howdy folks, i have a lot of problems getting my smaller drill bits,ie.80,79,78,76,75 to hold in the pin vises that are supposed to hold them.i would like to know what you folks use and if you have similar proplems.thanks in advance.i am tuxedo.
I used to have the same problem, but went to a reputable tool supply store and bought a set of four pin vises. They’ll accommodate all of my numbered drill bits, from #1 to #80. They all get used, but the two smaller ones are used most frequently. I don’t recall the exact price, but somewhere around $35.00-$40.00 for the set. As a bonus, I discovered that they also stocked good-quality numbered drill bits, even down to the sizes used most by modellers, even though this store caters mostly to contractors and the trades. The prices are better than the hobby shop, too. [tup]
Wayne
I have two pin vises and only one of them can hold the really small bits securely.
Dave Nelson
Tuxedo,
I would agree with Wayne. Stop off at a tooling shop in your area and pick up a good quality pin vise.
For #61-#80 bits, you can get by with just one size. I would highly recommend a Starrett 162A pin vise. Their quality is terrific. Cost: $15-$20. The jaws open and close easily and they tighten around and hold the wire-size drill bits very well.
If you are wanting a set of four, I would still recommend Starrett. It’ll be $60-$70 for the set but you’ll again appreciate the quality. A good tool is a good tool. A bad tool is not worth the frustration.
Tom
If need in a pinch just wrap a small piece of masking tape around the bit before inserting in the chuck.
I have the same issue from time to time. Usually it’s because I can’t grip the ferrule on the chuck tight enough to twist it fully tight. I use a pair of pliers to give the last little bit of tightening and that always gets it.
Starrett is good stuff. In fact I may pick up one of those, or maybe the set, as I am not totally happy with any of the ones I have. I do have one double-ender that has 2 different size collets in it, the one end hold the smallest drills pretty well, just have to be careful to get them properly centered. The other end works for the slightly larger sizes, and taps for 2-56. Not sure where I got it, I think from one of the tool places at one of the train shows. I have about 4 different ones, because each time there seems to be a new one that is supposed to be “best” - and usually isn’t. Only that one reliably works with the smallest size drills, at least two others claimed to work down to 80 but will clearly need smaller collets to fit.
–Randy
The collet is the answer. You need one that closes completely so that you can not insert the bit until you loosen it. I have an old pin vise - unsure of the maker - that accepts different size collets. But you can have dedicated pin vises as well. I prefer the one with the ball handle because I find it easier to use.
Good luck
Paul
Lion has a pin vice with a collet at each end. One for fine bits and one for bigger bits. The problem with this is putting the unused bit through your paw while using the other end.
The more useful answer is to let the bit do the work and not to put too much pressure and/or torque on the bit sot that the excess energy goes to the collet rather than to the tip of the bit.
ROAR
It should be noted that with many pin vises with two collets actually have FOUR collet sizes. Unscrew the ferrule, take out the centering piece underneath and rotate 180 degrees, and put the centering piece back in. There you go, two more sizes that will help get bits, etc held firmly.
I had one of those and had the same exact problem that the OP was experiencing using it. The collet wouldn’t hand-tighten down hard enough around the drill bit. A wrench worked but it also distorted the collet. I believe this was due primarily to the poor quality of the tool and fittings.
When it comes to tools, I take my aunt’s advice on purchasing: Buy the best you can afford.
Tom
The problem I have with small bits in collet type pin vices is that the end of the bit appears to run out (wobble) after being tightened in the collet.
Matter of fact, one of the first questions I asked in this forum was if anyone else had experienced this and did they have a cure. As I recall I received the “you’re an idiot” or some similar response. Almost soured me on the whole forum experience.
It can be very difficult to center a bit in a four jaw collet.
maxman,
The challenge with smaller or wire drill bits is making sure that they are centered and not skewed in the jaws of the chuck or collet before you tighten down on it. If they aren’t centered, they’ll wabble.
I’ve found that if you tighten the collet (so that it’s smaller than the OD of your drill bit) then hold the drill bit to the opening of the collet or chuck, you can slowly open up the pin vise until the drill bit just slips into the opening then re-tighten it. This will better guarantee that your drill bit is centered inside the pin vise opening.
Tom
I don’t know what brand mine is but the one I have, has two different size chucks you can use. There is a chuck tightener that screws on the end and when you remove it the chuck can be taken out and the other end has the other size chuck. I’ve had no problems fitting my smallest bits as well as the larger ones. I acquired this pin vise at a train show. I think it was $15.00 new.
Tom: Thank you for the response. I have tried what you suggest and still have the problem. I’ve even made sure that I have a new bit so I’m not fighting a pre-bent bit issue. As Lion says, it can be difficult to center in the four pieces of the collet.
It almost seems to me that the compression screw on the collet does not tighten evenly all the way around. At first I thought it was the tool itself, but I have swapped pin vice tools and have the same problem. I wish that someone made a Jacobs-style chuck for these small sizes. Maybe I should invest in one of the Starrett tools as mentioned by Randy.
I have a small drill chuck that’s designed to fit into an electric screwdriver. I find that holds even a #80 bit much more securely than my pin vise does. While doing a bunch of holes for grabs on a fleet of 4 F7s, using the slow speed screwdriver as a drill with the pin vise saved me a lot of time and did a good job.
You won’t be sorry going with Starrett, maxman. They make beautiful tools. The 162A pin vise will fit any of the wire drill bits - i.e. #61-#80.
Tom
Thanks, Tom, I’ll look into getting one of those. Xmas is coming so I can throw that out as a reasonably priced gift idea.
I use a battery powered Dremel, beautifully balanced and doesn’t break small diameter drills.
Dennis