self-centering drill bit

[Curtis Hight]

I'm looking at the 5mm Centrotec self-centering drill bit (Product No. 492525) but not understanding its purpose. What problem does it solve and how does it solve it?

 

[Deansocial]

i would assume it is to pilot hole in hinges etc that go into chipboard or mdf to accept these

http://www.screwfix.com/p/hinge-screws-zinc-plated-m6-x-10-5mm-pack-of-100/67259;jsessionid=lwkwTQZXXGhmxVvr7GTgmh4KVBnT1NZ6RdyKJhdnh26SHynDkcn2!65479232

 

[AlexThePalex]

I'm looking at the 5mm Centrotec self-centering drill bit (Product No. 492525) but not understanding its purpose. What problem does it solve and how does it solve it?

As Dean said, it's for hinges. With hinges, you must makes sure the pilot hole you drill is always dead center of the hole in the hinge or else it will shift from the intended place and even a tiny bit of misplacement can make sure a hinge or it's window/door doesn't fit right.

Since both the holes in the hinges and the self centering bit are tapered, you only have to place it in the hole and it will self center as advertised. It also speeds up your workflow. Just place the hinge where it needs to be, and hold it there firmly while you quickly drill all 3 holes after each other without having to mark anything. 

 

[GaryLaroff]

The common term used for these bits in the U.S. is "vix bits" although most of the ones available are from other companies. They come in six drill sizes and with both ball detent and straight shanks.  The sizes available seem to be 5/64, 7/64, 9/64, 11/64, 13/64 and 5mm.

The three most common are:

5/64 (1.984 mm) for #3 and #4 screws
7/64 (2.778 mm) for #5 and #6 screws
9/64 (3.572 mm) for #8, #9 and #10 screws.

For drilling pilot holes in mahogany for #8 Spax screws, I use the 5/64.

http://www.woodcraft.com/family/2002022/2002022.aspx

Gary

 

[Bill Barker]

I build kitchen cabinets and custom case goods and use these very often, all European hardware is designed to be hung from 5mm "euro" screws. Slides use the bevel head and hinge plates typically use the headed version as depicted in the message above. These have much greater holding strength than typical wood screws. The can be loosened and tightened several times and keep their integrity. Also the smaller bits are prefect for keeping the Metal drawer portion of a metabox type drawer square to the bottoms during assembly. ;D

 

[semenza]

Hi,

The drill bit is housed in a spring loaded sleeve,. As you drill the sleeve pushes up, When you remove the drill it slides back into position ready for the next hole. The 5mm in particular is also good for drilling holes using shelf pin jigs.

Seth

 

[fdengel]

5mm just seems large to me, but maybe Euro hardware is just that different...

I don't think the screws I've used for hinges would have been big enough not to slide out of those holes.

;D

 

[Wooden Lungs]

I had a set of these a couple of years ago but stopped using them.
I was hanging a lot of fire rated doors at the time and wanted a quick fix to help me screw on the fire rated satin stainless hinges.
I found that if you did not drill exactly plumb into the door edge the hinge would wander when fixed in position.
Went back to using a regular bit as I like to offset the holes I drill it to allow the screws to pull the hinge into the cutout.
When I do this there is literally zero gaps.
I always keep an old candle in my tool box to rub the screws on to lube them up a bit.
Seems the screws supplied with most hinges now are "dress" screws and are very soft.
Also I am a glutten for punishment and like to use a normal screwdriver to put the dress screws in, this eliminates scratching of the hinge face if you slip with a drill driver!!!.
When I was youger I used the old stanley "yankees" and they were a nightmare when they slipped. Caused lots of scrapes and hurt fingers.

 

[semenza]

5mm just seems large to me, but maybe Euro hardware is just that different...

I don't think the screws I've used for hinges would have been big enough not to slide out of those holes.

;D

Yup, the Euro hardware uses fat , stubby screws made for the 5mmm holes. 

Seth

 

[Deansocial]

5mm just seems large to me, but maybe Euro hardware is just that different...

I don't think the screws I've used for hinges would have been big enough not to slide out of those holes.

;D

Yup, the Euro hardware uses fat , stubby screws made for the 5mmm holes. 

Seth

i have noticed quite a bit of the euro hinges use an 8mm? hole with a plastic knock in that seems to hold alot better. i think this maybe due to the extra stress that softclose puts on the fixings