Drill Bit Reccomendations?

[Dale_W]

I did a search here, and just found one thread, for a drill doctor.

For twist drill bits, what brand do you use most? General purpose, mostly drilling in ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

I know bits won't last forever, but I'd like to find some that are worth my trip to the store.


Thanks

Dale

[KE4AVB]

The drill bits that I have been using the last few years are from Fastenal and are very good at staying sharp. Now of course I have dull a few of them but usually drill hard steel and very deep. The ones I got from Lowes were nothing but crap couldn't even drill the first hole in a piece of angle iron (Bed rail) without dulling.

Now you do need to go slow with the bits to keep from overheating them.

[51cub]

Where I used to work we had real good luck with Lawson. It's a fact that they're not going to be the cheapest ones you'll find. For everyday at home I just use what I get at the hardware store, or hand me downs from my good set. When I want it right, or especially if I'm drilling a bolt out, I use a good set that I have set aside that I try to keep Lawson in. Another one I've heard only good things about is Partsmaster. I haven't used them myself so no idea what to tell you about price but I don't guess they're real inexpensive either

[Dale_W]

That's exactly what I was looking for. Thank you both!

[38racing]

I bought a set of Walter bits based on donyboy73 on YouTube. Haven't concluded yet if they were worth the price.

[RoyM]

I have Walter bits, the best I have ever used. NOBODY borrows them!

[TimB]

KE4AVB I use bed rail angle a lot for little projects. I think they are made from recycled steel and have a lot of hard spots in them. Not defending bits you got from Lowes, but you may have just been drilling through a hard spot.

I bought a set of 6 carbide bits that I use on those bed rails now, just in case.

[KE4AVB]

Actually the materials that I drill the Lowe's bits fail everytime. The replacement bits I got from Fastenal are still going fairly well after 5 yrs. Of course a few have been re-sharpen as they wear but usually after a few dozen holes unlike the first bits that wouldn't even make it through the first hole without dulling.

Currently the only drill bits I buy are the ones that don't have like the set of left hand bit I looking at for screw extraction but I may just get them with regular extractors from McMasters-Carr.

[38racing]

I have Walter bits, the best I have ever used. NOBODY borrows them!

I should have noted that I bought a used set so no idea how much they might have been used.

[bertsmobilerepairs]

You need to look closely at the instructions for information about how they were made.
The best are cold forged and UNCOATED.
Coated bits are throw away items as once the coating has worn through they are rubbish as the base steel is too soft .