Where can I get good twist drills?

[David_W]

Hi folks,
I need to quit trying to get decent results using my old dull, beat-up drills. What is a good source for new drills of good quality for a reasonable price? I would go for a "115 piece set" which I see here and there but don't know whose are any good. Also, any recommendations for single drills which will be used a lot (like tap drills for common sizes)? "Kryptonite plated?"
Thanks for any ideas.

[BillSct]

Maybe what you need is a drill sharpener.

Here's a link to Drill Doctor.
Drill Doctor

Here's a link to Darex
Darex

I bought a reconditioned M3 from them years ago

[Ralph_Monroe_Mi]

I bought a 115 pc uncoated usa made set from J&L on sale for just under $100. I see it repeated in their sales catalogs several times a year. I'm satisfied with it and it is a luxury to go to the index and get the right drill for the job.

But I don't use those drill unless it's in the mill, lathe, or drill press. I have a couple other partial indexes around that I keep my everyday drills in and a couple boxes of multiples that see duty in my hand helds.

That being said, I think its important to learn how to sharpen drills with a grinding wheel by hand using a drill angle gage.
The day I learned, I came home that night and sharpened a coffee can of dull drills. There is nothing more frustrating than trying to force a dull drill thru metal. There are few things more pleasing than watching a drill you sharpened throw off two strands of equal chips.

[Mosey]

Go to the MSC catalog and order drill sets that are made in America. They are listed in order of increasing quality and price from left to right. I understand that all of the made in USA ones are made by
Cleveland Twist Drill under several brand names. They are VERY good. You will be pleased.

[Bstigall]

Drill bits made by Lawson Products, we us them at work and are the toughest bits we have found, they will drill thought a saw blade and are self centering.
http://www.lawsonproducts.com

[Sam_E]

Called Lawson to get a price quote and got a royal run around. The last person I talked to said I would have to register before I could talk to a sales rep.

[LEW_BEST]

Hi Dave

MSC runs their "made in USA" sets on sale several times a year for around $40 for 1/16th turough 1/2" sets. I've been VERY atisfied with them!

Found once that they also had the numbered & lettered sets at a big discount. Far cheaper than a full 115 piece set; only disadvantage is that they're in 3 separate indexes instead of one. I think it's MSC that has quite a nice discount on their Drill Doctors (about $125 right now).

Lew

[Skeeter5000]

This rep. drilled a harden bolt with a hand drill and it went though fast. I was impressed.

I have a coulpe of complete drill sets on hand (new) or I would have pick one up. Not any more expensive that Williams or Bendix.

Skeeter

[Rangerod]

I have to agree with Ralph_Monroe_Mi. My instructor in high school made me sharpen every single drill bit in the shop. At the time I hated him for but sure have appreciated it ever since. Drill grinding machines are nice if you have to, just my two bits [img]/ubb/images/graemlins/grin.gif"%20alt="[/img]