Need some better drill bits

[TractorMechanic]

After buying many cheaper sets over the years, it's time I got some that are better quality for drilling metals. Recently while repairing a piece of farm equipment, I had the pleasure of using some expensive bits that are superior to what I own. Had to drill through a hardened shaft that twisted off. The bits cut through with ease and didn't get hot. They could be handled immediately after use. No noticeable heat which was a surprise.

The people who loaned the bits to me couldn't remember where they bought them at.

Does anyone know where a quality set like that could be purchased?

There wasn't a brand name or any other marks on the case or even a country of origin.

 

[Power79]

I purchased bits at Fastenal while drilling broken shock bolts out on my Jeep. I had already went through six bits and had drilled out one of the four bolts I needed to drill out. Went to Fastenal and bought the Cobalt coated bits and one bit drilled out the three remaining bolts and is still a good bit

 

[LB-1911]

Might want to give this Norseman set a look.

So here's the official post for Epstein's Day with all the rules/promotions.

- Norseman -

We're going to offer their new cryogenic drill bit set for $99.95. This is a terrific deal as we've been selling them really well at $140.00 for the last couple months.

We're also offering their 4 pc Step Drill Bit Set for $99.95 as well. Normally sell it for $136.00.

NORSEMAN NITRIDE-CRYOGENIC TREATED 29 PC DRILL BIT SET (CT-29P)


Cryogenic treatment creates a more uniform "grain" structure by transforming retained austenite into martensite.

Modifies the carbon microstructure through precipitation of carbides increasing resistance to wear.

Nitride process diffuses nitrogen into the surface to create a case hardening resulting in superior tool lifeand exceptional corrosion resistance.

Recommended for work hardening grades of stainless steel and other hard metal drilling application.

Drill sizes: 1/16" — 1/2" by 64ths

CN-TECHTM 135 ̊Split point

https://www.harryepstein.com/index....genic-treated-29-pc-drill-bit-set-ct-29p.html

 

[neonlazer]

^ that Norseman set or

https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/norseman-hi-molybdenum-set-29-pc.html

Mechanic Length is shorter than Jobber..not as short as Screw Machine.

 

[akalian]

M35 or M42 Cobalt 135 degree split point drill bits are probably the best you can get. They are very pricey to buy a complete set. Individual bits go for $3.00-$5.00 for 1/2" and under, more for larger sizes.

Don't be fooled by the Titanium coating hype, it's nothing more than just that, a coating. It might offer some degree of protection, but the underlying metal is what counts the most.

Here's a set of real cobalt drill bits. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014U8P3M2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[NYBODYMAN]

Following.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Good drill bits and taps make a world of difference. I don't dread having to drill out broken exhaust studs/bolts or any other broken fasteners anymore, it's just routine for some of the rusty **** I mess with.

I picked up a set of H̶u̶o̶t̶ Chicago Latrobe Cobalt 135° bits sold under the "Klutch" name on sale through Northern Tool a while ago and keep them in a Norseman watertight case.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the "Super Premium" version of the Norseman cryogenic set above. Using good quality drill bits is a night and day experience over the cheapies. I still keep my Dewalt set around for the times when a broken bit is likely due to drilling circumstances.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Drill Hog on eBay !

• Made in the USA
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• M7 tool steel or Cobalt (M42) or Niobium (Nb41)

Some come with Huot drill indexes. Rumor is, these are rebranded Norseman.

If you use a lot of just one or two sizes you can buy them in quantity at a discounted price.

 

[larry_g]

Don't be fooled by the Titanium coating hype, it's nothing more than just that, a coating. It might offer some degree of protection, but the underlying metal is what counts the most.

Here's a set of real cobalt drill bits. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B014U8P3M2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

X2 on the coated drill bits. They have specific uses on production machines. For the hand drill they are worthless and for a machinist they may align with a specific job run but for general purpose work, no. Especially don't buy consumer bits that are coated. A lot of them are colored carbon steel.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[larry_g]

Good drill bits and taps make a world of difference. I don't dread having to drill out broken exhaust studs/bolts or any other broken fasteners anymore, it's just routine for some of the rusty **** I mess with.

I picked up a set of Huot Cobalt 135° bits sold under the "Klutch" name on sale through Northern Tool a while ago and keep them in a Norseman watertight case.

If you check out Huot, http://www.huot.com/products/ , you will find they are in the storage container business. They do not make cutting tools.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[ihateminimumwage]

If you check out Huot, http://www.huot.com/products/ , you will find they are in the storage container business. They do not make cutting tools.

Sorry, my lack of coffee is showing.

The bits were Chicago Latrobe in a Huot case.

 

[[email protected]]

Drill Hog on eBay !

• Made in the USA
• LIFETIME WARRANTY
• M7 tool steel or Cobalt (M42) or Niobium (Nb41)

Some come with Huot drill indexes. Rumor is, these are rebranded Norseman.

If you use a lot of just one or two sizes you can buy them in quantity at a discounted price.

bought the 29 pc cobalt set and my best offer was accepted. havent used them yet but look to be nice bits

 

[ocloc24]

I also have the norsemen bits and they are phenomenal and not overly expensive. Cut great.

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[ssdave]

http://www.victornet.com/subdepartments/HS-Jobber-Drills-Cobalt/1130.html

Sets are at the bottom of the page. I've bought a lot of bits from these guys, they have been excellent.

 

[Wamsutta]

CTD - Consolidated Toledo Drill

http://catalog.scfastening.com/Asset/type SP-29P 44170.jpg

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Norseman, also CTD and Chigago Latrobe.

HJE will be selling the Norseman Cyro trated set for $99 on the 4th of July sale.

 

[PeterT]

My Norseman premium bits, all the small ones are broke or dull as a door knob. Mainly because they get used the most, but I must be honest I was a little disappointed although they are 100 times better than the stock craftsman bits

 

[mbshop]

I have used cobalt bits most of my career. They are great for most jobs. What I like is that they can easily be replaced if necessary.

 

[akalian]

http://www.victornet.com/subdepartments/HS-Jobber-Drills-Cobalt/1130.html

Sets are at the bottom of the page. I've bought a lot of bits from these guys, they have been excellent.

Agreed.
Great site for drill bits, and lots of other stuff as well.

.

 

[neonlazer]

Norseman, also CTD and Chigago Latrobe.

HJE will be selling the Norseman Cyro trated set for $99 on the 4th of July sale.

For future reference as some know, Norseman = Consolidated Toledo = Viking Drill. Same company with different target markets.

 

[theoldwizard1]

So does any company offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY except Drill Hog ?????

 

[tarbellb]

If you are a Amazon member... some good deals.

Chicago Latrobe 29pc - $70 ish, normally $110
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004IPPH06/?ie=UTF8&condition=all

Drill Hog premium 29pc - $90 ish, normally $130
edit- sold out

Ebay for Drill Hog is usually your best bet new.

 

[cherrybomb]

Theres a lot of good brands out there,just remember that titanium is only a coating and the cobalt will be better as it stands the heat much better,I really believe good lube is also very important.

 

[T45]

So does any company offer a LIFETIME WARRANTY except Drill Hog ?????

How does that work?

Mail in warranty seems not that great a deal...1st class postage with proof of shipment is almost $4...$4x29=$116, which more than a new, $100 x 29pc set of drills...so to warranty a full set is more expensive than buying a new set...

not to mention turnaround time and what not.

 

[exmaxima1]

If you are a Amazon member... some good deals.

Chicago Latrobe 29pc - $70 ish, normally $110
http://smile.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B004IPPH06/?ie=UTF8&condition=all

My buddy gave me a new Chicago Latrobe 150ASP set a few weeks ago. 135 degree, split points. Cut burr-free and like butter. Best bits I've ever used.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUNWTXU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[tarbellb]

My buddy gave me a new Chicago Latrobe 150ASP set a few weeks ago. 135 degree, split points. Cut burr-free and like butter. Best bits I've ever used.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DUNWTXU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yeah, Chicago Latrobe is considered a top notch drill company. Smoking deal on Amazon.

 

[deberly12]

I fell into the titanium coated hype when I decided to buy my first set of drill bits. I bought a brief case set that has like 20 of the really little ones all the way up to 2 of the 1/2 in for $35 they are **** for heavy steel. But for that price they are a few cents each and they are great for wood.

Has anyone tried the ones that you see at the shows. Mad Dog or something. They smash them off the material several times then drill a brake rotors, then a ceramic tile, then concrete. Supposedly if they ever break or get full they will replace them.

Edit: just looked them up. They are Bad Dog Multi-purpose Drill Bits

http://www.baddogtools.com/multi-purpose-drill-bits.html

 

[manwithtools]

I fell into the titanium coated hype when I decided to buy my first set of drill bits. I bought a brief case set that has like 20 of the really little ones all the way up to 2 of the 1/2 in for $35 they are **** for heavy steel. But for that price they are a few cents each and they are great for wood.

Has anyone tried the ones that you see at the shows. Mad Dog or something. They smash them off the material several times then drill a brake rotors, then a ceramic tile, then concrete. Supposedly if they ever break or get full they will replace them.

Edit: just looked them up. They are Bad Dog Multi-purpose Drill Bits

http://www.baddogtools.com/multi-purpose-drill-bits.html

Select the right drill for the job at hand, no such thing as a "do it all" drill bit. Those bits will do some things well, and other things not well at all. Snake Oil and PT Barnum come to mind when I see drill bits claiming what they claim. There is a reason they hype them at "shows". Someone will no doubt come along and swear they are the best you can buy. It's their money - they can spend it how they wish.

 

[manwithtools]

I have used cobalt bits most of my career. They are great for most jobs. What I like is that they can easily be replaced if necessary.

Can't most bit's be "easily replaced if necessary"? Don't you just buy new ones?

 

[deberly12]

Can't most bit's be "easily replaced if necessary"? Don't you just buy new ones? [emoji38]_hitti

He is probably referring to bits like the bad dog ones that have gimmicks whether they are good or not you can't just go buy a new one for a couple dollars at the local ace.

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[nikerret]

Can drill bits for metal be used on wood?

If not, are there any good drill bits that can be used on everything?

 

[pepi]

Found a real good set of bits "Winter's Drill Bit City" .... they are not cheap cause the quality is there and worth the price.

Greg

 

[larry_g]

Can drill bits for metal be used on wood?

If not, are there any good drill bits that can be used on everything?

There is not one bit for everything. Yes you can poke a hole in wood with a twist drill, not very well though. Even a metal working drill bit will not cut a hole in all metals. The right tool for the job is best.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[deberly12]

Is solid Cobalt (with a c not the crappy Lowe's brand) the best type for steel these days?

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[pete379]

i like to use cobalt on tougher steel- (truck frames,etc) usually 135 degree (usually stays centered better) but HSS has worked for years, main thing is buy reputable brand I like chicago-latrobe,cleveland, hertel in that order. interstate brand seems ok,not my first choice

 

[deberly12]

So none of the box store brands are any good....Irwin, DeWalt, Milwaukee, or gasp Craftsman....they all make a solid Cobalt bit for a decent price....at this Point I drill maybe 100 holes in metal a year with a cordless drill...It wouldn't be wise for me to spend much on a bit set but the off brand titanium coated ones are a joke. I might as well use a stick.

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[larry_g]

Is solid Cobalt (with a c not the crappy Lowe's brand) the best type for steel these days?

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http://home.howstuffworks.com/cobalt-drill-bits.htm

Cobalt drill bits are not made of pure cobalt, but rather a steel alloy with 5 to 8 percent cobalt. The 5-percent alloy is known as M35 grade, and the 8-percent alloy is M42. The cobalt increases the strength of the steel and makes it more heat-resistant;

The quote is from the above site, so no, solid Cobalt is not a material for making drill bits, is is an alloying agent for steel drill bits. Are you thinking solid carbide? As I think I said above there is no one universal material for the 'best' drill bit. The best drill bit is matched to the material your drilling and the process your using to drill the hole.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[deberly12]

Yes i understand that it is an alloy...I was distinguishing it as be a homogenous material as opposed to the coated bits. I am talking a cordless drill being used for carbon steel. Wow...I forgot about carbide ... They must be crazy expensive.

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[manwithtools]

Carbide bits are not well suited to hand or even cheap drill press use. You need a rigid setup to avoid breaking them.

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