Stubby drill bits

[rick carpenter]

Anyone got any recommendations? I'm looking for a set of 4" or so stubby drill bits, 3/4", 7/8", and 1" diameters for tight quarters.

* Irwin: 4" Speedbor tri-flute set for a decent price, with 1/4" shanks.
* Ideal: 4-3/4" individual augers starting at $18+, looks like 5/16" shank.
* Greenlee: individual augers maybe 4-3/4", with 1/4" shank, decent price each.
* HF: 4" auger set for $12+.
* Bosch: 4" Daredevil screw-feed spade set for a decent price.

Self feed bits don't go down to a small enough dia. I have 6" Speedbors and I'm happy enough with them so I may go with Irwin, but I don't know about Greenlee or Bosch. Ideal is the most expensive option but if the shanks are significantly beefier then they may well be worth it. OTOH, a couple of HF sets in case I hit a nail might be worth it.

 

[Tallpilot]

Astro had a set recommended on here a few years ago. I will be in the market myself very soon. I just purchased a right angle drill and will want some machinist length drills.

Does anyone have the Astro set? Perhaps Chris can tell us more about it.

 

[tarbellb]

What material or project?

Sounds like maybe some Forstner bits might be a good compromise. Easy to find large diameters, stubby length, generic sets are cheap or can buy quality singles.

I have found the generic "Carbide Forstner" bits on Ebay to be excellent, even better then the Germany/Italy/USA versions...

Something like this- https://www.ebay.com/itm/Hanperal-1...m=232746206030&_trksid=p2045573.c100706.m4781

 

[rick carpenter]

Not a fan of conduit attached to brick, so running some wire up an exterior wall through the top plates for outside cameras, lights, etc. I want to access the top plate via the attic.

 

[mrtoolfool]

Drilling top plates in attics can be very tight quarters. The spade bits are cheap enough that if you get into a tight spot, cutting the shank off to make things fit isn't too bad. I've actually been in an attic situation drilling into a top plate and had to cut off the shank of the spade bit to where the bit was actually touching the chuck on my right angle drill. Then after getting the hole as deep as I could with that bit had to take it out and insert a longer bit into the partially drilled hole BEFORE tightening it back into the chuck.

 

[FMC1959]

Drilling top plates in attics can be very tight quarters. The spade bits are cheap enough that if you get into a tight spot, cutting the shank off to make things fit isn't too bad. I've actually been in an attic situation drilling into a top plate and had to cut off the shank of the spade bit to where the bit was actually touching the chuck on my right angle drill. Then after getting the hole as deep as I could with that bit had to take it out and insert a longer bit into the partially drilled hole BEFORE tightening it back into the chuck.

^^^^ This, you can cut spade bits or similar type bits.

Forstners could work, but not fast and not intended for through hole. Spade, brad, auger and hole saws best for through hole.

 

[6PTsocket]

We are drilling through wood here. The Forstner bits are best for flat bottom holes but do not clear chips well so they are not great for deep through holes. I assume the AP bits are twist drill bits, best for metal. I have the Bosch set. They are very agressive and quickly put a torque load on the the electric drill. I would not opt for self feed again but that may be just a personal preference.

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[Tallpilot]

My apologies. Obviously the AP set isn't a good suggestion. I can tell the difference between a 2X4 and a 4X6 IF you let me borrow a tape measure. Otherwise I know nothing about working with wood so I will bow out.

 

[rick carpenter]

Drilling top plates in attics can be very tight quarters. The spade bits are cheap enough that if you get into a tight spot, cutting the shank off to make things fit isn't too bad. I've actually been in an attic situation drilling into a top plate and had to cut off the shank of the spade bit to where the bit was actually touching the chuck on my right angle drill. Then after getting the hole as deep as I could with that bit had to take it out and insert a longer bit into the partially drilled hole BEFORE tightening it back into the chuck.

Yeah, I was thinking about that same possibility, just didn't want to 'say' it out loud. What's going to be even more fun will be getting me squirreled in close enough to even stick my RA drill into position.

 

[6PTsocket]

My apologies. Obviously the AP set isn't a good suggestion. I can tell the difference between a 2X4 and a 4X6 IF you let me borrow a tape measure. Otherwise I know nothing about working with wood so I will bow out.

Stick around. Twist drills make holes in wood, too. You SURE don't have to apologize. Everybody throws stuff out there and some ideas are more workable than others. I should have let it slide. My bad.

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