Drill bit set

[Mike Henderson]

What do you call those sets of twist drills that include bits from about 1/16 to 1/2 by 64ths, plus letter and number bits? I always called them "machinist drill bit set" but when I search on that, I don't get the hits I want.

Also, if you have a preference, what brand would you recommend (links appreciated)? I'd prefer to buy a mid grade set because I know the excellent set is very expensive. But I don't want a cheap import set.

Mike

[Todd Burch]

Drill index?

[Mike Henderson]

I always thought of the term "drill index" as meaning one of those boxes that have holes for the different size drills.

The set I'm particularly interested in has "regular" English measurement bits, as well as a set of the letter and number bits.

Mike

[joe milana]

They are not listed online, and I threw my catalog away, but I was in a grizzly store not too long ago and they had those large sets with fractional, numbered, and lettered bits in their machine tool showcase. Cant speak for the quality though.

Found this on their website: http://www.grizzly.com/products/115PC-Drill-Bit-Set-In-Plastic-Case/H8183
$50.00....definitely imported
The ones I saw in the showroom had a metal case.

[Mike Henderson]

They are not listed online, and I threw my catalog away, but I was in a grizzly store not too long ago and they had those large sets with fractional, numbered, and lettered bits in their machine tool showcase. Cant speak for the quality though.

Found this on their website: http://www.grizzly.com/products/115PC-Drill-Bit-Set-In-Plastic-Case/H8183
$50.00....definitely imported
The ones I saw in the showroom had a metal case.
Thanks. I think a $50 would definitely fall on the "cheap" side of the fence.

I have a cheap set already but the bits will only hold up to about one hole (in metal) and then they're useless. I'd like to get a set that may not be the top-of-the-line but will last for more than one or two holes.

Mike

[joe milana]

http://www.buydrillbits.com/products/hss/tw-sets.php

American made!

(scroll down the page for the split point set $181.84)

[Mike Henderson]

Yep, that's what I'm looking for. Thanks!!!

[and about the price I'd expect for a good set.]

Mike

[And it looks like Todd B. was correct - they are called "Drill Index" sets. Sorry, Todd for not believing you the first time.]

[Greg Crawford]

Woodcraft has this set;

http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=141506&FamilyID=3723

115 Piece Set. features numbered, lettered, and fractional bits to cover about any size you may need! 60 numbered bits from #1 to #60, 29 fractional bits from 1/16" to 1/2" by 64ths, and letter size bits from A to Z. Metal index case has marked individual bit compartments.

It's $80. It doesn't say, but probably made in China.

[Todd Burch]

I have two of the woodcraft sets - the light blue metal case. They work ok - I use them in wood.

[phil harold]

http://www.buydrillbits.com/products/hss/tw-sets.php

American made!

(scroll down the page for the split point set $181.84)

I like this site
the prices are fair
thanks!

My shop drill bits are Cleveland Twist Drills, 25 years later they are still great

[Lee Mitchell]

Just a thought......

Buy a cheap drill bit set to get the index. Then order individual replacement bits of good quality for the sizes that you normally use. There's no point in paying good dollars for sizes that you'll probably never use. And, if you do need an "odd-ball" size for a once in a lifetime situation, you'll have a bit on hand. (Even though it isn't the best quality, it'll probably work for one or two uses.)

Picked mine up from Harbor Freight. I've probably replaced about a quarter of the bits with better ones. Thus, I've saved money on all those sizes that I haven't needed better quality.

Just a thought....

Lee in NC

[John Lucas]

I tend to lose bits (as in not put them away) so when these sets appeared I had to have them...one for each drill bit type:
http://www.woodcraft.com/images/products/148082_230.jpg

at Wood craft: http://www.woodcraft.com/product.aspx?ProductID=148082&FamilyID=20268

[Scott T Smith]

Mike, the very best drill bits that I've used are Magnum Super Premium Series - they are made by Norseman here in the US.

Fairbury Tool and Drill sells them:

http://www.fairburyfastener.com/norseman.htm#Why%20Choose%20Magnum™?

The part number for the 115 piece set (which I have) is NOR 93840 and it sells for $250.00. I bought my personal set over 25 years ago and they still work great. I've had a lot of machinist grade bits (Greenfield, Cleveland Twist, etc), but the Magnum's are the best that I've personally used.

These drill bits will work in stainless steel or on spring steel, and I prefer them over cobalt bits for most applications.

[Brian Kent]

HSS - made in USA - $115

http://www.use-enco.com/CGI/INSRIT?PMAKA=300-0027&PMPXNO=2618857&PARTPG=INLMK32

[Mike Henderson]

Thanks, Scott and Brian. I'll check them out.

Mike