Self centering drill bits (VIX)

I’ve had a number of these genre type of gizmos… no idea what brand but I didn’t pay Fe$tool shekels for. I’ve never had the issue you’ve described… Occasionally I’ve had a spring jam, but that’s due to a build up of shavings.

Having said that, I dismantled one just to see how they are configured and find it hard to understand how the spring can jump… unless you went for the cheapest you could find. You get what you pay for.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

Was your drill stuck in reverse when you used these bits?

-- Einstein: "The intuitive mind is a sacred gift, and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honors the servant and has forgotten the gift." I'm Poopiekat!!

I’ve used Insty-bits for decades and never had that problem. I also have a self centering punch that lets you use any drill bit.

I have three sizes (#6/8/10) of self-centering bits I bought at Menard’s several years ago. I’ve drilled a bunch of holes with them and never had a problem.

Montana r Black Oxide brand – Now on sale for $8.00 each

-- Sawdusty Dan - Bellevue, NE - "Women and cats will do as they please. Men and dogs should just relax and get used to it." Robert A. Heinlein

I have a set of Bosch self-centering bits that have worked well. I don’t remember what they cost. They have worked well and I would by Bosch again.

I have some cheap ones that don’t have the spring problem, but they tend to drill off-center. Another (brand unknown) old bit I have has never given me any issues.

I would assume as with any drills, the country of manufacture plays a big role in quality,

Here is some info that might help you out.

I bought a set of #4, #6, #8 bits years ago that work fine. Holes are centered, correct sized. Springs occassionally hang up with chips but a quick push and release usually clears them.

Still going strong after lots of use.

I think these were from Rockler.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

I’m just curious for those who have not had any problems. In the lift time of the bit have you drilled a couple dozen holes or a couple hundred.

Also are you drilling the holes fland sinking screws or just starting the hole and finishing with another bit.

-- Greg, Tennessee, http://www.sawstopcentral.com

Mine are old Makitas and I’ve never had problems with them.

Hundreds.

They only go 3/8”-1/2” deep so if the screws are longer I follow with a longer pilot. I bought spare bits and sometimes use them to follow with. (Look close at the pic above and you can see the spare bits and allen wrenches.)

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

Like Mark, I’ve probably did hundreds and if the screw is very long you almost have to drill the hole deeper. I had nothing but problems with the Asian knockoffs, life got much better after I bought a set made by Vix (the company).

-- Our village hasn't lost it's idiot, he was elected to congress.

I use a set from Rockler I got 10 years ago and still going strong. Like others the only thing I’ve encountered was spring lock due to dust/shavings that after a quick pull release clears

Also are you drilling the holes fland sinking screws or just starting the hole and finishing with another bit.

- greglwood

These bits are designed to follow a pre-drilled part to be attached to what it is that you are drilling and not really as a flat/countersunk starter hole, so in theory you should need to follow up with anything:

-- ㊍ When in doubt - There is no doubt - Go the safer route.

The middle hole is off-center to the right …

It also illustrates how to locate the knuckle—as was discussed in another thread.

-- The hump with the stump and the pump!

I’m just curious for those who have not had any problems. In the lift time of the bit have you drilled a couple dozen holes or a couple hundred.
- greglwood

Usually quality comes with price… If you’re going to drill hundreds of holes , I assume you are selling your work and should be able to afford a good set.

-- If your first cut is too short... Take the second cut from the longer end... LBD

we have used them for years before throwing out, hanging doors, you do the math, 8 screws per door, average of 3 hinges to door, its a whole lotta holes.
they do get dirty, gotta blowm out once in a while, like anything else, a little maintenance and walla longevity shows up
Rj in az

-- Living the dream