Looking for a quality set of drill bits for the shop. What have you found that holds up well for general drilling into steel no more than 1/2 thick? I have had several sets of Snap-On bits along with some Norsman sets that i thought were better than my Snap-On set.

I bought Westward Cobalt from Grainger, best set I have owned. Starts at 100 and up...

KnKut....

quote:

Originally posted by stk 758 BP!:
I bought Westward Cobalt from Grainger, best set I have owned. Starts at 100 and up...

Heck i think i paid that at Fastenal for my Norsmans

http://www.prsupply.net/DrillBits/vulcan.html

I hope i did that right with the link. LOL. Absolutely the best i've ever used and guaranteed. They'll send you replacements without returning any that are damaged.

quote:

Originally posted by T/D6591:

quote:

Originally posted by stk 758 BP!:
I bought Westward Cobalt from Grainger, best set I have owned. Starts at 100 and up...

Heck i think i paid that at Fastenal for my Norsmans

The Blue Point, Snappy and MAC aren’t what they used to be.

Moe,
Norseman and viking are made by the same company and both are some of the best.

Cleveland is also a very good drill bit and they make left hand drills as well. Might be mistaken but I think I remember the Snap-On guy down here saying the Snap-On drills were at one time made by Cleveland. Last time I looked I think they are about $120 for the standard 29 piece set that goes to 1/2"

Joe

quote:

Originally posted by stk 758 BP!:

The Blue Point, Snappy and MAC aren’t what they used to be.

Barry,
You got that right. I am thinking some of that tool truck stuff they are selling today ain't much better than Harbor Freight. Isn't what it once was, that's for sure.

I bought a set of Snap-On left hand drill bits in about 1979 and they are still going strong.

Joe

Im told Chicago Latrobe are ok too, never tried them.

I've never used KnKut either. They look good.

I have had these Westward Cobalt 175$ set for two years. Still OK.... Now in Moe's shop they would get a test for sure.

Moe, I would suggest 118° drill points for general use. If you do go with Cobalt drills be aware that most will be 135° split point. Not all but usually. Split points are good at drilling fast and they are somewhat self centering but typically won't drill as round of a hole when drilling by hand. Now once you are in the cut if the hole is started round or you can clamp down in a drill press then they will rip through the metal. Cobalt is more wear resistant than HSS though and split point drills do cut faster with less pressure because the main web is thinned down by the split point. Cobalt is typically around twice the price.

Don't spend any more money for coatings like TIN for general use. You will never be able to tell the difference by hand. Keep your surface speeds down and use a good cutting fluid not motor oil. It's made to stop metal to metal contact not cool or stop build up on a cutting edge.

MSC isn't the cheapest but they ship next day to me for $13 and have everything you can think of. You can take the manufactures part number from these and look to find them for less. I have an account with them and just used them as examples. Hope some of this helps.

Either of these 2 sets. Both are 1/16" - 1/2" in 32ths under $100. 118° drill points.

https://www.mscdirect.com/prod...82756?rItem=78582756

https://www.mscdirect.com/prod...84152?rItem=81184152

29 pc Hertel brand is still decent quality but a little more money. 118° drill point.

https://www.mscdirect.com/prod...00106?rItem=02500106

Cobalt 15pc

https://www.mscdirect.com/prod...94151?rItem=81194151

Enco was great. MSC sucks!! Wish they had never bought them out.

quote:

Originally posted by Cashflow:
Enco was great. MSC sucks!! Wish they had never bought them out.

Meh! They are like many really big companies, you will always find someone who has bad experiences with them. We have had an account since way before they were MSC and if there is an issue I call my rep, otherwise their website is pretty good and they have most anything I a person needs. If I don't need it the next day I order from my local industrial supplier. He kills them on pricing especially on Kennametal products.

Thanks everyone for all the suggestions.

No offense to any one, but learn to sharpen drill bits using a grinder. My Father taught me years ago. Not easy at first but the more you do it,it will become easier.

I'm sure most of my drill bits are older than me!

quote:

Originally posted by WHOMPWHOMP:
KnKut....

Without a doubt, best I have ever used.