Flat bits, what do you recommend?

[polo1]

I’ve tended to use Irwin flat bits in the past, but I’m finding they are loosing their cutting edge really quickly.
Anyone recommend an alternative which lasts more than a couple of holes in softwood?

 

[Leesparkykent]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-2608587793-Piece-Selfcut-Wallet/dp/B0012RTY34

 

[polo1]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-2608587793-Piece-Selfcut-Wallet/dp/B0012RTY34

You rate them Lee?

 

[SparkyChick]

I'll second the Bosch @Leesparkykent is recommending with the caveat, I've only got one. I've not had to replace any others yet as they don't get used that much, but they'll be getting replaced with the Bosch.

It seems to cut so much better than the others I have. I can't remember what they are but I've not scrimped and gone cheap on any of my gear.

 

[buzzlightyear]

I use these bits only .

 

[Andy78]

I just got some Irwin self feed bits and they are day and night from spade bits. No pushing and through a 3 inch joist in a few seconds.

Cheap as chips too.

Irwin IRW10506627 6X Blue Groove Wood Drill Bit 3 piece Set - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Irwin-Irw10506627-5706915066272-6X-Blue-Groove-Wood-Drill-Bit-3-Piece-Set

Irwin 1922007 6X Blue Groove Stubby Wood Bit Set 5Pc - https://www.ffx.co.uk/tools/product/Irwin-1922007-5706919220076-6X-Blue-Groove-Stubby-Wood-Bit-Set-5Pc

 

[polo1]

Cheers SC. I realise the Irwin bits are not that costly, but for something that “appears” to be well made, I’m just finding that that they are blunt in the blink of an eye!
Happy to spend more for something more durable. I too believe to buy the best quality tools you can afford, but for what is a disposable purchase, are you better buying cheap & often?????

 

[Gavin John Hyde]

As above I got myself some Irwin Stubby Auger bits and can't fault them, find they go through joists very well and also as they are not so long it means you have a bit more room to get bigger drills in the space you are working. paid around £20 for a set of 6 back last year. Not a fan of flat bits anymore, and doubt id go back having used the auger bits.

 

[buzzlightyear]

Cheers SC. I realise the Irwin bits are not that costly, but for something that “appears” to be well made, I’m just finding that that they are blunt in the blink of an eye!
Happy to spend more for something more durable. I too believe to buy the best quality tools you can afford, but for what is a disposable purchase, are you better buying cheap & often?????

by cheap ,pay twice, they say stated use in them since they first came out .

 

[Resu]

These are about as good as you get spade bit wise, can be used in impact driver too.

 

[Sparkie30]

I use these and they remain razor sharp until you hit a screw of course.

Dewalt DT7943 Extreme Flat Wood Bit Drill Bit Set 8 Piece DT7943B DT7943BQZ « Buyaparcel - https://www.buyaparcel.com/p/dewalt-dt7943-extreme-flat-wood-bit-drill-bit-set-8-piece-dt7943b-267203/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIrKHO3pn52AIVjrDtCh1pVQesEAQYASABEgIjoPD_BwE

Resu beat me to it.

 

[buzzlightyear]

the ones I use take quicker to go through timber then flat bits .
if you have not tried them ,then you are missing some thing .
like a hot knife through butter .

 

[westward10]

It is the user that dictates how long a bit lasts for.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I have the Bosch and the Dewalt spade bits and a fair number of auger bits too. My personal preference for daily use is spade bits, they are really easy to refinish and prolong their life massively with one of these:
Trend CR/DWS/CC/FC CraftPro Credit Card Double Sided Diamond Stone | CR DWS CC FC - https://www.trenddirectuk.com/cr-dws-cc-fc

 

[Octopus]

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bosch-2608587793-Piece-Selfcut-Wallet/dp/B0012RTY34

Excellent bits, even more so if you have the extension piece too.

 

[gnuuser]

i use Irwin also and Vermont American, they are easily resharpened if needed and a little tip If you are drilling soft woods a lot they tend to get a bit gummy and dull quicker.
spray them with a good silicone spray lube. they will stay cleaner and hold an edge a lot longer.

 

[Ian1981]

It’s not the user that determines how long, it’s the dam joiner with his nail gun

 

[mhar]

It really depends on the type of work you do. For working on older properties I use these Flat Wood Bit Set 6Pcs - https://www.NoLinkingToThis/p/flat-wood-bit-set-6pcs/18593 not because they are good (they are good enough though) but because for the price it really doesn't matter if you hit a nail. Have to buy a 16mm bit seperately though

 

[Jay89]

These Bosch ones for me also, much better than anything else I’ve used.

 

[telectrix]

i recommend this for flat bits :

tyres only go flat on the bottom, so is that not a flat bit?