Retraining the boss on drill bits

[ozyborn]

Trying to retrain my boss on what drill bits to use when. When I started there was a collection of HSS bits in my toolbox, all dull and need of resharpening. He purchased a set of Milwaukee Colbalt bits.
When he saw me use them to drill through the thin metal wall studs he blew a gasket. “Those are not for metal!” Seems no amount of information from web pages convinces him.
So I resharpened all the HSS bits and just use thrm. Now he gets grumpy because I never use his Colbalts.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Sounds like a PITA. Nothing like someone who ******* regardless of the procedure. I'd use whatever is supplied, or buy what you want. If he wants to be ignorant as to drill bit application, let him be.

 

[OccupantRJ]

Ask him how he knows they are not for metal. Also ask him if they are not for all metals, or just some metals. If the answer is just some metals, ask him about ferrous or non ferrous. Ask him why he got cobalt versus HSS. Keep him busy.

 

[redwrench60]

Tell the boss to **** himself, buy your own damn drill bits and use them how you like.

 

[Wamsutta]

Tell your boss that real drill bits for wood are slow spiral with taper point.

Fuller makes them.

 

[neophyte]

Trying to retrain my boss on what drill bits to use when. When I started there was a collection of HSS bits in my toolbox, all dull and need of resharpening. He purchased a set of Milwaukee Colbalt bits.
When he saw me use them to drill through the thin metal wall studs he blew a gasket. “Those are not for metal!” Seems no amount of information from web pages convinces him.
So I resharpened all the HSS bits and just use thrm. Now he gets grumpy because I never use his Colbalts.

To be fair, Cobalt drill bits tend to be more brittle than regular HSS drill bits, and are also supposed to be used at far higher drilling speeds, and preferably not freehand, so your boss wasn’t completely wrong.

 

[mbshop]

Been using cobalt since ever. They work on just about anything and that includes free hand. This issue just doesn't have to be difficult because it isn't.

 

[Mikeske]

Been using cobalt since ever. They work on just about anything and that includes free hand. This issue just doesn't have to be difficult because it isn't.

I used cobalt drill bits for well over twenty years to drill on aircraft, everything from aluminum to steel to titanium to composite. Free hand takes more patience and you can be very successful with them. I always preferred cobalt when I had to drill out seized screws. Lots of beeswax and slow speed and they cut like a hot knife through butter.

 

[larry_g]

Seem to me like that the application of the golden rule applies here. He has the gold, he makes the rules. Kindly ask him what bits you are to use, and use the ones he supplies for that job.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[bczygan]

OP,

Maybe he just doesn't like you.....

Bill

 

[2manytools]

You said he bought the Milwaukee cobalt bits. If he bought this Milwaukee set, which I own, it says right on the packaging for hard metal. Tell him to look at the packaging next time he is in HD, or show him the pictures on that page. Here is the outer packaging:

 

[SRSemenza]

How strange, to me cobalt twist bits are exactly for drilling metal. I have a set of Milwaukee (29pc) that I got about 15 years ago. I don't drill a lot of metal but they have been great for all types of metal both free hand or in a press. Awesome bits assuming they are still made the same.

I suppose maybe he doesn't want to wear out the cobalts on something that maybe regular HSS could drill?

Seth

 

[manwithtools]

Tell your boss that real drill bits for wood are slow spiral with taper point.

Fuller makes them.

Actually those bits are for pilot holes for wood screws, not very practical for general "holes" in wood. They don't clear chips very effectively and you need to keep them free of chips by pecking or they overheat.

There are many different bits for wood use - brad-point, auger, spade, etc. Chose the right one for the application.

 

[bob15]

Just wondering if your boss wanted you to use only one particular set of drill bits on metal and the other on wood? Doing that would prevent cross contamination (metal chips in the wood).

 

[woody 73]

An old post of mine for your boss:

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=271214

I also figure his money his rules...

 

[Firstram]

Tell the boss to **** himself, buy your own damn drill bits and use them how you like.

You and I have a lot in common!

 

[johninct]

I only use my Cobalt bits to drill really hard things like a broken bolt out. They are more brittle and can break easier and cost too much for regular use.

 

[bwringer]

How and why is your boss' nose implanted so far up your *** that he can tell the difference between cobalt and HSS drills?

I mean, I couldn't see the difference from more than a foot away. Is he really wasting his time watching you so closely he can see which box you get a drill bit from?

Maybe you should develop a taste for powerful bean burritos with extra onions.