Replies

1. 
   John_D | Jan 23, 2006 11:39am | #1

   Maybe I'm not understanding you, but I have Ryobi bits that... I think... do what you mean.  I get 'em at the big box, so if you've seen 'em and they're not what you want, PMBI.  :)

   My goal is for my work to outlast me.  Expect my joinery to get simpler as time goes by.
1. 
   holz | Jan 23, 2006 03:41pm | #2

   Thanks for the tip..  I'll look for them at HD or Lowes.

2. 
   RickL | Jan 23, 2006 03:45pm | #3

   Not sure what exactly you are referring to but all your drilling needs are to be found at Lee Valley.

1. 
   holz | Jan 24, 2006 12:50am | #4

   Thanks for the suggestion.  I buy regularly from Lee Valley, and they do not offer what I am looking for.  What I mean by a dedicated bit is one that, for example, will drill and countersink a hole for a 1"-#8 screw and that size screw only.  Wont work for a longer or shorter #8 screw.  It is an integral one-piece unit. Lee Valley offers only the adjustable (set screw) drill and countersink sets.   

1. 
   RickL | Jan 24, 2006 01:38am | #5

   Best ones I have used are the type J from http://www.wlfuller.com
   Adjustable but just leave it set for your 1" screw. The type J won't let the drill bits slip like the type type which are similare to the LV. Fuller has been supplying the industry for many years. I'v been buying from them for over 30 years.

1. 
   holz | Jan 24, 2006 04:21am | #6

   Thanks for the heads-up on Fuller.  Interesting source I never heard of!

1. 
   forestgirl | Jan 24, 2006 06:52am | #7

   Fuller is fantastic.  Order yourself a catalog and you'll be all set for drilling stuff, for life.forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

2. 
   Segil | Jan 24, 2006 11:26am | #8

   Another vote for the Fuller bits. I get them from my saw sharperning man. These are way, way better quality than anything else out there.

3. 
   SawdustSteve | Jan 25, 2006 07:56pm | #9

   Hi Holz, I know exactly what you're looking for...
   Stanley 'Screw-Mate'. They made a set of 5 pieces. Their Product # is (was) 04-615. Catalog #1525A. They did a nic job and I never had to think about setting them. They also sold them singally, sized from 3/4"X6 to 2"x12. I've got all the numbers listed in an old Stranley catalog. Go to the oldest grungiest hardware store you can find and ask them to check their stock. Also, ask them to check their Stanley catalog. Sometimes the item is in production, but not enough call for them to stock it. You can't get that service in Home despot or other big box stores. Hopefully, you will be lucky. Unfortunately, Stanley discontinued a bunch of their smaller products. Another hard to find item is their 'Power-Bore' drill bits. SawdustSteve

1. 
   holz | Jan 25, 2006 08:34pm | #10

   Hey, Sawdust Steve!

   The Screwmate is exactly what I am talking about.  I must have bought the one I have almost 50 years ago.  Haven't been able to find it in a Stanley catalog, as you said.  Will take your advice and try an old, grungy hardware store nearby!  Thanks for the response!

    

2. 
   JohnWW | Jan 25, 2006 11:27pm | #11

   Sadly, Stanley discontinued the Powerbore bits a number of years ago.  Lee Valley is making copies of the Powerbore bits but they aren't as well made.  Powerbore bits, despite Lee Valley's assertion, work very well in dry hardwoods as long as they are used at low speed.

   John W.

4. 
   Dave45 | Jan 27, 2006 05:52pm | #12

   I have three of them (#'s 6, 8, & 10) made by Stanley.  The drill bit depth is adjusted with an allen screw and the bits have a flat ground on the shank so the allen screw doesn't slip.  They used to have an adjustable depth collar but I quit using those long ago. 

   Check an ACE Hardware store.  I needed a replacement drill bit a couple of weeks ago and my ACE Hardware had the complete pilot bits but no replacement drill bits.  I found some Ryobi replacement drill bits at Home Depot.

1. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 30, 2006 06:47am | #15

        If it is the tool I think he is talking about, there is no adjustment at all on it. You tighten the shank in the drill and that is it.

5. 
   saulgood | Jan 30, 2006 01:04am | #13

   I like the Makita "quad driver" (I think it's called) systems which have reversible tips so your driver bit is always right there. the allen tool at the end of the shank takes care of the set screws. The bits do break and have to be replaced, but you can use any bit you want if you just grind a flat edge on it. One version, hard to find, has a spring loaded centering collar for hinge holes, which is very cool.
   The dedicated types I've seen come in those 30 piece "suitcase" style sets, but I still prefer the reversable tip system. I do most of my pilot hole drilling on jobs, and I like the fact that the drill bit is always safely stored in the shaft of my driver, which is always in my drill. Just my .02$...

6. 
   tinkerer2 | Jan 30, 2006 06:40am | #14

        In my tool box, but don't you dare try it.  Ha Ha