what dril bits?

[andekoch]

what drill bits do you guys use for making holes through floor joists? eg flat, auger, forstner etc

Also has anyone used a '3d' or multi angle drill bit (MAD), they look like they can do a variety of things such as making holes in joists and notching joists as well (must be quicker than cutting and chiselling)?

 

[Bob Croft]

Hi,
I use flat bits, augers and I have some MAD bits. The cost is in the same order. All these bits have thier edges damaged if you hit a nail or a screw. Augers make a better cleaner hole and work well if the threaded tip can get a grip in the wood. Flat bits or spade bits produce a reasonable hole but tend to splinter the wood when they break out unless you drill from both sides. The MAD bits cut well and produce a clean hole but are expensive. If there is any doubt about hidden nails I use the cheapest flat bits. Bosch make some nice flat bits at a premium price. If you are really tight for space you can always shorten the shank on a flat bit.
Hope that helps.

 

[jpm]

Flat bits for me and as Bob say's you can shorten them,I have a few I've chopped and even for a start they are a godsend when it's tight and you can't get an angle.

 

[stevetheplumber]

what drill bits do you guys use for making holes through floor joists? eg flat, auger, forstner etc

Also has anyone used a '3d' or multi angle drill bit (MAD), they look like they can do a variety of things such as making holes in joists and notching joists as well (must be quicker than cutting and chiselling)?

i thought all flat bits were multi angle given plenty of wiggle there also multisized

 

[andekoch]

Thanks. I was tending towards flat bits. I have some bosch flat bits that self feed and have a nice 'lip' to prevent the splintering on break out.
TLC direct (electrical supplier) has MAD bits that are very reasonable (like £4 for an 18mm).

 

[newbie1]

thats a good tip about shortening them as sometime its a bit of a tight squeeze when between joists

 

[Bob Croft]

You can also re-sharpen flat bits with a decent smooth file but whether it is worth the effort given the low price is another matter! I have some Bosch bits and they are good but still get ruined if you hit a nail or screw. I reserve the Bosch bits for jobs where there are no metal fixings.
A flat bit extension is another useful bit of kit.