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Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 4:43 pm
by Rip Van Winkle
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?

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:49 pm
by MJY65
I'm pretty sure I got mine from Brownells

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 5:54 pm
by Rip Van Winkle
Thanks, but I was kind of hoping I could find something local.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:20 pm
by LarryFlew

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 7:53 pm
by Ghost

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

Drill bit source

PostPosted: Mon Feb 24, 2020 10:25 pm
by dismal
Might want to check your local Fastenal or Grainger.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:05 am
by Rip Van Winkle

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.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 6:45 am
by BigDog58
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.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 8:28 am
by Ironbear
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.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Tue Feb 25, 2020 12:01 pm
by hard h2o
dismal wrote:Might want to check your local Fastenal or Grainger.


Or McMaster Carr

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 6:52 am
by Holland&Holland
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.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 2:21 pm
by OldmanFCSA
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.

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:03 pm
by Holland&Holland
You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:09 pm
by Ghost
Holland&Holland wrote:You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:

Heat

Re: Drill bit source

PostPosted: Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:18 pm
by Holland&Holland
Ghost wrote:
Holland&Holland wrote:You could hear up the part to take the temper out. Just saying :twisted:

Heat

Yup, dang fat fingers.