Let's talk VIX bits.

[johnny means]

So I'm looking for a daily use set. Thus far all the ones I've had or seen are fairly unimpressive. Loose tolerances and weak springs seem to be the norm. Can anyone recommend a high quality set?

[Bruce Page]

I have the original Vix Bits from Vick Tool. Never had a problem with them, they work as advertised.

[Ron Kellison]

You could always buy the real VIX bits. If I remember correctly, they are made by the S.E Vick Tool Company in Minnesota. If you want to find other places where they are sold you can call the company and find out who carries the real thing. Their # is (952) 469-4851

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=71438&cat=1,180,42240

[Peter Quinn]

IME there are two kinds of self centering pilot bits....Vix bits made by S E Vick, and junk. Even companies whose other bits I like a lot seem to sell very inadequate bits with bad springs, they choke and clog easy, often wobble off center which can be maddening on hardware that requires some precision. For the little cost difference I go exclusively with the originals, well worth it. I had others and have pretty much just thrown them away.

[Tom M King]

All of mine are the originals. I'm sure some are over 20 years old, and still work just fine.

[Chris Padilla]

How do you know if you have an original or a knock-off? I have about 5 of these but most likely they are knock-offs. I don't use them a lot but they seem to work fine.

[Peter Kelly]

As others mentioned, the "real" Vix bits from Lee Valley are great. If you want to drop a dime, the Japanese-made Star-M bits are even nicer.

[Keith Hankins]

I prefer the snappy bits.

[Bruce Page]

How do you know if you have an original or a knock-off? I have about 5 of these but most likely they are knock-offs. I don't use them a lot but they seem to work fine.

I keep mine in the original plastic tubes that they came in but the bits themselves are marked "Vix Bit" and the size.

[Randy Red Bemont]

I prefer the snappy bits.

I have a couple of these and I really like them.

Red

[Mike Henderson]

Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/3pc-Vix-Bit-Hex-Shank/dp/B001UQQSZO)has the real VIX bits.

Mike

[johnny means]

Hmm, the Snappy bits are in the group I was talking about.

[Dan Rude]

I have a few of the VIX bits for my larger sizes. I picked up a set of Intsy bits years ago at Rockler that I use in my shelf jigs and installing hinges. I picked up a few more when 7-Corners Hardware went out of business. :( Dan

[Pat Turner]

McMaster-Carr sells the real VIX bits. As usual, look arround and find it 10% cheaper, or order 1 today for delivery tommorow with a reasonable shipping charge,