I've a layout building project on for BRM at the moment, and that means I need to install point motors, which means making neat slots for the operating pin to poke through.
My tool of choice is a 3mm drill saw bit. I make a series of holes and then using the serated edge of the bit, join them into the required slot. This was proceding well, until the bit broke.
Where to find a replacement? A quick web search threw up Screwfix, but their set is 6, 8 and 10mm. OK, I could probably work with this, but it's hardly ideal.
The other result? Aldi.
Yes, the German supermarket beloved of those on a budget, and the middle classes who like to be amazied at the bargains and the amusing foreign pastries.
It seems I struck lucky, in their middle isle random stuff was a set of saw bits. I hopped in the car, taking advantage of their late opening, and after rooting around, found two packs. Each contains 3,4,5,8 and 8mm bits - perfect for most of my work.
A couple of reviews on the website suggested they weren't all that great, but beggars can't be choosers. Having tried them, I can't see a problem. Comparing the old and new bits, maybe the serations are sharper on the old one, but I can't be sure. What I do know is that for installing point motors, they are perfectly good, and that's all that matters.
It's not a store I'd ever expected to make an emergency tool run to though!
6 comments:
During my years as a professional handyman, I bought many Aldi tools, initially expecting them to be stopgaps until I could afford "proper" replacements. I'm still using most of them in my retirement...
They are better than they have any right to be! With some tools, I'm happy to buy cheap and if it wears out, then go and buy a proper one. If the thing lives in the toolbox and never comes out, it obviously wasn't much use.
My intent is to buy a set and replace the ones that wear out with something hardier.
I have sets of drills where the 1/16" and 1/8" drills are broken (my faulty technique) and I haven't found loose replacements.
How had I never heard of drill saw bits before. I usually end up drilling two holes and then using a jewellers saw to join them up and make the slot, but it's hard work and often isn't very neat. This sounds like a much better option.
Mark - these things make life a lot easier - I show one in use here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=89&v=0eN5Korzqzs&feature=emb_logo
I didn't even know these were a thing
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