Name that drill bit

[AMP762]

You may be talking about a countersink bit.I have several and they do work great.

 

[myersjc]

Could be a step drill, commonly used for flathead screws
MSC Item Detail

 

[Egon]

The Forstner bit is for wood.

 

[tnau664]

Could be a step drill, commonly used for flathead screws
MSC Item Detail

I really believe you've hit it JC. You've given me hope!

Thanks
Terry

 

[tnau664]

Terry,
The drill you described, if it has a 1/4" tip, may be called a step drill. If the set you had was in fact a step drill set, they are quite expensive.
Go to Production Tool Supply on line and check out step drills or maybe Google step drills to see if they are what you are looking for.
David B

You know, David hit this early on, but when I googled for step drill, all I found was the 'reamer' type bits. And you're right David, very expensive. The 3/16 size I was so fond of is listed at $18.75 per. I must have had $200 worth of bits and never realized it.

Now the search for better prices.
Terry

 

[MadReferee]

As I mentioned in an earlier post, KBC Tools sells 3 diffferent styles of step drills. You need to choose the type you need depending on the application. Page 15 of their current catalog has their Made in USA selection.

However, these drill bits are designed for a specific purpose, ie. not for thru drilling but typically for cap screw drilling, and are sized accordingly based on screw size which is the minor diameter of the bit. A major diameter 3/16" bit with a minor diameter of .136" will run you about $10.50.

If you go and ask for a 3/16" step drill you will most likely get a drill bit with a minor diameter of 3/16" and a major diameter of around 1/2" and a price around $20. So be careful when ordering.

 

[tnau664]

You are either describing a pilot point bit or a step drill bit. I also have plenty of both and use them al the time in the shop.

The step drill bit usually has a longer point (1/2" or more) and are typically used for chamfering, countersinking and counterboring holes that are to be tapped or used with flush fitting cap screws. These are typically not for thru holes. Step drills are rather expensive, $15-$20 for a 1/4" one made in the USA.

If you are looking for good drill bits try KBC Tools. Good prices, great selection, lots of make in USA stuff. Way better than Enco.

My apologizes to MadReferee, he did hit the "step drill" suggestion early on. I was stuck in that search that brought the incorrect bits when searched.

Just goes to show, check 'em all out. This is a forum with experience.
Terry

 

[Farwell]

My apologizes to MadReferee, he did hit the "step drill" suggestion early on. I was stuck in that search that brought the incorrect bits when searched.

Just goes to show, check 'em all out. This is a forum with experience.
Terry

Terry,
If you want to duplicate the type of drilling you have been doing with your step drills at a reasonable price, get a set of center drills to start the hole then switch to the drill size you need for the finished hole. This is how I drill things in my mill, drill press and lathe. Drilling this way will extend the life of your drills by quite a bit. The center drills have the larger body, don't drift and overall are stronger than a regular drill. I use the Dewalt Pilot Tip drills for most of my drilling when not using my stationary tools. I have found them to be excellent, they will probably fill most of your hole drilling needs and are not horribly expensive. Check them out at your local hardware store. When drilling also "always" use a lubricant, this will extend the life of your cutting tools.
David B

 

[Tom_Veatch]

... What I mean is the first 1/4 inch or so was smaller that the rest of the bit. These are/were awesome bits and drilled through anything.
...

This is what I thought you had in mind, DeWalt calls it a "Split Point". See more about it here.

 

[bamatoolmaker]

This is what I thought you had in mind, DeWalt calls it a "Split Point". See more about it here.

Thats the way I interpeted also, Dewalt makes good tools and I own several.