1/16 drill bits?

[Martin S.]

In the past, I have purchased Irwin bits for drilling pin holes.  They are poor bits, and break easily.  I won't make that mistake again.

I am looking for a source of longer than normal 1/16 drill bits for rifle building.

Please tell me your favorite brands and sources.

Thank you.

[Spalding]

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/drill-bits/drill-bits-1~/
I usually order several at a time.

Bob

[Bigmon]

Do you find these to be better quality bits? Than the Irwin?
Using that long Irwin bit, which I usually shorten, I  can only get enough 1/16" holes for each project (gun).
Three or four tenons, a trigger gd, and three or four pipes.
After that, if it hasn't broken, it is usually too dull to use without running too long and hot, then it will snap for sure.
Thanks

[Martin S.]

https://www.mcmaster.com/products/drill-bits/drill-bits-1~/
I usually order several at a time.

Bob

Thanks, Bob.  There are a lot of drill bits on that page.  Are there any that you prefer in particular?

[Spalding]

I usually just get the black oxide in regular and extended lengths.
I just consider 1/16” bits consumables. I’ll throw a half dozen in when I order other things.

Bob

[P.W.Berkuta]

Small drill bits are expendable and when dull you use them for locating pins or some other such thing. I also buy them by 6 or more at a time. I buy from here <http://toolsavings.com/templates/pricelist.aspx?GroupGuid=189157> and found them to do the job at hand. Standard quality HSS is fine don't use carbide for they break far too easily if you don't know how to drill with them. If you are breaking the regular ones now you will surely break the carbide ones much quicker.

[yellowhousejake]

I too was tired of big box store bits. Practically useless.

I needed a high quality bit for drilling holes in platinum nipples, though the platinum insert and the hard steel, in .027 diameter. I used Pan American Tool. They were reasonably priced, shipped fast, and very sharp. I ended up buying several sizes and now I am replacing my number bits with them as I find dull ones.

https://www.panamericantool.com/

DAve