Craftsman 7/64-In. Hex Shank Titanium Nitride Coating Drill Bits

After spending some time with the Craftsman 7/64-In. Hex Shank Titanium Nitride Coating Drill Bits, I’ve gathered a comprehensive understanding of their strengths and weaknesses. These bits are designed to tackle wood, plastic, and metal, and they come with a Titanium Nitride coating that promises corrosion resistance and prolonged sharpness. With such impressive features on paper, I was eager to see how they performed in real-world applications.

First impressions matter, and these bits make a decent one. The Titanium Nitride coating gives them a sleek, professional look, and the hex shank design ensures compatibility with a variety of tools, including impact drivers and drill/drivers. The bits are compact, which makes them handy for working in tight spaces—a feature that’s immediately noticeable and appreciated.

Performance in Wood and Plastic

When drilling through wood and plastic, these bits perform admirably. The split point design aids in precise hole placement, which is crucial for clean, professional-looking results. I used them to drill pilot holes for small screws in a woodworking project, and they fit my impact driver perfectly. The bits stayed sharp throughout the process, and I didn’t experience any slipping, which can be a common issue with round shaft bits.

The compact length of these bits makes them very versatile. They’re particularly useful in scenarios where space is limited, such as when working inside cabinets or other confined areas. The bits’ sharpness and precision are consistent, making them reliable for repetitive tasks.

Performance in Metal

However, the story changes when these bits are put to the test with metal. Despite the Titanium Nitride coating, which is supposed to enhance durability, the bits struggled significantly. I attempted to drill through a thin piece of metal, and unfortunately, the bits snapped almost immediately. This was a major disappointment, as I had hoped the Titanium Nitride coating would provide the necessary toughness for such tasks.

It’s clear that these bits are not built for heavy-duty metalwork. While they might handle softer metals or very thin sheets, anything more substantial seems to be beyond their capability. This limitation is crucial for anyone considering these bits for metalworking projects.

Durability and Longevity

Durability is a mixed bag with these bits. In woodworking and plastic drilling, they held up well and retained their sharpness over multiple uses. This makes them a cost-effective choice for such materials. Unfortunately, their performance in metal drilling raises concerns about their overall durability. The bits breaking so easily suggests that they may not be the best investment if you need them for more demanding tasks.

User Experience

Using these bits is generally a positive experience, especially in softer materials. The hex shank design ensures a secure fit in the drill, preventing any frustrating slips. The compact size is a significant advantage, allowing for greater maneuverability in confined spaces.

However, the lack of information about the overall length (OAL) on the packaging or in the product description is a notable oversight. Knowing the exact dimensions of a tool is crucial for many users, and having to guess based on a small online image is far from ideal. This is something Craftsman could improve upon to provide a better user experience.

Value for Money

The price point of these bits is reasonable, making them accessible for hobbyists and professionals alike. If your primary need is for drilling wood or plastic, these bits offer good value. They stay sharp, are easy to use, and their compact size adds to their versatility.

However, if you’re looking for bits that can handle metal, you might want to look elsewhere. The frustration of bits snapping mid-project isn’t worth the cost savings. Investing in more robust bits designed specifically for metal could save you time and money in the long run.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Craftsman 7/64-In. Hex Shank Titanium Nitride Coating Drill Bits are a solid choice for woodworking and plastic drilling. They offer precision, sharpness, and versatility, making them a reliable addition to your toolkit for these materials. The Titanium Nitride coating does seem to provide some benefit in terms of corrosion resistance and maintaining sharpness.

However, their performance in metal drilling is a significant drawback. The bits’ tendency to snap under pressure makes them unsuitable for more demanding tasks. If your projects frequently involve metal, you’ll likely need to look for more durable options.

Would I recommend these bits? Yes, but with reservations. For wood and plastic, they’re a great choice—affordable, effective, and easy to use. But if you need drill bits for metal, I’d advise exploring other options that are specifically designed for that purpose.