Adam wrote in, seeking recommendations for some new tool and accessory purchases he’s faced with making. The first topic – drill bits for general purpose use.
I’m just getting back into doing actual construction work, after years in retail. I’m looking for a good quality set of drill bits (or two) for general use in wood and light metal. I’d rather not buy anything made in China, if possible. Do you have any recommendations? I’m hoping to spend $50-75, but could go a little over that if needed.
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Hmm… those are some tough criteria to meet.
For general purpose drilling. I still enjoy using Dewalt’s Pilot Point bits, although they’re not made in the USA. For drilling in sheet or light-gauge metal, Milwaukee’s USA-made step bits are superb. I was going to say Milwaukee’s new step bits, but they’ve been out for a little over a year now! Boy, how time flies.
As an aside, Lee Valley makes some super-superb brad-point drill bits for higher precision wood-drilling applications.
Okay, so back to general purpose USA-made bits. I would have to point to industrial brands for this. You’re not going to find suitable bits at a home center.
Norseman is a good brand, as is Precision Twist, and Triumph. Those are the first 3 that come to mind, and there are plenty others.
You’ll want to keep drill bit angle (118° or 135°) and geometry in mind, as well as coatings.
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I bought a small Triumph Trinado bit set with 135° split point tips before realizing that the black oxide and bronze coatings makes the bits best suited for use in iron, steel, and tough steel products. I mainly work with wood, plastic, and aluminum, and so for my “mega set” of 115 drill bits I went with Triumph HSS bits.
Triumph’s latest catalog (PDF) has a handy drill bit selection guide on page 6. According to that guide, their ThunderBit TiN-coated bits work best in every category. They’re bound to be pricey, though.
The bright finish HSS (high speed steel) drill bits with 118° points should work great in wood, plastic, and softer non-ferrous metal materials, and okay in steel (but not stainless steel or hardened) materials. If you’ll primary work with steel materials, Triumph and other brands offer general purpose black oxide-finished bits.
I just checked, and my set of black oxide screw-machine-length Precision #1-#60 wire gauge drill bits were made in Brazil. That’s not China, but also not USA.
For Triumph, Cleveland, Champion, Precision Twist, and other brand-name drilling, tapping, and cutting tool sets, I often look to Enco and MSC’s deals flyers. One can save a lot of money off list prices by doing so.
Harry Epstein is a good source of Norseman bits. If you want to go the quick and easy route, their 29pc Norseman bright finish HSS drill bit set is just $60.30, plus shipping. I only have a couple of Norseman bits in my drawer, but I’ve been pleased with their performance.
Our friends over at Carbide Processors have a nice selection of Triumph sets, and occasionally offer coupons. (They also have some sweet email registration perks).
Oh, and you’ll want Jobber’s length twist bits. Unless you don’t. If you want shorter bits, then you’ll want to look at mechanic’s or even screw machine lengths.
I made this too complicated, didn’t I?
With a $50-$75 budget, I’d go with that $60.30 29-piece Norseman bright finish HSS 118° point drill bit set from Harry Epstein’s. Then I’d probably spend an extra $200 on other tools I only realized I needed after searching for “just a couple” of additional items to help make the most of the shipping fee.
The Triumph 29pc drill bit sets I would consider are models 090517 (~$77-100), and 090829 (~$115), but only if I could catch them on sale. The more expensive of the two sets has reduced shank bits so that you could fit a 1/2″ drill bit in a 3/8″ drill chuck.
Now, if you don’t want a 29pc set, that opens up more options for the $50-$75 budget.
Surprisingly, Triumph’s 21pc bright finish HSS drill bit set is currently just $56 and change via Amazon. That prompted me to check the price of the 29pc set, which is currently $76 and change. That makes the overall decision a little harder to make, especially since the Norseman set from Harry Epstein’s is $60.30 plus $16.63 shipping, or nearly $77 total.
$77 for the Norseman set via Harry Epstein, or the Triumph set from Amazon? I typically default to Amazon when possible, but if ordering from Harry Epstein I would add some loose sizes and other tools to my cart. HE’s is the best Norseman supplier that I’m familiar with, or even aware of.
Enough of what I think. What would you guys recommend to Adam?
fred
I too like Triumph bits -but had good results with other industrial bands like Cleveland, Greenfield, Morse and some others like Fuller and Forrest City for wood boring bits
I’ve recently used a coupon code: “SAVE20” for $20 off on $165 at Carbide processors – it may work for others
Hang Fire
The Chicago Latrobe Series 150 13-pc 118 degree HSS drill bit set 57711 is less than $40 on Amazon (B000LEFK5U).
What I like about CL is how well little they flex, and how well they hold up, even after resharpening.
If you’re looking for Cobalt for hard metal drilling, the 60-pc 550 Series 57853 is currently a bargain on Amazon (B000LE895S) for less than $125.
Jerry
If he wants a full 29 piece set, Kodak Cutting Tools has a 29 piece set for $70 with free shipping at Amazon.
If he can get by with a smaller set, maybe look into a more premium set. I’m with Hang Fire that Chicago Lathrobe bits are awesome, but their fuller sets will be over budget. Did Adam specify how big the set had to go? If 3/8 is all the bigger he needs to go, there are some pretty high quality sets under $75.
fred
Like Greenfield Tap and Die – I believe that Chicago Latrobe is now part of the Chinese company Top Eastern Group. I’m not sure if they are still primarily manufacturing these brands in the US – but they were both solid industrial tool makers
Jerry
I replaced a couple of my most-used worn out bits (5/16 and 3/8) with Chicago Latrobe bits, and they are stamped USA and are the best bits I ever owned.
Bummer if they moved production overseas.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
Chicago-Latrobe is indeed still making great USA made drill bits.
C-L is one of my favorite brands of twist drills after Guhring.
I own every Huot drill index but they are filled with all brands and all type.
I heard that Makita used to make a very good fractional set but I don’t see them anymore.
Todd
Something to keep in mind which many are not aware of, it that most of the old USA drill bit brands are now owned by Chinese companies. For example Cleveland, Greenfield, Vermont Tap and Die, Chicago Latrobe, and some others are owned by Top Eastern Group.
Stan
If you are looking for a proper American made twist drill that is also union made, I’d go with the Norseman brand. Norseman is sold at Harry J Epstein and is very reasonable in terms of pricing as well.
http://store.harryepstein.com/search?Q=Brand:Norseman
Skip the imported junk that is sold at Home Depot, Harbor Freight as you’ll only be throwing away your money.
Used to be that Sears carried proper American made twist drills, but those days are long, long gone. Fastenal and Grainger are also a distributor as well for Norseman.
You will need to read the label very carefully as brands that used to manufacture American made twist drills no longer do so anymore in some cases. Such as with Vermont American after Bosch purchased them.
Snap-On is another choice, as their twist drills are also American made as well.
Allen
Another vote for Norseman from Epsteins. I’m very happy with mine.
Stan
Always nice to see a supporter of Harry J Epstein. I am just a customer and have no direct affiliation with the, but they easily my favorite distributor. Family owned, operated and best of all, some of the most knowledgeable, kindest, professional gentleman I’ve ever done business with.
No mind games or tricks with them, as you are dealing with mature adults. They list the country of origin on all their products and their pricing is exceptionally fair as well. Jori is quite the amazing and brilliant artist and free artwork is offered with any order.
Sure they might not be Amazon and your order might not come the same day, but personally that is fine. Too often in today’s society we need instant gratification and sometimes this is best just to slow down and relax.
I like Amazon as much as the next guy, but I’ve had some issues with them in the past and present. Nobody’s perfect, but not much beats supporting a family owned and run business that has a physical store and you can email/talk to them as well.
Drew M
Never use TiN coated tools on aluminum.
Stuart
Why not? Even when using coating fluid?
Drew M
The coating will bond/weld/whatever to the aluminum and ruin the tools. Coolant fluids help but don’t completely prevent it. So, best advice is to just avoid doing it unless you have no other choice.
dave
“Never” and “no other choice” are both far too strong to use. If the other choices is buying either exotic or redundant sets of lower quality bits, I’m fine with my other choice of just using TiN coated bits on aluminum.
Been doing it for decades and they still work fine in HSS bit applications, BUT I am not doing highly repetitive, high speed work so it’s not about production levels. There might be some aluminum adhesion but I’ve never found it to be a problem, more of a worrywart type of thing where you could choose the “best” hammer out there or the “best” tire for your car, but there are lots of ways to skin a cat.
Kent
The DeWalt pilot bits are good, with a one major flaw; they don’t work well on existing holes. The lack of a point keeps them from centering.
I use them in the shop sometimes, but if I’m in the field, I always take a set of regular bits, so I can enlarge a hole.
Jim Felt
This is exactly why I love this site!!! Now I have to remember to print this out later and leave the whole thread in my drill storage area. Whoop whoop.
Daniel
I’d go with Hertel. MSC often has deals in their sales flyers for the 29 bit set running around $50 or even less. They are made well and are better than any of the big box brands I’ve tried.
fred
I believe that Hertel is a Kennametal Company (used to be the owners of Greenfield Tap and Die before the sale to top Eastern.) Some of the Hertel products are USA-made – but some of their end mills – from MSC – hail from Korea.
Peter Fox
I can second the Hertel recommendation, I have found them to be good quality and a reasonable price and have so far always received US made drill bits. I usual purchase them from ENCO as they often have 10, 15, 20, and sometimes 25% off your entire order promotions (although sometimes there is a minimum order of $99 to $199, but not always)
I have also ordered a set or two and a bunch of loose Norseman bits from Harry J Epstein’s and been happy with them.
Previously we had a local hardware and farm store that carried the Triumph brand and those were my favorite choice until they were replaced with Chinese made Irwin.
Basically you can’t go wrong with any US made drill bits from a known manufacturer, for average use they will serve you well.
Adam
Thanks for the replies, Stuart and commenters. Great information, as always.
I’m not likely to be drilling anything hardened or stainless, so I shouldn’t need cobalt or anything like that.
I’ll check out the suggested options.
Jerry
I wouldn’t recommend cobalt bits for general use, as they are more brittle than regular high speed steel. Put the money you save getting regular bits towards a good sharpener, and you’ll be better off.
fred
I agree that cobalt bits should not be your first choice for general drilling – but cobalt bits come in handy for hard metal drilling and their Left-Handed variety – are great for use as screw extractors.
Grady
Plenty of choices through Enco and MSC. I believe you may be looking for 118 degree splint point Jobber length drllls . That may help clear away mud.
Charlie Stopczynski
I’ve seen “Bad Dog” twist drill bits at various “wood shows” over a period of years.
They subject their demo bits to multiple abuses and demo how well they continue to drill.
Has anyone ever tested and reviewed these bits?
JeffD
I’ve been happy with Norseman.
Bruce
I’ve always used Cle-Line Jobber length 135 degree black oxide. The 1/16th to 1/2 by 32nds set has proven to be reliable and covers all my tasks. I couldn’t care less where it is made, Top Eastern appears to own them now. It’s a quality bit set and I let my guys have them too as long as they agree to take care of them.
Noah
No love for Huot?
Stuart
Does Huot make drill bits? I thought they only make drill/tap/CNC indexes and related tooling storage products.
Stan
Of course there is love for Hout. Albeit I am certain they are only a storage company, but their products are American made. Additionally, they are also the OEM for union and USA made Norseman twist drills as well.
Epstein’s also carries some Hout products as well.
logan
Viking/Norsemen or Union Butterfield. #1 rated strength HSS bits. Stainless, mild, whatever. I know the former are Union made in MO. I’ve yet to see any bits that top them.
Other brands are meh. I had an HD gift card and got some Ridgid bits. Total junk. Grinds are poor, and the finish is just sad. (China bits)
Dewalt bits with the pilot point are awesome on wood, but I snapped my 1/2″ bit on some 1/8 wall steel tubing. Until then, I liked them on steel, too. (German made)
Jon
Get a good set of finely graduated bits, then a set or two of cheap bits when they go on sale around Father’s Day or Christmas, or my favorite, right around New Years when all the leftover Christmas stuff goes on clearance. Get the kind that have multiple of the most common sizes. Beat up those ones and save the good set for when you need those precise sizes. I got 3 sets of Ryobi bits like that for $5 each.
Stan
I am not trying to be disrespectful, but how does buying Ryobi twist drills support American jobs? Given these twist drills have been imported, that doesn’t meet the original poster’s criteria of buying a set of USA made twist drills.
Yes these Ryobi and other twist drills go on clearance are cheap, but they are cheap for a reason. As most, if not all big box brick and mortar shops don’t stock proper American made twist drills. Whereas Harry J Epstein, Amazon, Grainger, Fastenal and other venue’s do in fact sell those.
John
I’ve always bought good quality drill bits individually….but where I am living it’s not so easy to get them if you need them RIGHT NOW! So I bought some cheapies from a mum and pop shop and….they are rubbish!
Sets I have never bought!
It would be good to have a list of American companies that really make their products in the USA.
So far we have Hertel and Viking/Norseman…
Bill
We have what appears to be a 72-piece Craftsman bit kit including various 1″ Philips/slotted/star/square bits, high speed steel bits, spade bits, extensions, and sockets (not sure why). After relocating, we are looking to purchase an impact drill (Milwaukee 2603-22 M18 1/2″) and will primarily be drilling through plaster (held by aluminum frames/studs). 2″ Philips/slotted bits and < 1in diameter high speed steel bits are our most common targets.
Question: Does a similar kit exist to our 20+ year-old Craftsman? I reviewed recommendations made on other toolguyd pages but those highly mentioned (Norseman (high speed steel only) and Milwaukee Shockwave (no all-encompassing/general use "kit") wouldn't meet our needs (let alone come in a case). Is purchasing multiple products on Amazon the only option for us?
Thank you.
Rex
I used to shop Sears for Craftsman American Made bits and tools NO MORE! They went China trash. Very sad, indeed. With sears out, and I mean with the Chinese garbage they sell now really OUT, internet purchasing is the best route. Viking are sold for good prices on Amazon.
EMILIO E GONZALEZ
If you want well made twist drills, buy them as you need them or buy a good set of USA made C-L brand. PTD is very good but they outsource some of their drills to France and Brazil. I find good deals on Ebay all the time. Great brands like Guhring, Hertel, PTD, C-L and more at bargain prices to round out my sets. There are hundred of size, drill point, coatings, etc..and they all have their use. Remember, a twist drill will never give you a precision hole. For that, you will need a boring head.
Zeek
Any source but China. Most of what is available on retail shelves is Chinese, and is as likely to be made of cheap pot metal as anything. I have been burned on several occasions by buying items that bear brand names but are “manufactured” in China.
Bill
I have a comment and question regarding using very small/micro drill bits. Lets say in the 1mm – 3mm range, #60 – #30 or 0.040″ – 0.125″. My specific task at hand is drilling out the brass gas orifices on my grill to convert to natural gas from propane. I ordered a pin vise, SHAVIV 29057 – Handychuck HC1 Pin Vise, from Amazon but this pin vise does a poor job of chucking any of these small size bits. While the hand held tool is designed to hold bits from 1mm to 8mm, it seems to only clamp down at the tip and thus leaves most of the bit’s length unsupported deeper inside the chuck. The results of this is a bit that exits the chuck at an angle and for that matter is not even centered in the tool. Does anyone have experience with a quality pin vise used for small hand drilling tasks?
Paul J. Ste. Marie
Precision Twist is making all of its drill bits in Brazil these days. The quality is eh.
Norseman and Montana are both US made and really outstanding quality. Chicago-Latrobe, Cleveland , and Morse are all good, but not as scary sharp as the Norseman or Montana bits.
Anthony
Agree with Norseman, the black case are still great for drilling metal, although cheaper. However I’m going to invest in some of those cryo hardened ones and some 118° for wood applications.