Might sound stupid...

[derekp]

So i got a new 7/16 tapping drill bit for almost nothing at a yard sale....but all my spouts are 5/16 leader tree saver spouts ...... might it still work?!?!?!?!has anyone tried???just lookin for quick feedback instead of going out in the -20 degree weather tonight and drilling a hole in a 2 by 4...

[Paul VT]

Hole will be to big. Spout will not seal properly. After buying and using a tapping bit made for tapping trees I wouldn't use anything else.

[ericjeeper]

Just buy a 5/16 bit with a polished flute. The flute needs to be shiny to let the shavings slide out as you drill.

[OGDENS SUGAR BUSH]

its better than trying to put the 7/16 tap in a 5/16 hole. and yes it does sound stupid

[TerryEspo]

Are the tree tapping bits really better than ordinary wood bits ? If so, I need to buy one. Just asking if its a big differeance or minor. I never had a problem with a bit from the toolbox but dont know much either, lol.

Terry

[shane hickey]

Yes they are i would only use regular
Tapping bit the hole cleans better and a
Little more aggressive.

[bowtie]

i have used regular bits and found the best one is modified wood bit, looks like an auger, very aggressive and cleans the hole out nicely but are just as expensive as tapping bits, i just happened to have it so i used it. i am going to try an actual tapping bit this year to check the difference if any. the biggest problem i have is running out of batteries in my drills. i am going to 5/16th clear seasonal spouts this year so i need a new bit anyway and hoping the smaller diameter will result in more holes per charge. looking into the new "brushless" lith/ion drills they are supposed to last at least 50% longer per charge than regular cordlesses.
i actually put 5/16 metal spouts into oversized holes my first year and you seem to lose more sap down the tree than you get in the bucket and it introduces more bacteria to the wound than needed. lesson learned!

[happy thoughts]

Well I suppose there's always chewing gum:)

FWIW if you're going to drill a bigger hole then you're losing all the tree health benefit of a smaller tap... and probably worse since like bowtie said, you're introducing a larger route for more bacteria to grow.

If you don't want to buy a smaller drill bit then you're going to have to buy larger taps. You could always try selling the bit for more than you paid for it and putting that toward buying the right sized one. Whatever you do, hoping you have a great season!

[pamaple]

I'm also switching to 5/16 lapierre clear spouts this year and am going to buy an actual tapping bit to see the difference. I use the kobalt lithium cordless drill and two batteries goes a long way and they recharge in 10 minutes.

[maple flats]

I rarely do, but it is actually suggested to use a tapping bit just 1 season. Start with new every year. However, I do boil my bits. I only use tapping bits, they are far better. Cut faster, cleaner and your battery will last longer. Some sanitize the bit often, I don't, yet!

[TerryEspo]

Low battery sounds like a beer break to me !! Sit down for a bit, relax and look at all the hard work you just accomplished.

I never get upset when its time to charge my drill battery !! :cool:

[johnallin]

I also use a tapping bit; I think it's money we'll spent as they do seem to drill quicker and the cordless lasts longer. Still need to make sure the hole doesn't get oval shaped by holding the drill steady and not letting it wobble. Oval holes are a big source of leaky taps - for me anyway.

By the way...there is no such thing as a dumb question, I don't care what anyone says.