Has anyone used a Brad Point Bit for drilling? (DeWALT's suggestion)

[Polish Wizard]

I contacted DeWALT via their website and asked for their suggested bit to use with my hand brace.
I think I caught them off-guard with the maple tree tapping concept.

They eventually suggested their DW1708 Brad Point Drill Bit (5/16").
I found it listed through Home Depot for $5.97.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/DEWALT-5-16-in-Steel-Brad-Point-Drill-Bit-DW1708/100181988?keyword=DeWALT+DW1708

Has anyone used this type of bit, and especially with a hand brace?

My other choice before contacting DeWALT would have been an auger bit --- that has a screw tip.
Any experience with either one?

Also, what is the most acceptable method to clean manufacturing lube from a bit before first use?

[psparr]

I used both types, decent luck with both, and didn't think too much about a "tapping bit".
Couldn't justify spending $15 on a drill bit!!!

Well I finally broke down and bought one. I will NEVER go back.
I know it seems like a lot for a drill bit but you will be amazed!

[Starks sugarbush]

Get a Dewalt 20 vlt max brushless drill and hang the bracelet on a wall

Sent from my SM-N920V using Tapatalk

[blissville maples]

deffinntly cordless way to go. get the oil off?? drill a couple holes in a piece of 2x4 or nuicance tree- will be gone

[Russell Lampron]

I have used the auger bit with a brace before and it worked good until the screw broke off. Have never tried the brad point bit for tapping trees. Have since added many more taps and went the tapping bit and cordless drill route.

[Michael Greer]

A traditional screw-point auger bit would be the best choice for a hand brace. Make sure it's razor sharp so that it slices rather than crushes the wood fibers.

[Big_Eddy]

We use a brace with a standard screw-point auger bit every season. It's used for demo days and school visits. Way more fun for the kids than a cordless drill. It can be hard to find 7/16" and 5/16" bits, but they are out there. I touch mine up with a diamond file before each season. I did break one tip off after ~25 years.

With the brace - I feel you need the screw tip and auger bit. I doubt a brad point bit would pull into the tree well enough.

[barnbc76]

I just picked up the brad point... it says on the package it is for fine precision.ļ

[KevinS]

that is what we have always used. I do not claim it leaves as clean of a hole as an actual tapping bit. but they are designed to drill clean round holes with out tear out. But I am under the impression due to descriptions of how the tapping bit works that it also reams from the side as the flutes as it goes in. that would probably be even cleaner of a cut internally. I have no doubt the cleanest cut gives the best results