drill bits heads up

[Dan Schultz]

I purchase the same crap once in a while. Get a good micrometer and go completely through them. You are likely to find several that are the same size. Just because they fit in the hole doesn't mean they are right.

[Worth]

I purchase the same crap once in a while. Get a good micrometer and go completely through them. You are likely to find several that are the same size. Just because they fit in the hole doesn't mean they are right.

I lived in New Britain, CT in the 80s while going to school. The home of the once venerable Stanley Works. I remember when Stanley tools were made there and considered some of the best available. Demolition pictures from 2018 or so after years of abandonment. So it goes.....

[edsel585960]

I have the same set Joe. Its a good set for the price. My favorite at Harbor Freight is when the ask if you want the extended warranty for 12 bucks. I paid $15 for it so if it breaks I'll go buy another one.

[bone-a-phone]

Just out of curiosity, taking a reading of the less-than-subtle undercurrent in this thread, has anyone seen the American Factory documentary on Netflix? It won an Oscar (?!?!?!) presumably because the Obamas funded it, it really wasn'tthat good, but it brought up some questions. It didn't really answer any questions, but it did show that there are two very different value systems involved, and that if you're going to throw around the accusation of racism, you have to look at both sides.

[paulver]

I bought a set of drill bits from HB a few years ago......... the kind with the hex chuck end on them. Went to use one on a woodworking project, and after chucking it in the drill press, I watched it spin with a wobble. In fact every one of them did the same thing. And..... before anyone asks.... it wasn't the drill press.

Those bits were immediately relegated to the pile of old bits I use when I just need a hole drilled......... when a specific diameter and accuracy are not important.

That said, I too, have bought some things there that I've found with some amount of quality, but I don't depend on them for jobs that require fine technique or dead on accuracy. I have no problem using them for "rough finishing" or "close enough" jobs, etc. The thing about tools from HB is, if you need it to perform perfectly every day... every time.... then let the buyer beware. If you use that tool occasionally, then you should be okay.

Also.... some of those power tools with those appealing & really cheap price, are grossly under powered and under constructed.

[Three Valves]

....the Obamas funded it,

...It didn't really answer any questions,

[tofu]

[

[Three Valves]

I wouldn’t bit agin it!!

[paulver]

Personally.... I was neither offended nor triggered by your info, and I'm glad that you found something there that works for you, and possibly of value to others. That's a good thing!!!!!

I was merely pointing out that in my experiences there, most of what I bought/buy was/is hit and miss. I really enjoy walking through their stores and making a wish list of sorts. I was merely saying that when it comes to finer work, I use the upper to top quality machines. When it comes to the tough jobs, I buy tools built for that type of job. If I only need a tool to function properly for a few jobs.... be they tough or lesser quality need, then I have no problem with HB tools.

Most of the work that I do is cabinetry and fine woodworking. And now.... back to living on a farm, I have need of a variety of tools, both woodworking and metalworking, and I do buy some from HB. However, when it comes to heavy duty tools, I'm very picky and buy elsewhere.

No offense taken, and no offense intended from my end, Joe.

[marking]

I was afraid a thread discussing drill bits would be boring.....

[paulver]

"Archimedes" would be proud of this discussion. Especially since the basic "principle" "revolves" around his original idea! It gives "rise" to many many uses, and materials, that might normally be too deep to reach, and auger them to a level where such deep turnings might actually hold water!!


I know... it's a stretch. But, it's early in the morning!!

[poomshanka]

An interesting, methodical looks at drill bits:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgQeSrsAXgE" target="_blank

Lot of interesting comparisons on this YouTuba page.

[vespa50sp]

That reminds me, I need to order rotors and pads for the Prius for a brake job over spring break (almost a pun), in case the Corona virus screws up the supply chain. I also have a big box of titanium bits from Harbor Freight, though the current thinking is maybe that American Manufacturers should broaden the countries they source their parts from a bit.