I have two different style of these bits, both greenlee's, both have the screw tip and I can't seem to get a bite on the wood I'm trying to drill through. Is it just me or do others have problems getting through with these? Maybe the style without the screw tip works better? Any suggestions for other products to get a hole through the floor to the basement when adding a new receptacle? This project is my pet peeve cause it just doesn't ever seem to go smooth. Many thanks, Ed.

I never had a problem with getting a "bite" but I have had the bit come out places that it wasn't supposed to.
I only use the flex bits as a last resort.

I use diversibits all the time, they make me look like a magician and my customers very happy. I mainly use a 9/16", 6 ft long bit with a screw tip. The only time I ever have a problem is when the bit part (not the screw) gets dull, then the bit will just stop after the screw exits the wood. I did try one small diameter bit that I couldn't get to work right once. If you don't have one, you might want to invest in a diversibit placement tool, it helps you get the bit going in the right direction so you don't drill through a floor or wall that you don't want to.

[This message has been edited by Electric Eagle (edited 05-01-2002).]

Ahh, The 6' drill bit, I remember it well.In my younger years when my hair was somewhat longer:> ) I was on a ladder with my head above the suspended ceiling trying to drill down thru a "cat" in the wall. I was holding the drill in my right hand and the bit in my left hand guiding it down the wall.The bit was behind my head and you guessed it. At full speed it grabbed a chunk and removed it. (ouch) About a 4 inch circle of hair was missin. Thankfully no skin came with. Haven't used one since:> )

Glenn

I use them all the time, and don't have any problems with them not biting the wood. I do agree that you should get the placement tool.

Makes me glad to be bald, no chance of that happening to me.

Has anyone tried sharpening these bits or having them sharpened? They're great when they work, but when they get dull or don't bite (grouser, I know what you mean) can you do anything with them?

(I have the diversibits too)

Bill

I've sharpened mine a few times using a regular bench grinder. As they come from the factory, they seem to have a fairly dull cutting edge on them. With a grinder, you can make the edge quite a bit sharper, which makes them work a heck of a lot better.

These things work pretty well until they hit a nail or other metal object. It is a good thing that they resharpen easily, because it is easy to wipe them out if you hit metal with them.

I like using a Dremel-type tool with a stone wheel to restore the edge on my bits. The small stone gets inside the grooves.

Al

Ten-inch mill bastard file...and spend the extra $1.15 for a wood handle.