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#53889 07/11/05 07:46 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 45
S
sanUK Offline OP
Member
Just a small question to the US members if these bits are any good / how tough are they?.

I live in the UK (Scotland) and cant get these types of drill bits, but they look very handy and wouldnt mind getting a few.

Im close to buying a couple on ebay from a US seller and just thought id ask before i buy.

The type of drill bit is a GREENLEE D'Versibit Flexible Drill Bit Kit.

Theres been a few times when i thought that these bits would have saved a lot of time.

Thanks

#53890 07/11/05 08:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,429
L
LK Offline
Member
These bits are great, i wish every competor of ours would use them, the bits will work, don't get me wrong, and they may be a help at times, but you have to remember this is blind drilling, and these bits if not used correctly can do some pretty good damage, just take care when using them.

#53891 07/11/05 09:48 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 706
T
Member
I used them for a while. When the screw tip got dull (not replaceable) it was worthless. Then another went through a wall I didn't intend it to go through. I've never used them since. It's one of those things that seems like a great idea, but has some big downsides.

I wish my competitors would use them too!

Dave

#53892 07/11/05 09:48 PM
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 135
B
Member
Yeah,someone I knew once, not me of course, actually drilled right through the roof decking and shingles on an old baloon framed house with one of these bits. I, I mean he was just installing the wiring for a ceiling fan, idiot.

#53893 07/11/05 10:13 PM
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 812
Member
My dad was installing a box with a hand driven flexible 5' drill bit. Went right through the side of the house, through the aluminum siding.
Ian A.


Is there anyone on board who knows how to fly a plane?
#53894 07/11/05 10:16 PM
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 109
L
Member
Good tool but it has a learning curve to use it. Like as said before this is blind drilling with a flexible shaft bit. It can be a lifesaver when you can't disturb plaster or disaster going through a wood floor. Learn to use it on jobs that don't matter so much you can get the feel for them. Rod

#53895 07/11/05 10:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 693
L
Member
Well, I use them quite a bit (pardon the pun!), as we do LV wiring (audio/video, comp. ntwkg., etc.) as well as power wiring.

It is of utmost importance to know where the tip of the bit is at all times.

The aiming handle is a good accessory. They do require a few screw-ups before you get good with them.

Don't ask about MY learning curve!


Larry Fine
Fine Electric Co.
fineelectricco.com
#53896 07/11/05 11:15 PM
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 914
E
Member
THese are a favorite of mine, however if you don't know how to use them, you'll cause more damage than good.

#53897 07/11/05 11:19 PM
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,876
E
e57 Offline
Member
Drill bit $45
I don't know how many floors, baseboards, and once through a wall, and into the whole next door. Almost bought extremely expensive painting.

Thousands in damages over the years, refuse to use them now, preffer to open walls.


Mark Heller
"Well - I oughta....." -Jackie Gleason
#53898 07/12/05 12:40 PM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 178
J
Member
I have a personal story about these.

I once installed two sconces on an exterior wall, about seven feet apart, and it seemed like a good place to try out my new 5-foot flexibit.

I didn't have the extension rod, but I thought if I got through four studs from one direction, I could drill through the last stud from the other side, then try to hook the end of a fish in the last cavity. I know, dumb idea.

But when I was done drilling, I fed in the fish -- and it went straight through all six studs! I'd hit a 1/4" bullseye at five feet while grappling that unwieldy, whipping contraption!

I was so proud of my new-found skill (translation: "cocky") that I went on to drill another hole for some speaker wire through just three first-floor ceiling joists. I swear, that son-of-a-gun made a right-angle turn somewhere and broke out right in the middle of the dining room ceiling.

Ya win some, ya lose some.

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