Rivnut question

[oldmachinenut]

I am very pleased with my Astro 1442. I have been using it for several years, it is easy to use and it has never failed to set a rivnut. If you follow the instructions it is very easy to tell when the insert is properly set, you can feel it in the handles. I own a lot of Astro tools, they are all top notch.

 

[finn]

-Yeah a step drill may very well make a hole that's "more round" but the steps are set diameters. So you can go from too tight > too loose (Lautrec) and plunge control is indeed important. Step drills also can't be re-sharpened and that makes them a disposable cutter. Yes you can sorta "fake" a resharpen in the gash but you've changed the geometry and it doesn't cut nearly as well as original geometry. If the step drill has one of those crappy coatings on it that makes it even worse for resharpen or when the coating comes off. A lot of homeowner types use them and that's ok by me, field service types might use them too for expediency. I don't object to whatever solutions people use for their situations in their universe. As a former toolmaker I feel step drills are a decidedly inferior cutter and I don't own one. I have plenty of other options for making a hole whatever size/shape I want to. Step drills are for those that don't have, or choose not to have those options. We all do with what we have. JMO

They’re so inexpensive, at least the HF ones, that I don’t feel bad throwing them out. The price has escalated, but at one time I think I was paying $1.99 or $2.99 for three. Actually, though, my worn out step drills just go in a separate drawer and are used for different diameters. I’ve used step drills sporadically for thirty years or more and only have one step bit in that drawer. That’s because of my concern of wearing them out, which is sort of dumb. The more expensive bits do cut better though.

 

[RoninB4]

They’re so inexpensive, at least the HF ones, The price has escalated, but at one time I think I was paying $1.99 or $2.99 for three.

-That's fairly cheap

that I don’t feel bad throwing them out.

-That's just wrong (toolmaker is horrified)

The price has escalated, but at one time I think I was paying $1.99 or $2.99 for three.

-The price alone announces itself as a disposable cutter.

Actually, though, my worn out step drills just go in a separate drawer and are used for different diameters.

-So you are a collector after all (I just knew it somehow....)

I’ve used step drills sporadically for thirty years or more and only have one step bit in that drawer.

-Saving the best for last eh?

That’s because of my concern of wearing them out, which is sort of dumb.

-Not dumb, it's just the nature of the beast. At least you know where your collection came from.

The more expensive bits do cut better though.

-Just a matter of perspective really, they work ok for field service guys so they don't have to carry an entire drill index. Also a matter of choices/options, after 35+ years of machine shop work I sure ought to have a few options.