What is your favorite 5/16" tapping bit

[Lloyd'sMapleSyrupandSap]

What is your favorite 5/16" tapping bit to use in a battery drill? I use a Dewalt DCD 998. Also where did you get it, how much did you pay? I use a steel collar held in place with a set screw, on my bit to keep it from drilling too deep. My current favorites are a canadian tapping bit I got at Bascoms for $18, and a tapping bit I got at Butternut Farms store, appears to be titanium coated and has a fluted shaft for $18. Both of these bits pull fast into the tree and leave a nice clean, round hole, fast!

[DrTimPerkins]

We use the Lapierre 5/16" tapping bit for frozen or unfrozen wood. Has been excellent.

[Lloyd'sMapleSyrupandSap]

I'll have to get a look at one and give it a try. I like the one I got at Bascom's but it's pretty expensive, $18. It's very aggressive and needs the collar to stop it from going all the way through the tree!

[DrTimPerkins]

Many people (including us) just use a piece of 5/16" tubing cut to the right length and slipped over the end of the bit and pushed down to the chuck as a bit stop. Cheap and effective.

[unc23win]

In my experience the best bits are from Lapierre. I might not have tried all the rest buy I have tried quite a few. With the Lapierre you can hear the difference. With identical drills set at the same speed drilling side by side you can tell the Lapierre is better by the sound.

[mainebackswoodssyrup]

I'll be trying an MES bit this year for the first time and will report my opinion. I've only ever used CDL bits so nothing to compare to. May have to order a couple Lapierre bits for next season to try them out.

[Lloyd'sMapleSyrupandSap]

after about 1000 holes the tubing might need to be replaced, i noticed the other day. it does work well.