Buying new drill bits

I did both, I got the 115pc import drill index 'cause it was cheap and I was on my way, and I now have an inexpensive, nicely labeled drill index, however, over time as I watch different sales come up, I (as I can afford) replace the drill bits. In my neck of the woods, Dormer and Precision seem to be popular brands. I was told though, that a lot of drill bit manufacturers are actually owned by one BIG parent company. :thinking:

If you have a smaller benchtop mill\drill, a set of 'stub' bits woulden't hurt either. Sometimes it can be a real PITA to get clearence on a 'Jobbers' length drill. :)
 
Drill Bits

Judging by price and appearance they are good quality. Only way to know is try them.
 
Drill Bits

be Leary when they say cobalt, they are talking about the color, thats how they get away selling a cheap bit, i like the hss black oxide myself, i bought a 30piece set that cost me about 93.00 on the side it said made in usa i got them from granger and that was 3 yrs ago and they haven't had to be resharpened yet:biggrin:Mac
 
The addition of cobalt yields a harder tool steel that lives longer drilling more abrasive materials such as many stainless alloys. However, it comes with a price. It is more brittle and will tend to chip easier in hand fed drilling. That said, it is my preferred standard drill.

That drill set is labeled cobalt, and is also describes as having a black oxide coating. Cobalt drills aren't normally oxide coated, but have a brown/gold tone that is the result of the cobalt. Cobalt drill are generally more expensive than normal HSS. It's difficult to say for sure just what you would get from that seller. The picture looks right for cobalt.
 
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ah ok, the only reason i said that is i bought some to drill a hole one time and the 1/8 bent like a nail lol:biggrin:Mac
 
I bought a set from Snap-On a few years back and they are still sharp today.. I only use them on serious issues like unreplaceable parts and items that have to be right the first time. They were expensive as the dickens, but they will cut a case hard bolt like it's 1018 mild steel.
Bob
 
I too bought Snapon Letter and Number drill sets as there was no other suppliers in my area at the time. Pre internet!!!
They were made by Butterfield at the time. I do not know if it is still the same today. I have not replaced one yet.
 
I've got a set of Snap-ons as well. I use them at work and I love 'em. They are currently selling ThunderBits. They have others as well. If anyone wants further product info, I have a very healthy relationship with my Snap-on dealer. Can't say the same for Matco or Mac.

i can't say enough about their 3/8" air drill made by Sioux. A recent acquisition of theirs.
 
One thing to think about, are you buying drill bits or are you buying holes?A good bit will generally last longer than a cheap bit. That being said, a good bit can be ruined on the first hole if used improperly. I tend to be kind of anal about my bits, keeping them in the index and trying not to abuse them. I have a set from Craftsman that is 30+ years old and other than replacing broken/lost bits and occasional resharpening, they work well. There are a lot of variables when using bits.
My.
$0.02
 
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