Ok... now it's drill bit time..

[MD11Driver]

Guys, you've all been helpful in steering my to Knipex, Bosch, and other great stuff to complete my dream tool cabinet that I"m assembling... now I need advise on top quality drill bits.

I have had Vermont American bits before and found them nice... stiff, sharp and from what I can see pretty good. But if money was no object, what drill bits would you plug into your drill?

 

[krusty the clown]

norseman sp

http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm#Why Choose Magnum

 

[chad s]

norseman sp

http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm#Why Choose Magnum

agree 100% I love mine. I also have their step bits, and they are also excellent.

 

[autoace]

Vermont American cobalt are very fine!

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Harbor Freight Bits!! Cheap and they work!

 

[autoace]

Harbor Freight Bits!! Cheap and they work!

They are not bad, but he said price not being an object.

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

Oh! Then it would be Morse Drill bits

 

[Crawlin]

I got a 29 piece cobalt set on Ebay brand new for less than 75 bucks made by Triumph twist drill which I think make snap on and macs bits (correct me if thats wrong) They are very nice quality.

 

[ricleh]

norseman sp

http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm#Why Choose Magnum

x3. These are excellent drill bits. Rick

 

[G1K]

precision twist


R

 

[billymade]

http://www.drilldoctor.com/
Maybe adding a drill doctor to the "wish list" is a good idea; that way, all these cool bits can be reused for a long time to come...
I always wonder if the "bad bits" we all seem to have at home aren't really "bad" but just "dull"; that being said, I'm sure they're are superior bits out there with high quality steel that will keep their sharpness longer, compared to the cheap stuff...

 

[John Timmins]

My advise is when you buy a drill index and bits to pick up a couple of extra 1/16, 5/32, and 1/8. I use them for starter holes all the time and these get broken or dull the fastest. I also keep everything sharp with the Drill Doctor. Keeping your bits sharp and using proper lubricant is far more important than spending more money than you can budget. So buy the best you can, but keep them sharp.

 

[MD11Driver]

Harbor Freight Bits!! Cheap and they work!

one caveat.. not made in China. but thanks..

 

[Nealcrenshaw]

What's wrong with China?

 

[chad s]

What's wrong with China?

well besides the terrible trade defecit that most americans have no problem supporting, amongst many other issue
, the drill bits they make are junk.

 

[Major Ramifications]

I would probably get Chicago Latrobe bits if money were no object. Otherwise, Craftsmans are fine with me, as long as I have my Drill Doctor.

 

[goodfellow]

Maybe adding a drill doctor to the "wish list" is a good idea; that way, all these cool bits can be reused for a long time to come...
I always wonder if the "bad bits" we all seem to have at home aren't really "bad" but just "dull"; that being said, I'm sure they're are superior bits out there with high quality steel that will keep their sharpness longer, compared to the cheap stuff...[/QUOTE]

Heck, even if you have crappy bits, a Drill Dr. will get them back in shape in no time. Best bits I ever bought were SNAP-on master bit set (don't know who made them though) that were purchased 20 years ago.

If I were to buy quality now, then it's a +1 for Norseman

 

[OldCarGuy]

Most all American made drill bits are good...

I use my bench grinder and my trusty old Starrett Drill Point Gage to sharpen drill bits to 2” diameter.

 

[russlaferrera]

IMO all American name brands are the same.

The material they are made with is important. There is High Speed Steel, Cobalt, Carbide and other special mixes.

Most would prefer "Cobalt" as it is harder and lasts longer.

No one has made mention of drill length. Screw machine drills are short, but work better where holes have to be placed exactly within a few .0001 , Jobber length drills are general purpose length. Then there are long drills for special trades or jobs (Aircraft, alarm installers.)

 

[born lucky]

One of the best www.knkut.com. These bits are sweet!!!!!!!!!
In reality any good brand with proper use will do an excelant job.

 

[rodm1]

Any expensive brand will do you well. I like C-L the best I've worked them very very hard rarely brake them. http://metalworking.mscdirect.com/CGI/NNSRIT?PMPXNO=2132853

 

[Elroy]

Elroy would ask about the appication first. A brad point would be superior for wood work. Elroy would offer this as a source.

http://www.advantage-drillbits.com/index.htm

Notice these folks actually offer taper reamers for steering and suspension. You typically won't find these listed at MSC, Travers or ENCO.

http://www.advantage-drillbits.com/metals/reamers.html

 

[MD11Driver]

What's wrong with China?

Where do I begin...

 

[MD11Driver]

norseman sp

http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm#Why Choose Magnum

29 piece Magnum's ordered..

 

[krusty the clown]

29 piece Magnum's ordered..

i think you'll be happy with your purchase

 

[MisterCMK]

hmm, Norseman is right by me. We have actually done some work for them in the manufacturing building and a warehouse.

 

[Vinko]

I bought a couple of Hilti masonry bits the other day. I have yet to try them out. Made in Germany. Price is about par with American brands.

 

[eschoendorff]

I would probably get Chicago Latrobe bits if money were no object. Otherwise, Craftsmans are fine with me, as long as I have my Drill Doctor.

Problem is, Craftsmans are now made in China IIRC.

I have a set of Irwins that I bought at HF (of all places). The drills are made in USA and Brazil. It is my favorite set... and the price was right.

You won't find those anymore. Irwin now = China.