Decent metric drill bit set?

[sprior]

I've decided it makes sense for me to own a full set of metric drill bits, but none of the stores seem to carry one, and the only metric sets on amazon seem to be off brand junk.  I find it REALLY hard to believe that Dewalt doesn't make a metric drill bit set.  I'm looking for something in the $40-50 dollar range.

In Europe what are the name brand drill bit set manufacturers and are any of them available in the US?  As a fallback I do have some contacts in Europe who could pick up something and send it to me, but I'm surprised it might come to that.

 

[Dunn wood]

Festool has good quality metric brad point drills and Lee Valley also has good sets. I use both. Hope this helps.

 

[shed9]

Good selection here;

http://www.fine-tools.com/bohrspiral.html

Should give you an idea of decent European metric tooling.

 

[Frank-Jan]

Heller is a brand that makes metric drill sets.

 

[sprior]

I'm looking for general purpose bits which could be used for metal or wood, maybe occasionally plastic.

 

[shed9]

For reference, DeWalt do make metric drill bits however I suspect they don't market them in the US. Maybe an idea to speak to a local DeWalt dealer to see if they can get them in for you.

 

[AlexThePalex]

I find it REALLY hard to believe that Dewalt doesn't make a metric drill bit set. 

They make lots of them. Whether they sell them in the States is another thing. Here in Metric City they are readily available.

In Europe what are the name brand drill bit set manufacturers and are any of them available in the US? 

The absolute top is Facom. I've previously read here on the FOG they're also available in the States. Expensive though. Festool bits are also very good. And Bosch is one of the best regarded manufacturers, readily available, and quite a bit cheaper than the other two I mentioned, so probably more economical.

 

[RKA]

For wood, I would recommend Lee Valleys metric brad point bits.  I have an imperial set and I think they are a good balance of price and quality.

For metal I would recommend these norseman bits.  I have an imperial set and the quality beats anything you will find in the big box store by miles. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norseman-25pc-Metric-Magnum-Super-Premium-drill-bit-set-1mm-to13mm-USA-58660-/261448182937

 

[rmwarren]

sprior,

McMaster has several 118 & 135 degree sets, in 0.5mm increments. 13 piece (up to 7mm) starts around $30-ish and 19 piece (10mm) around $60. Follow this link and click the "sets" option.

http://www.mcmaster.com/#metric-jobbers'-drill-bits/=tf6pva

RMW

 

[jacko9]

Traditional Woodworker has a nice selection of German drill bits;

http://www.traditionalwoodworker.com/Wood-Drill-Bits/departments/269/

I've purchased a few times from them and they seem to have a good stock selection.

Jack

 

[elfick]

I don't have them so I can't speak to the quality, but woodcraft carries them...
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081362/30393/WoodRiver-25-Piece-Metric-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Index-Set.aspx

 

[Throwback7r]

I bought the centrotec HSS metric bits one at a time and I found that I use the 3MM a lot.  They are pretty nice and even come with extra bits.

 

[Sparktrician]

I don't have them so I can't speak to the quality, but woodcraft carries them...
http://www.woodcraft.com/Product/2081362/30393/WoodRiver-25-Piece-Metric-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-Index-Set.aspx

Woodcraft also carries the Fisch line of metric bits. 

 

[whitesys]

You might look at these
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000LEY70O/ref=pe_385040_30332190_TE_M3T1_ST1_dp_3

I have a set and they are nice and made in USA.

Dave

 

[tbellemare]

I think a lot of the drill bits made in the USA are made by Rocky Mountain Twist. If I'm not mistaken, they make bits for DeWalt, Milwaukee, etc...

I'm pretty certain they are into private labeling almost everything they produce and apparently have a very modern facility with sophisticated processes to control costs.

Tom

 

[wow]

For metal I would recommend these norseman bits.  I have an imperial set and the quality beats anything you will find in the big box store by miles. 
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Norseman-25pc-Metric-Magnum-Super-Premium-drill-bit-set-1mm-to13mm-USA-58660-/261448182937

+1 for Norseman bits. But then I might be a little biased, since they are made here in St. Paul MN.

If there was enough interest I'd be willing to approach them about about doing a group buy for FOG members?

 

[Slartibartfass]

Try MScDirect.

 

[plasmator]

Buy the Colt 5-Star (aka FCE Professional) and never look back.  Amazing drill bits, available in both imperial and metric, little to no tear-out.  You can get them several places, but here's one option:
http://www.fine-tools.com/first-clean-exit-drills.html

 

[tbellemare]

I have only heard good things about Colt drill sets.

I'm partial to the Centrotec system, however...

Tom

 

[sprior]

In this case I'm interested in a set for nonspecific hacker/maker use so wood, plastic, and even metal are possibilities.  I ended up ordering a set from http://www.internationaltool.com/ brand unknown.  Would have preferred a big box grade name branded set, but we'll just have to see how it goes.

I do have some Colt bits for penmaking in a few metric sizes, but now I wanted to get a complete set for whatever might come my way.