Rok Hardware 35mm Forstner Drill Bit for Hinge Boring

R. Crosby: I needed to drill 6 holes through eucaboard and compressed saw dust to install hinges for a refurbished chest. This bit did the job. I could tell it was getting dull by the 5th hole. Home Depot wanted $30 for a similar bit, if I was a professional cabinet installer, I'd splurge for the pricier piece. The $9 price tag was much more appealing for my small job and the bit held out. So... yay!

United States on Aug 05, 2020

Lee: I needed to install some Blum hidden hinges so I needed this size bit for the holes. It worked perfectly. The holes were smooth and it was easy to use. I've seen a few reviews that complained the holes were rough or the bit wandered. I didn't have that problem at all. I drilled the holes into Maple cabinet doors and the holes were perfect. Also, if you punch a small starter hole with an awl or a nail to put the point of the bit in it will stay straight and not wander. I don't own a drill press so I used a hand held drill and had not problem. I haven't used it a lot so I can't comment on how long it will stay sharp but at 8 bucks I don't see how you can go wrong.

United States on Dec 23, 2019

J o T: Works fine. Easy enough to use with a handheld drill. I think I figured out the mixed reviews. I used this on a laminate door whose insides are particle board. The bit tended to get clogged with fine strands of wood that I had to keep clearing. I ran the drill backward and then forward again and the drill would bite. I don’t blame the bit but the cheap wood. My guess is that those who complained about the bit’s being dull used it on particle board. The ones who said it was sharp used it on solid wood. I only needed to do two holes so for me this was a great economical purchase. There’s no way I’d want to use it for a whole bunch of these doors. That would be painful.

United States on Nov 03, 2019

alexdelara: However, I have only used on red cedar that is quite soft, but still manage to produce hot shavings. It's not the sharpest piece out of the box so if you don't have a way to sharpen it, go easy and it will do the job.
Pros: good price for the money; does the job if you go easy
Cons: not super sharp out of the box; may get hot fast.
If you are on a budget, this is the one to have.

United States on Sep 04, 2019

CJH: Had just a few hinges pockets to drill, rather than use a spade bit I had (expected a rough cut), this bit was perfect. The depth of the cut is easy to measure, as the height of the bit is designed to fit flush once you're at the correct depth. No need to measure. Pilot in the center is short, no need to worry about poking through the other side.

Cutting melamine, with a hand drill, the secret is to start slowly with light pressure and let the cutter get through the brittle surface, this prevents chipping (figured this out he hard way). Even the sloppiest cut is noticeable only by me. Of course, they're on the back side, how often do you really look that closely?

Highly recommended for a DIY'er.

United States on Jan 28, 2019