Milwaukee 3/8" x 16" x 18" Carbide Bellhanger Multi-Material Bit

When tackling diverse drilling tasks, having the right bit can make all the difference. The Milwaukee 3/8" x 16" x 18" Carbide Bellhanger Multi-Material Bit is one such tool designed to deliver versatility and efficiency. Over the past few weeks, I've had the opportunity to put this bit through its paces, and I must say, it has left quite an impression.

Versatility Across Multiple Materials

One of the standout features of this bit is its ability to handle a wide array of materials. From brick, block, and concrete to steel, aluminum, ceramic tile, backerboard, wood, PVC, and drywall, this bit promises versatility, and it delivers. I started with a concrete slab, a material that can often be unforgiving on drill bits. Using my Milwaukee cordless hammer drill, the bit penetrated the slab with relative ease. At depths exceeding 8 inches, I did have to periodically remove the bit to clear out concrete dust and chips, but this is expected with any bit when drilling deep into concrete.

After the concrete, I moved on to wood studs. Despite the wear from drilling through concrete, the bit maintained its sharpness and cut through the wood quickly and smoothly. This ability to transition seamlessly between materials without changing bits significantly enhances productivity, especially on complex jobs requiring multiple types of drilling.

The Pull-Through Hole

A unique feature of this bellhanger bit is the hole near the tip, designed for pulling cables or wires. This is particularly useful for installing low-voltage wiring such as alarm systems or CCTV. The process is straightforward: drill your hole, thread a wire or string through the bit's hole, and then pull it back through the drilled path. This feature eliminates the guesswork and time spent trying to locate drilled holes in concealed spaces.

However, the hole's size can be a limiting factor. It's suitable for thinner wires, like a paper clip gauge or perhaps two conductors of a Cat6 cable, but anything thicker might be a tight fit. In practical terms, this means the bit is perfect for low-voltage wiring but may not accommodate all wire sizes used in masonry applications.

Durability and Performance

Durability is always a concern with multi-material bits, but the Milwaukee bit holds up well. The carbide tip is robust, designed to withstand tough applications. Even after extensive use across different materials, the bit showed minimal signs of wear. The 18-inch length is particularly useful for through-hole applications, providing the reach needed for deeper drilling tasks.

That said, the bit's length does introduce some flex. While this isn't an issue for most tasks, it can be a drawback when drilling shallower holes in hard materials like concrete, where precision is crucial. The bit's flexibility means it might not always drill perfectly straight in such scenarios.

Speed and Efficiency

Speed is another area where this bit excels. It drills faster in metal compared to standard masonry bits, thanks to its engineered design. When used with a hammer drill, it speeds through masonry and concrete efficiently. This increased speed reduces the time spent on each hole, allowing for quicker project completion.

Usability and Practicality

The bit's design includes a ¼” hex shank, which adds to its versatility by making it compatible with a variety of drills, including impact drivers and hammer drills. This is particularly useful for users who might not have a dedicated hammer drill but still need to drill through masonry.

The bit's 16-inch usable length and cutting depth are ideal for most standard drilling tasks, whether for DIY projects or professional jobs. Despite its length, it weighs only 0.48 lbs, making it manageable and easy to handle during extended use.

Final Thoughts

The Milwaukee 3/8" x 16" x 18" Carbide Bellhanger Multi-Material Bit is a robust, versatile tool that lives up to its promises. Its ability to handle a wide range of materials without requiring frequent bit changes is a significant advantage, saving time and enhancing productivity. The pull-through hole for wire and cable makes it especially useful for low-voltage wiring installations, although its size could be a limiting factor for some applications.

Durability is another strong point, with the carbide tip maintaining its sharpness even after extensive use. The bit's length provides the reach needed for deeper drilling tasks, although it introduces some flex that might affect precision in certain scenarios.

In terms of speed and efficiency, this bit stands out, particularly when used with hammer drills. Its ¼” hex shank adds to its versatility, making it compatible with a range of tools.

Would I recommend this tool? Absolutely. For anyone dealing with diverse drilling tasks across multiple materials, this bit is a valuable addition to your toolkit. Its versatility, durability, and unique features make it a worthy investment, whether for professional use or DIY projects. While it has a few minor limitations, the overall performance and utility far outweigh these, making it a highly recommended tool for various drilling needs.