Kreg Pocket Hole Drill Bit Problem

[ragswl4]

Set Up:
1. Using Kreg 2000 Pocket hole jig, mounted on 3/4" ply clampled to table.
2. Using Dewalt 5.5 amp 3/8" corded drill, 2500 rpm.
3. Wood Clamped to jig
4. Drill up to max (recommended by Kreg)
5. Plunge the bit into 3/4" oak.

Problem:

1. Once the small end of the bit bores into the wood and the large part of the bit starts into the wood I have to really push hard, and I mean hard to get the bit to go further into the wood. I stop when I smell burning wood. It seems the bit just doesn't want to bore any further and yet there is about an inch further that the bit must go to complete the hole.

So Far:
1. Tried a regular bit in the drill, perpendicular to the same piece of wood. It bored right through the wood in seconds.
2. Tried the Kreg Bit perpendicular to the wood, drilled OK with the small part of the bit, but again, no luck once the large part of the bit started into the wood.

I suspect that the bit that came with the kit is defective but I am beginning to feel like a dunderhead with this thing. Anyone out there have this experience or have any ideas? Its such a simple process that I can't believe I am doing something wrong. I went to the Kreg sight and read the FAQs and the only suggestion was that I could be running the drill backwards. DUH!, not much help. Thanks.

[Tequila]

It sounds to me like you've got a dull bit.

I've done exactly what you're saying with my 14v milwaukee drill. I usually need to back the bit out a little bit once or twice during the drilling process to clear out the chips, but the bit usually just chews right through the wood with no problem.

[ragswl4]

I hope that's IT

I hope you are correct as I feel its the bit as well. Thing is the bit is brand new out of the box. Maybe a quality issue. I was beginning to think I was in the running for one of those Darwin Awards.

[Rand]

I had a similar problem. Turns out I was running the drill in reverse... DOH!

Rand

[ejs1097]

I haven't run into that problem, my Kreg stepbit drilled fine out of the box. sounds like you got a defective bit.

Do you have a corded drill to try? they recommend drilling the holes with a corded drill. That said I use a cordless as well.

[ragswl4]

Dewalt Corded Drill

Using a 3/8" 5.5 amp corded drill. Blasts through hardwood with a regular bit. I don't think a cordless would even scratch the wood with this bit.

[LCHIEN]

I suggest you get a spare bit (not a bad thing to have anyway) from like lowes - they used to sell them and try it.
If the bit is bad then you can take it up with the seller.

[ragswl4]

Good Idea

Thanks Loring, good idea. My local Lowes does carry the Kreg stuff. Looking closer at my bit, it appears it was not milled properly.

[drumpriest]

ha ha, I did the same thing, had the drill in reverse. Felt like a dummy, but a nice easy fix to the problem.

[ragswl4]

Case Closed

Got a new bit from Lowes. Cut thru oak like nothing. Comparing the two bits I can see where the defective one is ground differently at the end of the 3/8" section. The tips turn upward toward the drill instead of downward towards the wood. So the tip would never bite into the wood.

Loring: Thanks for the idea to get another bit.

[ragswl4]

Updat on Kreg

Just wanted to let folks know about the final resolution on my drill bit problem. Sent an email to Kreg asking about the problem. Not only did they send me a new bit, they asked that I return the defective one, sharpened it for me and sent it back. All on their nickel. Now that's customer service.

[leehljp]

Thanks for the update and the report on Kreg's customer service. I really like my Kreg set.

[jziegler]

Great to hear that Kreg has such good service.

I bought a bargin pocket hole kit through Rockler, the one made by simp'l products (I know, the name should have gotten me away from it). After about a dozen holes, the step bit broke where the small tip meets the 3/8" section. They never replied to my email about it. It's all Kreg from now on.

Jim

[LCHIEN]

Kreg Tools Rule

There are other wannabes, but the Kreg pocket screw tools are the best thought out, most complete sets. The last review i saw said that the other tools were competant but the Kreg tools won hands down in all categories.
I guess their customer service is good, too.

[Tom Miller]

Thanks from me, too, Rags. After seeing your thread I think I've been having the same trouble -- seems to take a little muscle to get the bit to bite.

I noticed our new Menards carries Kreg, so I'll either check on a new bit, try to sharpen mine, or check out Kreg's CS.

Regards,
Tom