Best Step Drill Bit? Let's find out! DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Irwin, Diablo, Makita, Bauer, TEMO
Vložit
- čas přidán 14. 06. 2020
- Step drill bits tested: DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee Shockwave, Temo, Bosch Turbo, Lenox VB8, Hercules, Diablo, Irwin, Klein, Harbor Freight Drillmaster, Neiko, and Bauer. Step drill bits tested for speed and durability using mild and medium hardness steel. In the ultimate test for quality and brawn, the top 7 brands of unibits tested on AR400 armor plating. Speed and durability compared to a DeWalt and Bosch drill bit (twist drill).
➡ Thank you very much for supporting the channel: / projectfarm
➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: www.Project-Farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
DeWalt: amzn.to/2QhvwKh
Makita: amzn.to/3hrSaLW
Milwaukee Shockwave: amzn.to/2EaW3GV
Temo: amzn.to/2EjkgKQ
Bosch Turbo: amzn.to/2EqBFkH
Lenox VB8: amzn.to/2QeFsUQ
Hercules: bit.ly/2Ym6Apz
Diablo: amzn.to/2EeoL9V
Irwin: amzn.to/3hewini
Klein:amzn.to/31czjiy
Harbor Freight Drillmaster:
Neiko: amzn.to/2Qdj5iU
Bauer: bit.ly/3l7xZpc
For Twist Drill Comparison:
DeWalt: amzn.to/2Eqy324
Bosch drill bit: amzn.to/3htbEjH
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/31aince
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC - Jak na to + styl
The quality difference between the various brands is rather surprising. I thought they would be more evenly matched. Thanks to everyone for helping support the videos through your generous Patreon support. www.patreon.com/projectfarm. I look forward to reading your comments and video ideas. Thanks again!
Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order): Step drill bits:
DeWalt: amzn.to/2QhvwKh
Makita: amzn.to/3hrSaLW
Milwaukee Shockwave: amzn.to/2EaW3GV
Temo: amzn.to/2EjkgKQ
Bosch Turbo: amzn.to/2EqBFkH
Lenox VB8: amzn.to/2QeFsUQ
Hercules: bit.ly/2Ym6Apz
Diablo: amzn.to/2EeoL9V
Irwin: amzn.to/3hewini
Klein:amzn.to/31czjiy
Harbor Freight Drillmaster:
Neiko: amzn.to/2Qdj5iU
Bauer: bit.ly/3l7xZpc
Have you ever thought about putting your spirit animal on your merchandise?? Or an animal you like that represents you?
You remind me of a Steve I met in the past.
Maybe take the winners and beat them till the no-longer drill? That's my usual issue with step bits only get a handful of holes out of them.
Cannot believe how quick the dewalt went though it all compeared to the others. It was actually for once in a while a shock as I expected diablo to well. I cant deny though I bought some of those HHS dewalt bits you tested. I'm mightily impressed
@@CrazyBikerGuy I thought diablo would walk off with it so it blew me away too.
I could be watching Netflix,twitch,tv,or even a DVD,but I'm here,watching absolute great quality content.
Thank you very much!
Absolutely amazing content. I work at a automotive/hardware store and you are the reason I can stay properly informed on what I’m selling. Don’t stop.
Lol agreed, I honestly dont know too much about drill bits but here I am for some reason :)
That's exactly what I'm saying.
I actually closed Netflix and endet up on this channel yet again. And I don't even own step drills, nor am I planning to get one any time soon
Only Project Farm can make a 15min video about drill bits and keep millions of people interested.
Thank you very much! I had a LOT of fun testing these! Amazing how much brand matters!
I use these everyday in HVAC and was super excited to see this video pop up in my inbox!
Indeed 👍
Honestly, that felt like 5 minutes max!
I’ve sworn by that dewault unibit for years, I feel so validated thanks to your hard work! 😁
You're so welcome!
Do they last long ?
Validation is awesome. Reminds me of when I _finally_ met a guy wearing the same KN95 brand as mine.
@@josueguillen5053 The vid demonstrated it handling armor plating pretty well... If you can go into a tank with it, I think it'll do pretty well in durability =)
@@josueguillen5053 yeah, they're the best ones out there
You just cannot get this kind of information anywhere else but here. What a wonderful channel you have sir. I was in testing at the F.D.O.T. for more than 30 years and have to tell you that your testing techniques are spot on. Excellent information.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Yeah, is like the Comsumer Reports of useful/handyman items.
Consumer. Fat fingered on my phone.
@@ProjectFarm - im still praising you for the battery test and showing how pathetic china made batteries are. that was first video of yours i've seen. you are like the most useful CZcams channel on CZcams. we actually gain real and usuable knowledge...
sides that lol.. see now i can go ahead and consider paying 40 bucks for one bit...like 4 ounces of steel for 40 bucks lmao... thats a hard one for me to swallow and i needed see wtf it cost that much for.
i don't have a drill press. they are too stationary for me. i always need a drill on hand. not at a central location and i commonly making random holes where i need one. so a drill press just doesn't fit my usual need for a drill. so but im hoping that a bit like this is ok to use in a regular hand drill.
oh and hey LOL.. i had no idea how important it is for a slow rpm until i bought a ceramic bit to put just 4 bolt holes into a bathroom sink that i was making. never tried drilling through ceramic or porcelain befor... dude. i made one F'ING hole and half way through the second hole.. the bit was demolitioused. boy i was pissed. at that rate, i would of need to have bought 4 bits and spent 50 bux on them dam bits. i seen on the back of the bit package to use lower rpm's for this material...i didn't have a clue that fast rpm's was actually very bad for the bit and does not speed up the drilling what so ever...yeah i seen that after the first hole an the bit was mostly F'D!!! lol..
live and learn or simply come get educated on this handy stuff...AT YOUR CHANNEL! :)
THANKS for all your extra extra...extra work you put into this.
oh and btw... i never bought any step bits befor and i would of likely tried the cheapest first and likely..very likely would of got a bad taste in my mouth to try any others. now i know..yeah..they work but you need to go straight to the 30+ dollar range from the start.
thanks bud :)
I saw a fellow at the "supercenter" buying a car battery. I asked if he had seen your videos and he was a big fan. Auto dept manager said he was a fan, too! You have a large following in North Alabama!
Thank you very much!
That's really cool. I have been watching him for a few years now, and it is great how popular he has become. It is totally deserved.
Dude, I'm in Brazil and I'm a big fan as well!! LOL
I asked the guy in a San Antonio, TX Costco's tire department where the Kirkland oil was & he asked me if I'd seen the Project Farm CZcams oil Comparison. I said to him "Sir..... I'm a subscriber to the Channel".
Same here in Northern Wisconsin! Everyone I know says they love the videos
His loyalty and honesty is on another level. Respect and honour from Pakistan.
Thanks so much!
This comment, is one of the nicest I've seen on YT. That being said, my fellow American's don't seem to take pride in such anymore, but would seem to hug one another just to stab them in the back. I agree wholeheartedly, and think we need more instilled in our children, as opposed to current annoying, and seemingly morally and ethically corrupt generation of runts. Thank you, for the hope you've given.
@@ProjectFarm keep up the great work
@@UnityThroughTruth if you want to fix the new generation of kids you should've started by talking about the parents but no just blame some kids that had bad parents
@@ryukobestwaifu3319 I know right?, Seems like the people complaining about the youth so much are usually people that raised monsters lol. People talk about the dissolution of the american family, and I can attest to that. My family dissolved into alcoholism and denial, and I'm certainly suffering as a result.
Before people talk about the annoying, morally and ethically corrupt generation of runts.. How many children have you (NightOwlAnon) fostered successfully, or are you a school teacher? oh, none, and you are not a teacher.. then you are actually only contributing to the problem you are complaining about. Seems a bit hypocritical if I do say so.
I'm not saying that it's bad to point out problems that you can't/won't fix yourself, I'm saying you should not blame the runts themselves. It's rarely their fault lol.
Back to the topic at hand. Project Farm content is the best! Thank you for instilling positive, constructive tendencies in our youth, and the rest.
For the price, Hercules did surprisingly well. I think where step bits shine is for clean holes in sheet metal.
Thanks for the feedback.
I was really curious about this because I thought maybe I just had a unicorn step bit in my Hercules bit that has lasted me ages and hundreds of holes drilled. I've gotten massive ROI from it 😂. I use oil basically every time I use it, even with aluminum so maybe that is why, but I definitely didn't expect it to last more than a few months and I'm going on a few years now with it
I did HVAC duct cleaning for a while about 30 years ago and we used Uni-Bit step bits, which are now made by Irwin. I think they may have been a brand unto their own at the time, but I don't remember for sure. I drilled through many a sheet metal air duct with them, and they worked great and seemed to never dull. Thin material is where they really shine, and sheet metal is probably their home turf. They leave clean edges free of burrs, that don't cut you the instant you touch them. Really useful for their intended purpose.
Hey Man, I really enjoy all your testing videos. I especially appreciate that you make sure that your testing methods are consistent throughout the test procedure. This is like a Consumer Reports for technicians. Thanks!
Thanks!
Agreed! 👌😎👍
“This is my step drill, I’ve never met my real drill.”
you stole that comment
Aldrin W that's why he put it in quotes dipshit
It so sad when good drills go bad...
Dont panic, it's only a drill.
What are you doing step bit?
It is SO DANG REFRESHING seeing such well controlled tests on CZcams. And with excellent production & narration?? Grateful for your content!
Thanks so much!
Ditto.
Love your channel man! Having recently started my plumbing/hvac career I find your channel to be invaluable. Before I make ANY tool purchases I always come here to see if you have a video about it. Thank you!
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing.
Another great video. Having used the Unibit brand for my career as an Electrician I found that using a standard twist drill for a pilot hole worked very well. Usually, the tip would wear out while the rest of the bit would last forever. Take care.
6:32 Here's an interesting plot idea: do a scatter plot, time versus price. That way we can easily see which one's overpriced and which one's a bargain. Would be nice to see this in future episodes.
Endurance is important too though.
Good idea buddy
Thinking the same thing!
Great suggestion!
@@CaffeinatedTech Well, you can plot anything against cost, really.
I am from Russia and we do not even have all those brands here, but I keep watching your videos because they are so relaxing and well made!
Thank you so much!
And as you saw, you dont need them. Makita and Bosch are fine in price and performence and you cant buy them in russia.
@@kofsomething You must have been watching some other video because that sure isn't what I saw.
Great analysis, but I feel most tradesmen use these bits for hole enlargement on existing holes or thin sheet metal. I don’t feel the bits were tested in their wheelhouse of enlargement of existing holes.
The nature of the bit itself is that every single step is testing enlargement of the hole in the previous step. You gotta learn how to extrapolate results and apply them to your own needs bud
I use these bits any possible way I can. They’re throw away bits so I buy harbor freight and move on with my life.
Thanks again for another educational, and eye opening video. I always thought step drill bits were those 'when you have nothing else usable' type bits. Of course that was based on my experience with HF units. However, I now see there is a major difference between brands and prices paid. You are fast becoming the go to for product testing in my book. Keep up the good, no, great work and thanks again.
Thanks, will do!
Bro, i dont know how you can make money(except patreon) without any sponsorship from any of these brands, you work so hard in each and every one of your videos and spend so much of your time making them, you are so straight forward, never had to skip any of your videos because they are so straight forward and tells only the things that everyone need to know unlike some youtubers who talks s**t for half of the videos and most of the time irreverent. Love your videos, why arent you one of the top 5 youtubers is beyond my imagination. Also how you react with the viewers is rare with most of the youtubers. Love from Bangladesh.
Thanks for sharing!
I think you said what many people here think and feel too awkward to say in these terms 😆
@@johnnyjimj im not that good in English so i just spoke my mind 😅
He make money by posting Videos on CZcams, every 100K views is about $200 or more, And then Patreon. This videos as of this time has 300K views, which is about $600+ in one day.
I'm super Glad he does not shill out and take a sponsorship!
@@ProjectFarm Might sound weird, but I'd be interested in a video dedicated to showing how adamant you are about not accepting sponsorships. I'm sure companies hound you all the time and aren't keen on taking 'no' for an answer. Also maybe companies trying to refute or argue with your findings.
Of course this is assuming that such things are actually a reality.
Tool Manufacturers: Makes a claim about anything.
Project Farm: We're gonna test that.
Thanks for watching!
@@ProjectFarm You really gotta make some merch with that quote. Shirts, coffee mugs, you name it.
@@HyakuJuu01300 Why does everything have to go on a tshirt or coffee mug?
Tool Manufacturers: *SWEATS PROFUSELY
They legit just slap 2X the strength, industry best, fastest on the market. There needs to be some more enforcement for deceptive advertising
I have found with several of your videos that you don’t know you need a tool until you see it tested and that has been a great benefit to me. The step drill and the hand powered ratchet videos were very helpful in making choices.
Thanks for sharing!
This is, hands-down, the most helpful CZcams channel for weighing a purchase of a tool or product! Thank you!
Thank you very much! It means a lot to me
I always drill a pilot hole before using the step drill, saves the tip.
This is good advice anytime you're using a larger drill bit.
Sorta how you're suppose to use it. Drill a pilot then use a step bit to drill to size. Usually better used for fabrication
Yeah - you’re not supposed to use a step drill without a pilot hole. Manufacturers actually state that. I think he should redo the test.
“Just the tip, and only for a minute” -AVe
I wish I had piloted before using my step bit last weekend. Incredibly awkward position in a cargo hold trying to drill through an aluminum bracket. Thought it was stainless steel given the time and effort before the bit got started
I wonder how many videos this cat has made and decided it wasn’t good enough for posting? Think about it...this guy puts in some work.
Great point! There have been more than a handful that didn't work out or weren't up to the standards I expect. Thanks again!
@@BruceLortzHI ditto
@@BruceLortzHI I agree that would make a cool playlist, but a serious stamp this channel leaves is its accuracy and unbiased opinions. By doing that it would hurt the channel overall. Mabye he could do a second less serious channel where he just does casual comparisons?
We want bloopers 😆
@@ProjectFarm How about a blooper reel one of these days?
Love your reviews. Please don't EVER go mainstream and stay independent🙏. You're by far the best most honest, trustworthy review channel I've ever seen! Keep up the great work good sir!
Thanks, will do!
Dude, I absolutely love your channel, thanks for these tests !
Thanks and you are welcome!
Some industry insider info: In 99% of cases these "titanium" coatings are not TiN titanium nitride or really anything other than decorative gold colored plating. In the beginning, and still on most CNC tooling but not on retail market options anymore, this was a real coating with a measurable effect. For reference, the cost for us to TiN or TiALN through chemical vapor deposition a bit this size is similar cost to making the bit itself. Now in its fake form, it's essentially just a marketing ploy and a way the manufacturer or brand doesn't have to advertise the base material, people see Titanium and think it's made from titanium. Using quality M2 HSS or M35/M42 cobalt is expensive, using one of the lesser grades plentiful in CN and slapping this coating on it is the go to move among almost everyone now.
Astro's not found much in retail, so i understand why our 9442 step drills were not included, but it would be interesting to see for sure since we've done very similar tests here.
Cool info. Do you have a retail division or do you sell to consumer in any capacity?
Given how many bits seem to have the "gold" come off after a couple holes even just into wood I'm not surprised.
@@TheConstantComet I buy most of my astro stuff off amazon, pretty good quality and also nice to see astro talking to their end users here and on garage journal.
@@TheConstantComet We don't sell into retail storefronts. But most of the people we sell to also offer on Amazon, so that's how most people find us.
So it's effectively false advertising. Where's a good chemist when ya need one?
The 2nd test reminded me of being a kid when your cheapo drill bits hit some actually serious steel for the 1st time
Right. Thinking what kind of damn metal is this
I finally got some Mac branded bits (expensiver than frig but warrantied for life) and i haven’t ever been happier, cobalt makes short work of even the nastiest steels.
@@likeaboss882 send him one i need to see it against the DeWalt.
Thanks for that. I do hvac for a living and use step bits a lot. I recently had to buy a replacement and was overwhelmed at the choices. This helps a lot.
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
As always, top notch video! Always find myself spending probably way too much time watching your videos but you gave helped us DIY'ers out a ton on choosing the right tools for the job! Thanks!
You are welcome!
Your testing and reviews are always top notch.
Thank you very much!
Uncle Bud’s Cookhouse agreed
Yep, the best!
Todd, I bet that you drove your science teacher nuts with questions. Again great job!
They are always a step above the rest
You should test different brands of impact drivers or drills.
Great suggestion!
@@ProjectFarm if you do, the usa made dewalt 1/4 drive 20 volt better win! dam it.
omar delgado Makita Sub Compacts
I like this suggestion a lot since everyone is so biased to their "special tools". In my experience though, most of them work pretty well for most people. I use Dewalt tools, most of my buddies swear by Milwaukee. They refuse to agree that both brands are good at what they do.
I have watched other channels to testing, but this is the only channel I would truly trust at the end of the day with the results. Keep up the great work!
the chinese ones are made of plastic, i swear, they snap over anything.
Thank you for testing and compairing so many shop related items.
I’m a avid Milwaukee user and swear by it but dewalt takes the cake when it comes to their drill bit holder, extensions, step bit, and drill bits. I hate most black and yellow stuff but gotta give them their credit when it’s due
Thanks for the feedback.
Would you rate dewalt drill bits over the Milwaukee red hex impact bits? Dewalt don't seem to make a complete set of metric impact bits, it's a nightmare trying to find them
Dewalt has always been my go-to for bits and accessories.
Trying to settle on a good Battery Powered Tool Family so I don't have a fustercluck of different chargers.
Seriously pondering Milwaukee...
"Help me step bit, I'm stuck!"
What are you doing step bit bro?
I guess you got to hit the step bit form the front
Looked for this comment to upvote. Shows how immature we are. xD
I didnt see this
The fact that PF likes this makes it even funnier
You know it's a bad day when.."A CEO comes in and learns his product was just tested on Project Farm and their BS marketing claims were proved to be BS"..🤣
A bad day indeed., for the B-S marketing claims. Project Farm put's another notch in his belt. I'm thinking, he's gonna need another belt, real soon. LOL!!!
RIGHT!
same as LockPickingLawyer's channel, you can tell a lock is good or bad by the video length
@@vdml I follow that as well. CZcams testers more or less make commercials obsolete for those that use.
@@stanwooddave9758 don't give him any ideas haha. Next thing you know he will be testing leather punches for putting notches in belts.
This was amazing 👏 thank you! I was thinking I needed a step bit to cut through some steel, but after watching this I don't need move beyond the titanium bits that I have. The slow speed is something I learned! Appreciate the video!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I was really suprised how much I liked the tension build up, waiting for the initial bit to go trough (or not) and later the speed at which the bits will go from the initial step to all the way trough. Really nice test, really entertaining as well!
Thanks!
Wow, as a car audio installer, I've been using HF step drils for years. But it looks like I'm gonna have to bit the bullet and purchase some Dewalt step drills. I think this has to be the most definitive video you've ever produced.
Switch to the Neiko a while back and they last way longer than the Horrible Freight ones. Not going to buy Dewalt and such because we use them in stainless steel and so far it eats up every brand.
I was installing equipment in emergency vehicles and used the HF cobalt step bits regularly in stainless with good results. I think it's telling that it was able to perform very well at half the price of the DeWalt, even if it wasn't the fastest
Don’t throw the HF in the trash. Wait for them to break then buy the good stuff.
@@ShawnDickens SS is a bitch. I would love to see these bits in SS at different grades.
@@fillmorehillmore8239 I suggested it as a test for him to make a video
I love how this is like watching a sporting event with commentary
Thanks!
It’s far better, no bad refs and flopping
Its his delivery that seals it! Such a smooth vocal cadence combined with a no-nonsense delivery. Watching right before bedtime is almost a meditative act!
You'd probably like, though might not think so at first, MARBLE RACING videos. They have great sporting event commentary too, and it's way better than it sounds.
Absolutely love all your videos,buying good tools never got so easy,I will gives you a big thumbs up on each videos
Great video - thank you for doing this! I use two types in my garage; Harbor Freight's straight-flute Drillmaster and their spiral flute Hercules. I am amazed at how long the inexpensive Drillmaster bits last! I typically start the hole with a 1/8" bit. Both step bits work well for my needs but the spiral flute Hercules ones are drill press only - much too aggressive for a hand held drill.
Thanks! Thanks for sharing.
Bro, just found your channel…. Awesome job on these man, no bs just spitting out the facts to inform the workforce. Appreciate you!
Thanks and you are welcome!
This channel rocks. about as accurate and unbiased as one can be.
Thank you very much!
i agree
Been following you for years, I've never needed a step bit literally until today and bam... you post this. Love your work, man!
Awesome! Thank you!
He’s watching you
@@supermoon1430 😂
He really has good timing, no?
It' s him and Google
I always knew I needed ( yes “needed”, rather than buy new) a drill bit sharpener. I just didn’t realize the difference between all the different brands. Amazing!
Thanks for the feedback.
THANK YOU for preforming these tests! Verrry informative
Thanks and you are welcome!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I see tool commercials on television all the time. With how great and accurate your tests are pretty soon we're going to see commercials that are going to be saying 'this tool is Project Farm approved'
Unlikely, he goes out of his way to remain unsponsored. He probably spends as much time telling tool companies no as he does making videos.
Thank you!
Man, i whish I can give a hundred thumbs up. You have informed so many of my decisions on what to buy. Thanks again
Glad to hear! Thanks for watching.
Same here
Agree, Project Farm is priceless.
Thanks for continuing to make great, useful content!
What a breath of fresh air! Systematic reviews without hype. THANK YOU very much! Awesome site.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Before I go to the hardware store to get a tool or tape,glue,ECT. I always watch videos from project farm thinking that il just se what product is best, but due to his professionalism, well thought out videos, and how he gives products a equal chance, I end up watching the whole video. None of the products he proved superior have give out on me yet under frequent use. Thanks Project Farm!
Glad to hear! Thanks for watching.
Especially the windshield wiper video!
Some jobs just require a step bit, like enlarging a hole in thinner materials.
Great point
Yep ... about 1/8" or less is where they really come through.
You could use a hole saw in a hole saw, high speed low pressure.
By that I mean if your arbor has long enough threads you can put on a larger hole saw first with a second smaller one inside for the pilot bit. Smaller one would be the same size as the old hole and the larger would be the desired size.
I always just used drill bits and step them up never invested in a nice set of step bits
I normally use a drill bit to start/penetrate then a step drill to do the "work"
I had a few of those DeWalt step bits at work and i can tell you they're impressive.
For sure the Best Buy and performance
I’m sure you get enough of that but you are the only person to get me to sign up for patreon. You really are doing a service to us DIYers and I can’t support you enough!
Awesome! Thanks!
"it's got a 5 star Amazon review. Builders swear by it. I've heard that God uses it. It's made from actual unicorn horn."
"I don't care. What does Project Farm have to say about it?"
Depends on the health of the unicorn....and penis size 👍
@@hauntedhose lol
@@hauntedhose 😂😂😂
TRUTH!!!
Yes! I routinely check project farm comparisons for consumable tools!
Great channel and I have bought several tools on the back of your show and never once regretted it.
Thanks!
I've never bought or used a step drill bit and probably would have bought the Diablo if I had not seen your video since I like the brand and they usually perform very well. Your videos save people time and money. I think this is one of the best channels on the internet. Good work.
Thanks so much!
I like the myth busters approach of “well let’s see what goes through armor plate”
Thanks for the feedback.
Where you going love....just popping out to get some armour plate....ok could you stop and grab some milk too love.....ok
@Top Dead Center You're a special sort of idiot. The type that's not even good for a laugh...
Top Dead Center do you also think the earth is flat ?
@Top Dead Center It was still more effort than you're worth. As was this. As would a single erg be.
I have used Temo for a while doing electrical work and saw very quickly they were far better than Milwaukee and even diablo. Never saw Dewalt in stock but it's nice to see I always chose the best bit after watching these tests.
I was very surprised to see TEMO perform so well!
@@ProjectFarm Bought Temo a few years ago when doing some trailer repair to see if real Cobalt would make a difference vs the $9 for a 3-pack step bits at the store. As you've proven here there is a huge difference, nice to see personal experiences mirrored in your tests!
I love the very nature of your personality and how you conduct your tests. Such a great channel! I personally think it's a bad idea to use a step drill in anything too thick, I'd rather use a bit that i can step up in size, but in so doing I'm using a bit that I can sharpen easily. In my youth I was employed as a machinist, but never formally trained. My first employer was 83 years old and could work circles around my 16 years of youth. He taught me early on how to sharpen a drill bit by hand, which is a skill that I use to this day. I'd take a crappy sharp bit over an expensive dull one any day.
Again, love your channel.
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
Glad you did this comparison. I am in need of a step bit for drilling through container lids for my fermentation processes. Great information.
Thanks!
this man is a saint, his processes are great in execution and I've never seen another youtube do reviews with such dedication to the scientific method
Thanks so much
Attaboys are unimportant in a way, but on here they seem to be more relevant and necessary, despite your humility so, ATTABOYEE!!!
I would have loved to see a test that showed how cleanly the bits cut plastic and thin materials.
I have Milwaukee so its all I can comment on, but they leave a fantastic clean hole while with a nice chamfer on plastics and thin metals. I've use on mild steel, aluminum, and 304 stainless sheets amongst various plastic with great results.
Great feedback. Thank you!
Agreed, I'd love to see a followup to this one, testing them on thinner materials. Perhaps the less aggressive straight flute design would cause less pulling and difficulty of control on thin sheet or more delicate materials...
that wouldve been too easy... even with the 7 dollar bit!
Yep
Great video. I find step bits very useful and have numerous in my collection. But, I never started a hole using a step bit. Since the have a cleaner cut, I always used a standard twist bit to get close and finish with a step bit. Now that I see the Dewalt step is good performer, I'll have to get one.
Barry
I always drill a pilot hole before using my step bits. But I also dont use a drill press, so it is an accuracy thing.
I would love to see a test done with all the bits having a pre-drilled guide hole. For my job unibits are often one of the easiest ways to expand a hole in stainless steel due to limitations, and a guide hole is no big ask for that.
Thanks for the suggestion.
I was wondering the same thing. Punching through is a very different cutting action than once you get your flutes in that start "peeling out" the walls of the hole.
Yes same here. A step bit's greatest utility is in expanding holes, particularly in thin material. Punching the initial hole is mostly a function of the tip design, and not entirely necessary anyway as it's easily done with a regular twist bit.
It is the recommended way to do it. The test criteria is out of the typical use case. So, not very well thought out.
Yup, I never start holes with a step(aside from some of the more specialized ones with a tip designed for it), do my best to make them last a reasonably long time. Use the cheap twist drills where tool abuse is necessary, lol.
Id love to see different taps. break one off and there goes your afternoon.
Edit: possibly twist shear strength. Hardness. And sharpness (torque to cut the threads).
Thanks for the video idea.
Cost is literally quality in machine tools but on a budget the Irwin are good for a hole or two the cmt from fastenal also hold up fairly well
gotta love how you make yourself semi-laugh when you read each companies claims
Trademark Project Farm!!!
Thanks for watching.
Great video as usual. And like many on here have already said, thanks for taking the time to make these.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Since I'm going out to buy a step bit today the first thing and most important thing to do is see if project farm has done any testing. Luckily for me he has. Thank you!
You are welcome!
Electrician here: I use that 3 pack of harbor freight step bits all the time with the 1/4 inch hex where it chucks into the drill. I thank you for your time and efforts. I use the carbide hole saws for conduit connectors into boxes, simply no substitute for them. I'll give that dewalt step bit a try. thank you, I watch every video you make... every one of them!
Thanks for sharing!
which brand of the carbide do you use? I see some really expensive one. are the cheaper ones any good?
@@ProjectFarm now you have to test the carbide tipped ones lol!
You may want to look into Greenlee hole saws and sawsall blades. I too am an Electrician and have found that currently they make the best. You may want to get a bottle of thread cutting fluid. As in the video high pressure slow speed is the way to go. Most importantly do not loan out anything. It will get broken, lost or stolen there by killing your production..
@@davidsawyer1599 In my experience Lennox makes the best hole saws, I like greenlees carbides though
I think this is a very unbiased test, and shows the capability of the bits. I believe these bits belong in mild steel and not much else. There maybe some improvement in bit performance and longevity of the bits with cooling and lubrication, as heat maybe contributing to the destruction of the chisels and disrupting the bit's progression through the material. Regardless, unbiased testing, and very good work.
Thanks so much!
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE RESEARCH VIDEOS YOU MAKE!
You are welcome!
Farm Project, your testing on the furnace filters left me undecided!
I need a project farm shopping app.
Many times I've been in Walmart, home Depot, auto parts store and have referenced your videos before a purchase. I don't need to spend more time in store watching CZcams. I need to get to work.
If I could quickly select a category and view your graphs, that would be fantastic.
I've actually made an excel spreadsheet with all of the categories and listed the top two from each so that when I need to buy something PF has tested I know exactly what to buy.
@@roaddog1973 could I have it?
@@roaddog1973 could you share this magical spread sheet please? Would make my shopping go so much faster.
Chris Rohde please share!
Chris Rohde might as well start a web page or something. Could be lucrative!
I can't believe the timing of this video, I was just looking into buying a step drill bit for my work. unbelievable, you are awesome. thanks for sharing.
Great timing! Thank you
😕 Dang! Bought a different brand yesterday! 💸
Brian Sullivan same I would only use them for thin plastics, & sheet metal, anything thicker just stick with a drill bit.
@@gus473 Me too! Might have to try and return and go for the dewalt
Awesome ! We use the step bits in the door industry. Like others stated, I pre drill and then use the step bit to fit my needs. You can definitely see the difference in quality with the ones that can actually drill through that steel without it being pre drilled!
Thanks! Thanks for the feedback.
I find myself referring back to your channel prior to making tool purchases. This resource is a library of good information.
Thanks! Glad I can help!
There is a reason why I prefer using twist drills. They really work when they are M42 bits. But when you want to just have a bit or two the step bits rule. Now I know which one to buy. Thank you for testing the step bits. You really did an amazing job with your setups. Keep on making videos for me to watch. Good day and peace too. VF
Thanks so much!
I wish they made drills with straight flutes like a step drill, twist drills tendency to auto feed causes no end of problems for me, just as they break through they bind and snap off, and if it's a soft metal, or the hole is too close to the size of the bit it binds and snaps off.
@@lovotcore6946 they do, but you have to drill a pilot hole first. They're called a reamer , yeah yeah I know, but they are still a type of drill and straight fluted too. Hmm might try sharpening one up and try it out.
@@lovotcore6946 You can get drills with all kinds of geometries. The usual is an up-cutting spiral flute. There are also straight flute and down cutting spiral flute drills (the down-cutting bit helps with your problem but tends to pack deep holes with the swarf.) In addition, the point of a drill has an angle and you can get drills with typically 118degree or 135 degree points. There are several other parts of drill geometry that can be varied, too, to suit your application.
@@kezzatries Let me know if that works, reamers usually have several cutting surfaces, which would make it more difficult to get a drill point on one, also usually don't have very much gullet since they are supposed to finish a hole, not make one, so they likely will have problems getting rid of the chips.
When I hear, "When it comes to..." It always puts a smile on my face
Thank you very much!
Fantastic I’ve wondered which design was best love your videos and appreciate the time and money you put into them!
Thanks!
This is probably the most useful channel on youtube for my interests.
That Makita offset in the Chuck, drilling through the mild steel, was ridiculous.
I'm a machinist. I cringed..
He had it chucked improperly. The hex shaft was all over the place. User error.
@@240sxRule same... I squinted and put my hand in front of my face as if I were expecting it come out of the chuck, fling across the shop, through the camera, out of my monitor, and hit me in the eyes.
Glad I wasn’t the only one who noticed it!
You never cease to amaze me with how you do your experiments. I love that you do all this stuff in the name of science in a fashion that just about any guy with a garage could do. I enjoy how you always rig up a way to measure results and to have a level playing field for each competitor. I'd like to see you do a video where you just talk about how you come up with your experiments and follow the scientific method. I really appreciate your work.
Great suggestion. Thanks!
I really enjoy how you test these tools. Got to the bottom of whether more expensive is really better. I also appreciate you comparing the two finalists. I will stop buying Lenox bits just because. Thank you for spending your money and time to demonstrate the best step bit.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Ty I use step bits for work all the time, this really helps on my next purchase!
Happy to help!
Also, have you ever done a video comparing just plain old sandpaper? I think the flap disc one is about the closest I've seen, and it would be some _crazy_ useful information.
I have not yet tested sandpower but I need to do so soon. Excellent recommendation!
@@ProjectFarm Make sure you include some Klingspor products in the test!
Add festool sandpaper to the list pls
Would be greatly beneficial to have an online catalog where one might be able to search for specific products you've tested. Not too long ago I was at harbor freight trying to remember which tire pump you used that was better than its peer group; I did get the right one.
As usual, thorough testing. Great work.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Outstanding video. Agreeing with the other comments and applaud your method of control. I feel like I'm in my materials course again in college and setting up experiments in the labs. Well done.
Thanks and you are welcome!
I love that this one machining channel has such open and flat scientific rigor. Much more refreshing than some channels putting to random things against eachother with no controls.
Thanks for watching.
Thanks Project Farm, once again you knocked it out of the park with another unbiased testing video. You perform a great public service by helper us consumers purchase the best product for the money. God Bless.
Thank you very much!
This test sure saves time and money, I think I have at least 8 to 10 of this bits, thank you.
You are welcome!
This is the best chanel of revews of tools. You make a great content. Grettings from México
If this channel ever ends, we will all be worse off in this life.
Thanks for the time and energy you put into videos that show which industries are really putting customers and society in the best position! Seriously diligent work being done by you!
Wow, thank you
As an electrician we use a lot of hole saws to knock holes in steel and stainless boxes. Our typical best performance hole saw is the Milwaukee thin blade. Could you make a video testing which is best?
Great recommendation! I'll test them soon.
No hydraulic punch? Every Sparky I know loves their hydraulic punch.
Alex Apol depends on the size of the hole and if we have any knockout sets avaliable. But for something like a 3/4”-2” knockout, a carbide tipped hole saw used correctly works way faster than drilling a 3/8”-1/2” hole then using a knockout.
Also paddle bits! And maybe a video on how to properly reshap them
@@ActingLikeABoss I like the punch out tool for less metal shards in existing work. But if new work, a quick vacuum would be faster than setting up the punch.
I have owned many different types of vacuums to do auto detailing and just came across the craftsman xsp and was blown away about how well it works even when hooked up to a 25’ hose and hose reel.
Thanks for the feedback.
Another incredible video. Please keep up the high caliber of work you are doing.
Thanks, will do!
FYI: A single-flute step bit intrinsically cuts more slowly than a dual-flute bit, because it has only one cutting edge. But single-flute bits do a better job of drilling round (non-eccentric) holes in difficult materials.
..yes, better for it's intended purpose, which is drilling clean, uniform, round holes...not speed drilling holes like a regular bit...
Makes so much sense
I actually have the opposite experience. It always seemed to me the single flute Irwin would walk the hole sideways so the hole would not be centered where you want it
@@2009rummell Could be a symptom of some other aspect of the Irwin's design, have you tried single flutes from other brands?
Why do reamers have so many flutes then? If you need a straight and center hole in hard material, drill it undersize and use a reamer. These are more for sloppy work when any hole will do.
I have watched you for a while and was so surprised how much you respond to your comments, now here you are at 1.24 MILLION subscribers and you are still at it, absolutely astonishing. Keep up the good work!
Thanks so much!
I just stumbled upon you sir and LOVE your reviews. I have watched 10 from start to finish since last night. I hope you are having fun with this and getting monetized!!!
Thanks so much! I enjoy doing the testing!
@@ProjectFarm I can’t comprehend how much money, time, editing, etc. you invest in your videos. So impressed brother….I know you get this all the time, But, are you open to content suggestions from your viewers? I would like to watch all your videos first, and then try to come up with something you may not have covered that would help out the best tools that electricians should use. I am 40 years old and been in the Union for 22 Years. I will not be offended in any way if you say no or don’t respond….. I get it 100%. After Monday Night Football I’m back to watching your entertaining content… I will send my Dad and Uncle (Electricians for +40 Years) and my brother (Computer Nerd who will love ur experiments), ur CZcams Channel…I’m Hooked and Luckily my company will buy what I tell them I need after I see what is best!
Thanks Man
I was just looking into this. Thank you for the comparison!
You are welcome!