Kreg Owners' Community

Does anyone know how long these bits should last?

My first bit lasted maybe 300 holes, drilling into doug fir. Luckily I had purchased a spare bit so I was able to continue working.

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Henry,

I've drilled many many holes, without a bit breaking during use.

Perhaps the bit may have taken on a minute fracture, during the manufacturing process,

then fractureed further during use.

Also, if the bit had fallen onto a hard surface, like cement or stone, it may have developed a stress crack, followed by fracturing when put into use.

It will take a close examination to determine how the fracture occurred.

I'd suggest calling Kreg's Customer Service, and discussing the matter with them.

I'm sure they can be of help in resolving the issue.

A lot longer than 300 holes.  I'm still using my first bit and have drilled well over 1500 holes, in fir, plywood, oak, pine and hemlock.

If everything has been into Douglas fir, you may be getting pitch build up on the bit. You might try a pitch remove and nylon brush to see if that helps.

Make sure the drill is at speed before feeding into the jig.  If you are using a cordless drill, make sure your batteries are charged. You should not have to force the bit into the work piece.

As Ken mentioned, contact Kreg.  They also offer bit sharpening at a very reasonable price.

Wood was brand new from lumber yard, no pitch build up -- small tip just broke off about half way through drilling hole.  Bit kept in K5 storage drawer when not being used and never dropped -- I'm the only one in the shop.  It broke off just where it joins the full size of the bit -- wasn't even drilling in a knot, just clean wood.  Bit would not go down to bottom of jig so I pulled it out and immediately saw that the tip was missing.  Took the 2x4 out of the jig, turn it over and gave it a rap and the piece fell out.

Henry, your drill bit may be defective. Please get in touch with Customer Service at toll-free 800-447-8638 or customerservice@kregtool.com for a replacement. 

wow, interesting, i'm sure that i am well past a thousand holes with mine and still drills fine

Don't have a clue how long it is suppose to last, but I bought the DIY Kit and now I have a second drill bit. Hope Kreg replaces it for you.

My first bit stopped working after 20-30 holes. Just ordered a new one and will send this one in for sharpening but that's terrible. Used on pine and pressure treated pine.

I bought my first bit the spring of 2000.  I have touched it up with a diamond file, but it broke this February of 2016.  I used a cordless driver that did not have enough RPM.  I have seen woodworkers in our club break Kreg bits frequently.  The reasons: 1) Drilling with low RPM & 2) Forcing the bit into the work.

I must eat some humble pie, my bit is fine, it was operator error, I swapped out my cordless drill for a corded one and didn't discover it was reversed until today! Asinine beginners mistake I will now never make again. Customer service emailed first thing this morning to try to make it right! Great product, great customer service.

My bit broke and I had less holes drilled then you had. I made about 120 holes and all I can say is that they are made in China and as you know China does not have the same quality control as we do. I was happy that HomeDepot had one in stock although$16 is a bit high for a drill bit.

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