Recommend drill bit set

Robdav

Robdav

Robdav

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Joined
18 Oct 2002
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Location
Southern England
Hi all,

I'm looking to replace my old box of drill bits, they are old, rusty, and for the most part blunt. I've had them years but it's time to replace them all. I have all manner of bits, wood, metal, masonry all of which need to be replaced.

So can any one recommend a decent set of straight shank drill bits? i've had a look and there are many (screwfix have loads) but to me they all look the same. Either a single large set containing wood, metal, and masonry or individual sets of each type would be ok. Price wise, south of £100 would be nice.

oh and while i'm at it, any thoughts on how i'd keep them sharp?

thanks
 
This will be interesting - I am in same boat - got hundreds and not one sharp one among them - very frustrating.
 
You can sharpen them with a bench grinder or a dedicated machine you know
Anything smaller than 4mm is usually easier to buy new but when you get to 10mm+ they are quite expensive to keep buying
 
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I've had a really good Irwin set of masonry drill bits for about 6 years. Still seem ok but they look a bit rusty. I like Presto HSS drill bits for metal and I also use these for pilot holes in wood. I have this set: Presto 081-19M HSS Bit Set 19Pcs. Can be had for About £19.25. Quite expensive but very worth it!

ShadowMan said:
Every tradesperson I have had recently swears by Bosch Blue and I bought a small set which have been brilliant so far.
Click to expand...

Are these the same? Bosch 2607010546 Multi-Construction Drill Bits, 7 Pieces. I bought that set from Amazon back in April and so far have been impressed with them.
 
I always find that when I buy new drill bits I always use the old one so i don't blunt the new ones :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:

I can't sharpen a drill bit to save my life even with two bench grinders.
 
fobose said:
I've had a really good Irwin set of masonry drill bits for about 6 years. Still seem ok but they look a bit rusty. I like Presto HSS drill bits for metal and I also use these for pilot holes in wood. I have this set: Presto 081-19M HSS Bit Set 19Pcs. Can be had for About £19.25. Quite expensive but very worth it!



Are these the same? Bosch 2607010546 Multi-Construction Drill Bits, 7 Pieces. I bought that set from Amazon back in April and so far have been impressed with them.
Click to expand...


Yup. Those are the ones. Good for pretty much everything with just 1 bit.
 
Depends what you're using them for really.

For wood just buy a set of flat bits and and wood bits, generally the more well known brands will be best but if you hit a nail or screw it'll take the edge off the drill anyway.

Masonry bits again depends what you use them for, if it's only for wall plugs then get a couple of the sizes you use. Then maybe a couple of longer ones for putting cables/pipes through a wall. I don't think you need a full masonry set.

Metal again depends, I've got a couple of the sets in a tin, if you're into engineering work then pick a set with tapping and clearance drills, but then I buy multiples of those anyway and keep a good set aside.
For general loose tolerance clearance holes then any tin set will be fine, I've got a Silverline set for general use and abuse.

Drill bits are replaceable and all can, and will break in general use so for general diy and even trade, don't spend serious money.
 
I'd pencilled in getting some of the screwfix dewalt cobalt, specific sizes, for mild steel drilling,
the few, 6-10mm I inherited, seem to be faster and stay sharp, with a drop of oil,
maybe the smaller sizes in these are less prone to breaking because they are faster.
 
jpaul said:
I'd pencilled in getting some of the screwfix dewalt cobalt, specific sizes, for mild steel drilling,
the few, 6-10mm I inherited, seem to be faster and stay sharp, with a drop of oil,
maybe the smaller sizes in these are less prone to breaking because they are faster.
Click to expand...

Bought a specific size one of these to drill an RSJ worked a treat, probably could have done with a pilot first but went through regardless with a bit of oil.
 
ShadowMan said:
Every tradesperson I have had recently swears by Bosch Blue and I bought a small set which have been brilliant so far.
Click to expand...
I had the same recommendation and I am still using the same two bits a friend gave me over a year ago.

Absolutely great, when new they also drilled porcelain tile very very cleanly.
 
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