Drill bit source

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Drill bit source

Postby Rip Van Winkle on Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:43 pm

I'm working on replacing the front site on my S&W M325. I bought some numbered drill bits to drill the hole for the pin, but the sight is harder than I expected. I've gone through 6 bits and only got about half way through.

Does anyone know of a source for quality drill bits size #51?
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby MJY65 on Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:49 pm

I'm pretty sure I got mine from Brownells
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Rip Van Winkle on Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:54 pm

Thanks, but I was kind of hoping I could find something local.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby LarryFlew on Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:20 pm

If you're having second thoughts you're two ahead of most Democrats
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Ghost on Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:53 pm


That carbide bit at Home Depot may be the best option.
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Drill bit source

Postby dismal on Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:25 pm

Might want to check your local Fastenal or Grainger.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Rip Van Winkle on Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:05 am


I have the bits from Menards, they're junk.

I ordered the cobalt bits from Home Depot, of course they're not in stock. We'll see how good they are.

If they don't work, I guess it's off to Granger.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby BigDog58 on Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:45 am

Rip Van Winkle wrote:

I have the bits from Menards, they're junk.

I ordered the cobalt bits from Home Depot, of course they're not in stock. We'll see how good they are.

If they don't work, I guess it's off to Granger.


If the Cobalt don't work (they should) you might talk to OldmanFCSA and pick his brain for an idea. When drilling with the cobalt, be sure to use a coolant, it will help prevent the bit from dulling as quickly.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Ironbear on Tue Feb 25, 2020 8:28 am

I see that McMaster-Carr has solid carbide; and TiN and TiAIN coated bits.
https://www.mcmaster.com/solid-carbide-drill-bits/carbide-drill-bits-11/

Otherwise, I might be inclined to look around for a machine shop in the area, stop in and ask for suggestions and buy a bit off them if they are willing.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby hard h2o on Tue Feb 25, 2020 12:01 pm

dismal wrote:Might want to check your local Fastenal or Grainger.


Or McMaster Carr
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Holland&Holland on Wed Feb 26, 2020 6:52 am

Rip Van Winkle wrote:

I have the bits from Menards, they're junk.

I ordered the cobalt bits from Home Depot, of course they're not in stock. We'll see how good they are.

If they don't work, I guess it's off to Granger.

The menards comment is an understatement.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby OldmanFCSA on Wed Feb 26, 2020 2:21 pm

BigDog58 wrote:
Rip Van Winkle wrote:

I have the bits from Menards, they're junk.

I ordered the cobalt bits from Home Depot, of course they're not in stock. We'll see how good they are.

If they don't work, I guess it's off to Granger.


If the Cobalt don't work (they should) you might talk to OldmanFCSA and pick his brain for an idea. When drilling with the cobalt, be sure to use a coolant, it will help prevent the bit from dulling as quickly.


Use a 1/16" carbide endmill in a rigid setup at a slower speed due to hardness of material. The remaining 0.0045" should just be able to easily be removed. . Be sure it is center cutting style.
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Holland&Holland on Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:03 pm

You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Ghost on Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:09 pm

Holland&Holland wrote:You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:

Heat
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Re: Drill bit source

Postby Holland&Holland on Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:18 pm

Ghost wrote:
Holland&Holland wrote:You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:

Heat

Yup, dang fat fingers.
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