Numbered Drill Bits

[Capt. Fred]

Have any of you folks got a recommendation for a source of single numbered drill bits. I don't need a whole set, just want to replace some. I know there are a ton of worthless bits out there and I'm not sure where to go to get some decent ones.

Thanks,

Ken

 

[rootsy]

Easiest will probably be MSC (mscdirect.com). Otherwise find a local supplier of machine shop supplies and tooling.

 

[Stophel]

I generally order them from Brownell's, and I'm usually ordering something else with them. :wink:

 

[ehoff]

If you have a Tru-Value hardware store near you check them out, mine has individual number bits for sale (Tru-value brand, black oxide coated)

I also have got them from ENCO, and MSC. Allot of the parts suppliers like Track carry them also.

 

[jimc2]

Grizzly carries them also

 

[Tinker2]

I know there are a ton of worthless bits out there and I'm not sure where to go to get some decent ones.

Like Stophel, I buy drill bits from Brownell’s. I have never gotten a bad one from them.



Tinker2

 

[paulvallandigham]

Your local hardware store should be able to provide you with both a Table to use to tell you the size of each bit, and the bits themselves. Find a store that services the Construction contractors in your area- not the discount home stores, which may, or may NOT know what the heck you are talking about.

 

[Stophel]

When I worked in Hopkinsville, there was an industrial supply store that I drove by everyday, and I would pick up drill bits there.

Numbered bits may or may not be available at the local hardware store. I know I can't get them here, our hardware supplier doesn't carry them, only fractional sizes.

 

[Vaino]

I buy all the numbered drill bits from my local Ace Hardware store. Perhaps I'm lucky that this store has many hard to find items, eg., 1/16 dia. music wire. Too bad local hardware stores have to compete w/ the likes of Menards, Walmart and other "if it's not a big seller, we don't stock it" stores. Lived in a city of 6,000 and the only hardware store had a lot of hard to find items but eventually "bit the dust" when the "big boys" moved in...Sorry, got myself hijacked....Fred

 

[Capt. Fred]

Yup Fred, we are about to lose one of our "locals" too. I've checked all of the nearby hardware guys and none of them carry the numbered bits. I'll try the other sources you guys mentioned. Big thanks. :thumbsup:

 

[paulvallandigham]

Sears usually carries them, too. I am fortunate to have several different sources of these numbered drill bits available. We have several Ace Hardware stores now in the area.

If your local store does Not carry the bits, they can order them for you. Find a store that supplies the construction trades in your area, and that is the place to either find them in stock, or to order them.

 

[Zonie]

My Ace Hardware store carries them. I have to ask for them because the store doesn't have them hanging in a rack like the standard fractional sizes. They keep them in a chest of drawers behind the counter.

 

[joeboleo1]

My Ace Hardware carries them too. They have them with the taps --- not in the aisle with the other drill bits.

 

[Chiefs50]

My local ACE Hardware carries them as well- right along side the fractional bits, etc.

Mike

 

[ozark57]

Wholesale Tool has the best prices. They have branches all over and sell online.

 

[bob243]

I get them all from MSC.


With the mention of "worthless bits" I figured this out by avoiding the imports, and most of what home depot carries. MSC sells "Cleveland Twist split points" among a few others, IMO these are the best value for the money. But to be fair, they get allot more use than whats needed for making a LR :thumbsup:

 

[Vaino]

Does anyone sharpen drill bits...wouldn't need so many if this was done? All my drill bits irregardless of dia. have been sharpened many, many times by hand and are comparable to using a new drill. Also...all my drill bits are HS steel from a good tool company...not those "cheapie" carbon drills....Fred

 

[bob243]

Right now I put them in a container, I'm holding out until I have enough to justify a "drill doctor" The larger ones I will do by hand, but I don't use them very often.

 

[Tinker2]

Does anyone sharpen drill bits...

All but the smallest and on a bench grinder, in the old days anyways. :wink:



Tinker2

 

[bingo1952]

Check out use-enco.com. They offer several different grades from the worst to the best. High speed steel is your best bet for long service life. Tin coated usually means that you get a sub-standard grade of steel with a hard coat and once it gets dull it's trash can time.