Quality 1/16 drill bits

[hawkenhunter50]

I'd imagine this has been asked before but the search function didn't turn up any results. Are there any quality 1/16 drill bits? Just gave up a frustrating day in the shop breaking 5 drill bits trying to drill a barrel tenon for pins. I broke 2 makita bits and 3 cheap bits. Tenon's are mild steel, drilling nice and slow with little pressure. Last bit broke off in the tenon with nothing to grab hold of. Called it quits. Anywhere you can get quality drill bits these days?

 

[Andrewmtnman]

I buy the "best" bits at my local true value, I think they are cobalt. They seem to work go through hard steel well

 

[hawkenhunter50]

I buy the "best" bits at my local true value, I think they are cobalt. They seem to work go through hard steel well

Thanks, do these best bits have a brand or just the most expensive? I have a True Value shop down the road a piece.

 

[oldwood]

Grizzley has quality drill bits ,

 

[Andrewmtnman]

Thanks, do these best bits have a brand or just the most expensive? I have a True Value shop down the road a piece.

I believe they are the true value brand in cobalt

 

[64Springer]

Are you running the bits fast or slow?

1/16th should be run fast and with lubricant.

Too much pressure will shatter a small bit.

Canting will shatter a small bit.

 

[hawkenhunter50]

Thanks Oldwood and Andrew. 64, I am running them fast but wasn't using any lube. Also was going very light on the pressure. It was one of those days, should have cracked a bottle of bourbon and watched cartoons.

 

[The Crisco Kid]

Thanks Oldwood and Andrew. 64, I am running them fast but wasn't using any lube. Also was going very light on the pressure. It was one of those days, should have cracked a bottle of bourbon and watched cartoons.

It's not too late, at least here!

 

[JHB]

Little Machine Shop has good cobalt bits.

 

[Kansas Kid]

Cleveland split point cobalt, Triumph split point cobalt.

 

[billraby]

Are you using a drill press?

 

[TDM]

First off it’s difficult to find a true quality drill bit these days, the ones mentioned are good ones. But even with a quality bit, when you use a 1/16” bit it has to used with care. Low pressure and kept clean, lubrication if possible.

 

[poker]

Fastenal has top end bits. I bought a set there a few years ago and they perform well and last. Theyre usa made

 

[Eutycus]

I take it that we are not talking about Harbor Freight.

 

[Rich44]

Are you using a drill press?

Even if he is using a drill press the real question is is he using the stop? Using the stop to keep the feed down to about .005 will keep you from breaking drill bits. Bump the stop, then turn enough to feed .005 then do it again. Drill problems will be reduced 99%.
As I reread you are drilling "nice and slow with little pressure" Not the way to do it. You will be shaking hands with broken drill bits forever that way. USE THE STOP.

 

[hawkenhunter50]

JHB, checked Little Machine Shop, looks like they only sell sets. Kansas and Poker, will check out those sources, thanks. Bill yes I am using a drill press. And not using Harbor Freight!! 2 Were Makita, the other cheap ones were from Amazon, probably on par with Harbor freight.

 

[poker]

Makita are likely made in China too. Do check where made before buying. And even the best bits can be broken by poor tecnique just like even the poor quality bits can sometimes get the job done. To maximize your odds in any sort of machining get high quality tools and use them properly.

 

[1950DAVE]

Contact these folks they are my go-to for metal working tools.
http://buyprecision.com/contact.html

 

[BillRob]

Spyder. Not cheap but you can buy them one at a time from Lowes. USA made - I've never had problems with them. Use a little oil. Good luck!

 

[ZUG]

You are breaking those small drill bits because you are running them too slow and your feed rate is too fast - period ---. Cobalt is hard and they can shatter very easily. The HSS bits are better for what you are doing.