Advice needed on spade bits

[RonMiller]

My old spade bit set is getting realllllly dull, so before I buy the next set I thought I'd ask the FOG's opinion about these.

I use these mostly for drilling holes for electric lines in kitchen cabinets and wall studs. Occasionally other things. If there is a "festool level" of spade bits, I'd like to know about it. Or is this the kind of thing I should buy just an average set and plan to rebuy when dull?

I presume a forstner style bit isn't reasonable to use for this purpose? Or another style bit?

 

[Rocky]

Bosch has a good set :http://www.amazon.com/Bosch-Daredevil-DSB5013P-13-Piece-Spade/dp/B002GU6QAA/ref=sr_1_3?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1370302712&sr=1-3&keywords=spade+bit

 

[Alan m]

i have a few bosch bits that i got free on a magazine
they have a threaded pilot bit.
they are great but are hard on drills.

ihave a set of dewalt impact bits. i often use them. they are great too.even in the impact.

i also have a set of bahco ones for gereral rough holes. they are good enough

 

[Scarpia]

I install stair rails and an occasional kitchen and have bought pretty much bought every new-fangled drill bit Lowes and HD has had to offer but nothing is better than the Irwin brand that has changed very little in the last 25 years. Someday I will figure out how to sharpen them, but now I buy a new set every other stair job, $10 for a pack of 6. They are plenty sharp, easy to control  and its no great loss if you hit a nail.

        I did recently buy the new Bosch set. They are nice, but very aggressive. They would be better used on framing or other application where you don't need to stop a hole at a certain depth.

 

[tbellemare]

I grew up using spade bits for electrical work but I think the selffeed type bits with threaded, biting pilots and twist drill type flutes are easier and faster. If it's a rough hole, I just want to blast through. The flutes work well enough to clean up the entrance and exit.

Tom

EDIT:
I was taught to use a brace & bit with auger bits and I taught myself later to use spade bits. It's been a long time...

 

[aptpupil]

Second the self-feed bits. I've had the Irwins for a while, but can't say they're at the Festool level. I generally see bits as consumables, rather than lifetime investments, so I tend to go on the cheap side.

 

[farms100]

spade bits are easy to sharpen with some file work. 

i don't like the things but i keep a set in the bottom of my tool bag. they don't take up much room and can handy in a pinch.

 

[Sparktrician]

I use spade bits for rough-ins only.  For work inside cabinets I prefer to use the Festool Centrotec bits for the clean holes they leave.  If I have a need for a hole larger than 1/2", I'll go to a good Forstner-type bit. 

 

[festoolviking]

I use this when I want to get thru a wood wall for installing electrical conduit for example. Not to much effort with these little beasts.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/speedbor-max-speed-bit-sets

Festoolviking

 

[GarryMartin]

I use this when I want to get thru a wood wall for installing electrical conduit for example. Not to much effort with these little beasts.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/speedbor-max-speed-bit-sets

Festoolviking

I find the self-feeding nature of the screw tip to be too aggressive with my cordless tools.

I do however really like the Irwin Blue spade bits. I find those cut through wood very well, even in a right-angle cordless drill through floor joists.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/spade-bit-sets

 

[festoolviking]

I use this when I want to get thru a wood wall for installing electrical conduit for example. Not to much effort with these little beasts.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/speedbor-max-speed-bit-sets

Festoolviking

I find the self-feeding nature of the screw tip to be too aggressive with my cordless tools.

I do however really like the Irwin Blue spade bits. I find those cut through wood very well, even in a right-angle cordless drill through floor joists.

http://www.irwin.com/tools/drill-bits/spade-bit-sets

I got those too, use them when I don't feel too aggressive.  [smile]

Festoolviking

 

[tjbier]

I have the Bosch daredevil bits and I think they are great, 1/4" -1 1/2" for maybe $30, cant beat that IMO.

 

[John Bates]

I'm not a fan of spade bits but if you just need a certain rough size hole, the plain speed bore type are probably fine. I find the Bosch/ Hawera threaded tip versions a bit uncontrollable and wouldn't bother with them.
I'm the agent for Famag and have had a bit of practice with forstner bits so do prefer a version that can be used freehand.