Reverse Drill bits: Matco still best? or was it MAC?

[Sdot]

Hey what's up guys

Need quality set of reverse drill bits for those make or break situations.

Heard through grapevine matco had the best. This still true? If not what's best set out?

Thanks guys!

 

[xjfish]

Matco set is good quality! Thats all I know.

 

[BFHtime]

I have snapon which have worked fine. My Mac guy will warranty his, I have not tried them yet.

 

[RedneckWelder]

My five piece Matco set bundled with matching extractors, if that is what you are referring to, is hot garbage.

 

[Zewnten]

I bought a set of Irwin's cobalt. Work fine even in hardened bolts. They all seemed to be rebrands of Irwin anyways

 

[plinker]

I've used mostly V/A & Norseman HSS bits and a couple individuals (Irwin, Cleveland, Snap-on, ete.), all worked within reason for what I was doing, Length was the only issue that would pop up at times.

Cant say any were better/worse then the others.

 

[californiaHank]

I'd buy from someone who actually manufactures twist drills. Norseman are very good. Made in the US.

Snap-On or Matco or MAC don't actually make bits. You get whatever rebrand they're selling this month which may or may not be the same as the brand they sold last month.

 

[whateg01]

I had to look up reverse drill. The rest of the world calls them left-handed!

 

[Skin]

Pretty sure all the trucks rebadge the ones Irwin makes. They hardly ever work unless it's something clean and/or new. Corrosion and rust? Just about worthless.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

You want stubby cobalt left-hand bits IMO, perfect for angle drills and manifold studs. Snap on costs basically what all the other popular USA brands do. I've found as a general rule, USA made drill bits are all good.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Lef...balt-Short-Drill-Bit-Set-with-Flats/DBTRCSL11

They'll sell that for $120 from time to time.

Spot weld bits are also good to pick up as singles, for cleaning an area prior to welding a nut on the fastener. They're only available in right hand thread, but they really do rip through the ********.

 

[FireBros.]

Pretty sure all the trucks rebadge the ones Irwin makes. They hardly ever work unless it's something clean and/or new. Corrosion and rust? Just about worthless.

I’m certain you’re correct about the first point, but strongly disagree on the second. Obviously we need multiple solutions for removing broken off fasteners, because every situation is slightly different, but reverse drill bits have been one of the tools that make me look like a rockstar over an over again.
It could be that I’m dealing with completely different fasteners than you’ve experienced.
I have always used the SnapOn, but just because of the convenience, not brand preference.

 

[Ign]

It's amusing techs think the only thing that exists are tool truck brands.

Order your choice from an actual machinists' supply house like MSC. Trust me, Snap-On does not have some magic for cutting tools.

NOW, if your truck guy will warranty broken ones and you feel you can get the ROI that way, that's a different story!

And LH bits are the bomb-diggity for broken removal, they work wonderfully if you know what you're doing and use proper technique. Although it doesn't hurt to have a few lathes sitting around because oftentimes I'll make a custom bushing or guide to get started centered on the offending fastener.....

 

[Sdot]

AWESOME!

Overwhelmed by the great responses, thank you guys!

Got some shopping to do