarely ever use them. I have already thinned two or three sets of drill bits out of just about everything under an 1/8" an I don't use them that much. I have a couple of 3/8"-1/2" bits that I have worn out to where they need sharpened and that is in less than 10 years.

 

[jeepkj02]

I'll give them a go. I like the idea of the quick shank system and that they are made in the US.

 

[Bo Heck]

update? there prices are very reasonable it seems, just wondering about quality

 

[cheap bastard]

I have a bit driver set from Montana Tools. It has been good for the last year. How bad can a driver set be, though?

 

[mrb]

I ordered a bunch of their bits to try out quite some time ago, was thinking of selling them but never really got around to doing any more with it. I can mail you one if you want a sample.

 

[ishiboo]

Bumping this as Menards has just added some more Montana tools including individually packaged impact bits. Picked some up to try.

Prices seem reasonable - a 1/2" quick connect drill bit (Made in USA) is $8.98 at Menards. The comparable Milwaukee (Made in China?) is $14.98 at HD. I've had the drill bit set for a while, but it only goes up to 1/4" and I find myself using my Milwaukee set as it has all the sizes I need.

 

[firworks]

I've had good luck with the Montana brad point bits. They're my primary set. They are not QR though they are a three sided shank. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything else from them if I needed it based on the brad point bits. The only negative is the plastic case will break when they fall 6 ft onto concrete... I have three sets of them and all three cases are busted. It's easy to knock things off of the little table attached to my drill press.

 

[ishiboo]

I've had good luck with the Montana brad point bits. They're my primary set. They are not QR though they are a three sided shank. I wouldn't hesitate to buy anything else from them if I needed it based on the brad point bits. The only negative is the plastic case will break when they fall 6 ft onto concrete... I have three sets of them and all three cases are busted. It's easy to knock things off of the little table attached to my drill press.

I have a stupid question - what do you use brad point drill bits for? If I'm doing finish wood stuff, I use Foresners. If I just need a hole in wood, I use a 1/4" quick connect twist bit.

Maybe I'm odd, but I just don't see a need for brad points anymore? Seems like regular spade bits, something that has been surpassed by newer technology. Or am I wrong?

 

[firworks]

They will make a flat bottom hole still and typically come in smaller sizes than a forstner. I think the smallest forstner that I have (and only got recently in a big Menard's clearout) is a 1/4". I have 3/16" and 1/8" brad points. I tend to use the brad points though over twist drills in general because I find them easier to center on a punch and drill straight. I think it's probably a preference thing though mostly.

 

[anndel]

I have a bunch of Montana regular and quick drill bits for over 5 years now and so far so good. I haven't broken one yet and they're used to drill through wood, metal up to about 1/4", sheet metal, etc.

 

[racinfarmer]

Bump to the top.

Just saw them at Menards and with another week of 11% off, am thinking about picking up a couple sets of their regular twist drills for trailers, gifts, myself, etc.

Everyone who is using them still happy with them?