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Drill bits

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Neil_jo

Joined
Apr 12, 2025
Messages
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Can anyone recommend good quality drill bits for my pin drills.
I bought a pin drill from Temu and the drill is fine but I've tossed the bits
Then bought a set from amazon but returned them as they were dull.
And I broke 5 most those tungsten carbide bits I had.

Thanks Neil
 
Avoid the cheap bits from places like MicroMark. Perhaps they have changed to high quality bits, but that was not always the case, as I learned the hard way. They were not sharp, broke easily and were not consistent in diameter. Industrial supply sources have been a great source for a full range of diameters in imperial and metric. I use McMaster Carr but unfortunately, while they sell to individuals in the US, they can only sell to schools and businesses in Canada. The below are basic descriptions. I have found good quality HSS bits are great for wood, copper and brass that we predominantly use in our hobby.
  • HSS (High-Speed Steel) Drill Bits: These are affordable and versatile, suitable for softer materials like wood, plastic, and mild steel. They offer moderate heat resistance but require frequent sharpening.
  • Cobalt Drill Bits: These are stronger and more heat resistant than HSS, making them perfect for harder metals like stainless steel and cast iron. While they are more expensive, they are also more durable, although they can become brittle if not handled properly.
  • Carbide Drill Bits: Known for being the hardest and most heat resistant, carbide bits excel at drilling through masonry, concrete, and other extremely hard materials. They are highly durable but also brittle and have the highest price tag.
 
At present most of my drilling is brass. I drill it as received; I don’t anneal it. Although I have tried carbide drills, they shatter so often that I no longer waste my money on them. Instead, I only use high speed steel drills (HSS).

The most convenient way for me to buy the small drills that we use is via Amazon, but this requires careful shopping. First of all, Amazon offers two grades of steel drills; “carbon steel” and HSS. Don’t buy the less expensive Carbon Steel. These won’t stay sharp.

Like everything else, most of the HSS drills that they offer are import, much of which is poor quality. They offer a brand by the name of Gyros. These drills were so crooked as to be useless. The only way that I know to ensure a usable product is to buy those made in a country with a reputation for precision engineering; Germany, USA. The last that I bought were made in the USA under the Chicago Latrobe brand. Chucked in my drill press or Sherline mill they cut hard brass like butter.

Roger
 
when drilling metals, i dip the tip of the bitt in cutting oil. the drill doesnt get hot n goes through like butter.

also keep the exposed part of the bit as short as possible so it flexes less... no more broken bits.
 
I’ve had great success with “AK Interactive Carbide drill bits, 0.4 to 1.3mm AKI 9043”. No issues with the drill press and by hand. The shank diameter is consistent, which makes it easier for change-outs using the same collet. Widely available and more expensive but worth it I feel.

Since you are in Canada try Sunward Hobbies, Neil - sunwardhobbies.ca they usually carry them.

IMG_5983.jpeg
 
RogerD said:
I’ve had great success with “AK Interactive Carbide drill bits, 0.4 to 1.3mm AKI 9043”. No issues with the drill press and by hand. The shank diameter is consistent, which makes it easier for change-outs using the same collet. Widely available and more expensive but worth it I feel.

Since you are in Canada try Sunward Hobbies, Neil - sunwardhobbies.ca they usually carry them.

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Thanks Roger, Great hobbies has them in stock a d is close to me.

Neil
 
On many of the Hobby Machinist videos they always say bigger go slower, smaller go faster when drilling. Pressure is more critical than speed, better pressure at slowest logical speed cuts the best, lack of pressure, cause bits to spin and heat up.
 
Neil_jo said:
Can anyone recommend good quality drill bits for my pin drills.
I bought a pin drill from Temu and the drill is fine but I've tossed the bits
Then bought a set from amazon but returned them as they were dull.
And I broke 5 most those tungsten carbide bits I had.

Thanks Neil
Click to expand...
I get mine from Production Tool Supply (PTS). Based in Novi, MI but they have a store not too far from me. Industrial grade HSS have served me well. Lots of interesting tools also,
 
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