Crescent Vortex Bit Holder Claims 500 Times Greater Bit Life

Impact drivers make many of our screwdriving jobs easier. The problem is the violent impact that makes them so effective also beats up bits. Impact-rated bits help, but those are best in metal-to-metal fastening and some of us want a do-it-all bit. The Crescent Vortex bit holder is cracking that nut.

Pros

• Much longer bit life
• Improves bit life when driving in any material
• Strong magnetic hold on bits

Cons

• Extends tool length
• Bits can be hard to pull out

Crescent Vortex Bit Holder | The Big Deal

As we watched multiple brands push to create the perfect screwdriving bit would be, most didn’t focus on a bit holder. In reality, it’s a brilliant place to start. By putting an intermediary between the tool and the bit, you have a lot more freedom than metallurgy and physical shape alone offer.

The Crescent Vortex bit holder starts with a typical 1/4-inch hex shaft that pairs with your impact driver. On the other end, a 1/4-inch hex receiver magnetically holds the bit in place.

Inside the silver housing, the shock absorption takes place in what Crescent calls its Dual Impact Zone.

When you combine that with an impact-rated bit that has its own impact-absorbing properties, Crescent’s testing data shows up to 500 times the life of the bit alone.

The middle section spins freely, and you can hold it to stabilize the drive while the tool does its work.

If there’s a downside, it’s that the bit holder extends the overall length of your impact driver. In some of the tightest spaces, you might have to go back to a direct connection. A more minor consideration is that the magnet is nice and strong, but can make some bits tough to pull out.

Crescent Vortex Bit Holder Price

You can pick up the Crescent Vortex bit holder at Lowe’s for $9.98. Considering how much longer the life of your driver bits will be, it pays for itself pretty quickly.

The Bottom Line

In the time we’ve been using the Crescent Vortex bit holder, it’s clear to us that our bit life is greater. We still break them from time to time, but we’re getting far more drives out of each one whether we’re working in wood, wood-to-metal, or metal-to-metal connections.

The post Crescent Vortex Bit Holder Review appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Changing a Drill Bit Is Easier And Faster Than You Might Think

Learning how to change a drill bit is very similar whether you have a Milwaukee, DeWalt, Black & Decker, Craftsman, Ryobi, or another brand of drill. However, there are several types depending on how you’re using the term “drill”. No matter what type you have, this guide can teach you what you need to know.

Editor’s Note: If you want an even more comprehensive artile, check out what we wrote on how to use a drill.

How to Change a Drill Bit on a Drill with a Keyless Chuck

By far the most common type of drill chuck today is a keyless chuck. Chances are, the answer to your question is in this section. Unlike your dad or grandpa’s old drill that had a funky-shaped key clamped to the cord, keyless chucks require no tools at all.

Keyless chucks tighten and loosen by simply spinning the chuck’s outer housing. As you’re holding the drill with the chuck pointing away from you, spinning it counterclockwise tightens the jaws around your drill bit, and spinning it clockwise loosens it.

When you’re installing a bit for the first time, loosen the chuck (clockwise) until it’s just wide enough to slip the drill bit into it. Then tighten it (counterclockwise) until you feel it begin to resist and then tighten a little more.

Some drill chucks have a ratcheting mechanism to help. If your drill does, you’ll feel and hear it clicking as the jaws tighten around the bit.

To remove a drill, bit, simply turn the chuck clockwise until you feel it release the bit.

Pro Tip: If you change a drill bit and it wobbles funny when you pull the trigger, it might not be centered between the jaws. Loosen the chuck and make sure all the teeth are engaging the bit as you clamp them back down.

How to Remove a Stuck Bit From a Keyless Chuck

Sometimes, a drill chuck can be so tight on a drill bit that it’s difficult to loosen it. In this case, your best bet is to grab a pair of adjustable pliers (Channellocks). Set them to a width that grabs the outside of the chuck and use the additional leverage from the handles to loosen it.

It can be helpful to lightly clamp the drill in a vice to give you an extra hand.

Three warnings, though. All-metal chucks are pretty durable, but you can damage plastic ones with your adjustable pliers if you put too much force on the chuck.

Similarly, you can damage the housing of your drill if you decide to put it in a vice and apply too much force.

Finally, never, ever try to loosen the chuck by clamping it in a vice and pulling the trigger. With the force of some of today’s drills, even the strongest Pros don’t have the hand strength to keep the drill from whipping around and hurting their wrist and elbow.

How to Change a Drill Bit on a Drill with a Keyed Chuck

Even though most modern chucks are keyless, there are some keyed models running around. The overall principle is similar, though.

First, set the tip of the drill’s key into the matching hole on the chuck. You might have to give it a little turn so the teeth are able to slip together. From there, turn the key clockwise to loosen the chuck and counterclockwise to tighten it.

How to Change a Drill Bit on an Impact Driver/Impact Drill

Some people refer to an impact driver as an impact drill. 10 years ago, we might have argued that it’s the wrong term. However, today there are 1/4-inch hex shank drill bits specifically designed to work with your impact driver. Technically, that makes it an impact drill.

Instead of a chuck, an impact driver has a collet at the front. To change a drill bit, pull the outer part of the collet out to release the bit that’s in there. You also pull it out to install a new one. Easy peasy.

Some impact drivers have upgrades that make the process even easier. There are designs with one-hand bit insertion that let you slide the bit in without having to pull the collet.

There are also collets with active bit ejection. They have a spring that pushes the bit out when you pull the collet so you don’t have to put your hands on a hot drill or driver bit.

Did you learn what you came for? If we didn’t answer your question, please leave us a comment and we’ll do our best to answer it for you!

Want to know more about the drill and impact driver we featured in this article? Check out the details on Milwaukee’s 4th generation M18 Fuel Hammer Drill and Impact Driver!

The post How to Change a Drill Bit on a Drill: Milwaukee, DeWalt, Ryobi, and More! appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Skil 20V Compact Drill And Hammer Drill Reach New Levels Of Compact

Skil’s PWRCore 20 system is kicking off its next-generation of compact tools with a renewed emphasis on “compact”. We’re taking a deep dive into the Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill and Hammer Drill to see just how much improvement there is.

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Performance

On the performance side of things, these drills use brushless motors that pack 500 RPM in low gear and 1800 RPM in high. The hammer drill adds 7500 BPM in low and 27000 BPM in high when you’re working in hammer mode. The torque maxes at 450 in-lbs.

Compared to the previous versions, that’s not much different. The low gear gains 20 RPM and that’s about it. Considering the goal was to work on the size, it’s not a big surprise to see the speed and torque in a very similar place.

So what can you do with that kind of performance?

Quite a bit. All of your standard twist bit drilling and screw driving tasks are easy to perform. Even jumping up to 1-inch spade bits or 2-inch hole saws is on the menu. Almost all of your home repairs and weekend projects are well within the scope of what these drills are capable of. If you’re wanting to go up to something like a 2 9/16-inch self-feed bit for rough-ins, Skil’s heavy-duty model is still your go-to for the highest performance.

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Design

Size and Weight

The big deal for these drills is the size reduction. The drill measures just 6.1 inches from tip to tail and the hammer drill is 6.6 inches. That’s an inch shorter!

The weight is down as well. Bare, the drill weighs 1.9 pounds and the hammer drill is 2.0 pounds. That’s a 5-ounce drop for the drill and 7 ounces lower for the hammer drill.

Considering we’re talking about the compact class, Skil made really impressive improvements in both size and weight, putting these drills more on par with the size of 12V tools than 20V.

LED Light

It seems like we talk about LED lights on Skil products more than any other brand. Most brands stick an LED on the foot and call it a day, but Skil keeps raising the bar. In this case, they mount an LED light strip on the foot and add a diffuser to soften the light. It’s something you’ll appreciate when you’re drilling into a white wall. There’s also an on/off button so you can set the drill down and keep using it as a work light for up to 10 minutes.

Additional Highlights

• Ratcheting 1/2-inch chuck
• 17 clutch settings
• Includes reversible belt clip
• Bit holder on the back of the foot
• Tether point under the bit holder
• Kitted PWRJump charger charges the battery from 0% – 25% in just 5 minutes!
• Works with any Skil PWRCore 20 batteries

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Quick Comparison

Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Price

The best place to grab the next-gen drill and hammer drill is on Amazon. The drill runs $99 and the hammer drill is $129. Both are kits that include a 2.0Ah battery and an upgraded PWRJump charger, and the tools come with a 5-year warranty. The batteries include a USB-A port on the back so they can double as a power supply.

Getting a brushless drill kit for less than $100 that’s backed for 5 years? That’s a heck of a value in today’s economy.

The Bottom Line

Skil set out to make their 20V cordless compact drill and hammer drill even more compact and they nailed it. Both are significantly smaller and lighter without dropping any of the performance we enjoyed in the previous versions. Combined with a price tag that offers excellent value, we give the Skil PWRCore 20 Compact Drill and Hammer Drill two enthusiastic thumbs up for homeowners and DIYers.

Specifications

• Model: Skil DL6293B (drill), HD6294B (hammer drill)
• Power Source: Skil PWRCore 20 battery (20V)
• Chuck: 1/2-inch
• No-Load Speed: 0 – 500/1800 RPM
• Max Torque: 450 in-lbs
• Blow Rate (Hammer Drill Only): 0 – 7500/27000 BPM
• Head Length: 6.1 inches (drill), 6.6 inches (hammer drill)
• Drill Bare Weight: 1.92 lbs
• Hammer Bare Drill Weight: 2.03 lbs
• Warranty: 5 years

The post Skil 20V Cordless Compact Drill Review: PWRCore 20 appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

We’ve used hundreds of the best drill bits to see which excelled in wood, steel, aluminum, and other materials. First of all, tons of drill bit options exist on the market—weeding through the choices can be tough. We broke down our picks by application, covering everything from materials to type of user.

So whether you’re into woodworking, DIY projects, plumbing, electrical, or something else, we have you covered. Our Pro team has extensive experience using these bits in just about every type of setting.

Best Drill Bits for Wood

Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium Drill Bits

Milwaukee Shockwave Titanium drill bits are our choice for the best drill bits for wood. The 1/4″ hex shaft makes them suitable for use in both drills and impact drivers. Milwaukee uses what they call Red Helix variable-width flutes to eject chips better than standard designs. They also go with a 135° tip to help cut in more quickly and reduce bit walking on metal.

Also the Best Titanium Drill Bits

Now, just because we dedicated these for our wood-drilling pick doesn’t mean they can’t drill through metal. The titanium coating is great for thinner steels and non-hardened metals. They also have excellent chip ejection and don’t heat up as quickly as other bits we’ve used.

These bits run $29.97 for a 14-piece kit with several others up to a 29-piece kit for $84.97.

Also Consider:

• DeWalt 21 pc Titanium PP Drill Bit Set (DW1361)
• Makita Impact Gold 14 pc Titanium Drill Bit Set (B-65399)

We really like the Pilot Point tip on DeWalt’s titanium bits. They drill quickly—mostly because they do a good job dissipating heat buildup. You also get nice, burr-free holes. For thin/soft metal, wood, and plastic you really can’t go wrong.

Pick up a 21-pc kit for $34.99

The Makita Impact Gold Titanium drill bits come in a set that almost seems too good to be true. The 14-piece kit has every key size you’ll likely need from 1/16- up to 1/2-inch. Performance and durability put these near the top of our list.

Grab it for just $19.32.

Best Drill Bits for the Money

Ryobi Black Oxide Drill Bits

Whether you’re in a pinch or just need to replace a set, Ryobi’s Black Oxide Drill Bits are less than $15 for a set with 21 pieces that cover 1/16″ to 1/2″. Their 135° tips help reduce walking at the start of your hole. These are the best drill bits for the money if you stay away from thick metal. You can get better bits, but we like this for Pros and DIYers on a budget.

Pick these up for $10.97

Also Consider:

• DeWalt 20-piece Black Oxide Drill Bit Set (DW1177)
• Bosch 60pc Black Oxide Index Drill Bit Set (BL0060)

For a basic drill bit set, you get some decent features in DeWalt’s DW1177 kit. The 135° Split-point tip resists walking when you drill. The coating doesn’t do much to reduce heat or friction, but it does keep the bits from rusting as easily. Finally, DeWalt puts 3-flat spots on the shank to better lock into drill chucks.

You can find these online for just $22.99

We also wanted to include the excellent Bosch 60-piece Black Oxide Index Drill Bit Set. This kit works great for having every conceivable size from #1 to #60 wire gauges and everything in between. It also comes in a handy metal index case.

Shop Bosch Black Oxide bits starting at $19.99

Best Drill Bits for Metal

Milwaukee Red Helix Cobalt Drill Bits

The best drill bits for metal, and particularly for carbon steels, goes to Milwaukee for their excellent cobalt bits. Just like their titanium bits, they have the Red Helix variable flute design. They also have a 135° QuadEdge Tip that helps it drill much faster than other cobalt bits we tested and still keep the walking to a minimum.

Milwaukee updated these bits with Enhanced Tapered Web. This new core design strengthens it with better flute durability.

They don’t have a 1/4″ hex, however, so you won’t use these in your impact driver. Their primary goal in life is to drill well in thicker, harder metals.

If you want to drill in hardened steel, you might want to check out the Drill America D/A29J-CO-PC 29-pc Cobalt Set.

Also the Best Cobalt Drill Bits (for the money)

When the tips on these bits dull, consider sharpening them since cobalt runs throughout the steel. Avoid using them when you don’t need them to prolong their life for when you do. When you’re looking for the best cobalt drill bits for the money, the 15-piece kit presents a compelling option.

You can find the 15-piece kit for $34.97 or the 29-piece kit for $149.99.

Also Consider:

• DeWalt 29 pc Industrial Cobalt Pilot Point Drill Bit Set (DWA1269)

We love the build quality on the DeWalt 29-piece cobalt pilot point drill bit set. It has a tapered core that gradually adds stiffness to the bit as it gets closer to the base. If you plan to cut stainless, give these bits a shot—they won’t disappoint and make truly clean holes.

This kit runs about $109.99.

Best Masonry Drill Bits and Concrete Bits (non-SDS)

Bosch Daredevil Multi-Purpose Drill Bits

SDS-Plus and SDS-Max rotary hammers do best for drilling on concrete and masonry materials. Hammer drills, however, more than suffice for drilling smaller diameter holes. When you start looking for the best concrete drill bits and the best masonry drill bits, the need for handling multiple materials arises. For that, our Pros consistently turn to Bosch Daredevil Multi-Purpose Drill Bits.

Just like SDS-plus and SDS-max bits, these use tungsten carbide cutting tips. The carbide tips on the Daredevil Multi-Purpose Drill Bits are tough enough to cut through almost any material. We use these when drilling through combinations of wood, metal, tile, composites, and—of course—concrete. We also frequently pop them into impact drivers to quickly get through various materials.

These bits run considerably more than black oxide, titanium, or even cobalt bits on average. The cost may leave you buying just the specific sizes you need as needed—and that makes sense. However, the 5-piece set covers the most common sizes you may need without turning to a rotary hammer.

Grab the 5-piece set for just $22.99.

Best Drill Bits for Brick and Cinder Block (only)

DeWalt Percussion Masonry Drill Bit Set

When you know you need to drill into brick and cinderblock alone, having a dedicated set of bits makes sense. In this case, we feel one of the best drill bits for brick comes under the DeWalt brand. Mostly, we feel they simply hold up well for the price. You can pay more—and possibly get longer life, but if you bill your accessories to the job—these get the work done.

When paired with a cordless hammer drill, the DeWalt 7-piece percussion masonry drill bit set gives you some key advantages. The set includes a 3/16-inch x 3 bit, a 1/4-inch x 4 bit, and five 6-inch bits from 1/2-inch down to two 1/4-inch bits. From Tapcons to anchors, these bits fill a much-needed gap.

Grab the 7-piece bit set for $18.99.

Best Drill Bit for Tile and Glass

Bosch 8-piece Glass and Tile Bit Set with Case (GT3000)

It takes a particular bit to get through tile and glass without shattering the workpiece. In our opinion, the best drill bit for tile (also the best drill bits for glass) can be found in the Bosch 8-piece glass and tile bit set.

These bits use a wedge-shaped high-quality carbide tip with a reinforced head. It holds the tip rock-solid in place when you start your hole. It also reduces stress to the material which prevents cracking. The diamond ground cutting edges deliver excellent durability.

Bosch uses a three-flat shank on bits 5/16 inches and larger. This keeps them from slipping in the drill. The kit includes 8 bits from 1/8-inch to 3/4-inch.

Grab the 8-piece kit for $27.97.

Best Spade Bits

Bosch Daredevil Spade Bits

In a recent head-to-head, the 2nd-generation Irwin Speedbor bits beat out the Bosch Daredevil spade bits in speed. So why don’t they appear top of our list? Simple. We love the self-feeding nature of these Daredevil spade bits. They drill more smoothly and require less effort.

A threaded tip and wave design give the Bosch Daredevil an advantage over most of its competition. It cuts more smoothly and leaves a relatively clean hole compared to other spade bits. As icing on the cake, it has a 1/4″ hex shank so it fits in your impact driver.

Bosch also makes these bits up to 1-1/2 inches. They come in stubby, standard, and extended lengths for delving deeper into material.

You can get a 6-piece kit for just $11.99 (bare), $15.99 (pouch), or $25.99 for a 13-piece set.

Also Consider:

• Irwin Speedbor 2nd-gen Spade Bits

As we mentioned above, if speed is your #1 priority, consider the second-generation Irwin Speedbor spade bits. They beat out Bosch Daredevil when we tested using 1-inch bits in 2x material and 3-3/4 inches of layered OSB.

Get a 13-pc Pro kit for $46.99.

Best Auger Drill Bit

Bosch Daredevil High-Speed Auger Bits

When the best drill bit for the job is an auger bit, we look to Bosch and their Daredevil lineup. Among the standard auger bit benefits, you’ll find that Bosch looks specifically to enhancing performance with cordless drills. The head to keep you in high speed so you’re drilling faster and the tips help improve your runtime and durability.

Price is definitely the name of the game here and most Pros will just pick the sizes they need. Bosch has a 3-piece set I carry that includes 5/8″, 3/4″, and 1″ bits for $39.99.

Best Step Bit

Irwin Unibit Cobalt Step Bits

Our team reaches for an Irwin Unibit Cobalt Step Bit when thin metal drilling is on the menu. The cobalt blend gives the bit a much longer life – an important point considering these are very difficult to sharpen.

A Speedpoint tip gets the hole started quickly and helps reduce the amount of wandering your bit does. It seems like a small thing at first, but Irwin laser etches the measurements on the inside of the flute where they won’t wear off over time.

Pick up a 3-piece kit for $73.11

Also Consider:

• Diablo Step Bits
• Milwaukee Shockwave Step Bit Sets

Diablo’s step bits start with a 132º tip that prevents walking and drills incredibly fast in our testing. Covering 1/2″ to 1-3/8″, retail prices run from $24.99 to $64.99 for individual bits.

Shop individual bits from $24.99 to $110

Milwaukee also targets walk-free starts and fast drilling with their Shockwave step bits. Taking a step up from black oxide, they use a titanium coating and have a hex shank in case you want to use your impact driver. They range in price from $89 to around $170 depending on the kit. Each kit includes common sizes you’ll likely need on the job.

Shop kits starting at $89.

What are the Best Drill Bits Made of?

Black Oxide (Coating)

Black oxide is a coating over the steel drill bit to add corrosion resistance and reduce friction between the bit and workpiece. It’s a good general-purpose design that’s suitable for wood, softer metal, plastics, and composites that don’t cost an arm and a leg. The downsides are that they don’t stay sharp as long as some of the other twist bit options out there and you lose the benefits as the coating wears off the cutting edges.

When these bits go dull, you toss them. Also, don’t expect to cut through metal other than softer steels under 1/8-inch in thickness.

Titanium (Coating)

Titanium nitride is a coating you can use instead of black oxide that does the same job of resisting corrosion and friction. The added benefit comes from increasing the surface hardness and creating a thermal barrier that reduces heat buildup. This type of drill bit lasts longer than black oxide.

Titanium drill bits tend to drill faster than black oxide and chips move through the flutes better. One of the downsides is that the titanium nitride is just a coating and you lose the benefits as the coating wears off the cutting edges. Another is that you’ll need to pay more for these.

Titanium is a good choice for metal and wood drilling. You’ll want to look elsewhere for concrete/masonry and you’re better off using your inexpensive black oxide bits for plastics and composites.

Cobalt (Steel Blend)

Cobalt drill bits are made from an alloy of 5% – 8% cobalt. Because the cobalt is part of the steel blend, its benefits run through the entire bit instead of wearing away like a coating. That characteristic also makes them an excellent candidate to sharpen rather than replace. With a much higher price tag than black oxide and titanium, you’ll want to go the sharpening route to save money.

Cobalt bits are capable of drilling through just about everything, though most Pros reserve them for metal drilling due to their cost. That’s a good move—you don’t want the one bit you own that’s able to drill through cast iron getting dull on everyday tasks that less expensive bits are perfectly capable of tackling.

Matching the Drill Bit to the Hole Size

Twist Bits

Twist bits work best for drilling in a myriad of materials when the target is a hole diameter of 1/2-inch or less. As you move beyond a 1/2″ hole diameter, you move away from traditional twist bits into some different options.

Spade Bits

One of the most cost-effective is a spade bit. Sometimes called a paddle bit thanks to its shape, spade bits throw chips out as they cut rather than sending it up through the flutes. It makes for a much cooler slow-motion video but generally leaves a larger mess. Unlike your standard twist bits, spade bits are really only good for making holes in wood.

Auger Bits

Auger bits closely mirror spade bits but work better for deeper holes that require lots of chip removal at the point of entry. The full-fluted design makes this possible. You typically need a stronger drill when using these bits. This becomes very apparent when drilling deep holes or holes that exceed 3/4-inches in diameter.

Auger bits have a threaded tip that pulls the bit forward as it rotates in the wood. Its strong, full-fluted design also makes it easier to drill nice and straight.

Step Bits

Stepping away from wood and moving back into metal, you’ll find a need for step bits (AKA unibits). These are among the best drill bits for making holes in thin metal, like sheet metal or breaker boxes. A step bit starts with a short pilot, then moves through a series of increasing widths as you move from one step to the next.

They’re great for moving beyond your standard twist bit sizes and eliminating the need for a punch for holes up to 1-1/4″ or a little more. They also feature a flat flute with a slight taper at each step. This gives you the ability to drill in sheet metal and other thin metals that might deform if you cut through at an angle. In addition to making new holes, they also excel at enlarging existing ones.

The downside is that you’re limited to around 1/8″ as your thickest material. These bits also cost more than other bits you likely own. Prices often exceed $50 for some sizes. Just keep in mind that each step bit you buy covers multiple hole sizes.

Best Drill Bits, But What About…?

We know we didn’t cover every category of hole-making accessories like hole saws and didn’t touch driver bits, either. While we chose to draw the line where we did, keep your eyes open for more buying guides to cover those accessories down the road!

Disagree With Our Choices?

That’s okay! We know personal preferences take a front seat in determining the best drill bit, and every Pro is different. Do Pro Tool Nation a favor and tell us what your top pick is and why you love it. Feel free to put it in the comments below or on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!

Why You Can Trust Pro Tool Reviews

Ever check out a “review” site and you can’t tell if they actually tested the tools or if they’re just “recommending” the Amazon top sellers? That’s not us. We won’t recommend anything unless we’d actually use it ourselves and we don’t really care who the primary retailer is. It’s all about giving you a legitimate recommendation and our honest opinion of each product.

We’ve been in business since 2008 covering tools, writing reviews, and reporting on industry news in the construction, automotive, and lawn care industries. Our Pro reviewers work in the trades and have the skills and experience to know whether tools can perform well in the field.

Each year, we bring in and review more than 250 individual products. Our team will put our hands on hundreds of additional tools at media events and trade shows throughout the year.

We consult with innovators in the technology and design of tools to gain a broader grasp of where these products fit and how they work.

We work with more than two dozen professional contractors around the United States who review products for us on real job sites and consult with us on testing methods, categories, and weighting.

We’ll provide more than 500 pieces of new content this year absolutely free for our readers—including objective evaluations of individual tools and products.

The end result is information you can trust because of the editorial, scientific, and real-world professional experience we collectively utilize each and every time we pick up and test a tool.

The post Best Drill Bits Reviews 2022 – Recommendations from Pros appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Diablo Demo Demon Spade Bits Make Easy Work Of Nail-Embedded Wood

When you’re drilling, speed and power are two of the most critical factors. Diablo’s SpeedDemon spade bits have been a staple in many toolboxes, but they’re limited once you start hitting nails. When you’re working with a high risk of nail strikes, Diablo Demo Demon spade bits are designed to be your go-to solution.

Diablo Demo Demon Spade Bits: The Big Deal

The Diablo Demo Demon spade bit excels in tough wood applications. It utilizes DEMO-Edge dual cutting edges which allow smooth cuts into wood while slicing through nails. It also has a Dura-Tip that withstands nail hits so nails don’t slow down the bit’s ability to self-feed through. In fact, Diablo claims that these bits have 60 times the lifespan of standard spade bits in nail-embedded wood applications.

Of course, you can use these in clean wood as well. We recommend keeping both styles available. Diablo Demo Demon spade bits are more expensive and all spade bits dull over time. Use the less-expensive Speed-Tip bits for clean wood and reserve your Demo Demon bits for higher-risk drilling.

The bits have 1/4-inch Impact Strong hex shanks, which makes them compatible with most impact drills and impact drivers.

Pro Tip: When you’re drilling with the risk of nail strikes, choose a cordless drill with kickback control in case the bit binds up.

Additional Features

• Sizes range from 1/2-inch to 1 1/4-inch
• 6-inch shank

Diablo Demo Demon Price and Availability

There are multiple sizes of this bit, so the prices vary depending on which size works best for you. The Demo Demon bits range from $9.97 for the smallest (1/2-inch) to $12.97 for the largest (1 1/4-inch). Two kits are available as well; a 3-piece set ($19.97) and a 6-piece set ($34.97).

Specifications

• Shank length: 6 inches
• Bit diameter: Various
• Shank style: 1/4-inch hex
• Drill bit type: Spade
• Material application: Wood, including nail-embedded
• Bit material: Carbon steel

The post Diablo Demo Demon Nail-Embedded Wood Spade Bits appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

DeWalt announced the arrival of their Elite Series of tool accessories. Designed for strength and durability, the lineup will include the likes of includes saw blades, hole saws, diamond masonry cutting blades, abrasives, and masonry drilling accessories. Select items in this lineup are also made in the USA with global materials. Look for these accessories now and in the coming months at your favorite DeWalt retailer!

DeWalt Elite Series Circular Saw Blades

Available in either 6 1/2-inch or 7 1/4-inch diameters, the Elite Series circular saw blades have a multi-tooth design to ensure smooth cutting and durability. Additionally, welded carbide tips keep the blades stable and enable long-term use. The blades’ heat vents help avoid overheating, which keeps them cool even after you use them all day.

DeWalt Elite Series Abrasives

The DeWalt Elite Series cutting wheels use sharp, crystalline grain to cut through various metal materials like rebar, heavy wall pipe, and sheet metal. DeWalt claims that you can expect to use fewer wheels in extreme applications. These cutting wheels come with either a flat disc type or a depressed center disc type. DeWalt has another item in the abrasives category too— grinding wheels, which will be released in fall 2022. All cutting wheel sizes and styles are available now.

DeWalt Elite Series Flap Discs

The Elite Series flap discs incorporate a ceramic grain that provides aggressive grinding action for fast material removal in tough applications. DeWalt designed the disc to provide the fast removal rate of a grinding wheel with the high-end finish of a fiber resin disc. This line of flap discs will be available in August 2022.

DeWalt Elite Series Carbide Tipped Reciprocating Saw Blades

Two carbide-tipped reciprocating saw blades exist in the DeWalt Elite Series: a metal cutting model and a demolition model. These blades are made in the USA with global materials. They feature carbides along the cutting edge which help withstand nail strikes while ripping through wood or metal. Both blades feature a tall, thick profile designed for durability. The demolition blades also feature a surface enhancement that strengthens the blade to resist fatigue and teeth stripping. 

DeWalt Elite Series Carbide Tipped Hole Saws

The DeWalt Elite Series carbide-tipped hole saws cut through tough and abrasive material, like nail embedded wood. In addition, the metal cutting hole saw cuts through a variety of tough materials such as thick metal and stainless steel. You can expect the multi-material version to cut through things like concrete blocks and cement. These hole saws are another entry in this lineup that’s assembled in the USA using global materials.

DeWalt Elite Series SDS Max and Plus 4C Masonry Drill Bits

DeWalt is so confident in the toughness of these drill bits that they have included a no-break guarantee. If these bits do break, DeWalt will replace them free of charge. For added durability, these bits use Iron Blast technology, which aids in impact readiness. Welding technology secures the carbide, contributing to extended life. Both bits feature unique tip designs that aid in concrete drilling. These tool accessories will be available later this month (May 2022).

DeWalt Elite Diamond Blades

Finally, the last entry on the list of new DeWalt Elite accessories is diamond blades. The blades’ cores incorporate high-alloy steel and aerodynamic vents to keep cool. Laser-welded segments feature twice the diamond concentration compared to the older generation DeWalt HP blade. The blade design, described as “swordfish-shaped,” helps reduce friction and aids with smooth cuts. 

Some of these DeWalt Elite Series accessories are available now, and you can look for the rest of them in the coming months. Find out more at your favorite DeWalt retailer, or use the buttons below to browse more DeWalt products.

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Mach-Blue Plating Strengthens Spyder Driver Bits

Whether you’re a Pro or a DIYer, you want your tools to last as long as possible. On the other hand, you expect to replace consumable accessories. With Spyder Mach-Blue driver bits, Spyder promises to lessen breakage so you’re spending less on replacements.

Spyder Mach-Blue Driver Bits: The Big Deal

As we observed with the Spyder Mach-Blue drill bits their driver bits include a Mach-Blue Armor Plating. Spyder describes this as a super hard surface plating that retains sharper cutting edges. It also reduces heat build-up and cutting friction. That should deliver longer life over other types of drill bits made out of traditional materials like titanium. In fact, Spyder tells us that these bits last up to 70 times longer than standard impact-rated driver bits.

The bits also use the Mach-Blue armor plating to provide corrosion protection and wear resistance. Alloy tool steel torsion zones actively flex to resist cam-out, twisting, and breaking while in use. We’ve seen this with products like Milwaukee Shockwave bits and Makita Impact XPS bits. The 1/4-inch hex shank makes these fully compatible with high-torque impact drivers, as well as cordless drills.

Two kit sizes are available for these bits. The 25-piece kit includes Phillips, slotted, star, and square bits. There is also a 30-piece kit that includes additional sizes and even a couple of nut drivers. A magnetic bit holder comes in each kit, and both kits include a hard case with rubber slip-resistant corners.

Additional Features

• Precision-fitting tips
• Made using a multi-stage heat treatment process
• 33% stronger tip profiles compared to standard bits

Price and Availability

The 25-piece set retails for $24.98, and the 30-piece set is listed at $29.98. These driver bit sets are available exclusively at Lowe’s.

Specifications

• Model: Spyder 19030
• Shank Type: 1/4-Inch Hex
• Case type: Hard
• Shank size: 1/4-inch
• Number of pieces: 25/30
• Material: Shock-resistant tool steel

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One Simple Tool for a Variety of Drilling Needs

How long does it take you to switch between a countersink and a screw when joining boards? Swapping bits means setting down tools—which can damage project wood. It’s also less organized and tedious when you have to chase down various bits. Kreg may have a solution for that with their Quick-Flip tool (model KDRV-FLIP). With two different ends, it may cut down on your need to go back and forth when drilling pilot holes for screws.

Kreg Quick-Flip KDRV-FLIP – The Big Deal

Drilling pilot holes prevent things like wood splitting—but it can be an annoying process. One of the main features of the Kreg Quick-Flip attachment is that it marries a countersink pilot hole bit with a #2 square (Robertson-style) drive.

The Quick-Flip attachment is a two-piece system that lets you flip the system depending on the task at hand. The double-sided tool features a 1/4-inch hex shank that fits into the chuck of your drill. One side has a pilot hole drill bit and a 3/8-inch counterbore hole cutter. Flip the bit around, and you get a #2 square-drive bit designed to be used with compatible screws.

A Versatile Design

With this design, the Kreg KDRV-FLIP Quick-Flip bit could make it easier to create things like pocket hole joints or to face-join wood corners on your project. You can swiftly change between sides of the Quick-Flip using the quick-release housing for the double-ended insert, which inserts right into your favorite cordless drill/driver.

One neat feature is the integrated Allen wrench that protrudes from the 1/2-inch hex shank. Use it to swap out either bit when needed.

Additional Features

• Fits into any drill
• Ergonomic, easy-grip design
• Impact-rated
• Compatible with Kreg #2 square-drive screws

Price and Availability

The Kreg KDRV-FLIP Quick-Flip pilot hole and counterbore bit retails for $14.99 on the Kreg website and Acme Tools currently lists it for $12.99 at the time of writing.

Kreg Quick-Flip Specifications

• Model: KDRV-FLIP
• Weight: 0.12 lbs.
• Bit type: Driver
• Bit material: Bi-Metal
• Package depth: 0.88 in.

The post Kreg Quick-Flip Pilot Hole and Counterbore Bit KDRV-FLIP appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Every once in a while we get a sneak peek at a product that looks really innovative. Unfortunately, sometimes those cool products aren’t yet available in the USA. So while you can’t yet purchase the Milwaukee SDS+ Dust-Lok dustless drill bits in the States, we still want to tell you about them. These bits look similar to the Hilti Hollow Core Drill bits and Bosch Speed Clean bits. The conspicuous difference is that Milwaukee separates the dust collection head from the bits themselves. That means you can buy a full set without having to pay for the shaft and dust collection port each time.

It actually makes a whole lot of sense.

Milwaukee SDS+ Dust-Lok Dustless Drill Bits – The Big Deal

The line includes SDS+ drill bits ranging from 5mm-12mm. However, Milwaukee Dust-Lok SDS Plus bits feature a tool-free bayonet locking mechanism. The SDS Plus bits actually detach from the dust extractor collection portion of the bit. The main difference between this product and similar dustless drill bits like the Milwaukee SDS Max vacuum bits (aside from the bit size) is the inclusion of this separate Dust-Lok SDS-Plus adapter.

Like other hollow core drill bits, twin holes at the tip of the bit let the connected vac absorb dust right where it’s created. The dust extraction adapter fits all SDS+ rotary hammers, and the vacuum attachment should be compatible with most dust extractors. While it should work with the current line of Milwaukee M18 FUEL wet dry vacuums, we imagine Milwaukee Tool might have some dust extraction solutions coming before too long.

Milwaukee claims a 99% dust reduction when using the SDS+ Dust-Lok attachment system. The accessories are fairly certain to pass OSHA Table 1 compliance standards.

We don’t yet have any pricing and availability information on Milwaukee Dust-Lok bits. Still, we’re excited to see these new modular dustless SDS Plus bits when they eventually come to the North American market.

The post Milwaukee SDS+ Dust-Lok Dustless Drill Bits appeared first on Pro Tool Reviews.

Get Up To 20 Times Greater Bit Life With Ryobi Diamond Grit Impact Driver Bits

We’ve seen a lot of innovation on the accessory end of drills and impact drivers over the years. However, DIY and Prosumer brands tend to be a little quieter on that front, letting the premium professional brands make most of the noise. Ryobi Diamond Grit Impact Driver Bits are bucking that trend.

Ryobi Diamond Grit Impact Driver Bits | The Big Deal

The most obvious selling point of these bits is in the name—diamond grit. By adding a diamond grit coating to the top end of the bit, the tips are able to engage fasteners with more friction. According to Ryobi, the blend they use makes for twice the grip strength as standard bits. That means less cam out and damage to the fastener head.

Diamond grit bits have a feel akin to using a magnetic bit but with a more secure grip once it engages. That hard diamond grit is able to bite into the metal of the fastener, creating that stronger hold.

The diamond grit coating also adds to the overall life of each bit by hardening the tip—a common failure point in metal fastening. It improves as much as 20 times the life compared to standard bits.

While the bits are specifically designed to use in impact drivers, you can also use them in standard drills with no problem.

Options and Prices

There are several kits you can get your hands on that include Ryobi Diamond Grit Impact Driver Bits (other bit types do not have the diamond grit coating).

• A96501 (5) 1-inch #2 Phillips bits: $4.97
• A96502 (5) 2-inch #2 Phillips bits: $5.97
• A96301 (3) 3-inch #2 Phillips bits: $6.97
• A961203 2-inch 12-piece bit set (Diamond Grit Phillips, square, Torx, and slotted): $9.97
• A962203 1-inch 22-piece bit set (Diamond Grit Phillips, square, Torx, hex, and slotted): $9.97

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