Source for tiny drill bits?

[peteski]

Does anybody make #95 bits that are not carbide?  I would think they would be a little tougher.  Most of my drilling that diameter will be into plastic.

Tamiya sells a 0.2mm (0.008") steel drill but with 1mm shank.  That is the smallest steel bit I have found (but I haven't looked very hard).  ITEM 74113.  It will cost you around $6.

[Wutter]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-HSS-R-metalworking-twist-drill-bits-DIN338N-0-2mm/222618023682

Same seller with the 0.25mm and 0.3mm bits.

[Sokramiketes]

Des Plaines Hobbies sells Mascot bits, and their #80 is the only bit I've been happy with so far.  I've tried a couple cheap amazon/ebay vendors and the tips aren't sharp.  I've tried the DrillBitCity stuff and they are far too brittle.  I can handdrill with the Mascot bits for a couple years a piece, and usually loose the bits before they break. 

The labels on the Mascot drills are

CARBON STEEL
MASCOT
Twist Drills
Finest Quality
Made in Germany
Distributed by Grobet USA

I think they're $1.10 each which is plenty cheap for the life I get.  Super sharp.  Cut clean holes, and go fast even in a pin vise by hand. 

Also, get a Starett pin vise.

[Maletrain]

Thanks for the review/source on Mascot bits.  I will probably buy those to replace the ones that I am breaking from Micro Mark, eBay, etc.

But, those seem to be no smaller than #80.  My interests go down to something close to #90 to #95.

[peteski]

Thanks for the review/source on Mascot bits.  I will probably buy those to replace the ones that I am breaking from Micro Mark, eBay, etc.

But, those seem to be no smaller than #80.  My interests go down to something close to #90 to #95.

Just a warning:  many pin vises will not close down enough to be able to chuck such a small bit.  That is why drills with larger diameter chuck (like the Tamiya one I mentioned) are very handy.

[Maletrain]

Just a warning:  many pin vises will not close down enough to be able to chuck such a small bit.  That is why drills with larger diameter chuck (like the Tamiya one I mentioned) are very handy.

Yes, I have been fighting that already with a new pin vice that I bought that will not close on a #80 tight enough to hold it from turning.  My old pin vices didn't have that problem.  And, I bought a new one in Springfield that will hold a #80.  I don't have a #95 to try, so that will be a new learning process if I ever find that size in a straight shank  I did just order some 0.3 mm, which are approximately #83.

[Sokramiketes]

Thanks for the review/source on Mascot bits.  I will probably buy those to replace the ones that I am breaking from Micro Mark, eBay, etc.

But, those seem to be no smaller than #80.  My interests go down to something close to #90 to #95.

Ah, gotcha.  Yeah I think they stop at #80. I use it for wire as small as .006" diameter as the superglue fills it in and the slop allows the grab irons to go on straight.