Hex drill bits - where can I get 'em?

[Jimbo]

Hi,

Managed to break a couple of hex shank bits this weekend. This isn't the first time this has happened! First time I just bought a set of three, and just used the one that was the same size as the one that was broke.

This is not a cheap way to replace drill bits.

Anywhere I can get a set of drill bits all the same size, like you can for HSS bits at Screwfix, Toolstation etc.? They don't seem to do sets of (eg) 10 for hex shank bits. The closest thing I've seen is the Erbauer set at £16.75, which includes a few each of 3mm and 3.5mm... but still a load of sizes that I don't want.

 

[JohnD]

what sort of tool are you using them in?

 

[jj4091]

These seem to have a few individual sizes, but you will need to scroll through the pages http://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=552400

 

[Jimbo]

Thanks, but at those prices, plus shipping from the States, it's cheaper to keep on buying multi-size sets to replace single losses!

 

[Jimbo]

what sort of tool are you using them in?

In a QR bit holder.

 

[seaangler]

find someone who stocks the trend snappy range

 

[Deluks]

Get one of those hex shank chucks and save yourself a fortune on posh bits.

 

[Jimbo]

Get one of those hex shank chucks and save yourself a fortune on posh bits.

How would that help? I want to be able to swap quickly between drill bit and driver bit. Unless I'm missing something, a chuck adaptor won't help me!

 

[Deluks]

Maybe it will, if you use a standard bit holder in your drill, and load your drill bit into the chuck then you can swap between driver bit and the chuck. Not a very elegant solution I admit, but no different than using an SDS shank chuck when you want to use a normal bit in an SDS drill.
If you regularly go through the drill/plug/screw or drill/csink screw repetition then a second driver is the best solution. Either a cordless driver or drill/driver. If you have a cordless combi drill for example then you can probably get the driver only (no hammer) equivalent for minimal expense as a 'naked tool' Loads on eBay (new).

 

[Jasonb]

Screwfix sell them individually as well as in sets from 2mm - 6mm, thats what I use.

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;j...harset=UTF-8&fh_search=titanium+coated+drills

The toolstation ones are not much good, the drill comes away from the hex end.

Axminsters also sel the individual Fisch brad point ones which are good.

Jason

 

[Jimbo]

Maybe it will, if you use a standard bit holder in your drill, and load your drill bit into the chuck then you can swap between driver bit and the chuck. Not a very elegant solution I admit, but no different than using an SDS shank chuck when you want to use a normal bit in an SDS drill.
If you regularly go through the drill/plug/screw or drill/csink screw repetition then a second driver is the best solution. Either a cordless driver or drill/driver. If you have a cordless combi drill for example then you can probably get the driver only (no hammer) equivalent for minimal expense as a 'naked tool' Loads on eBay (new).

I have been considering the 'second tool' option, but hadn't considered the 'naked' option. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Jimbo]

Screwfix sell them individually as well as in sets from 2mm - 6mm, thats what I use.

http://www.screwfix.com/search.do;j...harset=UTF-8&fh_search=titanium+coated+drills

The toolstation ones are not much good, the drill comes away from the hex end.

Axminsters also sel the individual Fisch brad point ones which are good.

Jason

Damn - I hadn't seen them in the Screwfix catalogue! That's what I need, although a touch more expensive than I'd hoped for something that seems born to break (or maybe I'm just too clumsy )...

Thanks for the info

 

[Deluks]

Used to break them all the time in my cordless screwdriver, was gonna get the hex chuck thingy but now I have the 10.8 volt Bosch drill with a proper chuck and I'm back on the cheap stuff.
(No, I don't mean White Lightning cider)

 

[TicklyT]

Maybe worth investigating if the smaller sizes are standard bits loctited into a hex. shank. IIRC Loctited parts can be released if you heat them to about 350 degrees.

 

[seaangler]

http://www.trend-uk.com/en/UK/productlist/4/248/Drill_Bits.html