Twist Drills - Varying Quality?

[NarrowGauge]

Hi All

I would be pleased to hear any comments regarding the quality of twist drills in the smaller sizes, 0.5mm to 5mm. I am buying in the UK and generally drilling in brass and mild steel.

To date, I have bought 'unbranded' sets and replacement drills, as required and generally I have been quite satisfied. More recently, I have bought odd replacements, often now of a coated type, and have had them break and blunt quickly.

My thoughts now are to turn to branded names such as Dormer or Presto. They are usually considerably more expensive, but are they worth the additional cost?

I am not up to resharpening drills and dispose of them when blunt.

Any recommendations please for manufacturers and 'good value' suppliers?

Thanks
Dave.

[ron]

Dave
I bought a huge set of drills from Screwfix several years ago [Nos, letters and fractions], in general for the modest price they are excellent, reasonably accurate and only two duds, one was hardened but not tempered and literally shattered, the other was slightly distorted other than that no complaints considering what I paid for them. I've also bought 10 packs of common sizes from them in the past, again cheap and chuckable and no complaints.
Dormer used to be one of the best but I've no experience of what they're like now.
Ron

[gwrfan]

Hi Dave,

Have a read of this thread on drill bits and sharpening, and I'm sure you will find some useful information:

andpartington said:

Drill Bits

Geoff

[Tel]

Sutton, Frost or P&N are all good. The unbranded drills are a bit of a gamble - they range from 'utter rubbish' to 'quite good'

You should really take the time to learn to sharpen 'em tho'.

[chris vine]

Try J and L industrial supply.

They stock good branded makes and are excellent for price and delivery and not messing you around.

Chris.

[NarrowGauge]

Thanks to all who have replied. Will folow up some of the leads, sounds very much like you pays your money and takes your pick! I shall probably buy a few selected sizes produced by Dormer etc., and see what I think.

I also hope to go to 'The Fosse' next month, it will probably be a good place to see what's on offer?

Thanks

Dave.