Twist Drill Bits

[Dave14]

Can anyone please tell me where I can buy short twist drills which have a 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" square drive at the non-drill end? I wish to drill several holes in a metal plate with very restricted space - circa 40mm maximum - and plan to use the drill bit with the ratchet drive from a socket set.

[vulcan]

40mm is extremely short, the shortest I've seen is a right angled drill attachment but even that requires a space of 65mm.

[Dave14]

A ratchet with a socket should only be about 25-30mm, leaving a drill length of approx 10-15mm. I could get a short drill welded or brazed into an old socket, but this may affect the drill's properties.

[Hymie]

Unless you are drilling through butter – it will take an age to drill a hole using such a method. If you don’t believe me, try drilling a hole (in metal) turning a drill chuck by hand, applying the force you will be able to apply, via a socket (at right angle).

The following from ebay might suit (you would need to check the precise dimensions with the sellers) – interestingly, within the photo of the second item is shown a drill bit with a hex-drive, but it looks too long for your application.

http://www.ebay.co.uk...M&hash=item4cf5281d66

http://www.ebay.co.uk...3&hash=item5895b2b0ce

[HowardKennitby]

I am with Hymie on this. Unless the material is very soft and the hole diameter is small I can't see this working.
Don't have any alternative to suggest.

[ELVIS68]

I agree with Hymie, drill bits are designed for high speed and you'd struggle trying to do it by hand