Drill bits, what's good?
 

I burn up bits, any recommendations on a good brand of bits that last?

I've had really good luck and long term use with Snap-On. Recently ordered some of these for work and they seem really good too.
https://www.amazon.com/Norseman-4417...ustomerReviews

Cutting oil is your friend, use it every time and if the bit isn't cutting (producing chips) it's quickly being dulled (is that a word?).

I also burn up almost all my drill bits. I now try to use step drill bits whenever I can as they have lasted the longest for me. I get a 3 piece set from harbor freight.

If you need a long drill bit, I’ve seen these drill bit point bits. They are more expensive but should last way longer than normal bits. I plan to buy them once all my normal bits are burned up.

Norseman 22903 1/16 in. - 1/2 in. Super Premium Black and Gold Oxide Hi-Molybdenum Steel Drill Bit Set, 29-Piece, grey https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X95SCT7...ing=UTF8&psc=1

All my bits are cobalt, seem to last longer than anything else I've tried.

Thanks Guys, and from what research I've been doing, definitely the Cobalt with 8% which are the M42's. Those Norseman get great reviews

Chicago Latrobe or TRW are great brands in a couple different grades. Also try slowing the drill down, and as mentioned, cutting oil!


Tim

drill slow and use pressure, The heat is removed with the chip, if you are not making chips you are just rubbing creating heat that destroys the bit. Pilot drilling is also hard on the next bit. I make a dimple with 1/8" then use the final size. I have been using Max Winter Drill Bit City, don't know if he is still around haven't bought any in a few years.

Snap-On are too sharp and too brittle. You will never see a machinist using Snap-Off drilling/cutting tools. Same goes for their thread cutting taps and die sets.
AVOID AT ALL COSTS.

McMaster Carr or MSC are your friends here. Order the black phosphate finish as it carries lube to the cutting flute.
Cobalt is brittle but necessary for harder materials or broken tap removal.

Harbor Freight has the best/cost effective step drills.

I've never heard of a drill bit being too sharp. I have beat the crap out of Snap On bits for years.

Cutting oil, make sure it's always cutting, and sharpen as soon as they even start to get dull, Drill Doctor works great, and you can make most good quality bits last a very long time.

I'm still using a Snap-on drill set I bought in 1978.

As said above, keep them sharp.