It’s a stubborn bolt on an old rusty chassis; and there you are, standing over it, drilling away, and your drill scream its protest. The bit spin around and around and suddenly it go flat. Damn!
You curse the hardware store and their bargain bin. This is when cheap tools let you down, and now you’ve got no way of getting this thing off because the threads has been stripped. If you’ve ever attempted a large repair you know what I’m talking about.
You want something that isn’t going to break the bank, but still do the trick. But sometimes the cheapest tool is the most expensive because it is frustrating and waste your time. And then there’s Viking Drill Bits.
They aren’t the junk you grab when you are in a pinch. And they are definitely not the high-dollar options with tons of carbide. They fall somewhere in the middle and make people a little nervous.
Are they adequate? If so, where do they fit? Well, that all depend on you.
Reviewing Viking Drill Bits For Home Use
Understanding Viking Drill Bit Composition
What are you planning to drill? How precious is your time? Composition, What’s made in a bit?
Knowing what’s in a bit is where it all begins. Generally speaking, Viking bits is constructed of HSS (High Speed Steel). That’s a run-of-the-mill alloy that provide good toughness at a fair price.
It’s not Cobalt, which last longer, or Solid Carbide, which is harder still. So there is a cost vs. Durability compromise. Yes, an HSS bit will dull faster then high-end alloys, and it will actualy flatten almost instantly if you try to use it against masonry.
It is not a miracle material; it works. However, most consumer fail to make note of this, and then complain that their “single” set doesn’t last. These bits work fine for around-the-house stuff.
Best Materials for HSS Drill Bits
They’ll drill mild steel, aluminum, and other soft metal. They should also be good on wood. The tip design works well to get them into the material cleanly.
For occasional drilling in your furnitures assembly or shelf installation project, there’s probably no noticeable difference to you when compared to an expensive line of bits. It cut cleanly, it doesn’t wear out too quickly, and you’re not doing brain surgery by hanging up a picture frame. You begin to raise the hard material level or raise the rate of drilling and now you’re in trouble.
Drilling Hard Surfaces and Masonry
For that, you want carbide tipped masonry bits, like those made by Viking. However, read the fine print, as some of their bits won’t be ideal for all surfaces. Flat surface material like concrete or brick call out for special masonry bits.
Stone will cause regular HSS bits to flatten in short order. A bad bit will ruin your project and it’ll also cost you. No matter who made it, if it’s the incorrect one for the task at hand, it’s costing you money.
Managing Heat and Friction While Drilling
The other key thing about HSS tools is heat. Friction create heat as you’re drilling. HSS tolerates some heat but it also has a limit.
Force the drill and it will soften the steel and make the tool less sharp. For metal jobs use lubrication and go slow on the drill speed. Viking bits requires patience.
Use them with care and they’ll serve you well. Try to rush them and they won’t be so happy. It’s a case of simple physics which holds true for any mid-level tool.
Value for Homeowners and DIY Projects
The best argument for going with Viking is value. The price point make economic sense on light to medium duty applications if you look at bits per dollar. A large assortment set will cost you a reasonable amount and give you coverage for nearly every common hole size.
If you don’t drill everyday, that sort of diversity are worth more than the marginal durability gain from a premium brand. You’re buying capability, not maximum performance. So, are they good enough?
Final Verdict on Viking Drill Bits
Yes, if you ask me. If you’re a pro who use them every day for tough materials, find something else. You’ll wear ’em out.
But if you’re just a handy homeowner or a weekend warrior, then Viking Drill Bits is more than enough. They represent a solid level of performance for a reasonble price. Meet the task with the right tool.
Good work doesn’t require the best tools. It requires the right tool for the task at hand. For those wanting to get the drilling done without needing peak performance, these are the ones.
They are not magical, but they are capable. Capability can be all you need to finish your DIY project.