Drill bits - what to buy?

[Stones]

Looking at the sorry state of my accumulated collection of drill bits, I think the time has come to replace and renew. As I'm only a light / occasional DIY user, I'm wondering what I should go for.

 

Branded or cheap unbranded and treat as disposable?

Titanium, Cobalt, Carbon?

 

It would seem sensible to get a range of bits, so HSS, wood (brad point), wood (flat bit), masonry. A set containing some of each or individual sets of the different types?

 

A drill sharpener - worthwhile?

 

 

 

[Nickfromwales]

I buy the multipacks from screw fix tbh. In fairness though I do use a lot of bits and the second they get slightly blunt they're in the bin. For my needs its not cost effective to be setting up a sharpener but for you it may well be a good idea as the sets tend to have one of each size so you'd need to keep them in good order. Bummer is that the sharpener is only good for the HSS bits really and the others become bin clutter as soon as the edge goes off them. 

Get a good set of HSS bits and a multipack of flat bits and your pretty much covered, and for SDS / masonry, I just buy off eBay 3 or 5 at a time and reorder when on my last but one. 

This pack is what I go for usually, but I have just bought a nice set of Milwaukee ones for 'best'. Nobody but me uses them. 

[PeterW]

These ones as they do what they say on the tin ..! And at less than £6 they are a bargain at the moment ...!

 

I've worn one set out in 3 years - even drilling RSJs....

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-set-4pcs/95958

[Steptoe]

I'd say the average person doesn't need cobalt or suchlike,

I have a set, but I only use them for precise drilling if pretty specialised stuff, normal HSS bits should be fine, that's all I use for my proper job,

Flat bits are fine for wood, at the price just treat them as disposable, I have a multi set similar to @Nickfromwales and simply buy extras/replacements of the common sizes for me, 20&25mm

DIY or home use, a sharpener probably has its uses, I know a few people use them very happily, I CBA tbh. 

Auger bits, entirely personal choice, I use them at times, usually if I'm drilling lits of holes through joists in a new build, less strenuous pushing drill, just make sure I have the side handle on the drill,!!!

 

[Onoff]

6 hours ago, PeterW said:

These ones as they do what they say on the tin ..! And at less than £6 they are a bargain at the moment ...!

 

I've worn one set out in 3 years - even drilling RSJs....

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-set-4pcs/95958

 

+1 You NEED a set of these. Very impressed. A sparky mate I don't see very often enthused about them to me by chance and found I was already using them.

 

Also grab a couple of Starrett pilot drills, the 1/4" HsCo ones. They'll go thru thick steel like I beams without a pilot a piece of pi$$. 

 

Morse brand hole saws are better IMO than Starrett. Impressed with the Bosch quick change hole cobalt saws though.

 

A set of arrowhead tile drills.

 

A couple of long series 5mm & 6mm HSS are good to have.

 

Quick change bits do save a lot of time. 

 

Always use cutting compound on steel like RTD or Trefolex.

[Nickfromwales]

Another endorsement for the Bosch quick change set. Expensive but good, with the only bad bit being the clips on the box both broke off within a year. New box on order though, so not too problematic. 

I bought the extra long pilot bit to offer a more precise 'start' without the need to pilot or squint under the cutter to see if your on target. 

[Ferdinand]

Is the Bosch quick change different from a keyless chuck?

 

Ie is it a hex type base where drills just slot in?

 

Thanks

 

F

[Stones]

Thanks chaps.  A set of flat wood bits, brad pointed bits and the Bosch multi constructional bits linked to seem a fairly reasonable selection to have.   

[Onoff]

12 hours ago, Ferdinand said:

Is the Bosch quick change different from a keyless chuck?

 

Ie is it a hex type base where drills just slot in?

 

Thanks

 

F

 

Nah, we're talking about these:

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-progressor-holesaw-set-9-piece-set/7904h

 

or these:

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-progressor-holesaw-set-14-piece-set/7685h

 

Usually with "Starretts" of whatever make (Starrett, Morse, Sandvik (Erbauer?) you need two different sized arbors but not with this Bosch design. Btw, you can remove the Bosch hole saw and fit other brands.

 

Actually the odd Erbauer hole saw I've bought from Electricfix (check their clearance range) has been spot on. (Their 115mm / 1mm slitting discs are pony though).

 

[Onoff]

The DeWalt extreme stuff (cobalt?) seems pretty good when I borrowed a set. Not sure about the funny tip design on them though.....

[Ferdinand]

On 06/12/2016 at 23:29, PeterW said:

These ones as they do what they say on the tin ..! And at less than £6 they are a bargain at the moment ...!

 

I've worn one set out in 3 years - even drilling RSJs....

 

http://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-multipurpose-drill-bit-set-4pcs/95958

 

Bought 3 of these sets.

 

Done a little masonry and brick drilling.

Excellent.