Milwaukee 3 Pc Steel Countersink Set #6/#8/#10

There's something satisfying about working with well-made tools, and that's what I was expecting when I picked up the Milwaukee 3 Pc Steel Countersink Set #6/#8/#10. Milwaukee has a reputation for quality, and I was eager to see how this set would perform in various woodworking tasks.

Upon opening the package, I immediately appreciated the thoughtful design. The set includes three countersink bits, sized for #6, #8, and #10 screws. Each bit is tapered, which helps in creating precise pilot holes, and the countersink portion is adjustable via two set screws. The 1/4" quick-change hex shank is a practical feature, making it compatible with both drill drivers and impact drivers.

Adjusting the depth of the countersink is straightforward with the included Allen wrench. However, I did notice that the countersink head is somewhat challenging to keep perfectly centered when tightening the set screws. This can lead to a bit of wobble, which is more noticeable when using a drill driver at high speeds. Although the wobble didn't significantly affect the accuracy of the holes in my woodworking projects, it was a minor annoyance.

One of the standout features is the flat spots on the shank for the set screws to press against. This reduces the chance of bit slippage, although I found that this benefit is somewhat negated when the countersink head is adjusted to a shallower depth. In those cases, the set screws clamp down on the spiral edges of the bit, which can dull the bit over time and allow wood fibers to collect.

During my testing, I used the bits on a variety of woods, from soft pine to harder laminated plywood. In soft wood, the bits performed admirably, creating clean, precise holes with minimal tearing around the edges. However, in harder woods, the bits tended to advance more slowly and occasionally burned the wood, leaving charred fibers within the spiral grooves.

The countersinks themselves are sharp and produce clean countersunk holes, especially when drilled at high RPM. The three cutting blades of the countersink head ensure a smooth finish, making it easy to countersink screws flush or deeper for plugs and bungs. The tapered design of the pilot bits also provides more material for screws to bite into, which is particularly useful in hardwoods.

However, the durability of the bits left something to be desired. The #10 bit, in particular, seemed prone to bending if not handled with care. This is a significant drawback, especially for professionals who need reliable tools for precision work. I also found that the bits tend to get clogged with wood shavings, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain performance.

One of the more disappointing aspects was the wobble I experienced with the bits. Even when securely fastened in a drill chuck, there was a noticeable runout, which can affect the precision of the holes. This issue was less pronounced in a drill press, but it's something to keep in mind if you primarily use handheld drills.

Another concern is the lack of replacement bits. While the countersink heads are designed to be replaceable, I couldn't find a readily available source for replacement bits. This means that if one of the bits breaks or becomes dull, you might have to replace the entire set, which is not cost-effective.

Despite these drawbacks, there are several positive aspects to the set. The laser-etched size markings on the hex shank are a nice touch, making it easy to identify the bit sizes quickly. The overall build quality of the countersink heads is solid, and the sharpness of the bits has held up well through multiple projects.

In terms of value, the Milwaukee countersink set is priced slightly higher than other high-quality brands. While you do pay a premium for the Milwaukee name and some of the unique features, the performance and durability issues might make this set less attractive for some users.

So, would I recommend the Milwaukee 3 Pc Steel Countersink Set? It's a mixed bag. For DIY enthusiasts and occasional users, the set offers convenience with its quick-change shank and adjustable depth feature. However, for professionals who require consistent precision and durability, the wobble and potential for bit bending might be deal-breakers.

In summary, the Milwaukee 3 Pc Steel Countersink Set has its strengths in design and ease of use, but it falls short in terms of durability and precision. If you're looking for a versatile set for light to moderate use, it could be a good addition to your toolkit. However, if you need a robust, reliable set for heavy-duty, professional work, you might want to explore other options.