What brand makes the best set of drill bits for drilling into metal?

Question

I bought a ridig set and they didn't work to well.

Answer 1

"dewalt"

Answer 2

Like alot of the others said, speed and lubrication are the most important things. The bits you buy from home depot or lowes, etc. are ok, but they are usually carbide. The best bits for metal working are cobalt bits, with a 135 degree split point tip. The problems with these are that you have to really concentrate on keeping the bit straight on, as they do not work well coming in from an angle. Also they are very rigid and can snap easily if you rock the drill while the bit is in the work. Chicago Latrobe and Westward make good bits or sets. If you go to fast you will actually make the point at where you are drilling harder. Go slow at first, with sufficient pressure and lubrication, and increas speed if needed.

Answer 3

There are many types and classes of drill bits. Brand name products are usually the best, but I have some very well made Chinese bits that I got from www.use-enco.com via the internet that are lasting quite well.

A big problem with drilling holes in things is the expertise of the person holding the drill motor. If you purchased a Ridgid set (decent tools) and they have not performed well, you should evaluate your technique. Bit speed is very important when drilling in steel. Heat is removed from the bit by the metal curl that comes up as you drill into the stock. If your efforts are producing fine, sawdust-like steel chips, you are going way too fast. All you'll accomplish is severly overheating the bit, ruining its temper, and dulling the cutting edges.

If you are producing a metal curl that is blue from heat, you are either going to slow or pressing too hard.

A steady curl that stays gray to bright in color is what you want.

Do an internet search for machine shop practices and things in that line, You'll come up with some good information that will not only help you get some holes drilled, and your bits will last a lot longer too!

Answer 4

With no offense to any others, and only reading to the answer TROY offered, I suggest it has less to do with BRAND preference that the substance and design of the BIT and the substance to be drilled.

Carbide is great for some projects, but depending on the METAL and its thickness you'll need better.

If it happens to be stainless, even the thickness of door kick plates which I install often, you need to be as specific as possible.

Without knowing where you bought them of the advice the "clerk" gave you, I suggest you research a bit deeper, and in knowing if its aluminum, steel alloy, iron, etc. etc. etc. the proper drill bits are available.

Steven Wolf

Also as TROY states the SPEED and POWER of the drill is extremely important,,,also some lubricant as you drill will aid in the CUTTING process. Depending on the substance and thickness a CORDED drill might serve you better, than any battery operated.

Steven Wolf

Answer 5

I buy the 135 degree split point bits, I have had excellent results drilling all types of metal including Stainless steel. I have used Dewalt and various other brands but the degree of the angle and the split point seem to be the most critical part of the drill bit.
You will need to reduce the speed of your drill when using this type of bit as it cuts very fast.

Answer 6

I agree with hank (definately not troy). Most people try to drill the hole too fast. Also, use cutting oil, machine oil, or any oil that's handy (I use spit when I don't have any oil). Any lubricant will help dissipate heat, which is what causes bits to get dull. Just about any metal-cutting bit will work fine. I buy cheap ones because I usually lose them before they wear out.

If your bit won't get a bite, lean it to the side slightly until it starts to cut. The center point usually wears out before the edges and this can get you a few more holes out of a bad bit.

Answer 7

Yes, speed is of the utmost importance. Some of my work involves aircraft structures, and the technicians use air drills that spin slowly.
The harder the metal, usually the slower the bit speed.

Answer 8

in my experience, it's not the brand of bits but the speed at which you drill. drilling at a high speed will help, but also it is much easier drilling a pilot hole of you are drilling a bigger hole.

Answer 9

I'm partial to dewalt

Answer 10

i may be a girl but i know my tools and Black n' Decker is the BEST brand