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View Full Version : Hex Shank Drill Bits - Carbide, preferably


Alan Lightstone
03-27-2012, 11:00 AM
Who makes good quality hex shank drill bits? I'm looking for a full set. Probably mostly metal drilling, with some occasional wood drilling, though I likely would use other bits for those. Looking for good quality, not the garbage I sadly see around everywhere.

My old Sears hex shank bits have seen better days. I already have quality Forstner Bits and Brad Point bits.
Greg Portland
03-27-2012, 1:12 PM
Do you require hex shank? I have this set (http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-48-89-0050-29-Piece-16-Inch-Assortment/dp/B0000224AX/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1332868032&sr=1-1-catcorr) and it is exceptional on steel and hard wood. I don't see it for sale right now, hopefully this line wasn't discontinued. Maybe the 'thunderbolt' cobalt bits are the replacement but I have not tried them.
Alan Lightstone
03-27-2012, 1:29 PM
I really would prefer hex shank.
Greg R Bradley
03-27-2012, 2:30 PM
No carbide that I know of but both of these are excellent:

www.wlfuller.com (http://www.wlfuller.com)

www.insty-bit.com (http://www.insty-bit.com)

Also, www.carbideprocessors.com (http://www.carbideprocessors.com) for Wiha stubby hex drill bits
Myk Rian
03-27-2012, 2:38 PM
Here ya go. Cobalt.
http://www.amazon.com/Pro-Grade-30-Piece-Quick-Change-Shank-COBALT/dp/B000H0Y7Q6
Kevin Gregoire
03-30-2012, 6:30 PM
hex shank drill bits are one of the best tools ever made! so nice not to have a bit slip in the collette anymore.
they should have been invented years ago!
Bruce Page
03-30-2012, 8:42 PM
Maybe it’s the machinist in me but spinning a 1/2” bit through steel with a 1/4” hex shank just doesn’t seem right. Wouldn’t the torque snap the hex shaft? I would think anything over about 3/8” would be asking a lot of that dinky 1/4” hex.
Greg R Bradley
03-30-2012, 9:11 PM
Maybe it’s the machinist in me but spinning a 1/2” bit through steel with a 1/4” hex shank just doesn’t seem right. Wouldn’t the torque snap the hex shaft? I would think anything over about 3/8” would be asking a lot of that dinky 1/4” hex.

I would agree completely. Drilling over 1/4" into mild steel would probably have me using a regular chuck.