Tool Advice - Drill Bits

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

Guys, I'm considering several options regarding Drill Bits for home use and would welcome all advice or opinions.

My Mother in Law gave me a near complete set of 24 Drill Bits that her Father purchased when he was younger (she is now 84) so it was probably made/bought in the 1950's..? These go from tiny to 1/2" (chuck size). They are dull but very little if any Rust (if anyone is really interested I can see if the Steel Rack they sit in has a Brand name on it). I had only 3 or 4 of my own Drill Bits (prior to this set).

I could;

(A) Purchase one of those Drill Bit Sharpening machines (such as the Drill Doctor that one might see in "The Family Handyman" magazine). BUT I have NO idea (1) what the Cost is (2) if they work (3) if you would actually find it useful over a life time sharpening your own Drill Bits and those of your family and friends.

(B) Purchase a set of new top of the line Drill Bits - (when I say "Set" I am thinking of approx 15 Bits) and keep the older ones just for nostalgia.

(3) Purchase new Drill Bits individually as I find that I need them. Right now I need only 2 that I don't have or I have but are too dull to mess with.

Here are some things you should know;
- I take excellent care of my tools.
- I use the Drill maybe a dozen times a year for various home projects (older home, plenty of projects left).
- I don't mind buying excellent quality if I can justify the Cost VS Use.


So that is my dilema. Any thoughts from someone that has experience in such things?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Bull Winkle]

just buy new set, first consider what you are going to be drilling, metal, wood, masonry, Get something decent but don't go overboard, all drills break, get dull, just don't buy cheap ones they wont finish the job and will let you down

 

[Bob W]

I started with a complete set of low-mid range bits, the typical grade for home use. As those become dull / broken / lost, I replace only the size needed, usually with Vermont-brand bits.

I tend to use mostly the very smallest bits the most (finish woodwork etc.). And those smallest bits are the easiest to lose and they break much more frequently than large bits.

I could spend a lot more and buy higher-priced bits; I have in the past and didn't really notice a quality difference. My advice, don't spend too much on the bits themselves, and spend the savings on more/nicer tools.

 

[DaveH]

I'd get new, a pack of 15 bits should be around $10. More if you do not want china made ones.

 

[beau5278]

Bits aren't that hard to learn to sharpen with a belt sander or fine grinding wheel if you have either of those,except for the really small ones,those under 3/16in,I usually just replace them.I never really had any luck with the commercial sharpeners,Dad had one when I was a kid but I found it easier to sharpen them by hand.I have 2 sets right now,a small set of Bosch,10 bits that are titanium coated and a set of Dewalt,both work very good,most of what I drill is metal,if your drilling wood,most anything will work ok.

 

[chewbacca]

I have a Drill Doctor and it works great. I have had it about 3 years, and use it quite a bit (no pun intended), we also use one at the factory where I work. They made them even easier to use in the last year or so. The main thing, as with most tools, let the tool do the work, and don't press too hard when sharpening. I bought the one that goes up to 3/4", because large twist drill bits are very pricey.

I also replace the small bits, below 3/16". But you will recoup your money after just a couple of sharpenings on bits above say 3/8". I never buy low end bits from Harbor Freight or Tool Shop brand - I made that mistake in the past, they might as well be made of lead (look a non-marring drill bit!).

 

[Fort Henry Custom Knives]

Thanks to everyone for their advice. :thumbup: