I just picked up some vix bits to help me to get the screws centered on a bunch of doors that I’ll be installing soon.
The bit assembly that properly centers on the hinge has a 11/64″ drill bit which is way too big for the #8 screws that come with the hinges.
There’s a smaller size which almost centers on the hinge and that contains a 9/64″ drill bit. I say almost because it actually gets stuck in the hinge screw hole. And 9/64″ is still too big for a #8 screw.
I typically use a 1/8″ drill bit for a #8 screw when drilling a pilot hole in pine. I have found this to be a good compromise between not splitting the wood fibers and getting a good grip.
I feel like I’m missing something. Is there anybody use vix bits regularly and can enlighten me?
Replies
I hear ya. a lot of times I'll start the hole with the larger vix bit just to get it centered then finish with the proper drill bit
Same here... OR... I drill the VIX hole only an 1/8" deep or so, just enough to keep the screw centered in the hardware. With softwoods and non-tapered screws it's usually fine. Hardwoods and/or tapered screws require the full monty. An excuse to buy another cordless in case you need an excuse.
Thanks. I'm glad I'm not the only one having trouble with vix bits. You would think that they would make a #8 screw centering bit with a 1/8" drill bit.
The 9/64" drill bit works fine for hard woods, but most of us probably work with soft woods, like pine, more often.
I recently bought some bits to replace my old VIX bits 'cuz I wanted the hex shank....Snappy is the brand. I haven't compared side by side but it seems to me the Snappy is a little larger in diameter on the spring loaded part.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
swap the straight bit for a tapered bit....
works like a charm....
here's an example..... (bottom left of page)....
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32309&cat=1,180,42240
BTW... Vix Bits come in 5 sizes....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Rockler self centering bits are as follows:
#10 1/8"
#8 7/64"
#6 3/32"
#4 5/64"
http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=10610&filter=self%20centering%20bit
BruceT
Edited 11/10/2008 12:35 am by brucet9
How 'bout #9 screws?
Rockler stamps the drill bit size on their self centering bits, not the screw size [handy for replacing a busted bit]. I think the 1/8" was labeled #10 on the package. They don't show a #9 on their website, but 1/8" is probably still ok for a #9 screw.If you have a long screw to drive into hardwood, you would probably have to use the self centering bit to start and use a tapered countersink bit for the full-depth pilot hole.
BruceT
Thanks. That sounds like just what I'm looking for.
I had seen the vix bits on their web site, but they don't list the drill bit diameters so I assumed that I would have the same issue with theirs as I do with the ones I have now.
I'm going to order the Rockler bits, but before I do, could you confirm that the the #8 self-centering bit (item number 68998) actually self-centers in a hinge plate? Thanks.
You don't need to drill a really deep hole - All you need to do is get it started in the center of the hole. So if you only drill about 1/4" deep, that should be all it takes to get the screw started right IMHO.
7/64" and 1/8" both self center in a standard 3 1/2" hinge. Rockler bits are stamped with drill bit size, not screw size. 7/64" is the largest one in the three-bit set (#4, #6, #8) that's on sale for $12.95 right now.I bought the 1/8" separately and I think it was labeled #10 on the package. They don't show a #9 on their website.BruceT
Much appreciated.
My Rockler bits arrived today. That's exactly what I was looking for. I probably won't have much use for the #4 and #6, but 3 bits and a nice case for about 12 bucks is a bargain. Thanks again.
Glad to be of service. Drop $10 in cash in my mailbox bext time you're in the neighborhood. :)
BruceT
Edited 11/16/2008 6:07 pm by brucet9
Drop $10 in cash in my mailbox. :)
How about the bits I described in my first post instead. Got any use for them?
I know that's supposed to sound like a lame offer said in jest, but on the off chance that you actually have a use for them, you're welcome to them.
Thanks for the offer, but I don't need them. Perhaps your local Habitat Re-Store can use them.BruceT
I have two Vix bits (#6 and #8) and have seen #'s 10 and 12.
Try http://www.rockler.com
Cant you just swap out the 9/64" bit for a 1/8" or whatever size you want? Should be able to unscrew the vix bit assembly and take everything apart.
Live by the sword, die by the sword....choose your sword wisely.
Good idea. I tried swapping the housing, but they're different sizes and it can't be done.
I could swap out the drill bit for a smaller size, but then it won't really be centered. And even if it were close enough (which it probably would be), it pretty much defeats the point behind using a vix bit it the first place.
I can get pretty close by eye without a vix bit, but sometimes the grain nudges the bit more than I like. The vix bit helps to keep the keep the bit centered, but if the bit is too small for the housing, it can still get nudged.
Yeah, I know, my OCD is showing through, but if the vix bit doesn't do better than I've been doing with an awl and standard drill bit, then I'll just continue doing that.
"Cant you just swap out the 9/64" bit for a 1/8" or whatever size you want?"How do you get a smaller drill bit centered in a larger bore vix bit?BruceT
In the case you are describing I start with a vix bit that centers in the hardware. But just get the hole started. Then finish with a vix bit that will center in that hole.
I know it takes more time but it does help to have two drills or maybe three set up.
set up one and use a tapered bit....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
Thanks! I'll take a look at my bits and see if it will work. I have a series of vix bits and tapered bits. I try to have all of them I need because I got tired of not having the right tools for the job.
Edited 11/10/2008 1:55 pm ET by popawheelie
I had the same problem and fixed it with the tapered bits... the tapered bits have straight shanks and only the drill cutting edge is tapered....
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!