Best drill bits for automotive work?

[rocco16v at netzero.net (L F)]

Jeff-
  Go to the McMaster-Carr website.  They have some very good information on drill types and coatings. 
My advice:
Get split-point cobalt.  For anything you will be drilling (and possibly some material you WON'T) they will give great results.  You won't regret the extra you pay for them.  McMaster-Carr sells them in any size you need.

By the way, for all you amatuer machinists on the list, there are no "titanium drill bits" or "titanium-tipped bits".  Much advertising will IMPLY this but titanium would make a lousy drill bit (or any other machine tool).  Most "titanium bits" are high-speed steel that is titanium nitride coated. (the rest are various other nitrides of titanium coatings)  These are wonderful coatings, but are for specialized work and most of us would not see a positive cost/benefit ratio.

One other suggestion, Jeff: get your wife to buy you a set of the multi-diameter step drills. (tell her if she really loves you, she will..)
They are incredible, simple (and incredibly simple) tools that you will love when you want perfect holes in thin sheet material.

Larry
sandiego16v
 


----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jeff Toomasson 
  To: scirocco-l@scirocco.org 
  Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 5:40 PM
  Subject: OT: Best drill bits for automotive work?


  I'm lucky enough to have a wife who doesn't scoff at the notion of buying me power tools for an anniversary present. Hence, my new 6.0A/1000rpm Craftsman Hammer drill  :)
   
  But I kinda lost patience when it came to the bit selection. There were several different types of bit materials at Sears: black oxide, zirconium nitride, cobalt, titanium-tipped. The cobalt ones were recommended for the heavier/stiffer metals, but those sets only came with bits 1/4" and smaller. The black oxide ones were supposedly OK for metals up to mild steel. Then I figured I'd ask you guys before I wasted any money!  :)
   
  Can anyone throw me some recommendations (brand included)? I would like to get a decent set that'll remain reasonably durable (the Black and Decker crap I bought when I got my cordless are extremely fragile).
   
  Thanks in advance - hope you all are enjoying your weekend!  Jeff


  ---------------------------------
  Do you Yahoo!?
  SBC Yahoo! DSL - Now only $29.95 per month!
  _______________________________________________
  Scirocco-l mailing list
  Scirocco-l@scirocco.org
  http://neubayern.net/mailman/listinfo/scirocco-l