USA-made drill bit company

[Tooltime22]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could point me in the direction of USA drill bit manufacturers. Bonus points if an American company still owns them.

Thank you

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

Norseman or Snappy drill bits, depending on what you are looking for.

 

[Professional Tool User]

Examples include Norseman, Cleveland, Chicago Latrobe and Triumph. I've personally had the best results with Triumph when drilling through steel.

 

[RoninB4]

Morse Cutting Tools

 

[finn]

Norseman

 

[Tooltime22]

I think I am going to go for the Norseman.

 

[BarrelRoll]

Most McMaster Carr drill bits are from a USA vendor, the last high speed steel bits I ordered were in Viking packaging when they showed up. They don't tell you what brand it is till it shows up in the vendor's packaging though it's always high quality stuff.

 

[shawhite]

I like my triump better than my norseman

 

[isb cornbinder]

Best USA Made Drill Bits List | 10 Brands & Manufacturers

I have CLEVELAND drill bits. I have not tried the other brands because I have not needed to make that change, yet.
If you ever get a chance to try, https://www.yamawa.com/en/ go for it. The quality of Yamawa is outstanding.

 

[AA/FC]

The Norseman Vortex Point bits look damn nice! These have been featured in several YouTube videos that I've watched lately but they've always been shown in a various "truck brands" and they cost a fortune. I'd buy a set direct from the manufacturer and cut out the middle man tool truck mark-up..... USA made in St. Paul Minnesota.

VORTEX–POINT™ Mechanics Length — Norseman™ Drill and Tool

VORTEX–POINT™ - Unique tip geometry reduces heat generation and increasing tool life.

www.norsemandrill.com

 

[B_Bimmer]

I've always loved Chicago latrobe, but looks like I should give triumph a try.

 

[dogdog]

Troll post ?

 

[Tooltime22]

Troll post ?

Sorry if it came across that way, this is NOT a troll post. I really just want to know what US manufacturers are still out there.

 

[Kuma601]

What are you drilling?

Been pretty happy with CLE-LINE/Greenfiled drills bits and taps. Have had Triumph, Chicago Latrobe as well. Some house brands ordered from MSC or Travers that spec USA have been pretty good. I tend to like cobalt but depending how much a wallet ding, the black oxide or bright finish are considered. MA Ford straight flutes were on the last order for heat treated steels.

 

[cjarvis]

Viking/Norseman.

Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland and Cle-Line are now owned by the Chinese. I have more info on my computer at work. Will try to post it in the AM.

 

[Tooltime22]

What are you drilling?

Been pretty happy with CLE-LINE/Greenfiled drills bits and taps. Have had Triumph, Chicago Latrobe as well. Some house brands ordered from MSC or Travers that spec USA have been pretty good. I tend to like cobalt but depending how much a wallet ding, the black oxide or bright finish are considered. MA Ford straight flutes were on the last order for heat treated steels.

I am 17 and am just starting out in metalwork. I am very committed to US-made tools and would like a domestically made set. Since I am just starting out, I there a set that would cover a large number of materials?

 

[Tooltime22]

Viking/Norseman.

Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland and Cle-Line are now owned by the Chinese. I have more info on my computer at work. Will try to post it in the AM.

I would really like to see that when you get a chance.

 

[RoninB4]

I am 17 and am just starting out in metalwork. I am very committed to US-made tools and would like a domestically made set. Since I am just starting out, I there a set that would cover a large number of materials?

Just about any well made drill will cut through any material unless it's hardened steel. There are different tip geometry configurations but what's most important is to learn/understand spindle speed for a given material. Too fast will burn up and possible ruin even the best made drill. Learn how to re-sharpen a drill properly as they all get dull, get an inexpensive drill angle gauge and read how to sharpen the drill freehand on the pedestal grinder. Far too many just throw the drill away, a waste of tooling. Knowing how to sharpen a drill (or any cutting tool) properly is a basic machinist skill and will draw some respect from the older machinists. Just my opinion from 40 years as a toolmaker. Good luck, be safe.

 

[bw77]

I would really like to see that when you get a chance

Viking/Norseman.

Chicago Latrobe, Cleveland and Cle-Line are now owned by the Chinese. I have more info on my computer at work. Will try to post it in the AM.

Greenfield Industries owns the 3 companies noted above.

GFI | About Us

www.gfii.com

Greenfield Industries is owned by Top Eastern Group (TDC).

TDC lists their bank as Bank of China, so will say they are a Chinese company.

Top-Eastern Drills (USA) - About Our Company

So it appears that these 3 companies are owned by a Chinese parent company.
But they still make drills in the USA.

 

[cjarvis]

I would really like to see that when you get a chance.

Here you go:

 

[dogdog]

Lol Honda / Toyota / vw / is ok ? What was that motor company owned by Swiss?

Oh noes he’s a straw man.

Dam fine detective work Holmes.

Many of the reason this thread is a troll post

 

[Tooltime22]

I think I have it narrowed down to these sets:
Viking/Norseman
https://www.harryepstein.com/115-pc-high-speed-norseman-drill-bit-set.html
https://www.harryepstein.com/norsem...-bit-set-jobber-length-black-gold-sp-115.html

Rocky Mountain Twist
https://madeinusatools.com/product/...-1-2-letter-sizes-a-to-z-and-wire-sizes-1-60/
https://madeinusatools.com/product/...-1-2-letter-sizes-a-to-z-and-wire-sizes-1-60/

Which one or ones should I get? Hopefully the links work. Also does a 135 point have an advantage over 118? Can I use some for wood too?

 

[cjarvis]

If it were me, I'd go for the Norseman set at $204 unless you're doing some heavy duty drilling.

118° bits for general duty, 135° for harder materials. I don't often drill hardened materials or stainless steel, so for me, the 135° bits don't really offer an advantage.

 

[GeoBruin]

Where I am, the metal supply shop has Norseman bits in a giant case right by the checkout counter so I can pick up individuals any time I break one. That makes the decision easy for me. See if you have a similar situation and perhaps that might influence your decision.

 

[Kuma601]

Enjoy the metal working journey! Buy-use what will achieve the intended results for the spec required. You'll be going through drill bits in sufficient quantities so factoring in holes drilled is part of purchase considerations. Cobalt is my general go to but that varies on the task relative to prices. I'll buy them in dozen+ quantities. I have sets yet there will be sizes that just don't get used. There will be more as well as numeric, letter and metric to juggle.

I am disappointed to find ownership that goes off shore for US companies though that is the times we live. Your purchase partially supports the US workers in those production shops at least.

Look up SME . org. They have trade shows at four locations around the US as well as other manufacturing events through the year. If enrolled as a student I recollect that you can register-attend these events. A great place to see the machinery and talk to reps about the manufacturing process. As well other educational and training programs.

 

[Tooltime22]

Thank you everyone for your input, I have decided to go with this set I think like cjarvis said it will be the best general purpose set for me. I can always buy more later.

 

[cjarvis]

I think you’ll like them. If you want to upgrade them as they wear or break, you can do it one at a time.

 

[Montana Brand Tools]

Those of you who are looking for high-quality, precision machined, made in USA drill bits, here's the real deal!
Rocky Mountain Twist in Montana, and USA owned!

rockymountaintwist.com
montanabrandtools.com

 

[isb cornbinder]

Sorry if it came across that way, this is NOT a troll post. I really just want to know what US manufacturers are still out there.

You could do well to learn to use GOOGLE to search.

 

[paulsomlo]

Those of you who are looking for high-quality, precision machined, made in USA drill bits, here's the real deal!
Rocky Mountain Twist in Montana, and USA owned!

rockymountaintwist.com
montanabrandtools.com

Discount for Garage Journal members?

 

[GeoBruin]

Discount for Garage Journal members?

Yes, that should be the fee for waking up a thread to blatantly advertise one's products

 

[dnschmidt]

Agreed ^^^^^ Considering the pricing they should have the margin to do that.

 

[BFHtime]

Baddog in Rhode Island, I bought a set only used them once. I have so many other bits I usually use. baddogtools

 

[ATC]

There's a couple USA sets tested here:

 

[GTO]

KnKut | JDTCo.

A variety of hand-selected tools from the KnKut line.

www.jerseydiscounttool.com

 

[four.cycle]

this may or may not be a complete and comprehensive list of U.S. based twist drill manufacturers. with the exception of Century, these are all manufactured in the U.S. to the best of my knowledge:

Brocas / Brocas Minnesota, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/home/brocas-minnesota-logosm/ / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Minnesota Drill, Triumph Twist Drill, Northland Drill /

Century / Century Drill & Tool Corp., P.O. 5216, De Pere, WI 54115-5216 / https://centurydrill.com/ / est. 1940 / distributor of outsourced products - not a manufacturer /

Minnesota / Minnesota Twist Drill Co. Inc., 1 7th St SW, Chisholm, MN 55719 / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Brocas Minnesota, Northland Drill, Triumph Twist Drill /

Norseman / Norseman Drill & Tool, 355 State St., St. Paul, MN / http://www.norsemandrill.com/ / twist drills, reamers, taps, cutting tools / see also Viking Drill & Tool /

Northland / Northland Drill, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/home/brocas-minnesota-logosm/ / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Triumph Drill, Brocas Minnesota, Minnesota Drill /

Rocky / Rocky Mountain Twist, 34837 Innovation Dr., Ronan MT 59864 / "Montana Brand Tools" / https://www.montanabrandtools.com/ / est. 2001 / twist drill bits, 1/4" hex bits, power tool accessories /

Snappy / Snappy Tools, 1009 No. Hwy. 377, Pilot Point, TX / https://www.snappytools.com/ / est. 1962 / twist drills, countersinks, cutting tools /

Thompson / R.W. Thompson Inc., 3715 Harrison Rd, Ste. 500, Loganville, GA 30052 / https://knkut.com/ / est. 1982 / "KnKut" twist drills /

Triumph / Triumph Twist Drill Division, Minnesota Twist Drill, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/ / twist drills, punches / est. 1952 / incorporated Jan 01 1961 / see also Northland Drill, Brocas Minnesota, Minnesota Drill /

Viking / Viking Drill & Tool, 355 State St., St. Paul, MN 55107 / http://www.vikingdrill.com/ / twist drills, reamers, taps, cutting tools / see also Norseman Drill & Tool /

I cannot offer any opinion in respect to which brand might be "better".
I appreciate the "Project Farm" videos, but unfortunately more often than not they do not show all of the options currently available (as is clearly evident when you look at the list above.)
I sent a set of the "Montana Brand" titanium hex-drive drill bits to another member for his "Secret Santa" gift, but we have yet to hear any review on the product from him.

As for myself, I finally figured out that buying cheap drill bits is penny wise and pound foolish.
In cases where I know I will be destroying the bit, I'll use anything at hand. (Drilling through old plaster walls or mixed media.)
If I go to a hardware store to buy a drill bit, high-end cobalt will be my first choice. Titanium second. Plain black steel only if they have nothing else.

YMMV

 

[dnschmidt]

this may or may not be a complete and comprehensive list of U.S. based twist drill manufacturers. with the exception of Century, these are all manufactured in the U.S. to the best of my knowledge:

Brocas / Brocas Minnesota, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/home/brocas-minnesota-logosm/ / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Minnesota Drill, Triumph Twist Drill, Northland Drill /

Century / Century Drill & Tool Corp., P.O. 5216, De Pere, WI 54115-5216 / https://centurydrill.com/ / est. 1940 / distributor of outsourced products - not a manufacturer /

Minnesota / Minnesota Twist Drill Co. Inc., 1 7th St SW, Chisholm, MN 55719 / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Brocas Minnesota, Northland Drill, Triumph Twist Drill /

Norseman / Norseman Drill & Tool, 355 State St., St. Paul, MN / http://www.norsemandrill.com/ / twist drills, reamers, taps, cutting tools / see also Viking Drill & Tool /

Northland / Northland Drill, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/home/brocas-minnesota-logosm/ / twist drills, punches, taps / see also Triumph Drill, Brocas Minnesota, Minnesota Drill /

Rocky / Rocky Mountain Twist, 34837 Innovation Dr., Ronan MT 59864 / "Montana Brand Tools" / https://www.montanabrandtools.com/ / est. 2001 / twist drill bits, 1/4" hex bits, power tool accessories /

Snappy / Snappy Tools, 1009 No. Hwy. 377, Pilot Point, TX / https://www.snappytools.com/ / est. 1962 / twist drills, countersinks, cutting tools /

Thompson / R.W. Thompson Inc., 3715 Harrison Rd, Ste. 500, Loganville, GA 30052 / https://knkut.com/ / est. 1982 / "KnKut" twist drills /

Triumph / Triumph Twist Drill Division, Minnesota Twist Drill, 1 Southwest 7th St., Chisholm MN 55719 / https://triumphtwistdrill.com/ / twist drills, punches / est. 1952 / incorporated Jan 01 1961 / see also Northland Drill, Brocas Minnesota, Minnesota Drill /

Viking / Viking Drill & Tool, 355 State St., St. Paul, MN 55107 / http://www.vikingdrill.com/ / twist drills, reamers, taps, cutting tools / see also Norseman Drill & Tool /

I cannot offer any opinion in respect to which brand might be "better".
I appreciate the "Project Farm" videos, but unfortunately more often than not they do not show all of the options currently available (as is clearly evident when you look at the list above.)
I sent a set of the "Montana Brand" titanium hex-drive drill bits to another member for his "Secret Santa" gift, but we have yet to hear any review on the product from him.

As for myself, I finally figured out that buying cheap drill bits is penny wise and pound foolish.
In cases where I know I will be destroying the bit, I'll use anything at hand. (Drilling through old plaster walls or mixed media.)
If I go to a hardware store to buy a drill bit, high-end cobalt will be my first choice. Titanium second. Plain black steel only if they have nothing else.

YMMV

Couple of comments: 1) They must be drilling a shitload of holes up there in Minnesota. 2) TiN covered bits tend to be cheap junk. See Ryobi and most of the drills at Home Depot. Plain black high speed steel is far superior to these made from pot-metal bits. 3) I personally know of no drill bits made from titanium.

 

[Jeff]

A few years ago I put together a proper drill set. Norseman molybdenum was my choice. I used Epstein's to piece every together. Even the index is US made.

 

[four.cycle]

"...TiN covered bits tend to be cheap junk...."

If you mean "titanium coated" (I am not a metallurgist), I'm not sure I'd disagree. Gold-colored things - on regular twist drill bits I haven't found them to be much better than the plain black steel bits.

For that matter, the last "set" of drill bits I bought for my own use was a Huot full-blown set of HSS bits. We only used one - a 23/64 bit to drill out a door hinge bushing - but it was amazingly sharp. The bits are marked "CL USA" - I am assuming this set was old stock so I have no clue who actually made the bits.

I've had the best luck drilling through tool steel with cobalt bits.

 

[Montana Brand Tools]

Titanium drill bits are typically manufactured from High Speed Steel in the USA. The Titanium feature of the drill bit is a coating over the HSS. This coating prevents heat build up and adds lubricity which both reduce dulling for improved drilling and longer bit life. Drill bit point geometry and manufacturing processes are paramount to the performance.