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
