Customer Reviews

Irwin Industrial Tools 3018002 29-Piece Cobalt M-35 Metal Index Drill Bit Set with Case

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

I took on the project of building my new shop. I've made numerous purchases and saw the Irwin Cobalt drill bits. It was as close to an impulse purchase as I've made, and I quickly regretted my decision as the set was pretty expensive. I figured that when they came in if I didn't like them I could return them.

Well they came in and I was very impressed with the quality and sharpness of the bits. This is by far the BEST set of bits I have ever owned.

If you compare the costs of 'throw-away' drill bits, and then figure the frustration of having busted small bits...then look no further than this Irwin set.

It is worth it.

Got these bits a couple of weeks ago to replace a 20+ year old Craftsman set. The first thing I noticed was the heft of the assortment; same number of bits as the Craftsman, but considerably heavier. Have mainly used a couple of the larger ones on a cast iron grill; they chewed through like it was pine. Have used some of the smaller bits to drill out rusted bolts. You only need to watch the metal filings pile up to know they're doing their job. Haven't used any on wood; seems like overkill and my older ones do fine for those. I only wish the storage box had a more positive lock mechanism. But I do like its bright size markings (sure beats stamped metal, which I can never read in weak light). All in all, I'm very pleased, and the price was GREAT!.

I know Cobalt (both M-35 and M-42) are way more expensive than regular HSS drills, but if you've got exotic metals or steel to drill it's like night and day. I wouldn't go back to HSS except for wood and maybe aluminum after this!

After several use drilling 3/8" mild steel I noticed that I already have several bits with chipped ends. These bits get dull quickly too.

Made in China.

Would not buy again.

I finally splurged and bought cobalt bits. Until now I would need to stop, sharpen, then get started again. I used these to drill out siezed 5/8" bolts from a 60 year old tractor front axle.... worked like a charm.

Bought this several months ago and have used it a lot more than I thought I would. Very sturdy case. Bits have gone through anything and everything I have put them on (wood, metal and plastic). Should last a long time. No pilot point. Set is sold as Hanson, but Irwin is the packaging.

HAVE USED THE 1/4 IN BIT ABOUT 3 TIMES AND IT IS ALREADY SHOWING SIGNS OF DULLING. VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF THE BITS THUS FAR. WOULD NOT PURCHASE AGAIN .

Over 40 years I have purchased approx. 15 sets of drill bits for my husband. I finally decided that the old saying "You get what you pay for" rings true regarding this drill bit set. My son-in-law purchased a Dewalt 1/2 " drive (heavy duty) drill for my husband for Christmas. Using both products together really got the job done. He has used the bits to drill through 2 1/2 inch pipe to create a
"portable" corral/loading area for out cattle. These products drilled through the thick steel materials like butter. He also drilled a hole through 1/2 swedish (hardened) steel with no "wandering of the bit" when starting the hole, it cut the normal time by about 75% (he would normally go through 2 or 3 bits that would dull or break before it would get the job done)total frustration!. This is an excellent investment that you should happily purchase as a very generous gift for the man in your life. It's always nice to see your husband happy the gift you have purchased for him, not like shirts or ties, a real investment in making his work easier for him.

A "Ranchers Wife"

After looking around at several big box stores and not being able to find a decent set of bits, I went to Amazon and found these Cobalt alloy bits. I checked out Irwin's web site and noticed the line "suitable for drilling armor".
These drills are pricey but worth every cent.
When they arrived I decided to test them out. I drilled a 9/64" hole in the shank of my old sets 1/2" bit. Not a problem! Bit not only drilled the hole throwing chips of steel off but never got hot. This old set was from Northern Tool and was advertised as "Titanium coated.
Would give them more than 5 stars if allowed.

R

I have never had any good quality bits before. All I have ever owned were the cheap $20.00 sets from walmart etc. Cobalt bits are the way to go if you are drilling any kind of metal. These bits require no effort at all to cut through steel. I would recommend this product to anyone needing to drill metal