Found out my $12 paddle bit was actually duller than a butter knife

I was drilling through some 2x4s for a deck project in my backyard in Cleveland and couldn't figure out why it was taking forever. Turns out I looked up a chart online that said a sharp paddle bit should cut through pine in under 5 seconds per hole, and mine was taking like 30. Checked the edge and it was all chipped up from hitting a nail last month. Anyone else ever just assume a bit is fine until you actually time it?

2 comments

2 Comments

mason36126d ago

Honestly the bigger issue nobody talks about is how fast those paddle bits lose their temper from the heat. I picked up a cheap set from a hardware store in Lakewood and the first one I used got so hot drilling through some pressure treated lumber that the edge basically softened up like clay. A butter knife comparison is generous because at least you can sharpen a butter knife. If you ever do have to go back and drill through old lumber with nails again, grab a Bosch Daredevil Spade Bit for the next one. The carbide tip on those holds up way better than standard paddle bits.

nelson.finley26d ago

Ditch the chart and trust your arm - if you've drilled long enough, you can feel when a bit is dragging. @mason361 makes a good point about heat ruining cheap steel, but that's on the user for not backing out to clear chips every few seconds.