Hot Or Not? Adjustable Plastic Drill Stops
By Benjamen Johnson
When drilling to a set depth, collar-type drill stops — think donuts — provide a less-than-ideal solution. Since they’re metal, they may damage the drill bit or mar the work surface. What’s more, you need one for just about every drill bit size, and when it’s time to use or adjust them, you have to find the right size Allen wrench. Recently I stumbled across something that may replace the metal, collar-style stop in my toolbox: adjustable plastic drill stops.
Made from brightly colored, high-impact plastic, you can spot these drill stops easily in your toolbox or drawer. They come in sets of two: the smaller one fits bits sized 1/16″ to 1/4″, and the larger fits bits sized 1/4″ to 1/2″. You simply twist the threaded sleeve around the internal double-ended collet to lock it at the desired depth.
At $5 to $6 a pair, are these stops the slickest invention since sliced bread, or worthless pieces of plastic? Tell us what you think in comments.
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Plastic Drill Stops [Lee Valley]
Plastic Drill Stops [Woodcraft]
January 29th, 2008 at 11:03 am
I think they’re worthless. I got some years ago, and I have yet to find an application where they don’t slip the minute you hit the surface you’re trying to stay out of.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Not
My set (Arco - Century Brand) were acquired in the 1990’s for about $4 - and not even worth that in today’s dollars. The can not hold their setting.
I like the dedicated size ones made by Clesco that have non-marring faces and a set-screw to hold them in place.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:14 pm
Maybe, I haven’t tried plastic yet. the metal collars that tighten with a set screw tend to leave marks when they bottom. They do hold their place though. For a quick gauge, I usually just use masking tape.
January 29th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
I just use masking take a a bit of common sense
January 29th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
I’d say not. Masking tape is quick and easy. If anything, a “portable drill press jig” might provide better results.
January 29th, 2008 at 2:11 pm
Not. Chalk me up as another masking tape fan. I have even used tape on end mills because the Z feed on my mill tends to do strange things at times…
January 29th, 2008 at 2:32 pm
Yet another not, masking tape and paying attention has served me just fine.
January 29th, 2008 at 10:08 pm
yes, they slide when pressed
January 30th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Not!
Use a bit of tape If you need it more accurate than that you need to use a drill press.