Milwaukee 3/4” x 72" Flexible Cable Auger Bit

Drilling through tight spaces and behind walls can often be a daunting task, but Milwaukee's 3/4" x 72" Flexible Cable Auger Bit is designed to tackle these challenges head-on. With a flexible steel shaft and an overall length of 72 inches, this bit promises to provide access where rigid bits fall short. Here's how it performed in my hands-on experience.

Design and Features

The first thing that stands out about this auger bit is its sheer length—72 inches. This makes it particularly well-suited for drilling through multiple joists or behind walls. The bit is crafted from metal, ensuring durability, and it feels sturdy in hand. The flexible steel shaft is a key feature, allowing you to navigate tight spaces and tricky angles with relative ease.

The bit also features holes at both ends, which are incredibly useful for pulling wires through drilled holes. This dual-hole design eliminates the need for a separate fish tape, saving you time and effort. Additionally, the auger-style flute facilitates faster drilling and efficient chip ejection, keeping the work area cleaner and reducing clogging.

Performance

When it comes to performance, the flexible cable auger bit has its fair share of strengths and weaknesses. On the upside, its flexibility makes it an invaluable tool for routing cables through tight spaces. I was able to drill through three joists without any disruptions, and the bit remained straight and true. The screw-tip design helps in initiating the cut and maintains a steady, aggressive boring action.

However, this bit demands a powerful drill. Using a 3/8-inch drill proved insufficient; the bit's aggressive cutting action required more torque than a smaller drill could provide. Switching to a 1/2-inch drill made a world of difference, allowing the bit to cut through wood effortlessly. This is an important consideration for anyone planning to use this bit—ensure you have a robust, high-torque drill to match its capabilities.

Durability and Edge Retention

Durability is where this bit showed mixed results. While some users report using it for years, others have noted that it dulls quickly. In my own experience, the bit maintained its sharpness through several uses, but I did notice a slight decrease in cutting efficiency after prolonged use. The metal construction feels robust, but it's clear that the bit's longevity may vary depending on the intensity and frequency of its use.

I also encountered an issue with the bit becoming dull relatively quickly after drilling through harder woods. This is something to keep in mind if you're planning to use it extensively on tough materials. The edge retention could certainly be better, but for occasional use, it holds up reasonably well.

Ease of Use

One of the standout aspects of this bit is its user-friendly design. The flexible shaft allows for precise drilling, even when navigating tricky angles. The holes at both ends are a thoughtful addition, making wire pulling straightforward and hassle-free. This bit is particularly useful for electricians and other professionals who frequently work in tight or obstructed spaces.

However, this bit is a single piece, which means you need ample clearance to fit it in place before you start drilling. This can be a bit cumbersome in tight quarters. A two-piece design would have added more convenience, allowing for easier maneuverability.

Craftsmanship

Milwaukee is known for its high-quality tools, and this bit is no exception. The craftsmanship is evident in its solid construction and thoughtful design elements. The 3-FLAT SECURE-GRIP™ feature ensures that the bit doesn't slip in the chuck, providing a secure and stable drilling experience. The reusable case is another nice touch, offering protection for the bit when not in use.

Verdict

The 3/4" x 72" Flexible Cable Auger Bit by Milwaukee is a specialized tool that excels in drilling through tight spaces and behind walls. Its flexible design, dual holes for wire pulling, and aggressive cutting action make it an excellent choice for electricians and other professionals who need to route cables efficiently.

However, it does come with some caveats. The bit requires a powerful drill to perform optimally, and its edge retention could be improved for heavy-duty use. Additionally, the one-piece design means you need adequate clearance to position it before drilling, which can be a bit challenging in confined spaces.

In summary, if you have the right equipment and occasional need for flexible drilling, this bit is a solid investment. Its unique features and Milwaukee's reputable craftsmanship make it a valuable addition to any professional's toolkit. However, if you require a bit for heavy, constant use, you might need to look for something with better edge retention.

Would I recommend this tool? Yes, but with reservations. For specialized tasks requiring flexibility and precision, this bit performs admirably. Just ensure you have a powerful drill and be prepared to sharpen or replace the bit if you use it frequently on hard materials.