Ship auger bit for drilling tap holes?

[maple6275]

Hey gang,

I stopped by my local hardware store today to pick up a couple extra taps. They have a small assortment of sugarin' supplies. Right there on the shelf were some fancy 5/16" ship auger bits, obviously presented as good for drilling tap holes. Are they? I bought one and took a couple pics... this is what it looks like. Overall length is 7.5". I think the design will be good for clearing chips, but I'm a little concerned about the screw tip and wondering if I'll be able to stop easily at the right depth. Not sure how far in I should go with this bit either...

Comments?

http://www.mile213.com/drillbit.jpg

[adk1]

Thats what a local producer uses here. is that a 7/16" bit. it will work

[PerryW]

I've also used the same bit. Similar to what is used on a bit & brace (hand-drill)

Just use the slow speed on the cordless drill and reverse the drill a couple revolutions before yanking the bit out.

[jasonl6]

That's what we used for the past 4 years. This year we switch the the MSD bits talked about in another thread here. I'll never go back. The new bits drill so much cleaner holes, remove the chips faster and i can drill hundreds of holes on a single charge. The biggest thing about the bits you have pictured is the screw on the end. It's designed to pull the bit in and it does you literally have to yank the bit out when you drill to your depth.

Jason