Who makes the best drill bits?

[Mekanik]

The best drill bits I have used are Snap-On 'Thunderbits'. I use them mostly for drilling out broken exaust studs in 4.6l, 5.4l, 6.8l engines.

 

I think I have gotten my money's worth from this set and they have become a little dull. I think I'm due for a new set. I wanted to know if there was a better drill bit out there.

 

Any suggestions?

[DwayneGorniak]

I have used The Thunderbits for years as well. I don't think you beat them for the price and the quality. I haved tried many different brands over the years as well as Mac Cobalt bits and they are absolute crap.

[Keith Browning]

Of course, as with all drill bits, using the correct type, drill speed and lubricant will affect the life, performance and safety of the bits. I also recommend using a drill bit sharpener such as the Drill Doctor to maintain a sharp edge, offset and angle. I absolutely love my Drill Doctor and it was worth every penny!

[Mekanik]

I was drilling through studs that several other techs attempted to weld a nut to. The studs were really hard to drill through. I tried the drill doctor, but the bits just aren't the same.

[dieseldoc]

I am with you on the drill doctor. I have tried one and just dont think it works that well. The best drill bit sharpener I have found is Jim, he is one of our welders. That guy can cut a drill bit off to make it fit than sharpen the end of it and it has a better cutting edge than any new drill bit you could ever buy. I have tried to learn this craft and just cant get them as good as he does. Practice makes perfect though. Jim has been sharpening drill bits probably longer than I have been alive. I have a set of Irwin bits that I really like but you cant drill a pilot hole or you snap the little tip on the end off than it wont cut at all. I too have a set of snap-on thunder bits that I use more often than not.

[Mekanik]

I was sold a long time ago when I couldn't drill through a stud that I already heated up. I borrowed a Thunder Bit and it cut through like I was drilling through a soft piece of wood.

 

That's awesome that someone can do that to a drill bit.

[cbriggs]

I have the thunder bits as well, I find they dont stay centered very well, they require a deep center punch, and very carefull on straight drilling technique or they drift, but drill thru any thing forsure. I have used walter drill bits in the past and found they were pretty good quality as well.