Small bit set

[jussi]

I've broken many of the small bits from my sets. Anyone know of a set with only 3/16 or smaller bits?

[LCHIEN]

use a drill press. I haven't broken bits in so long I can't remember when.

just buy a replacement 13-piece set for around $10 when you find them on sale. Beats paying $2.39 for two replacement bits piecemeal (Sears price for a pair of 1/8" plain old black oxide bits) - they don't really want to sell sub $1 items at the local hardware - and you'll have a new, sharp set for the price of replacing 4-5 bits.

[JR]

I found some blister packs of about 10 each in small sizes at HF.

JR

[cabinetman]

use a drill press. I haven't broken bits in so long I can't remember when.

just buy a replacement 13-piece set for around $10 when you find them on sale. Beats paying $2.39 for two replacement bits piecemeal at the local hardware, and you'll have a new, sharp set.

Not all drilling can be done on a drill press. It seems frivolous to buy several sets just to get one or two drill sizes. It may be best to order bulk packaged bits online or from a tool supply store near you. Most of the packaged bits sold in stores would be in standard not in between sizes, like 1/8", 1/4".
.

[jziegler]

Woodcraft used to sell a 170 pc set with many of the small bits in multiples. It went on sale for $20 I think. I don't see it listed on their web site now, but if you have a local store, they might still have some in stock. I think I might have seen a similar set somewhere else too.

Jim

[LarryG]

In general, I agree with Loring. Since you say you've broken "many" of your small bits, the 13pc sets offered by various manufacturers will be your most economical solution.

The problem is that bits in such sets are typically graduated by 64ths and go up to 1/4", so you will end up with a few sizes larger than you need. There are similar, inexpensive sets containing only eight or 10 bits but, again, these usually go to 1/4" so the set is only smaller because it leaves out some of the sizes that you might want.

There are also 10 to 20pc sets of small bits in numbered sizes. These are often called "modelmaker's bits" which means they may be too tiny for your needs. They're usually only a couple-few bucks, however, so it's worth having a set on hand.

The other vendor that Jim (jziegler) is thinking of may be Garrett Wade. IIRC the 170pc set they sell appears to be the same as the one Woodcraft had. I don't recall whether it's ever been on sale at GW for as low as $20, though. I remember seeing these on sale in the monthly Woodcraft sales flyers and thinking, "Wow, for that price, I ought to pick up a set of those." Never did, alas.

[jussi]

use a drill press. I haven't broken bits in so long I can't remember when.
.

I do when I can but sometimes the work can't fit under one. Mine is only a 12" model.

[jussi]

Woodcraft used to sell a 170 pc set with many of the small bits in multiples. It went on sale for $20 I think. I don't see it listed on their web site now, but if you have a local store, they might still have some in stock. I think I might have seen a similar set somewhere else too.

Jim

Thanks Jim. I'm heading near my local Woodcraft this Saturday and will take a look.

[jschen]

Costco sells a set. I don't remember how many pieces though, my guess would be 120-170. Bits sized from 1/16 to 3/8. Don't remember how much I paid but no more than $30.

[jziegler]

Costco sells a set. I don't remember how many pieces though, my guess would be 120-170. Bits sized from 1/16 to 3/8. Don't remember how much I paid but no more than $30.

Thank you, I think that is where I saw one more recently.

Like the Woodcraft set, it appears to have many of the smaller sizes.

Jim

[pelligrini]

Watch out for the really cheap sets. I picked up a set from Sam's a while back that had brad point, masonry, and 2 types of twist bits (one coated) and an assortment of drivers. The smaller bits were in multiples. The thing to watch out for is straightness, about 1 in 5 isn't.

[unknown poster]

I found some blister packs of about 10 each in small sizes at HF.

JR

+1 the HF 10 packs. I keep a bunch of them around for smaller sizes that I commonly break or lose.

[JoeyGee]

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93080

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93078

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93077

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=93076

I know others mentioned them, but I brought links