I have a set of pin vise drill bits sized #61-80. Are larger (#60 and below) and smaller (#81 and above) at all available or even manufactured? If so, where can I buy them and in what size (#) ranges?
I've seen sets on eBay and Amazon, but they're sized in either mm or tenths of an inch. I don't know how those mesurements compre to the numbered (#) sizes above, so unless you understand those comparisons well, please refer me to sources for the numbered (#) sizes.
Thanks!
Kerry
The standard sizes of numered drill bits are 1 through 80. And, larger than 1, they go to letter sizes. My local hardware store sells 1 through 60. Singly. I don't know about 61-80 from them.
Yes, there are drill bits smaller than 80. I've got some, though I've never used them. Yet. They are delicate.
Here's a Wikipedia page on drill bit sizes:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drill_bit_sizes
Note that they mention a #97 drill bit.
Cheap drill bits are worth every penny you paid for them!
Ed
You can find a 0.002 for $35 and a #102 0.039 for $25
http://www.harveytool.com/prod/Miniature-Drills/Holemaking---Threading/Browse-Our-Products_275/Miniature-Drills_126.aspx
Assuming you could actually use one without breaking it, what are you going to do, cover your box car with female red hair?
Another chart:
http://www.custompartnet.com/quick-tool/drill-size-chart
Someone at the Timonium show sells the usual sizes in little tube of 10, or you can find them on Ebay
https://www.ebay.com/itm/New-10pc-Mini-Micro-High-Speed-Steel-Twist-Wire-Gauge-Drill-Bit-76-0-018-Shank/391958111393?epid=1000710562&hash=item5b428624a1:m:mRDJ0cyPsNnQP81KHFohM3g
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
A machinist tool store will carry #1-#60 drill bits or jobbers. You might also check the tool department at a Home Depot or Lowes near you. If you don't have one in your area then you can get a set from onlines vendors like McMaster-Carr. Harbor Freight might also have them.
A #80 drill bit has an OD of 0.0135". Very rarily would you ever need to drill a hole smaller than that. And if you do, it should only be in plastic.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
I have a set of #80-61 bits, a set of #60-1, and a set of A-Z, plus the usual fractional sizes. I can buy replacements for any at a nearby tool supply store. They sell the smaller bits, #80-70 in lots of 10, while the larger ones can be had individually.If I recall correctly, the last batch of #79s I bought were around $36.00 for 10. They're made in Japan, and seem to be of good quality, and last well, as long as I don't get careless or in a rush. I have also used them, in a small collet from MicroMark, in my 20volt impact driver - the secret is to keep the driver stationary, and running slowly, and to feed the work to it.
Several German modellers with whom I'm acquainted use those much smaller bits, and while there are a few situations where I could find use for them, the prices, for me, are prohibitive.
Back in the late '50s, my father visited a trade show in New York City, and brought back this sample...
Wayne
Kerry, I bought a set of #44 through #60 to go with the original domed (X-acto) set of 61-80 I bought when I was getting my feet wet in the hobby in the mid-'50s. Of course, I don't know how many replacements I've bought over the years to replace the ones that either broke or became too dull to work. I bought the larger set from Micro-Mark, along with many other sets of ten of each size I use the most. I also have bought taps and tap drills, as well as some clear drills (with the smaller sizes, such as 00-90, 0-80, and 1-72, the tap drills for the next size up work as clear drills). My eldest brother turned me on to drilling and tapping holes when I was still a teenager, and after I went into O scale, at 53, because of aging eyesight, I decided to go whole hog and get the tools for tapping holes and cutting threads on rods for 00-90, 0-80, 1-72, 2-56, 4-40, 6-32, and 10-32. (Tapping and threading come in handy while building O scale steam locos.)
If you've never seen a Micro-Mark catalog, you don't know what you're missing. I've equipped about 40% of my workshop with tools and materials from them, and I look through their catalogs as avidly as a kid going through the toy section of any Yuletide catalog! Like most mail order businesses, the shipping and handling costs can be annoying, so I usually try to order at least $30 worth of goodies at a time. They may actually have a minimum order, but I never have a problem getting enough items to make the shipping charge worthwhile.
Deano
PS Add my name to those who say they lack the ability to use any of the higher number bits. In fact, I've only used the #80 size a few times--back when I had the confidence and no shaking "fumble-fingers," and I've since lost it and not replaced it.
Don't buy drill 'sets', i.e. with one drill of each size. When you break the drill you need you are out of luck, and they will break!
I suggest choosing an assortment of sizes, i.e. #78, #75, #72, #68, #64 and #60 or there abouts. Unless you are working to within 3/1000s of an inch you don't need every size. CA will fill any gaps. As others have said, buy them in bulk, i.e. 10 packs.
Note that I didn't suggest #80 bits. They are simply far too fragile. a #78 bit is much harder to break, and again, CA will fill the gaps.
A suggestion to avoid breaking bits constantly: Chuck your bits so that there is not much more protruding from the collet than you need to get through the depth of the material that you are drilling. Doing that reduces the tendancy of the bits to flex which is when they break.
Also, if you are having a hard time securing the bits in your pin vise (i.e. preventing them from spinning in the collet), get a better pin vice! The hobby store pin vises are not usually the best quality. They often don't grip the smaller bits well at all. Find a machinist's supply and spend a few bucks on a good quality pin vice or two. For years I put up with slipping bits until a good friend sent me some industrial quality pin vises. What a difference!!!
You can't beat good quality tools. They make life so much less frustrating.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."
I totally agree with you, Bear. However, I actually prefer the metal drill bit storage boxes/cases, as they have the number and sizes written on the box. It also makes for convenient storage in a drawer when not in use.
As far as pin vises, I'm with Dave on preferring good qualities tools. The Starrett pin vises are not inexpensive but they hold drill bits extremely well and come with a knurled handle for improved grip and control. Worth their weight in gold to me.
Drill Bits Unlimited Dot Com has sizes at least from 81 through 85, but they do not change much. I think the #85 is 8 or 9 tousandths of an inch.
.
They also have metric sizes even smaller.
The smallest drill bit I use is #78. I seem to break a #80 every time I use one. I bought 1,000 #78 drill bits in a closeout lot, so I think I managed to wrangle a lifetime supply of them.
Number size drill bits go all the way to zero, zero being the largest, then the sizes switch to letter sizes A-Z as they get larger from there with A being smallest and Z largest.
A letter N drill is 0.304", for some reason that is the only letter size drill I own. I don't remember why I needed it now.
EDIT: WOW! I just looked on the Drill Bits Unlimited website, and they have drills all the way down to 0.004", GREAT GOOD MOLLY! My hands were never that steady.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
RR_MelThe small bits don’t last old shaky hands Mel very long. I started out with a metal drill 61-80 index and buy 10 packs as I break them.
If you chuck the tiny ones so only a little of the drill is sticking out of the end of the PIN vise, it helps minimize breakage.
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
the OP already has a set of #61 - #80 drills
he's looking for a drill set for #1 - #60 that indicates the drill size in inches not metric. I see drill boxes without any sizes
here's a listing a drills by # and size
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
riogrande5761 RR_Mel The small bits don’t last old shaky hands Mel very long. I started out with a metal drill 61-80 index and buy 10 packs as I break them. If you chuck the tiny ones so only a little of the drill is sticking out of the end of the PIN vise, it helps minimize breakage.
RR_Mel The small bits don’t last old shaky hands Mel very long. I started out with a metal drill 61-80 index and buy 10 packs as I break them.
Micromark has a #41 to #60 set comes in a folding vinyl see through numbered pouch. I have had a set for about 10 yrs.never broke a bit yet:
https://www.micromark.com/20-piece-Drill-Bit-Set-41-60
They did not cost that much when I bought mine either.
Hobbylinc has a deal on all drill bits by Excel, which I use alot. They come in single number 12 packs, all under 11.00 USD:
https://www.hobbylinc.com/hand-drill-tap-and-die
I use hobbylinc alot......their prices are all discounted on all major Mfg'ers.
For a 76 yr. old man with one shaky hand, I broke My share of small bits over the yr.s, working with white metal, pewter, brass, copper, plastic.....but I must say, I have not broke any bit as small as #79 in at least a yr. Keep only what You need sticking out of the chuck to drill the hole........and I never use any kind of batt or electric drill when using the tiny bits. I like the feel of it better, and use a drop of LaBelle #107 when starting a hole....especially in metals and of course a lot of patience...that part comes with practice.
Take Care!
Frank
RR_MelI bought a hex mini chuck that fits my small 4 volt B&D 200 RPM drill and even old shaky hands Mel has drilled many #78 holes without breaking a bit. Click on the picture to make it larger
Mel:
Is that chuck a 3-jaw or a 4-jaw? Does it use collets, or do the jaws close to zero? And who made it?
I have several pin vises, but all of them have 4-jaws and it is very difficult to get the small bits centered.
Thanks
i'll add my two cents , if you plan on drilling a lot of small holes in metal i recemond this https://www.harborfreight.com/two-speed-variable-bench-mill-drill-machine-44991.html i got mine on a sale for 400$us . then bought a smooth wire bit holder to chuch in it.
the 3-jaw chuck in the sear's bench drill press i bought for $99 30+ years ago holds an 0.025 drill bit
maxman RR_Mel I bought a hex mini chuck that fits my small 4 volt B&D 200 RPM drill and even old shaky hands Mel has drilled many #78 holes without breaking a bit. Click on the picture to make it larger Mel: Is that chuck a 3-jaw or a 4-jaw? Does it use collets, or do the jaws close to zero? And who made it? I have several pin vises, but all of them have 4-jaws and it is very difficult to get the small bits centered. Thanks
RR_Mel I bought a hex mini chuck that fits my small 4 volt B&D 200 RPM drill and even old shaky hands Mel has drilled many #78 holes without breaking a bit. Click on the picture to make it larger
If you have a Harbor Freight nearby I have seen some numbered sets there. Pretty good price at about 4 dollars. They do have a carbide set too- but I am unsure of the sizes on them.
RR_Mel Maxman I scanned eBay US sellers and didn’t find the same chuck, the chuck body on the one I bought is all silver colored. I found one from China that looks the same and has the same spec as the one I bought, 0-3mm. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Tools-Quick-Change-Tool-Adapter-Converter-Keyless-Drill-Chuck-Hex-Shank/152620393711?hash=item2388e264ef:g:GdgAAOSwqVBZZQ8z Mel
Thank you. I'm wondering how accurate and precise that item can be for under $4? When you insert the bit, does the end appear to be rotating straight (straightly?), or does it whip around in a figure-8 pattern?
Thanks again.
[quote user="gregc"]
[quote user="HOmainline"]
gregc the OP already has a set of #61 - #80 drills he's looking for a drill set for #1 - #60 that indicates the drill size in inches not metric. I see drill boxes without any sizes here's a listing a drills by # and size Greg, Ah, an attentive eye for accurate reading of the question! You drilled that answer right down the middle of the plate!! The #/in./mm chart is a big help too.
I'm curious why the set would come with metric sizes. The #1 to #60 set I have has the drill number, and below that is listed the decimal size. I can't think of any reason for the set to be metric.
maxman RR_Mel Maxman I scanned eBay US sellers and didn’t find the same chuck, the chuck body on the one I bought is all silver colored. I found one from China that looks the same and has the same spec as the one I bought, 0-3mm. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Rotary-Tools-Quick-Change-Tool-Adapter-Converter-Keyless-Drill-Chuck-Hex-Shank/152620393711?hash=item2388e264ef:g:GdgAAOSwqVBZZQ8z Mel Mel: Thank you. I'm wondering how accurate and precise that item can be for under $4? When you insert the bit, does the end appear to be rotating straight (straightly?), or does it whip around in a figure-8 pattern? Thanks again.
I have a Dremel cordless 8050 and at it's lowest speed, and putting a finger against the accessory chuck I bought, you can run it quite slow. However it is still a big lever attached to a micro drill bit. Plus starting a hole is a challenge because your hand is much further away from the tip of drill bit..
https://www.amazon.com/Dremel-8050-N-18-Rotary-Accessories/dp/B015DVN4E4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534977180&sr=8-5&keywords=dremel+cordless
Unless you are drilling into metal, it's better to hand drill with drill bits #74 and smaller. You'll break less drill bits that way because of the tactile feedback you get from the pin vise vs an electric drill.
I have a 61-80 set and rarely use the bits in there. The ones I use most are .078, .0625, .055, .047 and .040. Occasionally the .035. I am also of the school of letting the adhesive fill the gap.
Sorry, it just makes no sense to me to use drill "numbers". You measure the bit you want to install with a micrometer or caliper, in actual size, then choose the bit directly, without having to look it up in a chart.
Better yet, do it all metric. I'll shut up now.
Genesee Terminal, freelanced HO in Upstate NY ...hosting Loon Bay Transit Authority, run through Amtrak and CSX Intermodal
CP/D&H, N scale, somewhere on the Canadian Shield
SeeYou190EDIT: WOW! I just looked on the Drill Bits Unlimited website, and they have drills all the way down to 0.004", GREAT GOOD MOLLY! My hands were never that steady. .
Hi Kevin:
I am going to politely suggest that you should not buy the micro drill bits with the large shanks if you are going to use them by hand. Those bits are designed to be used in commercial drill presses where there is no wobble or flexing. If you try to use those bits by hand, when you wobble a bit (which you will) the drill will likely break at the tip of the large shank. They may look sturdy but they are not! As others have said, buy the regular bits in bulk and chuck them so there is little more of the drill bit protruding from the chuck than is needed to get through the thickness of the material.