Decent metal drill bits?

[davek_964]

I have SDS for masonry which works well - but never had decent metal drill bits.

Any recommendations?

[Austin_Metro]

https://www.screwfix.com/p/bosch-twist-cobalt-stra...

I bought various sizes of these Bosch cobalt bits. Worked really well for me … but I am no expert on this.

[padrc66]

Yes, cobalt drill bits are the answer with cutting fluid to keep them cool. I drilled over 1000 holes when rivetting the bodywork on my kit car and only used about 5 of the cheap toolstation cobalt bits:

https://www.toolstation.com/cobalt-drill-bit/p4053...
https://www.toolstation.com/wd-40-specialist-multi...

[POIDH]

I also have some Bosch ones for wood and masonry. They seem much stronger and keep an edge better than all the other stuff I have had before.

[OutInTheShed]

Cobalt drill bits of reputable brand are not cheap and don't last forever.
I have some 'repurposed' stainless which laughs at some cobalt drills.

For some work, any reasonable drill bit will be OK, sometimes a brand new bit is a good answer, sometimes you want carbide.

I'd suggest buying a reasonable quality set for most purposes, but stumping up for new bits for the tougher jobs.
I keep a few 'best' bits and avoid blunting them on everyday jobs.

I've tried sharpening bits, with mediocre results.

UKDrills are worth a look, for small orders find them on ebay.

[Baldchap]

padrc66 said:

Yes, cobalt drill bits are the answer with cutting fluid to keep them cool.

You cannot overstate how much difference cutting oil makes.

[dickymint]

By far these are the best drills I've ever used...............

https://ttp-hard-drills.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqzeoIUP...

Beware of cheap Cobalt drills as they are just coated and wont last - learn how to sharpen them correctly and understand about drill speeds and feeds and they'll last you for many years.

[dickymint]

OutInTheShed said:

Cobalt drill bits of reputable brand are not cheap and don't last forever.
I have some 'repurposed' stainless which laughs at some cobalt drills.

For some work, any reasonable drill bit will be OK, sometimes a brand new bit is a good answer, sometimes you want carbide.

I'd suggest buying a reasonable quality set for most purposes, but stumping up for new bits for the tougher jobs.
I keep a few 'best' bits and avoid blunting them on everyday jobs.

I've tried sharpening bits, with mediocre results.

UKDrills are worth a look, for small orders find them on ebay.

All drills will laugh at Stainless as once you overheat it it work hardens and even a brand new drill will then struggle.

Sharpening drills is an art in itself! As an apprentice 50 years ago we spent 3 weeks doing nothing else (in the class room and workshop) on sharpening drills and other cutters by hand with just an off hand grinder and angle gauge. I now use a 'Drill Doctor' mainly because my eye sight is a tad lacking

[Belle427]

Ive got these, they were £25 on amazon and have been very good.
https://www.toolstation.com/bosch-pointteq-hss-met...