When I did installs every day I would use the same 5/16" drill bit for
6-12 months. I know I could have sharpened them, but it was easier to
just get another one at Lowes.
IMO drill slower so it doesn't get too hot. When you're going through
metal set the drill on the lowest speed and use moderate pressure. You
want to see little flakes coming off the metal rather than dust. If the
metal is thick then put some oil on the bit to conduct heat away. WD-40
will work in a pinch, or a little can of 3-in-1 oil with the dropper
tip. Even on wood, don't go full speed unless it's a short hole. When
the wood is real chewy you might have to back out and in to clear debris
and let the tip rest. If you're getting smoke you're trashing that
bit. Aluminum siding is so thin I can't believe that's what ruins your
bits.
On 8/9/2021 6:02 PM, Nate Burke wrote:
We've been getting the installer drill bits at the local big box
store. The 1/4"x18" bit with the hole in the flute to hook the wire on
and pull back. They are cheap, and have the lifespan to show. Drill a
couple aluminum siding houses and it's time for a new one. I'm looking
to get them higher quality ones. They seem hard to locate at other
distributors. Am I calling them the wrong thing? I was searching for
either 'bell hanger bit' or 'installer bit' I found some on Amazon,
but they are probably about the same quality as the bigbox ones.
I found one at Grainer that is backordered several weeks, and I
haven't found one at McMaster yet. Am I calling them the wrong thing?
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