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The Tool Shed - 3
3: A Rogers Drill bit set. The size of each drill bit in inches is
next to the drill bit number.
3
Right now I’m using a plastic index case for 61-80 drill bits
which are sold by Micro-Mark, ModelExpo, and others. These
consist of a slotted tray with a sliding cover. They typically cost
about $5 less than the circular cases, and I think they work
much better. The drill bits are held in slots by size and the slid-
ing cover lets you expose one drill bit at a time to remove it.
When new, the sliding cover tends to stay in place when you
set the case down, allowing you to put the used drill bit back in
the correct slot after use.
While the smaller drill bits can seem intimidating to use due to
their size, they are actually reasonably flexible and, as long as
you are careful and don’t apply too much downward pressure
while drilling, can last a reasonably long time if you are vigilant.
But regardless of how careful you are, you will end up break-
ing some of them. When building freight cars (such as resin
kits), the drill bits most often used tend to be the smallest drill
bits which are the ones most likely to break. Many years ago,
4: This is the sliding tray type of drill bit case that I use. I
don’t refer to drill bit numbers except when ordering them.
instead I select a drill bit by the size of hole I want to drill. So
I worked up the small chart which I taped to the sliding cover.
4
if I broke my only No. 80 drill bit, I’d substitute a larger No. 79.
It might result in a sloppy fit for a grab iron but at least it got
the job done. However, kit grab irons are usually formed from
.012” brass wire and so even a No. 80 is larger than needed. So,
using a No. 79 in lieu of a No. 80 isn’t an equivalent solution.
To deal with such expected issues, I finally invested in a stock
of extra drill bits in every size from 61 through 80. I purchased
mine online from Drill Bit City
. They
sell 6-piece packs of new HSS Drill Bits in sizes ranging from
80 to 61 and larger. (Small wire drill bits are under the link
for “High Speed Tools”. For example, item DBC-22180 is for a
package of 6 new No. 80 drill bits.) There are other suppliers
although you need to recognize that some outlets sell cheap
drill bits which aren’t properly sharpened—although they
MRH-Mar 2013
